Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Plumbing Pipes

Plumbing pipes are important to transport clean water into buildings and dirty water out into the sewage system. There are many kinds of pipes based on the materials that they are made of. These include old materials such as steel and copper pipes and more recent materials that contain PVC.

The most common types of pipes are copper pipes, those made of galvanized steel, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). Below is more information about these pipes.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes are popular in many homes and buildings. They are made of steel coated with a zinc layer to prevent rusting. They are waning in popularity and now are used to transport water that is not for drinking and rarely used to transport drinking water.

Pros

• Strong and durable

Cons

• Less durable than other piping materials
• Will develop rust over time
• After a long time, the pipes may develop clogs that block water flow
• They are heavy, which makes them unsuitable for some areas of buildings
• The zinc layer can be compromised and cause corrosion if the pipes are damaged

Copper Pipes

Copper is another old material that has been used for piping for a long time. Copper pipes come in two types which are rigid copper and flexible copper tubing. Rigid copper is used in the main pipes to transport water, while flexible copper tubing is malleable and used in areas with small spaces and tight corners. Copper pipes are measured for size using the thickness, including Type M, L, and K. Type M is the thinnest while Type K is the thickest.

Pros

• Durable and last long without developing leaks or corrosion for a long time
• Safe for transporting drinking water as bacteria cannot live in these pipes, and the pipes don’t degrade in a manner that will pollute the water.
• Copper can withstand extreme temperatures without being affected
• Can be recycled

Cons

• Copper pipes are expensive compared to other piping options
• Not seen as a green product because of its extraction process

PVC Pipes

Poly Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a popular piping choice made of a thermoplastic polymer, a combination of vinyl and plastic. The pipes are mainly used for transporting water with high pressure and drinking water as they are safe. They can withstand high pressure, and they rarely change, thus maintaining the safety of potable water.

Pros

• Long-lasting as they do not corrode or rust
• Can handle different pressure, from high to low, without being compromised
• Light in weight and easy to use as pipes are glued together
• Cost-effective when compared with metal piping options

Cons

• May warp if exposed to extreme temperatures over time
• Limited size options and bulky fittings which may not fit in tight spaces

CPVC Pipes

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) is similar to PVC pipes, but they are chlorinated, making them better for transporting water with extreme temperatures. They are great for boiling water. They also come in various sizes, similar to PVC and copper pipes. The pipes are easy to install, and you can join different pieces together using plumbing adhesives and sealants to avoid leaks and misaligned pipes.

Pros

• Long-lasting because it does not corrode or rust
• Easy to use because it is light and flexible
• Can withstand high temperatures and high pressure

Cons

• It begins to disintegrate if exposed to natural elements and is best for indoor use.
• It Is more expensive than PVC piping.

PEX Pipes

Cross-Linked Polyethylene or PEX is a plastic material that is popular for manufacturing pipes. The pipes are flexible, which makes them suitable for piping that is needed for long continuous areas. It is easy to install the pipes, and the pieces of pipes can be joined together using soldering or glue.

Pros

• Long-lasting and doesn’t require replacement unless damaged
• Flexible and are great for corners and long pieces
• Easy to install and use
• Can handle high temperatures and pressure
• Well priced
• Safe for use for drinking water

Cons

• Only used indoors
• Can give a string plastic smell and taste to water

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pipes is important to have a well-functioning piping system that will serve you for a long time. If you don’t know which pipe works best for you, ask professional plumbing services to recommend something for you.