What Is Plumbing Pipe And Their Types

Friends, today we will know the most important topic, plumbing pipes. We will see what plumbing is, what plumbing pipes are, why plumbing is necessary, how many types of pipes, how many types of plumbing pipes are, the advantages of pipes, and the disadvantages of pipes. What pipes are made of, and what type of plumbing do I have?

There is no doubt that plumbing is an important part of any home and office building if you want to make it livable and comfortable.

If you ask people who struggle with leaky and moldy walls, you will find that even a poorly fitted or low-quality pipe can cause considerable damage and long-term trouble for homeowners or office goers.

What Is Plumbing Pipe?

A plumbing pipe is a type of pipe that is used for plumbing purposes. These pipes are easy to cut, the flexible type, which helps to create a proper way of plumbing. In plumbing pipes, joints are protected by metal crimp rings or epoxy fittings.

Types of Plumbing Pipe

There are many types of pipes used in plumbing, but there are six plumbing pipe types commonly used in our home. These different types of plumbing pipes are below :

1.  PVC
2.  PEX
3.  Copper
4. ABS pipe
5. Galvanized steel
6. Cast-iron

Also Read: Steps to Building a House

Types of Pipe

Types of pipes are chosen based on aptitude and work, and their prices are considered. There are different types of pipes which we will now study in the area.

• Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (PVC)
• Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pipe (ABS Pipe)
• Copper Pipe
• Cast Iron Pipe
• Galvanized Steel Pipe
• Galvanized Iron Pipe
•  Brass Pipe
• Steel Pipe
• Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
• Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (uPVC)
• Hdpe (High-Density Polyethylene)
• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
• Polypropylene Pipe
• Polyethylene Pipe (Pe)
• Vinyl Pipe
• Lead Pipe
• Asbestos Cement Pipe
• Stoneware Pipe
• Concrete Pipe
• Hose Pipe
• Soil Pipe

Friends, we know so much about the types of pipes, so let’s look at all the pipes.

1. PVC Pipe

The full name of PVC is polyvinyl chloride. It has become a replacement for metal piping, and PVC has become a very popular pipe. PVC has become synonymous with “pipe.” It is widely used in residential plumbing for waste drainage and vent application but is unsuitable for hot water.

2. Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)

PEX is a cross-linked polyethylene pipe made using the extrusion method. This pipe is flexible, durable, cost-effective, and easy to install. This pipe is the most popular and latest pipe to hit the plumbing industry, as well as it is usually used only for water supply.

These plumbing pipes are rigid as required to push the water supply. These pipes have different color coding for hot and cold water, such as blue for cold water and red for hot water. It is cheaper than other types of pipes, and you can even attach it to a copper pipe.

Also Read: What Is Space Frame And Their Types

3. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pipe (ABS Pipe)

ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is a thermoplastic resin; this plastic is used to make ABS pipes. These pipes are very similar to PVC pipes but differ in their black color. ABS is particularly resilient to cold temperatures, making it more widely used in vent and drain lines.

It transmits the sound of flowing water so that it cannot be said to be a “quiet” pipe. In these situations, PVC pipe is a good choice because PVC pipe is more flexible and dampens the sound of running water.

4. Copper Pipe

Copper pipes are generally available in smaller-sized diameters, but in this type, there is no chance of rusting. Copper pipes are not widely used because the cost of this pipe is a little bit higher than the other ones.

This type of pipe is generally used to transport hot water and steam, and the main advantage of this pipe is it does not bend at higher temperatures.

5. Cast Iron Pipe

Cast iron pipe is widely used in the city plumbing system because it has higher resistance properties to corrosion resistance, and it also has a long life, near about 100 years. Cast iron pipes are made of pig iron, and they are available in sizes of 5 to 120 cm in diameter.

It is generally available in 12 feet, but it is also available in 20 feet. To create corrosion resistance, it is coated with bitumen compound, and sometimes lining is also done by cement mortar.

A corrosion joint of cast iron pipe is made of a bell and spigot. Joints are sealed by cement mortar, but this type of joint is not flexible enough. This type of pipe is used in filter plants, pumping stations, etc. A flanged portion is coupled with a gasket, and make sure that it is watertight.

The cost of this type of pipe fittings is cheaper than other ones because the cost of the initial products is moderate and it does not require skilled labor, and it can be joined easily, so the overall price is decreased.

Also Read: What Are Bond Breakers

6. Galvanized Steel Pipe

Galvanized steel pipes are made of steel and are dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. These pipes were installed in houses built before 1960. When it was discovered, this pipe was the lead option for water supply lines. Today, however, we know that exposure to water for decades will cause these pipes to corrode on the inside.

7. Galvanized Iron Pipe

Galvanized iron pipe is another type of well-known plumbing pipe, which is made of mild steel and the joint type of welded seam joint. Galvanized iron pipes are available in 6 inches (15 cm) to 0.5 inches (12 mm) in diameter & 20 feet in length.

The wall thickness of this pipe varies according to its diameter, and after producing this pipe, it is immersed in a zinc solution to make corrosion-protective material; the process is known as “Galvanizing.”

The average lifespan of these pipes is 5 to 10 years, and cutting, threading & joining operation is easily done in this pipe. These types of pipes are very lightweight, but they are weaker in acidic or alkaline attacks.

8. Brass Pipe

Brass pipe is alloyed with 85% copper and 15% zinc. These pipes thus have the same characteristics as copper pipes but can be used in sewer pipes under pressure.

9. Steel Pipe

Steel pipes are generally used to transport liquid, gases, oil, etc., from one place to another. Steel pipes are generally made from steel sheets, and these are widely used everywhere. In this type of pipe, small joints are joined by weld connection, and larger joints are done by riveted or welded connection.

After production, those pipes are dipped into zinc solution to create rust prevention, and this system is called “Galvanization.” The average lifespan of steel pipes is 25 to 50 years. Steel pipes are very lightweight, and these pipes are easily joined with a welded connection. Repair of this pipe is very much difficult, and alkaline water & acidic water are the cause of rust, but this can be easily bent according to work.

10. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes are stronger and more durable than PVC pipes, but they are mostly used in plumbing applications in places like factories because they are more expensive. Where the risk of chemicals and heat is high.

11. Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (uPVC)

UPVC pipes are made of Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride. This material is very low maintenance and low cost. It is used to distribute drinking water in buildings or water transfer in bathrooms, kitchens, sinks, laboratories, etc. Supply through tubewell and overhead tanks in complexes, houses, offices, hotels, hospitals, and public places; These pipes are used for transporting saltwater in industries or as a production line in industries like sugar, paper, etc.

12. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a plastic resin made by copolymerizing ethylene and mixing small amounts of other hydrocarbons. HDPE pipe is a flexible plastic pipe made from thermoplastic high-density polyethylene and is mainly used for low-temperature liquid and gas transfer.

Nowadays, people use these pipes to carry potable water, hazardous waste, various gases, slurry, firewater, rainwater, etc. Due to its low weight and high corrosion resistance, the industry of these pipes has gained a lot of momentum.

13. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pipe is UV and acid-resistant. These pipes are lightweight and low-cost. It is used for liquid feeds, chemical transfer, food and beverage processing, potable water system, sewer, pool, spa supply lines, etc.

14. Polypropylene Pipe

Polypropylene pipe is also one of the best chemical-resistant and lightweight piping materials for many organic solvents. Used primarily for HVAC applications. These pipes are less expensive than copper pipes, which are stronger and more durable.

These pipes are used for chemical drainage systems, industrial processes, highly purified water, hot or cold water distribution, and gravity sewer systems.

Also Read: What Are Bond Breakers

15. Polyethylene Pipe (PE)

Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic produced from the polymerization of ethylene from which these pipes are made. Space such as waste disposal and drainage lines can be used.

16 . Vinyl Pipe

Vinyl pipe is a reliable and durable pipe. These pipes play an important role in water delivery and sprinkler systems to sewer transport and sewer-waste vents. However,r it is rarely seen.

17. Lead Pipe

Lead pipe is made of lead. So it is called a  lead pipe. It is used to distribute potable water to connect the water main to the user’s space. Lead is harmful to public health. But there is still controversy.

18. Asbestos Cement Pipe

Asbestos cement pipes are generally made of asbestos, cement, silica, etc., and after that, it is gone through a high-pressure environment. Here, asbestos fibers are mixed with cement, and it acts as reinforcement cement. These are available in the market in sizes 4 inches to 36 inches and 13 feet in length. It can withstand the pressure of 200 psi.

For joining purposes, asbestos cement pipe uses a special type of coupling, which are pipe sleeves and two rubber rings. Asbestos cement pipes are lightweight, and it does not require so much skilled labor. These pipes are easily damaged by excavating tools and gasoline. It can carry water under low pressure, and it does not show too much strength in bending.

Also Read: What Is a Concrete Cistern Tank?

19. Stoneware Pipe

Stoneware pipes are ceramic pipes. Used for underground sewers. These pipes are also used to remove waste from toilets, bathrooms, and kitchens. These pipes are usually used on the outside of the building.

20. Concrete Pipe

Concrete pipes are pre-cast pipes that have a diameter of 72 inches. Generally, all precast pipes are reinforced, but those pipes have a diameter of fewer than 24 inches. Pre-cast concrete pipes are thinner than cast in-situ pipes because they are manufactured in a controlled environment.

The production rate of these pipes is 40 to 120 feet/hr, and the average lifespan is 35 to 50 years. Concrete pipes are mainly used to transport wastewater, but there are higher chances of sulfide corrosion.

Plain concrete pipes are used for low-pressure materials, and reinforced cement concrete pipes are used for high-pressure material transportation. The maintenance cost of this type of pipe is also very low, but the pipes are too heavy & which affects transportation.

21. Hose Pipe

Hose pipe is a flexible tube or pipe used primarily to carry water through rigid pipe connections. In most parts of the Northeastern USA, it is also called a garden hose, meaning only used for gardening, although it is rarely used for this purpose.

22. Soil Pipe

Soil pipes are used for the disposal of wastewater. This type of pipe carries water and solids in the gutter. These pipes are also called soil vent pipes. These pipes are specially designed to carry dirty water from the toilet, urinal, or bidet (blackwater) to the sewer.

Uses of Pipe

Here are the following points for the uses of pipe.

1. Used for residential plumbing.
2. For drinking water connection
3. For waste drainage and vent application
4. Useful for irrigation.
5. To transport gas or liquids over long distances
6. For compressed air systems
7. For concrete peeling used in construction projects
8. For high-temperature or high-pressure production processes
9. It is used in petroleum industries for oil well coating and oil refining equipment.
10. It is used to deliver liquids or gases in the process plant from one end of the process to the other.
11. Useful in delivering bulk solids, food, or transport from one point of processing to another in the processing plant.

Also Read: Driven Pile Foundation

Advantages of Pipe

Here, the pros of pipe are as follows.

1. The main advantage of pipes is that you can easily carry any solid, liquid, or gas from one place to another.
2. This greatly reduces your physical activity.
3. Mental stress is reduced.
4. Hygiene is maintained.
5. Harm to the environment can be prevented.
6. It maintains public health.

Disadvantages of Pipe

Here, the cons of pipe are as follows.

1. There are many problems to be faced if it is not maintained properly.
2. Moisture can build up in the walls if it leaks.
3. It can cause pests in the house.
4. If a gas pipe leaks, the gas spreads into the air which can be very dangerous for humans and animals.
5. If there is a problem with a pipe fitting inside the wall, the wall may need to be broken.

---

Like this post? Share it with your friends!

Suggested Read –

• Driven Pile Foundation
• What Are Bond Breakers
• What Is a Concrete Cistern Tank?
• Difference Between Beam and Column
• What Is Space Frame And Their Types

---