Different types of pipe

Introduction

Pipes are important to your plumbing system, but they can be confusing. We're here to clear up the mystery behind copper, PVC, CPVC and PEX pipe so that you know exactly what's going on when it comes to pipes in your home or business.

Copper

You've heard of copper as a conductor of heat and electricity. But did you know that it's also an excellent material for piping? Copper pipes are used in hot and cold water supply systems.

Copper is expensive, but it lasts longer than other metals such as aluminum or steel—and can withstand high temperatures without cracking or corroding. It's used for plumbing (including kitchen sinks), electrical wiring, heating systems and industrial applications like steam condensers used on power plants' boilers to remove impurities from the steam before use in generating electricity.

PVC

PVC is the best choice for drain lines, but it can be brittle.

PVC is also not recommended for use in areas with high heat or cold, or where it will be exposed to direct sunlight.

It has a low resistance to corrosion and is not a good choice for hot water lines. PVC can also be vulnerable to stress cracking when exposed to freezing temperatures.

CPVC

You probably know CPVC as the plastic pipe that you use to connect water to your sink, tub, and shower. It's a great alternative to copper in certain applications because it has better flexibility, but it's not quite as strong as copper.

CPVC can also be used for hot water lines and cooling towers (like those found at power plants).

PEX

PEX is a flexible plastic pipe that can be used for hot and cold water. It’s also known as cross-linked polyethylene, and it’s used in radiant heating systems.

PEX is ideal for radiant cooling systems because it has the same resistance to heat loss as copper does, but it’s more flexible than copper so you don't have to worry about cracking the pipe like you would if you were using rigid metal pipes.

Galvanized

You’ve probably seen galvanized pipes used in older homes. They're coated with a layer of zinc, which makes them resistant to rust and corrosion.

Galvanized pipes are used for water supply, drainage and sewerage applications because they're durable. Galvanized steel does not corrode as easily as other types of steel (which means you can use it longer without having to worry about leaks). It also keeps its shape better than other materials like copper or stainless steel when exposed to heat or cold temperatures.

However...

Pipes are important to your plumbing system.

Pipes are a key part of your plumbing system. They can be used to transport water, waste and gas throughout your home. There are many different types of pipes that you can use for different applications, so be sure you choose the best one for your specific job.

Pipe materials include copper, PVC, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), PEX (polyethylene)and galvanized steel. Some pipes even come with special features like anti-leakage valves that prevent water from leaking out when the pipe is pressurized with air pressure or steam during installation.

Conclusion

So, what do you think? We hope that we've helped you understand some of the differences between these pipes and which one is right for your home. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thanks!