Types of Pipes That Are Best For Plumbing

When it comes to our houses, we are always very careful in picking the best things. Similarly, your choice of plumbing pipes can make a prominent difference. We all look for the pipes that are of premium quality, durable, and budget-friendly. With different materials available, it is necessary to understand their advantages and disadvantages to make an ideal decision.

Plumbing is an important part of your home; we cannot ignore it when selecting the right type of pipe. Another reason to research well when picking your pipes is to look for something that will not cause any issues in the future. Not every type is suitable for your home; you need to purchase the right type and ensure it’s compatible with other plumbing materials to avoid disasters.

In this blog, we have mentioned different types of pipes along with their pros and cons. Choosing the right type can be a complicated decision. As the wrong decision can lead to increased clogs, maintenance costs, and some other costly issues. Let’s jump into the details of different types of plumbing pipes.

What Are Plumbing Pipes?

They are hollow tubes that are used to transport water from one location to another. Commonly used to transport water from the water heater to your faucets. They can also be used to collect rainwater, water your yard, or even repair plumbing. The type of pipe you pick should be ideal for the fluid you are considering, how often the pipe will be utilized, and its maintenance and longevity.

Top 5 Types of Plumbing Pipes

Out of many types, we have mentioned the best type of pipes that will help you pick the best one for your house. Before we jump into the types of pipes, let’s have a look at the benefits of plumbing pipes.

• Copper Pipes
• PVC Pipes
• PEX Pipes
• CPVC Pipes
• Galvanized Steel Pipes

Benefits of Plumbing Pipes

Having the best type of pipe installed in your house not only diverts water but also prevents damage and offers various benefits.

• They help prevent foundation damage from soil-seeped water.
• Made from materials that resist corrosion.
• They prevent outdoor pollution and keep the indoor air clear.
• Reduce leaks and floods and maintain a healthy system within the house.
• They are eco-friendly and require less energy to produce than others.

Copper Pipes

The Classic Choice

It is a traditional material that has been used in plumbing for decades. It is known for its durability and reliability, offering a long-lasting life span under normal conditions.

Pros	Cons
Due to their strength and longevity, they have been a standard choice for decades.	They offer longevity, but the initial investment is higher than other options.
They are ideal for hot water lines as they can withstand high temperatures.	They require professional expertise, and installation can be labor intensive.
Copper naturally can resist bacteria, which keeps your water clean and safe.	These pipes are best for areas with high water pressure and hot water needs that are willing to invest in a long-lasting solution.

PVC Pipes

The Versatile Performer

PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is a broadly used plastic pipe that’s resistant to chemicals and is light in weight. Also, they are super easy to work with. They are made from a combination of vinyl and plastic. This combination makes them rigid and robust for various plumbing tubing applications.

Pros	Cons
They are cost-effective, and this is why they are popular choices among homeowners.	They are not suitable for hot waterlines and can become brittle in extremely cold temperatures.
Do not corrode or rust, which guarantees a longer lifespan.	They need to be protected if used in outdoor applications as prolonged applications can degrade PVC pipes.
Easy to handle and lightweight, installation is done through a DIY process that requires basic skills only.	They work only best for drainage and cold water systems.

PEX Pipes

The Modern Marvel

They stand for cross-linked polyethylene. These pipes are preferred because of their flexibility and durability, and they have gained popularity in modern plumbing. Its flexibility allows it to bend, reducing the need for fittings and minimizing the risks of leaks.

Pros	Cons
They are incredibly flexible, which allows them to bend around corners and reduces the risks of leak points. Pros	These pipes should not be exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period because UV rays can damage them.
They can slightly expand if water inside freezes and reduce the risk of bursting.	They can also be affected by chemicals, so it is necessary to choose premium quality products.
These pipes need fewer joints and fittings, simplifying the installation procedure.	They are only best for easy installation.

CPVC Pipes

The Durable Alternative

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) pipes are an alternative to PVC. They are made of more durable and temperature-resistant materials through the chlorination procedure. This process improves the pipe’s ability to tolerate higher temperatures, making it an excellent choice for extremely hot water.

Pros	Cons
They can easily handle higher temperatures than standard PVC, making them suitable for hot water lines.	CPVC can become brittle in colder climates and may get cracked under stress.
They can resist corrosion and are also less likely to be damaged over time.	They require more fitting to navigate around obstacles.
They are cost-effective as compared to other metal pipes while also offering additional heat resistance.	These pipes are only best for extremely hot and cold distribution systems, especially in residencies where heat resistance and cost are key factors.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

The Old Guard

These are steel pipes that are dipped in a strong protective coating to prevent rust and corrosion. They were installed in homes that were built before 1960. These steel pipes were alternatives to lead pipes for water supply lines.

Pros	Cons
A galvanized coating offers a physical barrier that is bonded metallurgical. This safeguards the underlying steel from being exposed to atmospheric conditions.	Over time, the zinc coating on galvanized pipes can erode, leading to rust and corrosion inside the pipes.
Galvanized steel pipes are incredibly strong and can tolerate high pressure.	They are heavy and more difficult to install compared to modern alternatives.
With proper maintenance, they can last longer, even for several decades.	These pipes are only best for older homes where galvanized pipes are in place and need replacement.

Summing Up the Best Types of Plumbing Pipes

Picking the right plumbing pipes for your home depends on your specific budget and requirements. Copper pipes offer durability and antimicrobial benefits, while PVC and CPVC offer cost-effective solutions. PEX stands out for its flexibility and ease of installation procedure, while galvanized steel pipes are less common in new installations due to some corrosion issues.

By understanding the pros and cons of each type, you can make an informed choice that ensures reliable and efficient plumbing for your home. Whether you’re building a new house or upgrading your existing system, selecting the right pipes will lead to long-term satisfaction and peace of mind.