5 Main Types of Indoor Plumbing Pipes
Whether you are hiring a plumber or taking a DIY plumbing project, the experience can be confusing due to the choice of several types of plumbing fixtures. Finally, the use of pipes often comes together. Which pipe is suitable for water supply, drainage, sewage, and even outside? The answer is not as clear-cut as it would have been in the past when large pipes were preferred either steel or steel.
PEX pipe
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, pipe is one of the newest and most well-known pipes to hit the pipe market. PEX is used for water supply only. PEX is a pipe strong enough to withstand the pressure of water supply but flexible enough to be woven into all walls, ceilings, basements, and crawling areas. PEX has made plumbing easier for self-employed and professional plumbers.
PVC pipe
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, pipe is a type of drain hose or air duct pipe. PVC became popular because it was lighter and easier to work with than steel pipe. PVC pipe is moderately easy to install and requires a little more hacksaw and miter box to cut. PVC mixes with solvents.
Solid Copper Pipe
Solid copper is often used for home water supply cables. Solid copper is easily cut with a hacksaw or a special copper tube cutter. Solid copper pipe is ideal for a water supply because it does not pose any health risks.
ABS Pipeline
The ABS pipe (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is widely used as a ventilator and drain line. The ABS pipe is very similar to a PVC pipe, except that it is darker and slightly softer. Be sure to check with your local code to determine where you can use this product.
Flexible Type Connection
A flexible connection, also called Flexi’s for short, is used for end-to-end communication with electronic devices. Such as water heaters, toilets, sinks, etc. They are used in domestic electricity and water and come in many lengths and sizes. BUT local codes must be followed. They are not allowed inside walls or floors.
Metal Lighted Pipe
Two additional types of pipes are sometimes found in older homes and are rarely installed, especially DIYers: steel and steel pipe.
Steel pipes have been used for decades to draw water, water supply, gas supply, and any other purposes. Although the steel pipe is still in place (especially for gas supply) very little is used and has never been used to supply water for new construction or remodeling projects. The end of each pipe is wired, and the individual pipes are connected to each other by connecting connectors.
A sharp metal pipe was often used for sewage and other drainage purposes. Cast iron pipe is still found in many homes. The cast iron pipe works until it is completely rusty. Cast iron is very hard and difficult to cut. Retrofits are often replaced by steel pipe fitted with strong plastic pipes such as ABS.
