Types of plumbing pipes
There are different types of pipes used today in the assembly of our plumbing systems. Each has pros and cons and are assigned to specific plumbing needs. Here is a list of the types of plumbing pipes that make up your homes plumbing systems.
Type #1 PVC or polyvinyl chloride is probably the first type of pipe most people would think of as plumbing pipe. PVC pipes can be long and rigid with lengths up to 20 feet and diameters of 1/2 inch to 6 inches. The pipes are joined together by joints with the use of plumbers cement. PVC pipe is what is used to run drainage, waste, and vent systems. It is used for cold water and low pressure plumbing applications. Hot water can cause PVC pipe to warp. It is very durable and will last upwards of 50 years given the proper use. It will become brittle if left to the exposure of the sun for instance.
Type #2 Copper pipe is a metal pipe that comes in 2 to 10 ft lengths with diameters of 1/2inch to 1 inch. Copper is the most expensive but has been a favorite for decades when installing hot and cold systems in homes for bathrooms, showers, tubs and sinks for example. Copper is joined together by using a torch and solder. It would be best to have a technician from Macon GA Plumbing Co to do any copper pipe work to ensure safety and assurance that the joints are sealed properly. Copper pipes are durable and will last 50 years or more. It is corrosion resistant and provides the safest option for healthy drinking water.
Type #3 Galvanized pipe or black steel pipe are extremely strong and durable. It comes in pieces of 2 ft to 10 ft with diameters of 1/2 inch to 2 inches. This was once the go to pipe for water supply and drainage systems in homes. Over time galvanized steel will rust thus causing a change in the type of pipes used to ensure clean drinking water. Galvanized is still used for sprinkler system plumbing and to transport natural and propane gas.
Type #4 PEX or Polyethylene cross-linked pipe is made of plastic, very flexible and used to run water supply lines hot and cold. It can be purchased in 10 ft lengths or 100 fr coils up to 500 ft with diameters of 1/4 inch to 1 inch. PEX joins together with crimp or push connect fittings. It is cheaper than copper, easier to work with and has become a favorite for hot and cold water supply plumbing. It is only for indoor use as it will become brittle like PVC with too much sun exposure.
Type #5 ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a black pipe similar to PVC that is used for drains, waste. and vents. It is joined together with a primer and solvent. Although more durable than PVC , ABS has lost some of its popularity. BAS cannot be exposed to sunlight and is noisier than other types of pipes.
Type #6 Polybutylene pipes were the go to material for water supply lines from the 1970’s to 1990’s. Unfortunately what was supposed to be a copper replacement product instead began to burst and leak. With millions of homes built during this time meant millions of faulty water line pipes that needed or need to be replaced. If you have a home that was built during this time period and need to have your PB pipes replaced contact us at plumbingmaconga.com and we will correct your water line plumbing.
Types Of Plumbing Pipes
There are different types of pipes used today in the assembly of our plumbing systems. Each has pros and cons and are assigned to specific plumbing needs. Here is a list of the types of plumbing pipes that make up your homes plumbing systems.
Type #1 PVC or polyvinyl chloride is probably the first type of pipe most people would think of as plumbing pipe. PVC pipes can be long and rigid with lengths up to 20 feet and diameters of 1/2 inch to 6 inches. The pipes are joined together by joints with the use of plumbers cement. PVC pipe is what is used to run drainage, waste, and vent systems. It is used for cold water and low pressure plumbing applications. Hot water can cause PVC pipe to warp. It is very durable and will last upwards of 50 years given the proper use. It will become brittle if left to the exposure of the sun for instance.
Type #2 Copper pipe is a metal pipe that comes in 2 to 10 ft lengths with diameters of 1/2inch to 1 inch. Copper is the most expensive but has been a favorite for decades when installing hot and cold systems in homes for bathrooms, showers, tubs and sinks for example. Copper is joined together by using a torch and solder. It would be best to have a technician from Macon GA Plumbing Co to do any copper pipe work to ensure safety and assurance that the joints are sealed properly. Copper pipes are durable and will last 50 years or more. It is corrosion resistant and provides the safest option for healthy drinking water.
Type #3 Galvanized pipe or black steel pipe are extremely strong and durable. It comes in pieces of 2 ft to 10 ft with diameters of 1/2 inch to 2 inches. This was once the go to pipe for water supply and drainage systems in homes. Over time galvanized steel will rust thus causing a change in the type of pipes used to ensure clean drinking water. Galvanized is still used for sprinkler system plumbing and to transport natural and propane gas.
Type #4 PEX or Polyethylene cross-linked pipe is made of plastic, very flexible and used to run water supply lines hot and cold. It can be purchased in 10 ft lengths or 100 fr coils up to 500 ft with diameters of 1/4 inch to 1 inch. PEX joins together with crimp or push connect fittings. It is cheaper than copper, easier to work with and has become a favorite for hot and cold water supply plumbing. It is only for indoor use as it will become brittle like PVC with too much sun exposure.
Type #5 ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a black pipe similar to PVC that is used for drains, waste. and vents. It is joined together with a primer and solvent. Although more durable than PVC , ABS has lost some of its popularity. BAS cannot be exposed to sunlight and is noisier than other types of pipes.
Type #6 Polybutylene pipes were the go to material for water supply lines from the 1970’s to 1990’s. Unfortunately what was supposed to be a copper replacement product instead began to burst and leak. With millions of homes built during this time meant millions of faulty water line pipes that needed or need to be replaced. If you have a home that was built during this time period and need to have your PB pipes replaced contact us at plumbingmaconga.com and we will correct your water line plumbing.
