Water is an important need of every home. Bringing in good quality water and taking out waste water needs different types of plumbing pipes used in the home. While there are multiple options for plumbing pipes, they cannot all be used for all purposes. Though some can be used as an all-purpose, one size cannot fit all sections.
In this article, we will understand how to choose the best plumbing material, and types of plumbing pipes based on material and application.
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ToggleHow to Choose the Best Plumbing Pipe for Home?
Choosing the best plumbing pipe home can be overwhelming as there are many options to choose from. However, plumbing networks need to be looked at only based on the necessity in a particular section of a home rather than options in the market. These are the factors that should be considered before selecting a plumbing pipe.
- Temperature – Hot, Cold, or Warm
- Environment – Indoor, Outdoor, Wall buried. Casing, or Underground
- Water Type – Drinking Water, Toilet Waste, Kitchen Waste, etc
- Civic Connection – Supply Line or Drainage Line
- State of Supply Material – Liquid or Gas
- Water Pressure
- Pump and Drain – From Sump to Tank and Tank to House regions
- Material Quality and Future Maintenance
Types of Plumbing Pipes Based on Material
1. PVC Pipe
PVC pipes are the most commonly used plumbing material in homes. They can be used indoors, outdoors, and underground. They are generally used for water supply purposes in buildings. Though PVC pipes are inexpensive and non-toxic, they cannot handle high-temperature water flow.
2. PEX Pipe
Cross-linked Polyethylene or PEX pipe is an extremely flexible plumbing pipe used in homes. Although they are not widely adopted, they make a good option for water supply lines. They are extremely flexible, with less chance of leakage. They are cheaper compared to copper or cast iron pipes, but cannot be used outdoors.
3. ABS Pipe
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or ABS is a lightweight plastic pipe used in drains, waste, and vent pipes. They can be used both indoors and outdoors and can withstand cold temperatures. However, they are not to used to transport drinking water as the material ABS may cause cancer.
4. Copper Pipe
Copper pipes are an expensive choice for plumbing needs at home or in any commercial building. The copper pipe is the most widely used hard pipe due to its long life span upto 50 years. They are majorly employed where hot water movement is frequent as they can tolerate both extreme heat and cold.
5. CPVC Pipe
CPVC pipes are similar to PVC pipes and can withstand high-temperature fluid or water flow. CPVC is more durable than PVC but is an expensive choice. CPVC pipes can be used both indoors and outdoors and are becoming a more popular choice for plumbing needs at homes.
6. Cast Iron Pipe
Galvanized pipes are used to supply piped gas to homes. They were originally introduced as an alternative to lead pipes. However, the steel pipe was more fit to transport gas. Since the ends of the pipes are threaded, they are easy to connect. Rust, contaminated fluids, and mineral building are the more common issues with them.
7. Galvanized Steel Pipe
Cast iron pipe is not actively used in homes. However, they are more popular in civic water distribution, sewers, and drain lines. They are strong, durable, and resistant to heat. However, they are subject to rust and mineral buildup.
8. High-Density Polybutylene Pipe
HDPE or High-Density Polybutylene pipes are used only for underground purposes. They are used for cable lining and are plastic welded to build networks. They are non-toxic, durable and resistant to corrosion. HDPE pipes cannot withstand direct sunlight for longer periods.
9. Black Iron Pipe
Black Iron pipes are used mainly for gas lines and fire sprinklers. They can withstand high temperatures and are strong and durable. However, they are heavy and difficult to install.
Types of Plumbing Pipes Based on Application
- Supply Pipes
The pipes that lead from the main distribution line of the water supply to the home’s plumbing system are known as service pipes. They are made of different materials in different sections of plumbing networks. - Drain Pipes
Wastewater is common in every household and is generated in different places like kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, sinks, etc. This waste cannot be transported using a common pipe and different pipes are arranged to dispose of them individually. Some of the common types of wastewater pipes are as below.- Soil Pipe
Soil pipe carries human excreta from commodes to septic tanks. It is not connected to any pipe except the vent pipe. Soil pipes are usually of 100mm diameter. - Waste Water Pipe
Wastewater pipe carries liquid waste from kitchens, waste basins, etc. They are arranged in both horizontal and vertical alignments are are of the diameters 30-50 mm and 75 mm. - Pain Water Pipe
Rainwater pipes carry rainwater from rooftops to storage or filtration unit or borewell recharging. The collected rainwater can be used for farming or gardening. Pipes of diameter 75mm are preferable for rainwater transport. - Vent Pipe
Vent pipes are used to facilitate the exit of foul gases into the atmosphere. Pipes used for ventilation purposes are usually 50 mm in diameter. - Anti-Siphonage Pipe
Anti-siphonage pipe is a pipe installed to preserve the water seal of traps in drainage systems. This helps in preventing the backflow of drainage. It is connected to a soil pipe with a 50 mm diameter and a wastewater pipe with a 40 mm diameter.
- Soil Pipe
Conclusion
Choosing a plumbing pipe for a home is an important decision. Because failure to choose the right pipe can have long-term consequences at home and will become a costly repair. While there are multiple options to choose from in the market, only local factors should influence the employment of different types of plumbing pipes. There are all-purpose pipes like PVC and CPVC, by trusted manufacturers like Dulet, there are also copper pipes that are in majority used only for transporting high-temperature water or liquid. So, to ensure long-term peace at home, invest in the best plumbing pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I quickly choose the right plumbing pipes?
There is nothing like quickly selecting the right pipe for plumbing. Plumbing setup and network should be for a long period, hence an informed decision is the best. Evaluate multiple products and materials before installation.
2. How do you choose the right plumbing pipe for a home?
Choosing the right plumbing pipe for a home depends on the section of region of the house where it will be installed. Factors like underground, indoor, outdoor, hot, cold, or warm, and many such factors influence the decision.
3. What is the safest plumbing pipe?
Given their durability, ease of use, resistance to corrosion and chemical reactions, and low cost, PVC and CPVC pipes are the safest plumbing pipes.
4. What size pipes do plumbers typically use?
The size of plumbing pipes depends on the section of the home or a building and their purpose. Typically, homes and residential complexes utilize pipes in the size of half an inch to 12 inches.
5. What are the longest-lasting plumbing pipes?
PVC and CPVC pipes can last for more than 50 years with very little maintenance.