Wouldn’t it be a dream come true if you turn on your kitchen faucet and you see clean, clear water flow out effortlessly? Have you ever thought on how is that even possible? Well, thanks to pipe system that works tirelessly to deliver water to your home. There are types of pipes and choosing the right type is crucial for builders, engineers and even homeowners. However, as we all know that pipes are responsible to transfer water from one place to another. This is why it is important to choose the best fit impacts efficiency, durability and cost as well. Do you want to know more? Then make sure to follow this post till the end.
A Comprehensive Guide to Types of Pipes
When you invest into best piping solution, you ensure the safety and convenience for your family. While, a correct pipe will be able to offer reliable water flow, minimize future repairs and even increase the life of plumbing system. Here is a guide that can help you to choose the correct pipe type for your purpose.
1.PVC pipes (Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes)
These pipes are one of the most popular choice for water supply system. These pipes are high in demand as they offer durability and affordability. So, the first types of water pipes on our list is PVC pipes. These pipes are actually lightweight, corrosion resistant and easy to install. PVC pipes are great option for both residential and commercial uses. Not only this, but these pipes are capable of handling high water pressure as well. One of the concerned point is that they are not suitable for hot water transportation as they can warp or deform at high temperature. They are highly used for cold water system, irrigation projects and drainage.
2.CPVC pipes (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes)
Are you looking out for something that can solve the problem of hot water system? Then there are different types of pipes and one such pipe is CPVC pipes. You can consider CPVC pipes are an upgraded version of PVC pipes as they are designed to handle both hot and cold water. these pipes can withstand higher temperature without even losing their shape or strength. This makes them perfect option for domestic hot water supply system. Not only this, but they are also resistant to corrosion and expensive at the same time. These pipes are highly demanded for homes and buildings that requires hot water systems.
3.PEX pipes (Cross-Linked Polyethylene pipes)
The next types of plumbing pipes we have is PEX pipes. One of the unique qualities of these pipes is they are flexible and can bent easily. This is why it is easy to install them and they are even cost effective. PEX pipes are suitable for both hot and cold-water system. However, they offer high resistant to freezing and bursting during cold weather. One of the points to note is that they are UV resistant and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long period. these pipes are commonly used for water supply systems especially in cold weather.
4.Galvanized steel pipes
In olden times, galvanized steel pipes are the next types of water pipes which were a common choice for water supply systems. However, these pipes are coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion which makes them last longer. Over the time, the zin coating can wear off which can rust buildup inside the pipe. These pipes are actually heavy and labor intensive to install which made them less attractive then other pipes. These pipes are best to be used for older buildings or where the water pressure is high.
5.Copper pipes
The next on our list of different types of pipes is copper pipes as they offer longevity and reliability. These pipes are corrosion resistant, heat tolerant and can endure high water pressure. Not only this, but these pipes have natural antimicrobial properties which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria inside the pipe. However, they are expensive as compared to other pipes and they need professional installation. These pipes are best to use in homes and building requiring long term durability especially for hot water systems.
6.HDPE Pipes (High density polyethylene pipes)
The next on our list is HDPE Pipe as it is highly durable and resistant to impact, chemicals and corrosion. These pipes are lightweight and flexible which allows easy transportation and installation. Not only this, but they are eco-friendly options as they can be recycled after their use. These pipes are mostly used for underground water systems and irrigation.
How to choose the right pipe?
It is important to choose one of the correct pipes for your water supply. However, there are some of the points that you need to consider:
- Purpose: you have to figure out if the pipe is going to transport hot water, cold water or both.
- Durability: make sure to go for the pipes that offers resistant to corrosion and wear.
- Cost: you need to consider the total cost such as material and installation costs.
- Environment: you have to assess the climate conditions such as freezing temperature or direct sunlight.
- Project size: if you want pipes for large scale projects, then go for the pipes that can handle high water pressure.
It is important to choose one of the right types of pipes for your purpose. Each type of pipe offer their unique strength and are suited for different applications. Once you understand your specific needs and follow the above points, you can make an informed decision.
