6 Main Types of Plumbing Pipes
There are six main types of pipe used in plumbing: rigid copper pipe, galvanized steel pipe, plastic PVC pipe, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), ABS pipes (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), and cast-iron pipes.
Rescue Plumbing has deep experience in all 6 types and can help you with any repair you made need.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes have the advantage of being durable and resistant to corrosion.
Galvanized Pipe
Galvanized steel pipes are less expensive than copper pipes but more susceptible to rusting these are used in repair types of installation. Galvanized piping is no longer used for new plumbing installations because it corrodes and ultimately leaks.
PVC Pipes
PVC Pipes are less likely to corrode or rust than either metal types, but it can be brittle and crack more easily. PVC pipes are economical and cost-effective. PVC pipes are also good for water and are easy to deploy with pipe fittings.
PEX Pipes
PEX is a versatile material that can be used to create hot and cold water systems. PEX is flexible, which makes it easy for installation in any home setting without major alterations or obstacles. PEX also has a high range of applications from below freezing to 200+ degrees Fahrenheit! PEX is also much cheaper than copper.
ABS Pipes
ABS pipes are a much stronger and more durable material than PVC. They can also handle low temperatures, but do not perform as well in direct sunlight or when exposed to high heat. ABS pipe is not used in Illinois.
Cast iron pipes are a long-lasting plumbing system and were used before better types of pipes became available. But they do eventually fail and develop rust which slows down water drainage for your home or business!
Which pipe is best for plumbing?
The type of pipe you choose will depend on your budget, local plumbing code, and application.
Best Plumbing Pipe for Bathrooms
Copper pipes are the best for bathroom plumbing and are often used in bathroom plumbing.
Best Pipe for Water Supply Lines
Copper pipe is the best pipe for water supply lines. PVC pipe is made of plastic and is often used for water supply, waste, and drain applications. PEX pipes are also often used in water supply lines or portable distribution systems.
Good Pipes for Waste
PV pipes are often used in drain, sewer, and vent piping systems.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Pipe?
Plumbing pipes use different pipe fittings and repairs can vary in cost depending on the type of pipe and use.
Rescue Plumbing plumbers can give you a verbal quote the same day we come to visit and can complete the work on-the-spot in most cases, depending on complexity. We have fully stocked trucks ready to help!
Hot Water Heaters
Hot water heaters made of steel will typically be connected via a copper pipe. If anything needs to be replaced we may use a miter box to cut pipe to get the proper fitting into your home. Putty is often placed to prevent leaking around certain fittings and a vent will likely be placed to shunt fumes away from your home.
How to Leak-Proof Your Home
There is no perfect way to prevent leaks, but keeping your plumbing up-to-date and code is a great first step to ensure worry-free living.
How Pipes Fit Together
Pipes fit together through smooth and threaded components and fittings that allow plumbers to connect them. PVC pipe is commonly the easiest and most cost-effective to work with.
Tape that you wrap around a pipe can aid in getting a tight seal.
You can wrap tape for short-term solutions but calling Rescue Plumbing to solve your band-aid solution will likely save you time, money, and peace of mind in the long run.
We’ll Rescue Your Pipes
We repair all types of pipes, here is a list of the most common pipes we repair:
- Kitchen sink pipe repair
- Toilet pipe repair
- Shower Pipe Repair
- Copper pipe repair
- Burst pipe repair
- Booster pump pipe repair
- Water heater pipe repair
- Refrigerator pipe repair
- Garbage disposal pipe repair
- Bathroom sink pipe repair
- Basement pipe repair
For any type of pipe that needs to be repaired, give us a call at (773) 799-8848. Rescue Plumbing is waiting to come to your repair pipe rescue.
