The Best Materials For Plumbing Pipes – Plumbing has come a long way since the days of steel pipes. Today, many different materials are used when renovating your home’s plumbing to create an efficient drainage system. Five types of pipe materials, PEX, PVC, ABS, copper, and galvanized are commonly found in homes these days, both in old homes and new construction. But not every pipe is suitable for every application, and not all types are up to code. In this article, we will cover the types of plumbing pipes used in homes and discuss the pros and cons of each.
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is one of the newest and most popular pipes to hit the plumbing market. Considered by plumbers to be cheap plastic tubing, it’s the easiest to install in water supply lines because it can weave through walls, ceilings, basements, and crawl spaces. Compared to other plumbing pipe materials, it does not leach any traces of rust or corrosion into the water. PEX has made water supply plumbing easier for do-it-yourselfers and professional plumbers alike.
The Best Materials For Plumbing Pipes
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is white in color and is often used in home sewer systems. It should be used in low temperature and low pressure applications, so it is ideal for toilet drain lines, but it is not suitable for high pressure water supply lines or hot water pipes.
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ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipe is very similar to PVC pipe, except it is black. It looks like PVC and works the same size as PVC pipe. These days, new construction is less popular than it used to be. It can be used to repair existing ABS drain, waste and vent systems.
Copper piping has been around for decades, so you’ll find it around sinks, showers, tubs, and other fixtures. It remains a favorite for water supply lines because the metal does not affect water quality. It resists freezing and thawing cycles, does not rust, and is environmentally friendly.
Although galvanized pipe is not used in new construction, it was once widely used and can still be found in many older homes. Galvanized pipes are steel pipes dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. Galvanized pipes are commonly installed in homes built before 1960. Galvanized pipes tend to rust over time. So, if you have water supply lines in your home, it’s a good idea to run them with copper or PEX lines to ensure clean and pure drinking water.
The frequency with which pipes need to be replaced is based on the pipe material used. Copper, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a lifespan of up to 100 years, copper over 50 years, and PEX and PVC typically last 50 years.
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If you live in a new home, you don’t have to worry about replacing pipes, but if you live in an older home, have your plumbing system inspected every two years to check the condition of the plumbing and drainage system. .
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5 Types of Plumbing Pipe Materials (PVC, Copper, Galvanized Steel, PEX, ABS… Ted and Bros Plumbing Top 5 Plumbing Supply Stores We Offer in Anaheim, CA
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Plumbing Materials: The Comprehensive Guide In 2023
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What Does Pe Mean In Pipe?
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Plumbing pipes have evolved over the years from metal to plastic materials. This evolution was not always smooth, and it was not without its flaws. Fortunately, in most cases, plumbing pipes are easier to install with new techniques and materials. While plumbers once welded metal pipe together, they now weld plastic pipe and fittings together.
Depending on the age of the home and whether it has been recently renovated, you may find different types of plumbing. Here’s a look at some of the most common plumbing materials in today’s home.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, plastic is a common type of pipe used in residential and commercial buildings. PVC pipes are versatile and can be used indoors, outdoors and underground. PVC pipe can supply water to buildings or equipment, or can be used for drain and vent pipes.
Materials Used In Water Supply Pipes
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, plastic pipes come in three varieties: A, B, and C. A is the most flexible, B is somewhat inflexible, and C is the stiffest, suitable for quick repairs. Not all types of PEX pipe are available in all areas. Pex pipe is used for water supply lines and usually comes in two colors: red for hot and blue for cold.
ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a black plastic pipe used mainly for drain, waste and vent pipes. ABS pipe can be used indoors or outdoors, is lightweight, and is joined using one-step cement.
Copper pipe is the most widely used rigid pipe for water supply in residential and commercial applications. Solid copper pipes and flexible varieties are also available. It comes in three wall thicknesses: M, L, and K.
CPVC, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, is a plastic similar to PVC pipe and has similar uses. The added chlorine makes the plastic harder and stronger than PVC. CPVC can withstand hot liquids up to 200 degrees Celsius, but is more expensive than PVC.
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Galvanized steel pipes were originally introduced as an alternative to lead pipe. It was commonly used for drain, waste and vent pipes until the 1980s. Galvanized steel is now widely used in gas pipelines. Galvanized pipe has threaded connections that make it easy to connect.
Cast iron pipe is not commonly used in residential plumbing today, although some older homes may have cast iron pipes. Cast iron pipe is commonly used for commercial or civil piping and water distribution, sewer and drainage lines.
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, pipes are used only underground and may be required for certain types of code. HDPE flexible pipes work well in cold weather but cannot be placed in direct sunlight.
Polybutylene is a plastic pipe used from the 1970s to the 1990s, but it is no longer in active use. If you have this type of pipe in your home or business, you need to replace it before it collapses. Polybutylene is used for water supply pipes and is sealed PEB2110. It was mainly used in the southern United States during the housing boom of the era.
Types Of Plumbing Pipes
Cast iron was originally used as a water supply pipe, but is now mainly used for gas or propane lines and fire sprinklers. Black iron pipe is strong, durable, and can withstand high temperatures.
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