The Top 5 Types of Pipes for Home Plumbing

Pipes have been an integral part of home plumbing since time immemorial. There is no doubt that to make a home or office liveable and comfortable we need uninterrupted plumbing! They have been in use since ancient Greece to carry water from one fixture or appliance to another. In addition, they made the disposal of sewage easy. But do you know every pipe is made up of different materials and serves a different purpose? Read on to learn about the different types of pipes used in home plumbing, their usage, and which one is right for your home.

While planning the plumbing for our homes, we often get confused because of the varied options available in the market. These options vary according to their usage and application.

Let’s learn about the top 5 pipes and fittings in detail and make it clear which type of pipe will serve you better.

1. UPVC PIPES

UPVC stands for Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride. The UPVC plumbing pipes are designed using Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride which is unplasticized making it rigid and strong for use.

Uses: UPVC Plumbing Pipes are used in buildings to carry potable water and for water transfer at places such as bathrooms, kitchens, sinks, laboratories, etc.

Benefits:

• Rigid and durable.
• Easy to install.
• Cost-effective
• Leak-resistance
• Provide maximum flow
• Made of non-toxic material

2. CPVC PIPES

CPVC stands for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride. The CPVC Plumbing Pipes are made of chloride at a high temperature for a potable plumbing system. These pipes are designed for industrial as well as residential applications.

Uses: Among all the pipes available in the market, CPVC Plumbing Pipes are the most popularly used in industries and process piping applications. These pipes are used for hot and cold-water distribution, both in residential and commercial areas.

Benefits:

• Corrosion Resistance
• Ease of Installation
• Little or No Maintenance Required
• Optimum Flow Rates
• Superior Mechanical Strength
• Long Service Life

3. COPPER PIPES

Copper pipes were widely used for plumbing solutions until in the1970s, plastic pipes replaced them. For every industrial or construction plumbing, copper pipes were chosen because of their hard and rigid properties.

Uses: Copper Pipes are widely used for underground water connection and gas services, drainage and vent systems, oxygen system, water distribution system, fuel-oil systems, and heating systems.

Benefits:

• Does Not Contaminate Water
• Lightweight
• Less Harmful to the Environment
• Fire Resistant
• Durable
• Easy to install

4. SS PIPES

SS pipes are Stainless Steel Pipes made up of steel alloy with some amount of chromium. Adding chromium to SS pipes makes them corrosion-resistant. However, when contractors make a choice regarding plumbing pipes for industries, they overlook SS pipes because they are expensive and choose PVC pipes.

Uses: Stainless Steel Pipes are widely used for Textile Machinery, Chemicals, Fertilisers, Dairy and Food Processing, Power Plants, Construction, Modern Architecture, Oil and Gas Processing, and Water treatment facilities.

Benefits:

• Stain and corrosion-resistant
• Low-maintenance,
• Strength and versatility
• Shiny appearance
• Environment-friendly
• Expensive but worth the value

5. PPR PIPES

PPR stands for Polypropylene Random Copolymer Pipes widely used in fittings and pipes, this thermoplastic polyolefin provides higher physical and chemical features to the pipes, increasing their durability.

Uses: PPR Pipes and fittings are used in Air conditioning and Cold Water applications, Compressed Air Lines for Cold and Hot Air, Treatment Plants, Food and Pharmaceutical Applications, R.O. Water pipelines, Swimming Pools, and Ship Buildings, Transportation of aggressive fluids & chemicals, Under Flow Heating and Solar Heaters, and Vacuum Pipelines.

Benefits:

• Excellent resistance against chemicals.
• Longevity and Reliability
• Sustainability
• Lightweight Materials
• Cost Savings
• Durable Performance

FAQs

Q1. What is the most common plumbing pipe?

The most common plumbing problems are clogged drains and toilets, leaky faucets and pipes, low water pressure, water heater issues, and a running toilet.

Q2. How frequently should you service your plumbing?

There are two situations when you should get your plumbing pipes and fittings checked. The very first is to make a routine of once every year to ensure your pipes are working properly and are in good condition. Second, comes the situation when you are facing plumbing-related issues such as leakage or interrupted flow through pipes.

Q3. What causes pipes to get into trouble?

There are various reasons why your pipes get into trouble, these conditions include: 

• Broken Seals
• Clogged Lines
• Damaged Pipe Joints
• Underground Movements
• High Water Pressure
• Intruding Tree Roots
• Corrosion
• Incorrect Pipe Laying

Are your plumbing pipes doing their jobs right? If not, don’t worry. We at Khawarizmi have got every solution for your pipes and fittings. Right from Residential plumbing to Industrial piping application, we have got you covered. So, what are you waiting for, Contact us today!

Published on 22 September 2022

shereef pudiyottil

all author posts