What Are Water Pipes Made Of and the Different Materials Used

Water pipes are made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.

Copper pipes are a popular choice for water distribution systems due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. They can last for up to 50 years with proper maintenance.

PVC pipes are another common material used for water pipes, known for their flexibility and ease of installation. They're often used for residential plumbing systems.

Galvanized pipes, made from steel coated with zinc, are commonly used for water supply lines due to their strength and resistance to corrosion.

Water pipes are made of various materials, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Cast iron, PVC, and ABS are commonly used for plumbing waste lines.

For water supply lines, you'll often find chromed brass, copper, galvanized iron, CPVC, and PEX. These materials are chosen for their durability and resistance to corrosion.

Main sewage pipes are usually made of cast iron, PVC, or ABS. These materials are reliable and long-lasting.

Lead pipes are still found in older homes, but they should be replaced due to health concerns. Black iron is normally used for gas pipes, not water supply lines.

Here's a quick rundown of the different types of plumbing pipes:

Plastic piping options are a popular choice for plumbing due to their affordability, ease of installation, and resistance to corrosion. PVC, ABS, and PEX are the three main types of plastic pipes used.

PVC pipes are commonly used for main supply lines, drainage pipes, and irrigation piping. They come in different schedules, with Schedule 40 being the most common and Schedule 80 being thicker and stronger. PVC is not suitable for hot water pipes, as it can degrade with heat and UV rays.

ABS pipes are similar to PVC but are less flexible and more prone to degradation. They are strong, easy to install, and hold up well for underground pipes. ABS is often used for residential plumbing, but it's not as durable as PVC.

PEX pipes are made of cross-linked polyethylene and are commonly used for hot and cold water supply lines. They are extremely flexible, can easily curve around corners and obstructions, and have high durability and low corrosion. PEX is a great option for repiping and retrofitting, as it can be snaked through existing pipes.

Here's a comparison of the three types of plastic pipes:

PVC is a popular choice for plumbing due to its affordability and ease of installation. PVC pipes come in different schedules, with Schedule 40 being the most common. Schedule 80 PVC is thicker and stronger, making it suitable for high-pressure applications.

One of the benefits of PVC is that it does not rust or corrode over time. However, it can degrade when exposed to heat and UV rays of the sun. Always check local codes before using PVC pipes.

PVC is a great option for sink, toilet, and bathtub drain lines, vent stacks, main water supply lines, and high-pressure applications. It's also a good choice for irrigation piping and pool plumbing.

PVC is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-repair material. However, it's not suitable for hot water pipes, as it can break down over time. ABS, another type of plastic pipe, is similar to PVC but less flexible and more prone to degradation.

Here are some key differences between PVC and ABS pipes:

Keep in mind that the choice between PVC and ABS pipes depends on the specific application and local regulations. It's always best to consult with a licensed plumber for guidance.

PEX is a type of plastic piping made of cross-linked polyethylene that's perfect for hot and cold water supply lines. It's extremely flexible and can easily curve around corners and obstructions.

PEX is highly durable and resistant to corrosion, making it a great option for areas prone to freezing temperatures. This means fewer pipe connections, which leads to less pressure loss.

One of the best things about PEX is that it can be snaked through existing pipes, making it a great option for repiping and retrofitting. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

PEX is not suitable for high-temperature applications, so it can't be connected directly to the water heater. Instead, you'll need to connect a piece of copper piping or similar hot-water piping.

Here are some benefits of using PEX piping:

However, it's worth noting that PEX piping may degrade when exposed to direct sunlight or chlorine, and it may also leach toxic chemicals upon disposal.

ABS pipe is a popular option for drain, waste, and vent (DWV) lines within the house. It's made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and is known for being more rigid and impact-resistant than PVC pipe.

One of the main advantages of ABS pipe is that it's more tolerant of hot water than PVC pipe. However, it's still prone to warping or melting when exposed to extremely high temperatures.

Some local building codes may prohibit the use of ABS pipe, so it's essential to check with your municipality or a professional plumber before making a decision.

Here are some key pros and cons of ABS pipe to consider:

Metal piping options are a crucial aspect of your home's plumbing system. Steel pipes are a thing of the past, almost never used in modern homes built after 1980.

Galvanized steel pipes, however, were once popular due to their durability. They're covered with a layer of zinc, but this layer can wear away over time, leading to corrosion buildup inside the pipe.

Cast iron and galvanized steel pipes are heavy, strong, and durable, but prone to rusting and corrosion. They're often used for drain lines and sewage systems due to their durability and sound insulation.

Copper pipes, on the other hand, are the modern gold standard for home plumbing piping. They're lighter, thinner, and easier to install, with a long effective lifespan that can last decades without corrosion or wear.

Cast iron and galvanized steel pipes are some of the oldest types of plumbing pipes, and you'll rarely see them in modern homes.

They're heavy, strong, and can last for decades if properly maintained, making them suitable for drain lines and sewage systems due to their durability and sound insulation.

Galvanized steel pipes are covered with a layer of zinc, but persistent contact with flowing water can cause the zinc layer to wear away over time, leading to corrosion buildup inside the pipe.

Cast iron and galvanized steel pipes are prone to rusting and corrosion, so they require careful monitoring and maintenance, particularly in older installations.

Here are the pros and cons of cast iron and galvanized steel pipe:

It's worth noting that steel pipes can be identified by scratching the piping where it enters your house, and if the scratch is silver-grey and has threads of metal, it's probably steel.

Copper is the modern gold standard for home plumbing piping. It's lighter than steel, thinner, easier to install, and extremely durable.

Copper has the longest effective lifespan of any piping, lasting decades without corrosion or wear. It resists heat more effectively than other pipes.

While copper isn't the cheapest option, its durability and resistance to corrosion make it a worthwhile investment. In fact, copper is in high demand, and its price reflects that.

One potential issue with copper is lead soldering in its joints, although this is still a common practice. Copper can also corrode over long periods like other metals.

Despite these drawbacks, copper is a great choice for plumbing. If you have copper piping, you should be sitting pretty, but it's always a good idea to have your plumber inspect it periodically.

Here are some key pros and cons of copper piping:

Keep in mind that copper can be susceptible to pin leaks if exposed to frequent temperature fluctuations. If you're worried about the age of your copper piping or have ongoing problems, consider replacing your pipes entirely.

When working with pipes, it's essential to know which materials are suitable for water supply and drain lines.

Cast iron, PVC, and ABS are commonly used for plumbing waste lines, while chromed brass, copper, galvanized iron, CPVC, and PEX are used for water supply lines.

For main sewage pipes, cast iron, PVC, and ABS are the most common materials. Older homes may still have lead pipes, which should be replaced.

Here's a breakdown of the materials used for water supply and drain lines:

Black iron is normally used for gas pipes, but it's not mentioned in this context.