[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1528316005240{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Although you may not be a plumber by trade or plumbing aficionado, knowing the different types of plumbing pipes and their uses can help you decide which kind to get when you need to replace your old or damaged pipes. In case you’re still having your home built, having knowledge of the most popular types of pipes, their advantages and disadvantages will enable you to have a plumbing system that will work and last for a long time.
Below are the most commonly used types of plumbing pipes, their purposes and advantages:
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe
PVC plumbing pipes are used for drain, vent, and waste lines, cold and hot potable waterlines, and for sewage applications. Their thickness and configurations vary depending on the application where it will be used. PVC pipes are light and easy to work with and install.
Rigid Copper Pipe
Copper pipes are the most traditional and popularly used plumbing pipes since they are durable, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant. They are also the best water supply pipe option since they do not carry certain health risks that PVC pipes have. They work well with both hot and cold water.
Copper plumbing pipes, however, have to be soldered together and may require some additional fittings. As such, you or your contractor have to be good at soldering if you want to use this type of material.
PEX or Cross-linked Polyethylene Piping
PEX pipes are flexible, color-coded plastic pipes that are easy to cut and simple to connect. They are now one of the most popular plumbing pipe options used for residences and small business establishments or buildings since they require little maintenance. They are one of the strongest and most durable materials today and can thus remain leak-free for a long period of time.
Stainless Steel Pipes
Stainless steel pipes are typically used in areas subject to corrosion and near coastal areas. It is one of the most durable types of plumbing pipe materials. This type of pipe is available in both flexible and rigid varieties. If they will be attached to other types of pipes, special couplings will be needed.
Cast Iron Plumbing Pipes
Cast iron plumbing pipes are generally manufactured as bell and spigot types. Most cast iron plumbing pipes come with threaded joints but they are more expensive than the bell and spigot ones.
Cast iron pipes are heavier than any other pipes and as such, are best used for underground water distribution system. You will often see them as the main pipe on drainage or sewer systems.
Expert Fox Valley plumbers can also help you choose which type of pipe is best for your home construction or renovation project. Seasoned plumbers, such as those from Turek’s Plumbing, can have trucks stocked with all a huge variation of plumbing pipes. If you decide the job is better suited for a Fox Valley Plumber, give us a call. We have solutions that will meet your requirements, budget, and particular project.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]