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As homeowners, we often don’t think about our pipes until they’re broken. It is very important for homeowners to be aware of what pipes you have in your home so you’re aware of the pros and cons of each pipe type. Here’s a brief overview of popular plumbing pipes found in your residential, commercial and industrial plumbing systems.
Also known as terra cotta pipe. This is still found in older homes in the Pittsburgh area and should be replaced immediately. The clay can be easily penetrated or crushed by roots. It may seem like an expensive endeavor to replace all of this piping in your home, but it will save you time, energy, money and heartache in the long run.
Primarily used before the 1960s, this pipe can be found in older homes, as well as in commercial and industrial settings. Cast iron can resist corrosion and lasts quite a long time.
There are two main kinds, ABS and PVC. ABS is a black pipe used for waste removal, venting, and drain lines. It can connect to metal pipes fairly easily and is found, most commonly, in bathrooms and mobile homes. PVC is the most common pipe for drain and vent in residential settings. It’s easy to fix, inexpensive to install and requires solvent cement welds.
PEX pipe is the newest, easiest, and most flexible pipe. It is three times more expensive than PVC, however. It’s reliable, easy to work with, and a low-cost alternative to copper. This pipe has been incredibly popular in Europe since the 1960s, but it did not make an appearance in the United States until the 1980s.
Copper pipe is generally the preferred pipe of plumbers. However, it can be very pricey and so many customers opt for a functional PVC system instead. Type M is the thinnest, strongest copper and is used in residential applications. Type L and Type K are thicker than M and are used for outdoor applications and drain lines. Pipes are joined using soldering or compression fittings.
The list above illustrates a mere fraction of plumbing pipe and applications, but they are the most commonly used. It’s helpful to know what type of pipe you have in your home when calling a plumbing professional. A licensed plumber should have experience with all types of pipe and joining methods. If you have any questions about the pipes in your home, give us a call or fill out our contact form!
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