When it comes to plumbing, telling all of the different types of pipes apart can be tricky. Whether you’re trying to figure out what type of pipe has burst or are planning to take on a DIY plumbing project, it’s important to know the uses of each pipe and their pros and cons. To learn more about your home’s pipes, read on!
Different Types of Pipes Explained
Generally speaking, plumbing pipes are most often sorted by material. This divides them into two main categories: plastic pipes and metal pipes. Let’s explore each category in further detail and break down the specificities of the different types of pipes.
Plastic Pipes
PVC Pipe
PVC pipe, which is made of polyvinyl chloride, has a variety of applications for your home. From the water supply to the main gas line, from the drain-waste-vent to irrigation, PVC pipes are highly versatile. Another benefit is that they come in a wide range of sizes; you can order PVC pipes that are anywhere from 10 to 20 feet long, and their diameters range from .5 to 6 inches.
However, PVC pipes are not without their limitations. They are prone to warping when exposed to hot water, so they should only be used for cold water plumbing purposes. They also are not ideal for outdoor projects, given exposure to sunlight makes PVC brittle and more likely to burst.
CPVC Pipe
CPVC and PVC pipes are very similar; they differ because the former is chlorinated, allowing it to be used for hot and cold water applications. CPVC is also commonly used to replace copper pipes in home plumbing.
Although CPVC pipe can be used for more purposes than its non-chlorinated form, it is more limited in terms of size options. It is only available in diameters of .5 inches to 1 inch and can be bought in either 2-foot or 10-foot lengths.
Polyethylene Pipe
Polyethylene pipes are an excellent choice for outdoor water and gas needs. This is because they have high environmental resistance, making them more robust outdoors and underground than many other types of pipes. With that in mind, they can be used for irrigation, drainage, and water service and, in some cases, as an underground gas line.
Although polyethylene pipes can be ideal for outside plumbing, they are not indestructible. They are susceptible to stress cracking and are flammable. It is essential to keep these factors in mind when determining which pipes are right for your next outdoor plumbing project.
PEX Pipe
Ideal for both hot and cold water applications, PEX pipe is also made of polyethylene. Unlike standard polyethylene pipes, PEX features a unique cross-linked design, making it highly flexible and easy to install since it doesn’t require elbow fittings. These traits make it an excellent choice for those new to DIY plumbing, especially given that PEX is cheaper than copper pipes. What’s more, PEX also comes in a variety of sizes. Whether you need 10 feet or 500 feet of piping, you will find a length option appropriate for your project.
With that said PEX is not a good choice for outdoor plumbing. Much like PVC, it will grow brittle in the sunlight, which will prevent the pipes from lasting as long.
Metal Pipes
Copper Pipe
Copper pipe is often seen as the standard for hot and cold water applications in home plumbing, marking it as a reliable and high-quality pipe option for indoor and outdoor needs. It also comes in several subcategories based on the pipe’s thickness, each of which have their own purposes. Whether you are repairing a gas service line or indoor water plumbing, copper pipes may be right for you.
Although copper pipe can be used for gas plumbing, take caution to not use it for natural gas. This can cause the inside of the pipe to flake, damaging its structural integrity.
Black Pipe
Black pipes can be made of either steel or iron, and they are praised for their durability and heat resistance. They are great for transporting gas—propane and natural alike—and for installing fire sprinkler systems.
If you are considering a home renovation that involves installing a new black pipe, keep in mind that it is difficult to install. In fact, some varieties of black pipe should exclusively be installed by professional plumbers. Before starting a project that involves replacing black pipes, research whether you will need professional assistance.
CSST Pipe
Made of stainless steel, CSST is typically used for gas appliance installations. Similarly to PEX pipe, it is highly bendable, so it requires fewer fittings to bend around corners.
Much like black pipes, CSST pipes are not a strong choice for DIY plumbers. It is generally recommended that only those certified in installing CSST pipes should work with them in order to maintain project safety.
Galvanized Pipe
Galvanized pipes can be used for water supply lines, well pumps, and irrigation. While it is now uncommon to install new, it can still be bought in lengths from 18 inches to 10 feet and in diameters from .5 to 2 inches.
Galvanized pipe is made of iron coated in zinc, and the coating is meant to prevent the pipe from corroding. However, the coating can contain lead; if an old galvanized pipe has corroded, then the lead can taint the drinking water flowing through the pipes, making you and your family sick. If you have reason to believe your galvanized pipe has corroded and is in need of replacement, contact your local plumber.
What Do All Pipes Have in Common?
Now that you know all about the different types of pipes and what makes each unique, let’s determine: are there any commonalities between all pipes? As it turns out, the answer is yes! All pipes are prone to clogs, and in some cases, they may burst. If this happens, it’s time to undergo either pipe relining or pipe replacement.
Call Goodbee for Your Plumbing Needs
If you have any piping problems, then Goodbee Plumbing is the company for you! We are a family-owned plumbing business based out of Louisiana, and we pride ourselves on excellent, efficient service for all of our clients. Whether you need help in addressing your home’s pipe predicament or are looking for other plumbing solutions, we have you covered. Give us a buzz today to learn more about our friendly services! We can’t wait to hear from you.