Different Types of Pipe Used for Plumbing

​There are several types of pipes you can choose from when you are installing plumbing in either your residential or commercial building.  It is always good to do your research, so you can make an educated decision on how you would like your plumbing to perform. Some options work better than others depending on the job you want them to perform.  Here is a list of the most common pipes used in the plumbing industry to help gain maximum performance for your plumbing system. 

Pex Piping
Pex Piping or more commonly known as Cross- Linked Polyethylene piping is a great substitute for galvanized steel. It is flexible plastic that is great for water supply lines for both new residential and commercial buildings, or if you are remodeling.  The versatility of this pipe allows for do -it- yourselfers to easily install the pipe without the help of an expert for the small projects such as a leaky pipe. Pex piping comes in a variety of lengths and they are color coded to help you identify their individual use.

• Red Pex Pipe is for Hot Water.
  
• Blue Pex Pipe is for Cold Water.
  
• White Pex Pipe can be used for either hot or cold water.
  
• Gray Pex Pipe is like the white Pex Pipe and can be used for either hot or cold.
  

Pros to Using Pex Pipe

• Installation is easy and doesn’t require welding as do other materials.
  
• Pex Piping is freeze resistant because it can easily flex and expand and won’t crack like copper or steel pipes.
  
• Pex Piping doesn’t rust or corrode which can cause leaks.
  
• Pex Piping reduces pipe noise so you don’t have to listen to the “Water Hammer Noise” that you can experience with metal pipes.
  
• Pex Pipe color coding makes it easy to identify hot and cold-water lines.
  
• Pex Piping is versatile and can be used alongside metal pipes. They are easy to connect to existing pipes.
  

Copper Pipe
Copper Piping is the most common piping used in installations for both residential and commercial buildings that we see today. It is used to supply both hot and cold water and can be used as a refrigerant line for HVAC systems. Copper Pipes offer a variety of advantages that can create a great plumbing system for any residential or commercial building.
Pros to Using Copper Pipes

• Copper Piping is corrosion- resistant and will not leak or break like other materials.
  
• Copper Piping is lightweight and durable and can withstand up to 1,000 psi.
  
• Copper Piping is easy to stretch along without supports and is more affordable than other materials.
  
• Copper is environmentally friendly, versus some of the other materials used today. It is a natural metal. Where plastic creates emissions during manufacturing.
  

PVC Piping
PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride and is commonly seen as a replacement for metal pipes.  Due to its strength and durability it has become a popular choice among plumbing experts to use because of its easy installation. PVC pipes are also environmentally friendly as they use low carbon plastic to produce them. They are lightweight and easy to shape to fit any home or commercial building’s plumbing needs.
Pros of Using PVC Pipes

• PVC Pipes are self-insulating and can handle both extreme temperatures for hot and cold water.
  
•  PVC Pipes are cost effective and provide excellent performance for the price regarding durability, lifespan, and from being a low maintenance material.
  
• PVC Pipes are easy to cut, shape, and customize to fit any plumbing needs.
  
• PVC Pipes are non-toxic. So, you do not have to worry about any harmful materials contaminating your water.
  
• PVC Pipes are so versatile that they allow plumbing experts to develop plumbing solutions for any type of issue you may encounter.
  

Galvanized Piping
Galvanized Piping is made from steel that is painted with zinc. The Zinc helps increase life expectancy of the overall plumbing system for your residential or commercial building. The Zinc also helps make the steel more resistant to rust, corrosion, and mineral deposits that may be harmful to your pipes. Galvanized Steel Pipes can last up to 75 years when maintained properly.
Pro’s of Using Galvanized Steel Pipes

• Galvanized Pipes are affordable at their initial cost and require less manual labor to prepare them for a plumbing system then some of the other processes out there.
  
• Galvanized Pipes are long lasting, and their life expectancy can be anywhere from 50 to 75 years, and more than 30 years when exposed to a coastal environment.
  
• Galvanized Pipes offer fast assembly once they come from the manufacturer all you must do is construct the system to fit your needs.
  

As you can see, there are many advantages of using the different types of materials for your pipes. You just need to talk to an expert to find the correct material for your plumbing project. Call the experts at Team plumbing for all of your plumbing needs. Call (719) 226-0711 to schedule your appointment today!