The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Plumbing Pipes
- By: Amer ZaghloulehPipesComment: 0
In the plumbing stores, you will find various types of pipe. It’s often difficult to choose which of these pipes would be best for your plumbing needs, especially when you do not know much about plumbing pipes.
Choosing a type of pipe for your apartment, office, or any ducting is a serious decision because you will have to live with the choice for a long time. So, before you hurry into the store to make a lasting choice about your next pipes, here are the pros and cons of some of the most used types of plumbing pipes.
Copper Pipes
One of the oldest types of plumbing pipes, copper pipes are widely used in homes and offices for good reasons. However, it comes with manageable challenges.
Pros
- Very durable metal
- Withstands high pressure and temperature
- Copper is recyclable, so the environment is safe.
- Rustproof and corrosion-resistant.
- Light and easy to carry
Cons
- Installation requires special skills, including soldering and welding.
- More expensive than plastics
Cross-linked Polyethylene Pipes
Popularly referred to as PEX, XLPE, or XPE, this type of plumbing pipe is new and rapidly taking its place in American houses and business buildings. Why its wild adoption, and at what cost are people jumping on this option of plumbing pipe?
Pros
- Easy to install. Designed with clamps and push-fit technology.
- Holds pressure.
- Low chances of corrosion
- An excellent option for indoor water supply lines
Cons
- The initial cost is slightly high.
- Destroyed by exposure to UV rays
- Bad choice for outdoor plumbing
- Not good for drinking water
Galvanized Steel Pipes
Commonly used for outdoor and indoor plumbing, this type of pipe may be considered old school but still useful today. It is made from steel but coated with zinc to prevent rusting. They are often designed for easy installation with threaded ends for easy screwing into each other.
Pros
- Less expensive than copper pipes
- Numerous option when it comes to sizes
Cons
- The short lifespan of 20-50 years
- Corrodes as zinc coating wears out.
- Can cause water contamination and lead poisoning.
- Heavy to transport
Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes
Widely known as PVC, this type of plumbing pipe is seen in modern houses and businesses. They are made from thermoplastic polymers, and most plumbers recommended choice because of its strength.
Pros
- Do not rust or corrode.
- Indefinitely long lifespan
- Cheap
- Light and easy to carry
- Simple installation with glued fittings
Cons
- Best for running cold drinking water only
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
This type of plumbing pipe is an upgraded version of the PVC. More conveniently referred to as the CPVC, it is chlorinated to withstand temperature changes in ways that the PVC pipes are not engineered to.
Pros
- More sizing options than PVC
- Suitable for both hot and cold water
- Long life span
- Simple installation
- No rusting or corrosion
Cons
- More expensive than PVC
- Most suitable for indoor use
Conclusion
Depending on your plumbing needs, the different types of plumbing pipes can serve quite well. Although other types of plumbing pipes not discussed here are growing obsolete today, these types discussed here are still available in home improvement stores.
At Anytime Plumbing, we are always ready to inspect your facilities, homes, and business buildings to recommend the best plumbing pipe for you. Also, our installation and maintenance services are at your disposal, committed to raising the standards for domestic and commercial “pipelining.”
