Common Plumbing Pipes in Homes

Introduction to Pipes

Plumbing pipes are construction materials that help supply water and natural gas to residential areas. Pipes also carry off waste materials from these homes to sewerage systems. These pipelines also serve as water channels to drainage and irrigation systems on your lawn or outside your home. Having several types of piping materials sold in the market today, most people get confused in choosing which plumbing pipe is best for their needs.

This review will introduce you to pipe systems and provides basic knowledge of three common types of plumbing pipes for home use. You will gain a good understanding on piping materials in general and determine the right type for your next project.

The Preparation

The United States government mandates each homeowner to consult building codes and ordinances in their local areas before performing a piping project. There are U.S. states that strictly require professional services for pipe projects. There are also local governments that specify and regulate specific piping systems and materials. Make sure you comply with the requirements of the local building inspection department.

The Plumbing Pipes Main Functions

Determine the type of plumbing pipe you need according to its function. Functions such as water supply, gas supply, or waste outlet would need different types of piping material.

The water supply lines typically carry water and other liquids to fixtures like faucets and showers from a source. The DWV or the drain-waste-vent piping on the other hand carries the waste materials like gas and water away from residential areas. The gas supply piping is used to channel gas to appliances and gas ovens from a source.

Choosing Piping Materials

It would be time to choose the right piping material after you have definitely ascertained your piping need. Basically, plumbing pipes are made of metal or plastic and each type serves a specific purpose.

The Water Supply Lines

Water supply lines in homes are made of several combinations of piping materials. Each type has its own purpose.

1. CPVC is short for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe. This material is mainly used for hot and cold water fixtures. Plumbers often prefer this pipe over copper for interior applications since it is cheaper than copper. .

2. PEX is cross-linked polyethylene piping. This type is also used for hot and cold water in homes. Since it is flexible it can easily evade obstructions even without an elbow.

3. PVC is short for polyvinyl chloride piping. This is mainly used for cold water piping only. It is commonly used for lawn irrigation systems in home exteriors.

4. Copper on the other hand is used for hot and cold water applications in residences. It is durable, lightweight, and can easily fit through tight spaces.

Understanding the DWV or drain-waste-vent lines

1. The PVC DWV pipes designed to carry waste water and gas away from homes have diameters that are 1.5 inches or larger. The PVC clean water supply pipes on the other hand measure 0.5 to 2 inches in diameter only.

2. ABS is short for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene pipes. This pipe is mainly used for sanitary systems in commercial, residential and mobile homes. It is lightweight, rigid and strong and can be easily cut.

3. The traditional cast iron pipes. Strong and durable, these pipes can be easily joined to plastic piping using transition fittings.

The Gas Supply Lines

1. The black malleable galvanized iron or cast iron pipes. This is mainly used to channel natural or propane gas from a source to the home. Such applications are usually sourced from the street or a tank.

2. Copper pipes are also used to carry propane gas and distribute it indoors. However, these pipes are not recommended for natural gas in some areas. Natural gas has sulfur content and may peel off the interior of the pipe.

3. PVC pipes are also used to carry gas supply to homes. In supplying gas, it is mainly used for underground applications. PVC gas pipes come with wires for metal detectors to detect whenever repair needs arise.

4. Polyethylene pipes are also used to carry gas. It can be easily installed with minimal joints. It offers long resistance to the environment and is durable. There are high density Polyethelene pipes that are also used in industrial applications aside from plumbing pipes in homes.

You can also review the other articles in this site about how plumbing work can be easy.