Different Types of Plumbing Pipes

Whether you are looking into hiring a professional South Jersey plumber or starting your next do-it-yourself project, the first thing to take care of is gathering your materials to begin your project. For plumbing, there are different materials used for piping which is by far the biggest part of a plumbing system. Each pipe has a different purpose and should be considered depending on your project. In the past, there were strictly two choices, but since then, the options have widened with different advances in the bonding of elements to create unique materials with special properties. Here are some of the different pipes that plumbers use in their projects.

Cross-Linked Polyethylene Pipes

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are the new kid on the scene in terms of piping used by plumbers in specific projects. Pex pipes are used for supplying water to the different parts of a structure. PEX piping is able to withstand the pressures of the water supply being transferred around the structure while maintaining flexibility. Flexibility is important to widen the areas that can be utilized for the piping. Flexibility can allow the pipes to easily weave throughout walls, ceilings, basements, and crawl spaces. There are many pros with PEX pipes. They are able to bond with copper pipes, are inexpensive, and are super easy to use. The cons are related to not being around for years and years. The inability of recycling PEX pipes and the long-term durability make it a question mark. Only time will tell if these cons can change. For now, it is an amazing offering for plumbers.

Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes are the perfect type of piping for drainage and venting. PVC pipes gained popularity when plumbers and DIY’ers found it easier to use and lighter than steel piping. It is the perfect material for large irrigation systems due to its costs and ease of use. PVC pipes can be laid with not much more than a hacksaw and a miter box. However, the piping cannot be unjoined and takes sunlight damage at a high rate. It is important to have the housing and external structure to block out sunlight.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are often seen used for water supply lines within homes and commercial buildings. Copper is easily cut with a hacksaw or a special copper cutter. No health risks come with copper piping, which cannot be said about other newer options of piping. Copper pipes handle heat extremely well, hold up against high water pressure, and are easy to reuse. The downsides of copper pipes usually come in if you don’t have the budget or tools to utilize them. Copper piping requires a lot more work due to connections being soldered as well as it being an expensive material.

Aside from the pros and cons of each piping, there are other factors to consider. Local codes and legislation are in place that pertains to what types of piping are allowed and how new systems need to be tested. Due to some piping having very specific uses and unknown effects, certain states and countries don’t allow for the piping to be used for everything it could be used for.

If you have any questions regarding plumbing and plumbing contracting, reach out to Fante’s PHVAC at 1-609-445-2939!