A Guide to What Water Pipes Look Like in Commercial and Residential Areas

Water pipes in commercial areas are often larger and more visible than those in residential areas. They can be made of materials like copper, PVC, or galvanized steel, and may be exposed in ceilings or walls.

In commercial buildings, pipes are often grouped together in a main distribution line, which branches off to supply water to different areas of the building. This can be seen in large office buildings or shopping centers.

Residential water pipes, on the other hand, are typically smaller and more hidden from view. They may be routed through crawl spaces or behind walls to minimize visual impact.

There are seven main types of plumbing pipes you might find in your home, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The most common types include rigid copper pipe, PEX pipe, PVC pipe, ABS pipe, flexi pipe, galvanized steel and cast iron, and black pipe.

Rigid copper pipe is a popular choice for hot and cold water supply lines, ranging in cost from $2.50 to $10 per linear foot. It's made primarily of copper, with a shiny copper color, and comes in three types: L, M, and K, with Type L being the most common for residential supply lines.

A table of the seven types of plumbing pipes can be seen below:

In commercial buildings, you can find a variety of pipes, including copper, galvanized iron, brass, cast iron, PVC, PEX, stainless steel, and CPVC. Each type of pipe has its own strengths and weaknesses, and is suited for specific applications.

Copper pipe is best for water supply lines, delivering water from the water main to all plumbing fixtures and appliances.

The average cost of copper pipe is around $2.50 to $10 per linear foot, depending on the pipe walls' thickness and diameter.

You'll commonly see Type L ½-inch copper pipe behind walls and running to quick disconnects behind fixtures, which usually averages around $3 per linear foot.

Copper pipe is made primarily of copper, a copper alloy that also contains silver and phosphorus, giving it a shiny copper color.

There are three types of copper pipe: L, M, and K, with Type L being the most common for residential supply lines.

Flexible copper pipes are typically only used for short stretches of piping due to their lack of strength and temperature tolerance.

Rigid copper pipes, on the other hand, are strong and corrosion-resistant, with good tolerance to pressure, but can be difficult to install due to the need for soldering and welding.

Brass pipes are a common choice for hot and cold-water distribution in commercial buildings.

They're often used for water waste lines too, making them a versatile option for plumbing.

Brass pipes are resistant to rust and corrosion, which is a major advantage over other materials.

This resistance to corrosion makes them a good alternative to stainless steel pipes, especially for buildings on a budget.

Brass pipes can be used in place of stainless steel pipes, but it ultimately depends on the specific needs and budget of the building.

Their durability and resistance to corrosion make them a reliable option for plumbing.

Drinking water pipes are a crucial part of our plumbing system, but have you ever wondered what they look like? Phosphates were once added to drinking water pipes to create a protective layer, but when Flint switched to the Flint River, these phosphates were no longer being added.

The people in charge of Flint's drinking water didn't understand the consequences, and as a result, the pipes began to corrode. Miguel Del Toral, an EPA expert, was alarmed by what he saw and explained that the rusted flakes inside the corroded pipes become a source of lead contamination.

Here are the seven main types of plumbing pipes you might find around your house:

Copper pipes, for example, are best used for water supply lines and can range in cost from $2.50 to $10 per linear foot. They're made primarily of copper, with a shiny copper color and are commonly used for residential supply lines.

In commercial buildings, you'll find a variety of pipes made from different materials, each with its own unique characteristics.

Copper pipes are commonly used in commercial buildings, but they're not the only option. Galvanized iron pipes are another type you'll often come across.

Brass pipes are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion. Cast iron pipes, on the other hand, are often used for underground plumbing due to their strength and resistance to wear.

Some commercial buildings use PVC pipes, which are lightweight and easy to install. PEX pipes are also popular, offering flexibility and resistance to freezing temperatures.

Stainless steel pipes are used in high-temperature and high-pressure applications, while CPVC pipes are known for their resistance to chemicals and corrosion.