PVC Pipes
Sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtub drain lines are all places where the use of plastic piping can be incorporated. Known in the industry as PVC pipe or polyvinyl chloride, this type of pipe is a very lightweight and durable product that will not rust or corrode. It also is able to withstand high pressure so it is ideal for use as piping to feed your main water supply. It has the added benefit of being resistant to clogs which makes it a great choice for drain lines. There are drawbacks to installing PVC pipes such as their limited available sizes. Additionally, they are unable to withstand high water temperatures and will begin to break down if exposed for long periods of time. The typical 140 degrees of most homes’ hot water is about the maximum temperature PVC pipe can tolerate. There is some concern over research that suggests toxicity issues are present with PVC pipes. The research shows some chemicals from the pipe’s surface are transferred to the water running through them and may contribute to respiratory and reproductive issues.
PEX Pipes
PEX piping is also known as cross-linked polyethylene piping and it is primarily used for water supply lines. This type of pipe is corrosion and rustproof but, unlike PVC, it is flexible and easy to weave through walls, ceilings, and other areas of your home. One nice benefit of PEX piping is it is color-coded. The color-coding distinguishes between cold and hot water lines making the plumber’s job a lot easier.
ABS Pipes
ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a type of PVC pipe that shares many of the same qualities as standard PVC pipe. It is more resilient to cold temperatures than standard PVC and can be used for drain lines that allow water and waste material to flow out of your home into a septic or sewer system.
Venting pipes are also made from ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. They help regulate the air in your plumbing system assuring that water and waste drain out of your home by preventing a vacuum from forming that would prevent or slow drainage. These pipes are easiest to identify because they are always black in color.
Copper
Copper pipes are an excellent choice for use in sinks, showers, and bathtubs. They are rust and corrosion resistant and guarantee a good quality of water coming into your home. Copper pipes are tolerant of both hot and cold water, which means they can withstand high pressure. Pipes made from copper are slightly more expensive than plastic pipes but their longevity and durability far outweigh any additional cost. Another advantage is that because of the rigid structure of copper pipes they can be used in very tight spaces.
Cast Iron and Galvanized Pipes
It is important to know the advantages of each type of pipe material as well as any limitations each type carries to assure your plumbing will function well and last a long time.
As one can see, there are many types of pipes available on the market and which type you use depends on the job. Cast iron and galvanized piping can be found in early 20th-century homes but are no longer being installed in new construction. Because of its good durability, it was often used for sewer or other drain lines. These pipes are thick and able to reduce the sound of running water throughout your home but they are prone to rust and corrosion which is why they are slowly being replaced by either PVC or PEX pipes.
PVC pipes have been around since 1937 but have become more popular over time because they resist corrosion better than other types of pipes do. They also work well with hot or cold water temperatures so their use has grown significantly over time from residential homes to commercial buildings like hotels or office complexes where there is constantly running water throughout each day.”
Not sure which type of plumbing pipe to choose for your project or repair? Contact us today and we’ll gladly assist you. We are plumbing and piping specialists in Vista, North County.
