In all houses, some pipes bring clean water for drinking, bathing, and washing and take away sewerage water. Multiple types of pipes are used, each with pros and cons. Today, we will look into the different types and their features. So, Let's look at the types of plumbing pipes used in homes to make it simpler to understand. It’s necessary to keep checking for wear and tear to ensure no significant damage to them. You can hire the best home maintenance services in Dubai, and they can recommend you the best possible help.
Types of Plumbing Pipes Used in Homes
Copper Pipes:
For a long period, copper-based pipes were the main type of plumbing. They are hard, can withstand corrosion, and can be used in high operating temperatures. Copper pipes are available in two main types: soft and tough. Flexible copper pipes are used in water supply lines, but rigid ones are mostly used in narrow and cramped areas.
PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) Pipes:
Some PEX pipes have become the most preferred because of various reasons. Their flexibility, easy installation, and resistance to freezing are the factors that are weighing in. They have various shades. The red one is designated for hot water, and the blue one for cold water is utilized. PEX pipes made of copper are corrosion-resistant. Therefore, there are fewer bursts in them than in traditional copper pipes.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes:
These are often used for sewer and vent systems. They are lightweight, easy to fix, corrosion-resistant, and chemically insusceptible. PVC pipes are available in different thicknesses. Thicker pipes are used mostly for major sewage lines, while thinner pipes are used for household drains.
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes:
CPVC pipes, like PVC pipes, can handle higher temperatures, making them ideal for hot water supply. They're also easy to install, resist corrosion, and last long. Whether you're using them for hot or cold water in your home plumbing, CPVC pipes provide reliability with their durable performance.
Galvanized Steel Pipes:
Galvanized steel pipes were popular for plumbing in the past, but they became less desirable because they tend to corrode and rust. You can often find them in older homes, mainly used for water supply lines. However, many homeowners are swapping them out for newer materials that last longer.
PE (Polyethylene) Pipes:
PE pipes are preferred for many underground water supply lines and irrigation systems. They are very flexible, corrosion-resistant, and have a significant lifespan. PE pipes are available in different configurations, including HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and MDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene), which are suitable for all applications.
ABS Pipes:
These are the drain-line and vent systems in domestic plumbing systems. They are low-weight, have handy installation, and do not respond to chemical damage. ABS pipes are seen mostly in older houses and have been substituted with PVC pipes in newly built ones.
Cast Iron Pipes:
In the past, these pipes formed an important part of plumbing systems, particularly the drain lines. They are also very strong and can bear high working loads and pressure. To some extent, this is one of their main drawbacks due to the possibility of rust and corrosion occurring after a long time, which could result in leaks and blockage. Nevertheless, cast iron pipes are widely used in older homes and commercial establishments.
Brass Pipes:
Screens are well-known for their superb corrosion resistance and long life span. They are widely used for water supply lines, particularly where water is very aggressive. Pipes made from brass are also resistant to high temperatures, making them appropriate for hot and cold water distribution. Besides that, brass pipes possess antimicrobial features that can inhibit the development of bacteria in the plumbing structure.
Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipes:
PEX pipes are among the most favorable in current plumbing owing to their versatility and ease of installation. They are also very flexible and need fewer links, which allows for much less leakage. PEX pipes can also withstand thermal changes, expanding and contracting without breaking, making them resistant to freezing. Moreover, they are not expensive and require fewer fittings than the traditional pipe system.
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Galvanized Steel Pipes:
Galvanized steel pipes used to be popular because they were strong and long-lasting. But they can rust fast, especially with acidic water. Over time, they might get rusty and clogged, slowing water flow and causing pipes to break. Even though they have these issues, you can still find them in older homes and buildings.
PE (Polyethylene) Pipes:
PE pipes are often chosen for underground water lines and irrigation systems because they flex and hold well. They can resist harmful chemicals and abrasions, which makes them the best option for tough areas. Being lightweight and simple to install, PE pipes decrease manual labor and installation time. Moreover, their canal-like structure provides unobstructed passage of water with no chances of clogs.
Homeowners and plumbers can choose plumbing pipe material based on their knowledge of the specific features of different types of pipes. Selecting the right pipe from the water supply to drainage or irrigation guarantees that the plumbing system operates well and lasts long.