Types of General Plumbing Pipes

General plumbing pipes are put into two major categories, which are metal and plastic pipes. Not all plumbing pipes are as effective or useful as others are. Each plumbing pipe is used in plumbing for a precise purpose.

Metal general plumbing pipes

The three main types of metal plumbing pipes include:

• Stainless steel—this is one that is not as commonly used as the other two metal pipes. The reasons are that this type of pipe is hard to find and is more expensive. It is used primarily in marine environments. This is because it can endure salt water, which normally erode most metal pipes.
• Copper—this is the one commonly used in residential plumbing although it is more expensive than plastic plumbing pipes. It can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to corrosion. They come in three sizes of thickness, which include:
1. M—thin walls
2. L—medium thick walls
3. K—thick walls
• Galvanized—this type of general plumbing pipes have been used in residential structures for years. It is mainly used to carry water in and out of the home. The coating on the pipe helps to prevent rusting and gives the pipe a dull gray look. The use of this type of piping is going away as it is being replaced by PEX pipe, which is just as durable but less expensive. The size of galvanize plumbing pipes generally come between one-half inch and two inches in diameter.

Plastic general plumbing pipes

• PVC pipe (polyvinyl chloride)—this pipe used primarily to transport cold water that is high-pressured. Hot water can cause it to warp. You can find it in many standard sizes, which range from one-half inch to four inches in diameter. Most PVC plumbing pipe is white but some varieties come in gray.
• CPVC pipe (chlorinated polyvinyl chlorine)—this is a variation of PVC plumbing pipe, which has received extra chlorination. This type of pipe is found in a yellow color that is very distinctive and can handle both cold and hot water. It has considerably thinner walls that is more flexible. It has the same diameter outside as the copper plumbing pipes. This increases its different uses.
• PEX pipe—this type of plumbing pipe is also referred to as cross-linked polyethylene pipe. First made in the 1920’s it has just started to become more popular. This general plumbing pipe can be used with cold and hot water and has the same diameter outside as the copper pipe. It does have a much higher resistance to heat than most other pipes used in plumbing. Generally it is a white creamy color but to denote cold water it may be blue in color. Hot water is red in color.