Understanding pipes is essential regardless of whether you’re doing the plumbing in your house on your own, or have hired a professional to do the job for you. Different pipes have different uses and, what’s more, different materials of pipe are used for different purposes. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all and when you go to a store, you need to be aware of what you need. You can’t just say you need a 110mm pipe and expect the store clerk to understand you.

Therefore, it’s important you understand different types of pipes, different materials used in their manufacturing, and what uses each pipe has. We’ve prepared this detailed and comprehensive guide on six different types of pipes to help you with your home improvement needs.

PEX PIPE

PEX pipes are made using cross-linked polyethylene and have become very popular in the market today for a variety of reasons. Their only use is to supply water and have a perfect blend of rigidity and flexibility. These pipes are able to withstand high water pressure and their structural integrity is not compromised if they are bent and woven through walls, ceilings, and basements.

Because these pipes are easy to cut and mold, they have become popular among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. They are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of pipes and, for convenience, are color-coded for both hot and cold water. They cut easily as well and don’t require any complex tools to do so. A simple hacksaw can do the job.

This type of pipe does have its drawbacks though. Due to their relatively young age, long term capabilities still remain untested and they are yet to be approved for building codes in several jurisdictions. They also are not compatible with all, or even most, fittings and leaks are a common occurrence. Environmentally, they aren’t the friendliest either as the plastic being used in non-recyclable.

PVC PIPE

PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride, is mainly used for drainage or venting applications in homes and businesses alike. PVC gained a significant amount of traction and following when first introduced due to its lightweight and the ease with which it could be cut, handled, and fitted. Fitting them is quite easy as it only involves glue and solvents and cutting them does not require a lot more than a hacksaw.

Because they are relatively inexpensive and can be used for long distances, PVC also became a popular option for irrigation purposes. Their flexibility also allows them to be used for various reasons in different types of applications.

However, the drawbacks are a point for concern as these pipes cannot be taken apart once joined and have to be cut. This means you’ll be wasting good amounts of pipe if you want to re-purpose them at a later stage. PVC pipes are also prone to leakage as they are joined using glue, which tends to have leakage problems in general rather than being restricted to just PVC pipes. Also, because they are lightweight, they also tend to be fragile and can even shatter.

Shattered pipes can cause water damage to your home. Frozen Pipes Water Damage Cleanup – West Hartford – SERVPRO will be able to help you with that.

RIGID COPPER PIPE

Rigid copper pipe is one of the more traditional choices on this page and is mostly used for water supply lines in homes and apartments. As the name suggests, the pipe does not bend easily and, because it’s made of actual metal, cutting it requires a quality durable hacksaw or a special copper pipe cutter which would make the job a little easier.

They handle heat and cold a lot better than other types of pipes and are able to withstand intense water pressure with ease. They’re also environmentally friendly as they can be recycled and they tend to catch a good price if you’re looking to sell.

However, copper pipes aren’t the best option for beginners or DIY enthusiasts as they require a trained hand to solder connection and attach fittings. Copper is also prone to corrosion, especially on the inside, which causes a range of issues including blockages. There’ also the price point to consider as copper pipes tend to be very expensive.

ABS PIPE

Pipes made of ABS, which stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, are used mostly as either vent pipes or a part of the drainage line. Like PVC pipes, these are light and are easy to bend and curve to fit and weave through different parts of the house. They are stronger than PVC pipes and can be used for underground and exterior use as well. They also have better resistance to cold temperatures and won’t crack or get damaged when it’s too cold outside.

However, they aren’t very strong when it comes to warm temperatures as they tend to warp when it’s hot outside. Also, building codes often do not permit the usage of these pipes for drainage as they can get warped and crack in hot temperatures, causing a long list of strong-smelling problems.

FLEXIBLE COPPER PIPE

This type of pipe is not used for main supplies or drainage. In fact, because they traverse only short distances, their main use is for final runs to different appliances and fixtures such as air conditioners and sinks. They’re able to fit into tight small spaces and are very flexible. Their high heat tolerance also makes them ideal for final runs to water heaters and boilers.

However, their high cost can deter some from purchasing them and due to the thin wall and somewhat flexible nature, they are prone to breaking quite fast if not maintained properly.

GALVANIZED STEEL PIPE

Galvanized steel pipes are quite old and have been used for as long as gas has been directly supplied to homes. They are the strongest of all the pipes on this list and can withstand high temperatures on both ends of the spectrum.

However, due to their highly corrosive nature, using them for water is not an option as the corroded material can block pipes and even make its way into the water supply. This is the reason for them being used mainly as gas supply pipes rather than to transmit water to and from a structure.

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