When it comes to plumbing, different piping materials are used for different water delivery and drainage systems. In ancient times, the Greeks used clay pipes to deliver water to homes and public buildings. However, in the 20th century, materials such as copper, galvanized steel, and terra-cotta were more preferred. Today, as the understanding of lead poisoning takes shape, different types of pipes’ materials are used for specific purposes. ABS, PVC, and copper pipes are the most common delivery and drainage systems local plumbers use. This guide looks into the main types of plumbing pipes you can use for your home plumbing system. Main Types of Plumbing TypesThere are five main types of plumbing materials including:
Let’s discuss each of these plumbing pipe material and their pros and cons 1. Copper PipesAlthough being one of the ancient materials for plumbing pipes, copper remains a popular option today. It is available in two main types;
Copper pipes come in different sizes and grades of thickness. For sizes, this depends on the diameter, which is expressed in millimetres. The most common sizes are 15mm, 18mm, and 22mm. Bigger pipes go up to 108mm. In terms of grades, there are three grades of copper pipe thickness:
Pros of Copper PipesThe following advantages of copper pipes have enabled them to stand the test of time:
Cons of Copper PipesCopper is not used for all plumbing purposes due to these disadvantages:
Overall, it is the best plumbing material for many purposes. 2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) PipesCommonly known as PVC, Polyvinyl chloride has grown in popularity in the recent past. The material is made from plastic and vinyl combination to form a thermoplastic polymer. Due to their rigid nature, PVC pipes are used to deliver highly pressurized water and drainage. They come in varying thicknesses and configurations, making them versatile. Make sure to check different labels, especially when you are looking for PVC piping to transport drinking water. NSF/ANSI 61 is a known label for drinking water system components. Pros of PVC Pipes
Cons of PVC
3. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)Shortened to CPVC, Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are made using the same basic elements that make up PVC, but the difference is that CPVC is chlorinated, which enables them to withstand temperature differences better. For this reason, CPVC is used for hot lines. Another benefit of CPVC is that they come in the same sizing system as copper piping, make it easier to connect to other pipes at home. Pros of CPVC
Cons of CPVC
4. ABS PipesAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene pipes are similar to PVC pipes, but are easy to identify due to their black colour. They are resilient to cold temperatures and are majorly used for drain and vent lines. They are noisier than other plumbing materials and thus can cause disturbances, making them unsuitable for residential plumbing. Pros of ABS Pipes
Cons of ABS Pipes
5. Galvanized Steel PipesGalvanized piping is what many people think of when it comes to plumbing pipes. They used to be a preferred choice for residential plumbing but not anymore. Due to their issues with longevity and being prone to rust, galvanized steel pipes are no longer installed in homes. If you have them in your home, you should consider replacing them with CPVC or copper pipes. Pros of Galvanized Steel Pipes
Cons of Galvanized Steel Pipes
All these disadvantages and more have made these pipes less preferred material in residential plumbing. ConclusionThere are many types of plumbing pipes, and the above are just the main ones. If you are looking to install a new plumbing system in your home, you need to engage a trusted local plumber so they can help you choose the pipe material that’s best suited for different plumbing needs in your home. The post Popular Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses Read more on: www.adetailedpalette.com “Popular Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses”> via Tumblr Popular Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses
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