When it comes to selecting the best pipes for plumbing, you’ve got a lot of options. Every set of lines is great for different purposes but is there a “best overall pipe.”. What are the best pipes for plumbing?
There is no single best pipe, but PEX pipe is quickly becoming the most popular due to its low maintenance. It’s also straightforward to install but isn’t suitable for exterior applications.
Even PEX piping for plumbing isn’t suitable for all applications. As a result, we’ll go through how plumbers use various pipes.
What is PVC Pipe Good For?
PVC pipes are standardly in cold/hot water applications and sewage. Plastic piping is inexpensive and easy to produce. However, it doesn’t lack durability given the varying thicknesses and sizes PVC comes in.
CPVC, known for its higher temperature threshold, is the only type used for residential water needs. That’s because temperature-resistant pipes are less likely to release chemicals.
What is Copper Pipe Good For?
Copper is an old-fashioned plumbing material known for durability. Plumbers still consider it to be heavily solid due to its durability and long-lastingness. Piping from years ago is still known to work today.
Copper is also suitable because it isn’t known to polute water. However, its major drawback comes from the massive expense that comes with copper piping.
Suppose you are looking for piping with a long lifespan, good heat tolerance, and is naturally recycled. In that case, this pipe is a solid option.
What is Stainless Steel Pipe Good For?
Stainless steel applications are suitable for coastal regions. These stainless steel pipes are naturally corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for many piping applications. However, you won’t see them in sewage pipes, given that it would be a waste of money.
Stainless steel pipes are incredibly expensive, often comparable to copper (or more) in pricing. It’s also one of the most beautiful metal forms, as it’s gleaming when adequately cleaned.
Stainless steel pipes are suitable for a combination of rigid or flexible applications. You are most likely going to see them as showerheads or their attachments.
What About Galvanized Pipes?
Galvanized piping was once prevalent several years ago. However, it’s gone out of popularity due to its tendency to rust. Because people don’t want rust in their drinking water, you won’t see it as a water delivery system into taps.
Instead, galvanized piping is typically part of older residential or commercial applications in need of updating. Otherwise, these pipes are perfect for the transportation of greywater, specifically out of septic tanks.
You might also see it used in outdoor gas or sanitary pump discharge. So these pipes are still somewhat popular, just not for drinking from the tap.
Final Thoughts
In plumbing, many pipes are in various applications. There’s no one-size-fits-all application, but there are different pipes for different needs.
Suppose you need any of your pipe types replaced. In that case, your team from Reliable Drain & Plumbing can help you be sure that you understand what’s going into your home.
