Most Common plumbing Pipes

Types of Pipes

What is a pipe ?

The definition of a pipe is tubular section or hollow cylinder usually. But it is not must. This is commonly used for conveying substances which can flow.(Ex : liquids , Gases , Powders , Masses of small solids)

1.PVC (Poly vinyl chloride) Pipes

PVC (Poly vinyl chloride) is made using ethylene and chlorine as the raw materials. It is called as "polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)".

PVC is plastic and it is durable and long lasting material. For the water proofing and weather resisting purposes PVC is used. Mainly PVC pipes used for plumbing and drainage. With the time it has became the common replacement for metal pipes.

There are two jointing methods for PCV pipes as mechanical jointing and chemical jointing. In mechanical jointing rubber ring is used as the seal. In chemical jointing solvent cement is applied.

Advantages of PVC pipes in piping

• Chemical resistance and Corrosion resistance
• Reduced blockages and failure in pipelines
• Quick and easy installation
• Leak free joints
• Long service life
• Economical in cost

2.PEX (Cross Linked Polyethylene) Pipes

PEX is made by High density polyethylene (HDPE).HDPE have been cross linked for improving temperature and chemical performance .It provide flexibility and additional strength for PEX and suitable for portable and non-portable plumbing applications.

Advantages of PEX pipes in piping

• Durability
• Less number of joints
• Ability to expand when frozen

3.Copper Pipes

This is made by copper and commonly used for water supply lines and refrigerant lines in the HAVC for heating cooling and air conditioning. Copper pipes are manufactured as soft or rigid copper. Copper pipes has excellent corrosion resistant property and it is reliable in connections. Due to this anti-corrosive property, copper pipes are mostly used in AC systems because in the cooling process air contact with pipes and it will effect to oxidation.

Advantages of copper pipes in piping

• High Durability
• Copper pipes does no contaminate water
• Lightweight 
• Less harmful for the environment
• Fire resistance

4.Galvanized Steel Pipes

For manufacturing galvanized steel pipes carbon steel is galvanized or applied thick zinc layer. That zinc layer play the role of a barrier for water and oxygen. So it will cause to corrosion resistance of this type pipes. Galvanized steel pipes has life span from 40 years to 100 years(Stainless steel pipes have durability more than galvanized steel pipes). But this may reduced when the pipes are underground or underwater.

Advantages of galvanized steel pipes in piping

• Lowest first cost
• Less maintenance
• Long life span
• Reliability
• Automatic protection for damaged areas

5.ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Pipes

ABS pipes are not flexible.it is stronger and more shock resistant. Due to this shock resistance property commonly ABS pipes used to outdoor underground plumbing.

There are two types of ABS pipes as solid-wall and cellular-core. ABS are stronger than PVC. But Relatively it has low durability.

Advantages of ABS pipes in piping

• Usability in low temperatures
• Strong
• Excellent shock resistant

There are some disadvantages of ABS pipes as flammable , useless for high temperatures.

6.CPVC (Chlorinated Poly vinyl chloride)Pipes 

CPVC manufactured by polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer and it is a polymer and plastic. This is a high temperature plastic pressure piping system used for portable plumbing. And also it has been used for fire sprinkler systems.  Commonly this is used for portable water distribution plumbing systems.

Advantages of CPVC pipes in piping

• Chemical resistance
• Durability