Different Kinds of Pipes in Your Home

Knowing the different kinds of pipes you can find in your home, can help with DIY plumbing projects, plumbing repairs, or new plumbing installations. Different types of pipes are better suited to different types of plumbing applications. This chart shows a breakdown of which type is best suited for each piping use. 

There are two main kinds of pipes used in modern plumbing systems – metal and plastic. In each of these categories, you’ll find the main types of plumbing pipes in use today. 

Plastic Pipes

Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (PVC Pipe)

This is a commonly used pipe in residential plumbing projects for cold water, drain, and sewage applications. It is durable, affordable, and easy to install. PVC pipes can be purchased in a range of thicknesses and configurations and are best suited for indoor or underground plumbing.

They are susceptible to warping and should not transport hot water. You can identify these pipes as they are usually white, grey, or cream-colored. 

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (CPVC)

The extra chlorine content makes this pipe withstand higher temperature differences and is safe for drinking water applications and for hot and cold water supply lines. It is easy to use, fire-resistant, and well-insulated. Some of the cons of CPVC piping is that there is currently no way to recycle it, has a higher price tag, and can split if frozen. It can also breakdown if exposed to sunlight over long periods of time so should only be used for indoor applications. 

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Pipe

Used in a similar fashion to PVC pipe but less commonly. Stronger than PVC piping, they can withstand higher temperatures but break down when exposed to sunlight. Black pipes found in a sink, tub, or toilet drain are likely ABS pipes. 

Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe

Cross-linked polyethylene piping is a very flexible pipe and works well for indoor water distribution as it can be easily bent and shaped, even into tight spaces and difficult to navigate spaces. It can be installed quickly, has minimal maintenance, and is extremely versatile. It can be spliced into existing piping systems so works well for renovation projects, additions, and updating existing pipes. It is strong enough to withstand high water pressure and can be used for hot water applications. 

UV radiation can damage the plastic in PEX pipes so it doesn’t work well outdoors. It is a newer type of pipe and can be more expensive than other pipes but lasts for a long time and resists corrosion and rust. 

Metal Pipes

Copper Pipe

Copper pipe is durable, reliable, and tolerates high temperatures well, and resists corrosion. Copper pipes have been widely used since the 1960s and is still commonly used for residential plumbing. Works well for hot and cold drinking water supply, refrigerant lines, and underground service lines. It can be expensive and requires experienced soldering so is best left to professional plumbers. 

Galvanized Steel Pipe

A popular pipe in the 1990s, but is being phased out of older homes for better, modern piping methods. Over time, galvanized pipe will rust so it is recommended to retrofit with PEX or Copper piping for clean and clear drinking water not contaminated. This is a heavy pipe where buildup can occur clogging water lines and reducing water pressure. Can be found in construction projects and is best used with non-potable water and gas supply. 

Clay pipes

At one time, clay pipes were used but are no longer installed as they are not durable. They can crack easily and allow soil or tree roots in. Houses built before the 1980’s may still have clay pipes. They can cause problems and should be replaced with plastic or metal pipes. 

Other Pipes

There are a few other types of pipes you may find in your home such as stainless steel or polybutylene pipes, but these are the main pipes you will find in most homes.

A Plumber to Help Navigate the Different Plumbing Pipes

Choosing the right piping for your plumbing project is only one of the important aspects to consider. Plumbing and the correct pipes must be to national and local plumbing code standards.  If you need a professional plumber in Victoria, contact us for your small or large piping project. We’re familiar with all different kinds of pipes and our work is always done to code and industry standards. 

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash