Plumbing pipe types

What are the different types of plumbing pipes? How to recognize different types of pipes? Which is better for plumbing, copper or PEX? PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, pipe is a drain or vent line type of plumbing pipe.

PVC initially gained popularity because it was lighter and easier to work with than traditional galvanized steel pipe. PVC pipe is moderately easy to install and requires little more than a hacksaw and a miter box to cut. PVC glues together with solvents.

There are two common types of copper pipe: Rigid copper , which comes in three thicknesses. Type M is the thinnest but is strong enough for most homes. Flexible copper , which is often used for dishwashers, refrigerator icemakers, and other appliances that need a water supply. Stainless steel can look very neat, but it is very expensive. Pex piping is a flexible plastic piping.

Photo Cedarcityrecycling. Copper pipes are probably the most traditional. Related: Plumbing Tools. Types of Water Pipes Used in Plumbing.

Below is an extensive list of all the different types of pipes by material. Most images are courtesy of Homedepot. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) ABS is resistant to corrosive chemicals and has a low melting temperature. Copper, stainless steel and galvanized steel are all types of metal plumbing pipe. Not all pipes are as useful or effective as others, and each type is used for a specific purpose in plumbing.

Heavy gauge pipes are used where pressure is very high, like as the leading pipe from distribution main, for large flows etc. Galvanized Iron Pipe (G.I). I pipes are made of mild steel sheet. Its length-wise joint is Welded Seam Type.

They are available in meters ( feet) length. Best for Longevity: Copper. However, copper mining and manufacturing are so environmentally damaging that despite its longevity and recyclability, copper plumbing pipe is nowhere close to a green product. Type L copper pipe is recommended where you need strength and protection. But for normal “in the wall” household plumbing, Type M copper pipe is just fine.

You may be surprised to find two types of copper pipe on the home center shelf, Type L and Type M. Non-return valves only allow the liquid to flow in one direction and are often found in drains. They’re also called check valves. Isolation valves sequester a part of the plumbing system so that the system can be serviced or maintained. These valves are either left open or left closed all the time.

The thinnest, type M, is suitable for indoor water and gas applications. Thicker type L and thickest type K are used for gas service lines. Elbows are used to change the direction of flow between two pipes. Reducer is a pipe fitting component which reduces.

Tee type fitting is a component of plumbing system which is in. Polyvinyl chloride, commonly called PVC, can be found in homes. Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) or rigid pipes for use with cold water Plasticized PVC pipes which are plasticized with addition of rubber.