Creating A Mini Orchard On Your Patio

« Back to Home

Best Plumbing Pipes To Use

Posted on

Plumbing pipes exist in many different designs, and they all have their suitable applications. PEX, copper and PVC pipes are some of the most widespread pipes used all over the globe, and it's not so hard to determine why. If you're planning on being a professional plumber, or you DYI your way out of everything, then this article can help. Here are some of the best plumbing pipes to use in both residential and commercial plumbing.

PEX pipes

This is a flexible plumbing pipe that has earned its place in a large number of small-scale businesses and residential homes. It comes with a high price tag, but the minimal maintenance and installation quickly override it.

PEX piping is commonly used in the distribution of water inside a building, and one major advantage it offers over copper is that it rarely leaks. PEX pipes are also very flexible and reduce heat transfer, thereby conserving energy. However, these pipes are best suited for internal operations; the UV rays from the sun damage its outside plastic layer.

Copper pipes

These are perhaps some of the most commonly used traditional pipes. They offer superior reliability and are highly resistant to corrosion as compared to other materials like iron. Copper pipes have also been well-liked due to their high durability and the impressive way they handle both hot and cold conditions. However, with copper, you're going to have to be good at soldering, because you are bound to need additional fitting in fixing them together. These pipes also tend to accumulate scale build-up so much faster.

Copper pipes exist in different configurations depending on their applications. There's type K, L and M in decreasing order of thickness.

PVC piping

These are products of ingenious creativity and they can be used for a wide array of applications. They are the industrial specification when dealing with drain pipes and vent lines. PVC pipes exist in different specifications and can be used in moving cold or hot water and even handle sewage applications.

Their advantage is that they are corrosion resistant and offer a silent operation as compared to the metallic options like copper pipes. They also require much fewer fittings, so they achieve less pressure drops in the lines. However, if you're going to use them for portable water applications, ensure they've got the "NSF-61" or "NSF-PW" to ascertain that they are at par with the health effects requirements.


Share