What are the Different Types of Plumbing? Everything You Need To Know

If you're a homeowner, you know how important it is to have a working plumbing system. Whether it's water damage from a leaky pipe or an emergency plumber needed in the middle of the night, proper plumbing is essential for keeping your home safe and functional.

One of the most important things homeowners need to understand is the different types of plumbing pipes and systems that are available. In this article, we'll go over different types of plumbing pipes, their uses, and the different materials they come in.

What is plumbing?

In this article, we'll focus on different types of plumbing pipes used in residential and commercial applications. Plumbing is a complex network of pipes, fittings, valves, and other devices that transport water for different purposes throughout the building.

There are generally three plumbing systems for residential buildings. Let's go over them briefly:

Water Supply System:

The water supply system is made up of different types of pipes that bring clean water from the city's water source into your home. This system is what's used to fill your sinks, toilets, and other water-based appliances.

The main components of a water supply system include different types of plumbing pipes like copper, PVC, PEX, and galvanized steel piping. Each type has different characteristics, which we'll go over later.

Drainage System:

The drainage system is made up of different types of pipes that transport wastewater from different parts of the home to the city's sewer system or a septic tank.

This system is essential for keeping your home clean and hygienic, as it carries away all the wastewater and other forms of dirty water. The different types of plumbing pipes used in drainage systems include ABS, PVC, and cast iron.

Ventilation System:

The ventilation system is made up of different types of plumbing pipes that allow fresh air to enter different parts of the home while also keeping bad odors and other hazardous gases away.

The different types of plumbing pipes used in ventilation systems include ABS, PVC, and galvanized steel piping. Typically, the different pipes used in ventilation systems are larger than other plumbing pipes.

Now that we understand different types of plumbing, let's go over the different types of plumbing pipes and their uses.

The Different Types of Plumbing Pipes:

1. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes

One of the most common plumbing pipes used in residential and commercial buildings is PVC. This type of pipe is strong, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.

That means it's ideal for different types of plumbing projects, such as water supply and drainage systems, because it doesn't corrode or rot.

It's also easy to work with, which is why it's one of the most popular types of plumbing pipes used in many different applications. In fact, the majority of plumbing pipes used in residential buildings are made from PVC.

Main advantages of PVC pipes:

• Strong and lightweight
• Resistant to corrosion
• Easy to work with

Main disadvantages of PVC pipes:

• Susceptible to impact damage
• Not suitable for high water pressure

2. PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) pipes

PEX is a type of plumbing pipe made from crosslinked polyethylene. That's why it's often referred to as a "flexible" plumbing pipe. Made by heating and cooling different types of polyethylene, PEX is flexible yet still strong.

That makes it perfect for different applications, such as water supply and drainage systems. It's also easier to install than other plumbing pipes because it doesn't require welding or soldering.

Main advantages of PEX pipes:

• Lightweight

• Flexible

• Easy to install

• Resistant to corrosion and freezing temperatures

Main disadvantages of PEX pipes:

• Susceptible to puncture and kinking

• Not suitable for high water pressure

3. Copper pipes

Copper is one of the oldest types of plumbing pipes used in different applications, such as water supply and drainage systems. In fact, it's still one of the most popular types of plumbing pipes used today because of its durability and resistance to corrosion.

Aside from that, copper is also easy to work with and can be bent into different shapes depending on what you need. That makes it perfect for different projects, such as installing water supply lines or drainage systems in tight spaces.

Main advantages of copper pipes:

• Durable and resistant to corrosion

• Easy to work with and can be bent into different shapes

• Long lasting

Main disadvantages of copper pipes:

• Susceptible to pinholes, which can cause water leaks if not properly installed

• Expensive compared to other types of plumbing pipes

4. Cast iron pipes

One of the most durable types of plumbing pipes is cast iron. As the name suggests, this type of pipe is made by heating different types of iron and casting it into different shapes.

This creates a strong, hard pipe that can withstand different types of wear and tear, which is why they're often referred to as "heavy-duty" plumbing pipes. In fact, cast iron pipes are still used in different residential and commercial buildings today because of their durability.

However, cast iron pipes are mostly used for drainage systems because of their strong, long-lasting properties.

Main advantages of cast iron pipes:

• Strong and durable
• Resistant to different types of wear and tear
• Long-lasting

Main disadvantages of cast iron pipes:

• Expensive compared to other types of plumbing pipes
• Heavy and difficult to install

5. Galvanized steel pipes

Galvanized steel pipes are made by coating various types of steel with a layer of zinc. This layer helps protect the steel from corrosion and rust, making it one of the strongest and longest-lasting plumbing pipes available.

It's also easy to work with and can be cut into different shapes and sizes depending on your needs. Galvanized steel pipes are more commonly used for water supply lines in different residential and commercial buildings.

Main advantages of galvanized steel pipes:

• Strong and durable

• Resistant to different types of corrosion

• Easy to work with

Main disadvantages of galvanized steel pipes:

• Susceptible to rust if not properly maintained

• Can cause water contamination if not installed correctly

6. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) piping

Have you ever heard of ABS pipes? These are different types of plastic pipes that have been around since the 1960s. They're made from different types of polymers, like acrylonitrile and butadiene, that are then mixed with different types of fillers.

The result is a strong yet flexible plastic pipe that can be used in different residential and commercial plumbing applications. ABS pipes are often used for drainage systems because of their flexibility, which makes them perfect for different types of tight spaces.

Main advantages of ABS pipes:

• Lightweight

• Flexible

• Easy to install and maintain

• Resistant to different types of corrosion

Main disadvantages of ABS pipes:

• Susceptible to different types of chemicals and solvents

• Can become brittle over time if not properly maintained

Conclusion

No matter what type of plumbing pipes you need, it's always important to call a professional emergency plumber if you're dealing with water damage. That way, you can ensure that your plumbing system is safe and properly functioning.

It's also important to remember that different types of plumbing pipes have different advantages and disadvantages, so it's best to choose the right type for your particular situation. With the right knowledge and care, you can make sure that your plumbing system is functioning properly and safely.