4 Types of Plumbing Pipes You Need to Know About

Graffiti on a wall with a pipe

Plumbing pipes have come a long way from what they used to be like. In ancient Greece, lead and clay pipes were used for water supply and sewage, but now, many different materials are being used to supply cold or hot water to residential buildings and houses.

Some of the most common types of pipes used include PVC, PEX, copper, and ABS. When choosing plumbing pipes for your home, it is best to choose a mixture of these, since there is no one pipe that’s suitable for every room of the house.

The following information may help you make a decision:

PVC:

PVC is short for polyvinyl chloride, and pipes made of PVC are used in vents or drain lines. They are light and are more flexible than galvanized steel pipes. PVC pipes are easy to install and can even be glued together.

The material is pocket-friendly. However, once joined, you can’t unjoin it, and it can leak if it isn’t installed correctly. PVC is best used indoors since sunlight can wear it down.

PEX Pipes

PEX:

PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, pipes are popular in plumbing as water supply pipes. This material is firm enough to withstand different water pressures, but it is also flexible enough to be put inside walls, basements, ceilings, and crawlspaces.

PEX comes color-coded to differentiate between hot and cold water pipes, is inexpensive, easily cut, and flexible with the ability to curve at a right angle. However, PEX is a non-recyclable material and may leak with some push-fit plumbing fittings.

Copper:

Copper pipes are used for water supply lines and can be cut easily using a copper tube cutter or a hacksaw. Copper is the safest material for water supply, and it can stand up to heat and water pressure very well.

The solder-type connection is best for copper pipes, but you will have to hire an expert for it, and it may not come cheap either. However, copper is recyclable, making it a winner in our book.

White pipes on a house exterio

ABS:

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipes are handy for vent and drain lines and are similar to a PVC pipe barring the color. It is also more substantial than PVC, making it ideal for use outside, and it can withstand cold temperatures well.

However, you should consult with your local codes before using an ABS pipe since some buildings may not allow them. Additionally, ABS can deform at high temperatures and may feel loud at times.

Once you’ve chosen the right pipes for your home, it’s time to call residential plumbers who can install them properly. Pro Serve Plumbing offers plumbing services to clients in and around Forh Worth, Texas, at the best rates. Get in touch with us now to book your visit.