Plumbing Pipes: Types, Applications, and Advantages

Source: YD Valves

Using appropriate plumbing pipes and fittings for your water supply and drainage system can help to ensure that water is distributed appropriately to the different portions of the building, whether in a residential or commercial structure.

Additionally, this will stop corrosion or leaks brought about by using incorrect or defective pipes. You must therefore ensure that the appropriate pipes are in place.

Plumbing pipes have various types, and the materials used to make them vary. Furthermore, they have different features, particularly in cost and durability.

This component may make it a headache when picking the right pipe. Luckily, we have done the legwork for you. This guide will highlight every concerning plumbing pipes. Let’s begin.

Stainless Steel Pipes

Source: Pinterest

Although stainless steel has a sophisticated appearance, it is incredibly expensive. Stainless steel pipe is ideal in places near the coast where corrosion is a problem.

Both flexible and rigid variants of this type of pipe are available, and special couplings are needed to connect them to other pipes. There are many different diameters and lengths of stainless steel pipes.

Benefits of Using Stainless Steel Pipes

• They don’t break easily due to water pressure; hence they are durable.
• They are ideal for preventing corrosion.
• Easy installation
• Non-combustible
• Environmentally-friendly

Cons

• They are costly.

Before we discuss the next type of pipe, check out the difference between stainless steel pipes and PPR pipes in the video below.

Copper Pipes

Source: Pinterest

If the water in your area is quite corrosive, you might want to consider copper pipes. They can endure high pressure and heavy liquid flow, which makes them a popular choice for industrial structures.

For high pressure, they could be heavy gauge pipes, and for low pressure, they could be light gauge pipes. Ensure you source your products from a well-established pipe manufacturer.

Despite having a small diameter, copper pipes are incredibly resilient and adaptable. They can be used to transport cold, steam, or hot water.

The main drawback of these pipes is their high cost, which prevents many people from using them for a complete plumbing system.

They cannot be DIYed since they must be soldered together and may need additional fittings, which calls for professional assistance. However, they can be employed for subterranean plumbing projects and handling refrigerants.

Advantages of Copper Pipes

Copper pipes offer the below benefits:

• Environmentally friendly.Since it can be recycled, copper is a sustainable resource. It is made of naturally occurring metal, unlike manufactured plastic, which produces many pollutants during production. It is also healthy and safe.

• The Copper pipe has an average longevity of 50 to 70 years, depending on variables like the local environment. Another reason for its appeal is that copper plumbing pipes resist cold and heat.

• Corrosion resistant.Copper is a pipeline material unlikely to corrode, unlike older galvanized pipes, which frequently do so once their protective coating layer wears off inside and outside the pipe.
  

• It is flexible enough to fit almost any needed space. Since plastic pipes may be colored differently for hot and cold plumbing, they are much easier for plumbers to utilize.

Cons

• This is among the major drawbacks of copper. Despite being less expensive than steel, copper is more expensive than plastic. Due to its increased resistance, copper piping gradually compensates for its original cost.

PPR Pipes

Source: Pinterest

This type of pipe is primarily polypropylene. Random copolymer plastic is used to make PPR pipes, which are cylindrical and straight pipes.

A continuous extrusion technique produces them. PPR pipes can be used in systems that convey hot and cold water and purified drinking water. Heat welding technology is employed for jointing. Don’t forget to buy PPR fittings from a reliable supplier to avoid future leakages.

Advantages of PPR Pipes

PPR pipes are common in most buildings because of their numerous benefits. Some of these advantages include;

• They are non-toxic and hygienic, making them environmentally friendly.
• A long-term use temperature of 60°C is sufficient for them, and they can handle temperatures up to 95°C.
• PPR pipes are also resistant to corrosion.
• They are durable.
• They are featherweight, making them easily transported to different locations.

Cons of PPR Pipes

• The materials can withstand high temperatures but cannot withstand temperatures over 60°C for an extended period.

PVC Pipes

Source: Pinterest

Chlorinated hydrocarbons make up the polymer known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In its natural state, it is brittle and rigid.

When combined with chemicals like plasticizers, it becomes more sturdy and malleable. It is most frequently used to manufacture pipes for irrigation, plumbing, and water supply.

Depending on the application, several PVC pipes are used as hot or cold water conduits in commercial and industrial environments.

PVC pipes have been used in various commercial applications for approximately 80 years. Installing these pipes will be easy with the help of a PVC cutter from a reliable supplier like YD Valves.

PVC pipes are widely used in the water supply. Nearly all water mains are made of PVC pipes. Large-scale irrigation systems and sanitary sewer networks both use PVC pipes.

In both the residential and commercial sectors, they are employed in the ducts of plumbing, heating, and cooling systems.

Advantages of PVC Pipes

Apart from being lighter than steel pipes, PVC pipes have various advantages. Some include:

• Affordably priced. The lightweight characteristics of PVC reduce the amount of manpower required for installation and the product’s shipping price.

• Resistance to high water pressure. Although PVC is stiff and difficult to bend, the pipe does possess some flexibility that enables it to endure the continuous inflow of high water pressure.

• Blockage-resistant.The smooth inner lining of PVC facilitates faster drainage while guarding against sediment accumulation and obstructions.

Cons

• Limited size possibilities.PVC piping’s limited size options can make it useless in confined spaces.

CPVC Pipes

Source: Pinterest

PVC and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, also known as CPVC, are related substances. Although the same fundamental components make both polymers, CPVC differs significantly because it has been chlorinated.

Since of its different chemical composition, CPVC can survive temperature changes in a way that PVC cannot. Hence some construction rules specify that CPVC should be used for hot water transportation rather than PVC.

Advantages of Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride

• They are corrosion resistant and hence durable.
• CPVC pipes can handle high pressure making them ideal for water pipes.
• Their lightweight design makes them easy to handle and move.
• It is still a more affordable alternative to metal piping despite being more expensive than PVC.
• Temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit can be tolerated by CPVC.

Cons

• They are not ideal for use in confined places.

Galvanized Pipes

Source: Pinterest

Galvanized pipe is another long-lasting, affordable plumbing pipe available in the market. They are frequently coated in zinc to avoid corrosion.

Their degree of thickness typically determines their weight. Galvanized iron pipes come in various diameters depending on what you intend to use them for. They can transport both hot and cold water.

They can be difficult to maintain and repair, and damage that occurs after installation is difficult to fix. They typically corrode more quickly when placed underground or designed to convey brackish water.

This shortens their life span. Due to their lower cost and anti-corrosion qualities, PVC pipes have significantly replaced galvanized pipes.

Advantages of Galvanized Steel Pipes

• Its lifespan is about 20 to 50 years.
• Galvanized steel pipes are strong and cannot burst or break easily.
• They are corrosion resistant because they are coated with zinc.
• Galvanized pipes are affordable compared to copper pipes.

Cons

• Rust: Over time, rust can accumulate inside pipes, particularly those with a small diameter. Rarely, rust might come away from the pipe’s inside walls and mix with the water. This gives the water a bad tint.
• Water inside corroded pipes may become contaminated with lead, making drinking dangerous.

Brass Pipes

Source: Pinterest

Brass plumbing pipes with a copper content of 67 to 85% provide good rust resistance. The alloy that contains 85% copper produces red brass pipe, the best quality of the brass pipe. Brass has no internal friction, drag, or rusting since it is a hard, non-corrosive substance.

Due to their ease of threading, brass plumbing pipes are ideal for hot-water distribution systems and large-scale installations such as pump fittings, water tanks, and wells. One of the strongest plumbing materials is known to be a brass pipe.

Advantages of Brass pipes

• They are long-lasting because they don’t crack or burst easily.
• They are corrosion-resistant.
• Brass pipes can withstand high temperatures without deforming.
• They are versatile.

Cons

• Brass pipes are heavy and hence difficult to transport.

Cast Iron Pipes

Source: Pinterest

These strong, corrosive-resistant pipes are mostly employed for sewage and rainwater distribution systems, underground or soil installations, and underground or soil installations.

They are a great option for most builders because of how durable they are—if properly maintained, they can endure up to 100 years or more.

Cast iron pipes have inherent soundproofing properties and are fire-resistant while being fairly expensive and requiring a labor-intensive installation process compared to PVC pipes.

When they are introduced into a bituminous compound, their anti-corrosion and hydraulic characteristics are realized.

Although they are among the heaviest plumbing pipes, commercial buildings, in particular, favor them because of their ability to endure high pressure and manage enormous amounts of liquid.

Advantages of Cast Iron Pipes

• They are easy to set up.
• They are heavy and robust, making them tough and durable.
• Cast iron can survive extremely high temperatures and cannot be affected by chemicals.
• They are corrosion-resistant.

Cons

• Fitting cast iron pipes can be a tiresome process.

UPVC Pipes

Source: google

Rigid PVC is another name for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as UPVC. Most of the time, UPVC pipes and fittings are used in plumbing systems dealing with cold water. They are light and simple to maneuver in any environment.

They offer exceptional mechanical performance in addition to long-term durability, resistance to UV rays and chemicals, and abrasion resistance. The jointing method that is used most frequently for UPVc pressure pipes is known as solvent cement.

Advantages of UPVC Pipes

The use of UPVC pipes is widespread in the plumbing industry. This is because they offer a wide array of benefits to their users. They are as follows:

• The electrical protection provided by UPVC pipes is superior, making them an ideal material for use in protective sleeves for wires and links.
• Pipes made of UPVC have a service life of anywhere from 30 to 50 years long and are resistant to the effects of maturation.

• Because of its great corrosion resistance, superior physical and mechanical properties, and overall suitability for use in the substance business, this material is in high demand.
• Because of their low weight, UPVC pipes are extremely convenient to carry from one location to another.

Cons

• The usage of UPVC pipes are restricted because they cannot withstand the high temperatures that are common in certain situations.

People always get confused when trying to differentiate between PVC and UPVC pipes. The table below shows the distinguishing factors.

HDPE Pipes

Source: Pinterest

A high-density polyethylene pipe, more commonly abbreviated as an HDPE pipe, is a flexible plastic pipe used to transport fluids and gases. They successfully replaced the main pipelines, which were composed of steel and concrete.

It is suitable for high-pressure pipes due to its strong molecular bond and high impermeability level. This material, which is created from the thermoplastic HDPE compound, is produced.

Typically, heat welding is used to join these pipes together. On the other hand, compression jointing is also utilized every so often.

Advantages of HDPE Pipes

Pipes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are used extensively in the plumbing sector. This is because they offer a variety of advantages. Some include;

• Since HDPE pipes have the correct bending radius, installing polyethylene pipes is easier and requires fewer fittings than other pipe types.
• Both basic and acidic chemical conditions do not threaten the durability of HDPE pipes and fittings.
• Because HDPE pipes are resistant to corrosion, they are an excellent choice for transporting fluids that contain insoluble particles.
• Because they are so rigid, they are resistant to the damage caused by rodents.
• Pipes and ducts made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) have smooth interior and exterior surfaces, which lowers the barrier to fluid movement caused by friction. In addition, solid particles can flow effortlessly with the fluids in the pipes.
• Because of its low weight, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is easy to carry, install, and work with. In addition, HDPE pipes can be relocated without the need for cumbersome mechanical assistance.
• Pipes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which have high dielectric strength, are frequently used as electrical conduits. In addition, transmitting any stray electrical currents from outside is impossible.

Cons

• HDPE pipes are combustible.

PEX Pipes

Source: YD Valves

PEX pipes are a sort of flexible plastic utilized in the plumbing industry. These pipes are sometimes referred to as cross-linked polythene.

PEX pipes are gradually becoming more common in the water supply industry and are beginning to take the place of the more conventional steel and copper pipes.

The finest feature of PEX pipes is that they are simple to set up and do not require the assistance of a licensed plumber. Watch this video to ensure you do the installation professionally to avoid future leakages.

Types of PEX Pipes

Source: YD Valves

On the market nowadays, you may choose from various PEX pipes. The diverse PEX pipe manufacturers and the techniques they use to make the pipes are the primary factors that set them apart.

These distinctions will assist you in selecting the type of PEX tubing most suitable to meet your requirements.

After all, not everyone has the same requirements for their plumbing, and the infrastructures that deliver water are not all constructed the same way.

Let’s look at the various PEX pipes that can be purchased at any home improvement or hardware store in your area.

PEX-A

Source: YD Valves

This sort of PEX pipe is the most flexible you’ll find on the market and is produced utilizing peroxide. All household plumbing systems can use it, even those that handle extremely chilly water.

This PEX pipe is perfect for you because it won’t crack easily. Although you will have to spend a little additional money on it because PEX-A pipe is pretty pricey, it is definitely worth the investment.

PEX-B

Source: YD Valves

This particular PEX pipe is created utilizing the moisture-cure technique. It is a little stiffer than PEX-A and frequently returns to its original coiled configuration, a unique quality known as coil memory.

This does not, however, imply that installing this PEX pipe is challenging. In reality, it is the PEX tubing that is most in demand for domestic plumbing applications.

Like PEX-A, this PEX pipe swells when it freezes, preventing pipe cracking. The excellent chlorine resistance of PEX-B makes it perfect for places with heavily chlorinated water. This PEX pipe is more affordable than PEX-A, making it simpler to buy.

PEX-C

Source: YD Valves

This type of PEX pipe is created utilizing an irradiation process. Since it is the stiffest PEX pipe, working with it is the most challenging.

Due to its stiffness, it is more likely to crack when freezing. Your preferred PEX pipe for quick repairs to your plumbing system is probably PEX-C.

You might also want to consider using it if there are no bends or sharp corners in the PEX pipe fittings. You may get this sort of PEX pipe for reasonably cheap costs, depending on the brand and diameter of the pipe.

Advantages of PEX Pipes

• PEX pipes, in contrast to copper and galvanized steel pipes, do not need to be installed by a trained professional. Instead, following the manufacturer’s installation instructions, you may easily install PEX pipes.
• PEX pipes are perfect for use in any water supply system because of their expansion, even those connected to water that can freeze.
• PEX can be connected to metal supply lines that are already in place if the appropriate fitting is used.
• The supply lines for hot and cold water are easily distinguished from one another thanks to the blue and red PEX pipes used in constructing the pipes.
• A PEX pipe does not corrode, unlike copper and steel pipes, making it an excellent choice for long-term plumbing needs. Hence pipes made of PEX are superior to those made of copper and steel.
• The water flow through PEX pipes is completely silent, meaning that the water hammer typically associated with metal pipes is eliminated.

Cons

• PEX pipes are susceptible to rapid deterioration when exposed to the sun’s UV radiation, making them unsuitable material for use in outdoor applications.
• PEX cannot be reused; therefore, choosing this material is not the most environmentally responsible.
• The assembly of PEX pipes needs specific equipment, which can’t be skipped through under any circumstances.

Factors to Consider Prior Picking a Plumbing Pipe

The following considerations can successfully direct you in making the best choice of plumbing pipes for the construction of your building, regardless of whether you are a construction engineer, a homeowner, or a novice who has no prior experience in plumbing.

Water Pressure Resistance

There is a requirement for a pipe that can sustain high water pressure if you plan on constructing a building. This requirement applies specifically to the plumbing system.

The pipe ought to be broad, with a smooth inside to facilitate the passage of water, and sturdy enough to endure for an extended period.

Plastic, copper, and brass are the three varieties of pipes that are the most resistant to the force of water pressure, and they are the types of pipes you can choose from.

They have protected against rust thanks to the characteristics indicated above, in particular, the smoothness of the inside of the containers.

Purpose of Usage

It’s important to consider a pipe’s primary function. While some pipelines are designed to carry potable water, others are designed to carry drainage, sewage, or garbage. They have various functions since they are composed of various materials and have various sizes and thicknesses.

Type of Water and Corrosion Level

Although it’s one of the most crucial factors, most people scarcely consider it when selecting a plumbing pipe. The type of water you use for your plumbing significantly impacts how long the pipe will last. Is the water softer or harder? Does it corrode? These are some of the issues to think about.

If your water is corrosive, it will gradually deteriorate your pipe within a relatively short time after installation since it will destroy whatever material it touches.

It can be harmful to your health and perhaps dangerous to your pipe to use a metal or copper pipe for corrosive water. You must therefore pay close attention to this.

Amount of Sunshine Exposure

The sun’s UV radiation can harm your pipe much like it might harm a person’s skin. As a result, you must choose pipes with insulating qualities to resist high temperatures for an extended period.

Avoid using PVC or plastic pipes if the pipes will be exposed because the majority of them cannot sustain high temperatures.

But overall, try to have your pipes built so they won’t be exposed to direct sunlight, potentially weakening them over time and ruining their surface quality.

The Kind of Soil

Plumbing pipes can harm the land around them since they are comprised of various materials. Particularly when applied to underground projects, this is true.

The durability of some pipes can be impacted by the soil’s chemical composition, moisture content, and mineral content, which can reduce their quality and accelerate their deterioration.

YD Valves: The Number One Plumbing Pipes Manufacturer

YD Valves manufacturers are giants in plumbing valves and fittings. If you have a plumbing project, a plumbing business that needs stock, or just pipes for home renovation, YD Valves will meet all your needs.

One of the major reasons you should source your pipes from us is that we will offer shipping services, unlike other manufacturers who want you to pick up your order from their factory. Apart from Pipes, they offer quality plumbing products, including;

• Angle Valves.
• Bathroom Accessories.
• Faucets and parts
• Brass Ball Valves.
• Brass Bibcocks.
• Mini Ball Valves.
• Brass Fittings.
• Towel Radiators.
• Shower Heads.

Conclusions

Getting the right plumbing pipes for your business and personal use will be a plus. Quality pipes will help you avoid leakages that could cause more damage to your properties.

On the other hand, identifying a reputable pipe manufacturer is essential, which is why we recommend YD Valves. If you have any inquiries, kindly contact us.