Guide on How to Choose the Right Plumbing Pipe

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel can look very neat, but it is very expensive. Stainless steel pipe is used in areas subject to corrosion and near coastal areas. This type of pipe is available in both flexible and rigid and will need some special couplings to be attached to other types of pipes. Do not confuse stainless steel pipes with galvanized pipes. It is available in various sizes and lengths.

PEX

Pex piping is a flexible plastic piping that has become a popular selection in residential and small business applications. Although slightly higher initial cost, its minimal maintenance, and fast installation process make it the best pipe for water distribution inside a building. PEX piping provides a leak-free product offering advantages over copper piping. One of the most important drawbacks is that it cannot be used in outdoor applications because UV rays can damage its outdoor plastic layer.

Copper pipes are probably the most traditional plumbing pipe used due to their extensive duration and reliability. They provide superior corrosion resistance, great material to be used for hot and cold water, and it can be managed easily. However, the most important factor to consider before using copper piping is that it needs to be soldered together and it might require additional fittings. Not everyone is good at soldering copper pipes, so talk to a plumber.

PVC

PVC plumbing pipes are used for cold and hot potable water as well as sewage applications. PVC pipes vary in their thickness and configuration depending on the application where it will be used. For example, pressure water pipes, are not the same as sewer pipes, and not the same as the ones used in storm drainage systems. Plastic plumbing products designed for potable water applications are usually designated with either “NSF-PW” or “NSF-61” to indicate that the product complies with the health effects requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 6.

Galvanized

Galvanized piping was used several years ago as the standard for residential projects. However, with time it is used less frequently because rust can build up inside small diameter pipes. If the pipe is old enough, then you can see water coming from the faucet with rust traces as the scale can break loose from the inside of the pipe. Galvanized pipes can be used to transport grey water or non-potable water.

Brass

Brass plumbing pipes provide great rust resistance piping if it’s made of 67% to 85% copper. The best brass pipe grade is obtained when the alloy contains 85% copper and is called red brass pipe. Brass piping provides a long-lasting material that does not rust in the interior, and it does not cause friction losses inside the pipe. Brass plumbing pipes are easier to thread than steel pipes and excellent for hot-water and large distribution systems, such as pump fittings, water tanks, and wells. Brass pipe normally tends to last longer than any other plumbing material. Brass pipe generally comes in 12-foot straight lengths.

Cast Iron Piping

Cast iron plumbing pipes are normally manufactured as bell-and-spigot type. It can also be found with threaded joints but are more expensive than the bell and spigot one. These pipes are heavier than any other pipes, normally used for water distribution systems, or underground installation as the main pipe on drainage or sewer systems. The smallest size that normally is manufactured is 4” pipe, large enough to be used on residential applications. Cast iron pipe is heavy and must be supported while you assemble a joint.