Do you ever wonder what types of plumbing pipes are commonly used? The plumbing systems are crucial for any functional home or building.

And because of that, choosing the right pipes is a critical decision that determines how long your plumbing lasts, how well it works, and how much it costs not only for installing but also for maintaining it.

But don’t you worry because we’ve got you covered! We will describe and give you a thorough information about 7 types of plumbing pipes that you need to know that’ll help you to choose a suitable one for your home or building!

Types of Plumbing Pipes

1. Copper Pipes

Copper has been a trusted workhorse in plumbing for ages. Known for its strength and lasting power, copper pipes can hold up for a very long time under normal wear and tear.

They’re also a great choice for keeping your water clean because they don’t let anything seep through and resist bacteria growth. Plus, copper pipes are eco-friendly – they can be recycled and reused! And to top it all off, they come in all sizes, from tiny (like a straw) to huge (big enough for a commercial building), making them perfect for any plumbing job, big or small.

The copper pipes are usually used in hot and cold water lines and also in HVAC systems due to its ability to withstand high pressures and temperatures.

Pros:

Durable
Bacteria and corrosion resistant
Recyclable
Can handle high temperature and pressure

Cons:

More expensive
Can corrode in acidic environments
Harder to install

2. PEX Pipes

The PEX pipes or Cross-linked Polyethylene is the newest hot thing in plumbing! Because of its extreme flexibility, you can bend it around corners with ease and use fewer fittings, reducing the risk of leaks.

PEX is also resistant to scale and chlorine, which over time can damage other pipes. It is also ideal for any plumbing task because it is available in a wide range of sizes, from ¼ inch to 4 inches in diameter making it reliable in residential or larger commercial systems.

The PEX is commonly used for indoor water supply lines, radiant floor heating and hot or cold plumbing systems due to its flexibility and durability.

Pros:

Easy installation due to its flexibility
Scale and chlorine resistant
Ideal for both hot and hold temperature
Less likely to leaks

Cons:

Need to be properly protected from UV light
Potential chemical leaching
Not suitable for outdoor

Also Read: “5 Types of Pipes Used in Construction“

3. PVC Pipes

The PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride, is the most common type of plumbing type that is used because of its lightweight, resistant to chemicals and easy to work nature.

PVC pipes are a popular choice for plumbing because they’re tough and reliable. Made from a mix of plastic and vinyl, they’re strong and can handle whatever you throw at them in your home or business.

They come in white or cream colors and all sorts of sizes, from half an inch all the way up to four inches, so you can find the perfect fit for any plumbing project, big or small.

The PVC pipes are primarily used in drinking water plumbing, sewage and also used as the main water supply lines both in residential and commercial settings.

Pros:

Lightweight and easy to work with
Cheaper and widely available
Corrosion and chemical damage resistant
Good for low-temperature and non-potable applications

Cons

Not suitable for hot water applications
Can degrade under UV exposure
May release harmful chemicals if burned

4. CPVC Pipes

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) pipes are a type of PVC that undergo a chlorination procedure to increase its resilience and resistance to temperature changes.

This procedure improves the pipe’s resistance to increased temperatures, which makes CPVC pipes a great option for delivering hot water. With increased durability against heat, CPVC preserves many of the qualities of PVC, such as resistance to corrosion and chemical damage.

Additionally, the material is less reactive to chemicals, which lowers the possibility of leaching and makes it safer to transport drinkable water. CPVC is a plumbing material that is often offered in diameter sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches.

Pros:

Easy to install
Chemical and corrosion resistant
Can withstand higher temperatures than PVC
Suitable for potable water distribution

Cons:

More expensive than PVC
May be damaged by exposure to certain organic solvents
Can become brittle over time

5. Types of Plumbing Types: Braided Pipes

Braided pipes aren’t your typical pipes, instead of being one solid material, it consists of a strong, rubber hose tucked inside a protective metal braid (often stainless steel).

This braiding gives the pipe the best of both worlds: it bends easily without getting kinked, and it stays strong under pressure. The metal armor also shields the hose from harm and keeps it from bulging, ensuring smooth water flow.

Braided pipes come in various lengths, from a few inches to several feet, making them perfect for all sorts of plumbing connections around your house.

Commonly, due to its flexibility and pressure-resistant nature of the braided pipes, it is used for connecting appliances such as sinks, toilets and water heater.

Pros:

Pressure-resistant
High flexibility
Durable

Cons:

Limited use
More expensive
Harder to install

Also Read: “The Differences Between a Boiler and a Water Heater“

6. ABS Pipes

ABS plastic, short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a black, plastic pipe you’ll often see in drains, waste, and vent lines. Even though it’s similar to PVC, ABS is way tougher against bumps and bangs, and also able to tackle lower temperatures very well.

The ABS also available in widely various sizes (from 1 ½ inches to 4 inches), thus making the ABS pipes are a reliable choice for plumbing jobs around your house or business.

This type of plumbing pipe is mainly used in waste, drain and vent systems due to its strength and durability.

Pros

Strong
Good for train and waste
Performs well in low temperatures
Easy to install

Cons:

Not suitable for outdoor use
Cannot be used for potable water systems
Less flexible

7. Cast Iron Pipes

Plumbing systems have long utilized cast iron pipes because of their strength and longevity. The sturdy and hefty plumbing pipes are produced by pouring molten iron into molds during the manufacturing process.

These pipes are perfect for underground installations and high-pressure applications due to the strength of cast iron. They are particularly valued for their ability to dampen sound, which lessens the sound of running water and other materials. This is especially useful in industrial and multi-story situations.

Sure, cast iron pipes might be heavy and a pain to put in or take out, but they’re the best if we are talking about underground durability!

That’s why they’re often the top pick for sewer lines and big drainage systems as they are built to last, resisting wear and tear for a long time. Plus, they come in wide variety of sizes (from 2 inches up to giant ones over 15 inches) to handle massive amounts of water or waste.

And also, due to its strength and durability, the cast iron pipes mostly uses in underground water systems such as main sewage lines and storm drainage systems.

Pros:

Extremely durable and long-lasting
Sound dampening property
Resistant to abrasion and heavy loads
Suitable for high-pressure applications

Cons:

Heavy and difficult to install
Prone to rust and corrosion
Expensive to repair

So there you go different types of plumbing pipes for different types of applications.

Choosing the right pipes can ensure the longevity and quality of your house or building’s plumbing system.

Other than choosing the right pipes, another thing to consider is to choose the BEST pipes for your plumbing system.

Be sure to choose the one with SNI certification on it, as this certification ensures that every pipe that is sold and distributed in Indonesia is within Indonesian standards of safety, durability and overall quality.