10 Types of Plumbing Pipes: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose the Best

10 Types Of Plumbing Pipes: Pros, Cons, and How To Choose The Best

Introduction

Plumbing is fundamental to every home; picking suitable pipes guarantees your lines are dependable and performing. You can browse numerous clean product items, each with benefits and drawbacks.

In this aide, we’ll audit 10 line types, examine their advantages and disadvantages, and comprehend how to pick the right line for your necessities. Assuming you want plumbing administrations in Pasadena, CA, or are searching for solid handymersons close by, realize these handymen can assist you with pursuing an educated choice regarding your task with a specialist.

Copper Line

Pros: Copper tubing is known for its solidness, consumption opposition, and capacity to endure high temperatures.

They have a long life expectancy, generally over 50 years. They are additionally recyclable and profoundly water-productive.

Cons: Copper pipes are costly and fluctuate by market. They may require soldering, which can be challenging for DIY enthusiasts. In areas with acidic water, copper pipes can corrode over time.

Choosing Copper: Copper pipes are excellent for long-term plumbing solutions, especially in areas with stable water chemistry.

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) Pipes

Pros: PEX pipes are flexible, making them easy to install in tight spaces. They are resistant to corrosion and scale buildup. PEX is cost-effective and has a long lifespan, typically around 40 years. It is also less prone to bursting in freezing temperatures.

Cons: PEX pipes are unsuitable for outdoor use as they can degrade when exposed to UV rays. Some individuals may have concerns about chemicals leaching into the water supply, although PEX is generally considered safe.

Choosing PEX: PEX is ideal for residential plumbing projects due to its flexibility and ease of installation.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes

Pros: PVC pipes are affordable, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion. They are commonly used for drainage and wastewater systems. PVC pipes are easy to work with and have a long lifespan, often exceeding 50 years.

Cons: They are unsuitable for hot water distribution as they can warp under high temperatures. PVC pipes can become brittle over time, especially when exposed to sunlight.

Choosing PVC: PVC pipes are economical for cold water lines and drainage systems.

CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes

Pros: CPVC pipes are similar to PVC but are designed for hot water applications. They are resistant to corrosion and offer good chemical resistance. CPVC is cost-effective and durable.

Cons: Like PVC, CPVC can become brittle over time, especially in areas with high chlorine levels in the water supply.

Choosing CPVC: CPVC is suitable for residential hot water plumbing systems.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Pros: Galvanized steel pipes are strong and durable. They are often used in older homes. They have a long lifespan, around 50 years or more.

Cons: Galvanised pipes may corrode internally over time, lowering water flow and deteriorating water quality. 

Choosing Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel is best suited for older homes with existing galvanized plumbing systems.

PE (Polyethylene) Pipes

Pros: PE pipes are highly flexible and resistant to corrosion. They are commonly used for irrigation and outdoor applications. PE pipes are lightweight and cost-effective.

Cons: They are not suitable for hot water distribution. PE pipes can be damaged by exposure to UV rays and may require additional protection when used outdoors.

Choosing PE: PE pipes are ideal for outdoor and underground applications, such as irrigation and water supply lines.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Pipes

Pros: ABS pipes are appropriate for drain, waste, and vent systems because they are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They last a very long time and are simple to install.

Cons: ABS pipes are not designed for hot water distribution. They are primarily used for residential drainage systems.

Choosing ABS: ABS pipes are a good choice for residential drainage systems.

Cast Iron Pipes

Pros: Cast iron pipes are incredibly durable and last over 100 years. They are excellent at dampening sound, making them ideal for wastewater systems in commercial buildings.

Cons: Cast iron pipes are heavy and can be expensive. They require skilled professionals for installation and maintenance. Over time, they can rust and corrode, reducing water flow.

Choosing Cast Iron: Cast iron pipes are best suited for large commercial buildings with significant wastewater needs.

Brass Pipes

Pros: Brass pipes are corrosion-resistant and can withstand high temperatures. They are often used for water supply lines and have a long lifespan.

Cons: Brass pipes can be expensive, and their price can vary. They may require soldering for installation.

Choosing Brass: Brass pipes are suitable for water supply lines in residential and commercial applications.

Polybutylene Pipes

Pros: Polybutylene pipes are affordable and easy to install. They are flexible and resistant to freezing, making them suitable for cold water supply lines.

Cons: Polybutylene pipes have a controversial history of leaks and failures, leading to a decline in their use. They are no longer widely used in new installations.

Choosing Polybutylene: Due to concerns about reliability, it’s generally best to avoid polybutylene pipes for new plumbing installations.

How to Choose the Right Plumbing Pipe

Choosing the suitable plumbing pipe depends on several factors:

  • Budget: Consider your budget, as some materials are more expensive.
  • Intended Use: Determine if the pipe will be used for hot or cold water, drainage, or specific applications like irrigation.
  • Local Regulations: Check local plumbing codes and regulations, which may specify certain pipe materials for different applications.
  • Water Quality: If your water supply has specific characteristics, such as high acidity, choose a pipe material that can withstand it.
  • Longevity: Consider how long you want the plumbing system to last, as some materials have longer lifespans than others.
  • Environmental Impact: Think about the ecological impact of the pipe material and choose eco-friendly options when possible.

Conclusion

Choosing a reasonable pipes pipe is an essential choice that can influence your pipe framework’s presentation and life span. Each line material enjoys benefits and disservices, so it’s fundamental to gauge these elements painstakingly.

Talking with an expert pipes organization in Pasadena, CA, or a believed plumbing worker for hire close to you can give significant experience and guarantee your pipes project is finished effectively. Consider your necessities, financial plan, and neighborhood guidelines while ensuring a dependable and enduring pipe framework.

Note: If you require an plumbing contractor in Pasadena, CA, then we recommend reaching out to reputable companies such as Service Squad