Plumbing Pipes: Types, Applications, and Considerations

Various types of plumbing pipes are used in building construction works for various purposes like water distribution, drainage, waste disposal made from different materials.

In every construction, a sufficient quantity of water ought to be available in the required locations to meet the various needs of occupants. Thus, water needs have to be properly computed before the construction of the structure.

The transmission water is carried through pipes with in the structure above or below the ground. At the same, we have to compute the proper drainage facilities to drain the wastewater through pipes.

Types of Water Supply Pipes

Different Types of Pipes Used in Engineering

Different Types of Pipes Used in Plumbing

Different Types of Pipes

In this article, we will cover all of the above piping types in detail.

#1. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pipes (ABS)

ABS Pipes is resistant to corrosive chemicals and has a low melting temperature. While used for pipes, it is well-known for Lego toys, computer keyboards, and wall socket faceguards.

This type of pipe can be used for draining sewage and wastewater from households. It is good for DWV (drain waste vent) systems. It is not flexible. In other words, it is solid.

#2. Brass Pipes

Brass pipe is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is widely utilized in and for many household items like locks, bearings, doorknobs and plumbing applications such as tubes such as the one shown below.

While brass may be used for plumbing pipes, it rarely is because of it being very expensive. Brass fittings are more common.

#3. Cast Iron Pipe

Cast Iron pipe is popular for city water-distribution systems due to its high resistance to corrosion and consequent long life.

Cast iron pipe is made of pig iron. Such pipes are generally made from 5 cm to 120 cm in diameter. Under normal conditions, a cast-iron pipe could be expected to last 100 years.

The usual length of a pipe section is 12 feet, but lengths up to 20 feet may be obtained. Cast iron pipe is made in several wall thickness classes for various pressures up to a maximum of 350 psi.

The flanged pipe can be used for pumping stations, filter plants, and other locations where it could be necessary to disjoint the pipe.

Flanged couplings have to be fitted perfectly and provided with a gasket when they should be watertight. Cast iron pipes will also be cheap and economical. These pipes can be joined easily and may be cut and bored easily too.

#4. Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC)

This type of non-corrosive pipe can be used for cold and hot (around 180°F). It is durable and easy to use. CPVC is different than PVC because it is altered with a free radical chlorination reaction that effectively increases the chlorine content of the material.

CPVC can also be a thermoplastic that is molded into many of the same products as PVC. This process makes it possible to with-stand a greater range of temperatures. Because CPVC has more applications than PVC, it is more expensive.

#5. Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride Pipes (uPVC)

uPVC (Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) Pipes, also known as rigid PVC, Pipes & Fittings are used for all plumbing purposes in residential & commercial buildings.

Ideally suited for looping at each floor level, outdoor installations & concealed pipelines for cold water distribution.

UPVC is called having strong resistance against chemicals, sunlight & oxidation from water. UPVC is widely used in construction because it is durable, cheap, and easily worked.

#6. PVC Pipes

When we moved into our current home, I went out and bought a bunch of long PVC pipes and fittings for my kids to play within the backyard.

While it seemed expensive for a toy at the time, I have to say it was a great purchase. My kids have spent endless hours creating easy pipe systems and running water through them with the hose.

It is a pile of fun and great backyard toy. Now back to actual plumbing applications for PVC. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. Also, it has become a common replacement for metal piping.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is one of the best-known pipe options. PVC is synonymous with “pipe”. It is widely utilized in residential plumbing for waste drainage and vent applications.

#7. Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are made of small diameter. Since copper doesn’t admit rust, therefore these pipes are durable. However, as copper is costly; therefore, they’re used in limited places. These kinds of pipes are usually used to carry hot water or steam.

They don’t bend or sag even in high temperatures. Copper is a mild metal. Therefore, copper pipes may be bent easily. They are joined by Union Joints and Flanged Joints and.

#8. Cross-Linked Polyethylene Pipes (PEX)

This tubing can be used for residential radiant heating applications. It retains oxygen and other elements from infiltrating and corrupting the key mechanical components from heating systems.

It may also be used to transport potable water. As you can see in the image below, it bends and is lightweight, making it an easy plumbing material to use.

#9. Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to prevent rust. This type of pipe has been popular in houses built before 1960 – replaced lead pipes for water lines.

The problem with galvanized steel pipes would be eventually the zinc coating erodes which then results in rust

#10. Galvanized Iron Pipes

G.I pipes are made of mild steel sheet. Its length-wise joint is Welded Seam Type. G.I pipe is used to supply gas, water, or any other liquid within the building.

These types of pipes are prepared from 12 mm to 150 mm in diameter. They can be found in 6 meters length. The thickness of the wall of its sheet is different based on their diameters. After preparing this pipe, it’s dipped in a zinc solution.

This action is called Galvanizing. In this way, the pipe is saved from rusting. The average age of this pipe is ten years.

They may be joined easily, threading, cutting, and bending them is also an easy task. They are joined with the help of a socket. These pipes are light-weighted and cheap. Acidic and alkaline waters affect these pipes badly.

#11. Steel Pipes

Steel pipes are used to carry gas, water, or certain other liquid from one place to another under pressure. These pipes are made from steel sheets. Small pipes have welded joints along the length, which is not visible.

Large pipes have a riveted joint or welded joint. These pipes are light in weight. They can be joined by a welded joint. They’re placed on Open Supports.

Such pipes could be bent easily. Acidic water and alkaline water may rust these pipes. The repair of this kind of pipe is difficult. They may also be pressed by external pressure because of their less wall thickness.

#12. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes

High-density polyethylene pipes are probably the most effective pipes on the market. They come in various thicknesses and may be used in demanding pressure environments.

This type of pipe may bend into a 90-degree angle, and a few have 50 years warranty on account of their high quality.

Roots may never grow into this type of pipe, and that is why they are best recommended for water lines and sewer lines in different applications.

#13. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Pipes

For plumbing purposes, this tubing can be used for water softening lines. It is resistant to many solvents, acids, alkalis, and gases. It is very stress crack resistant, flexible, and durable.

#14. Polypropylene Pipes

As you may see in the photo example below, this type of pipe is flexible, which may be bent and run around different objects.

It is ideal for transferring hot liquids and gases in beverage and food handling applications. It may be used for small fluid system support structures, or as a liner in metal piping systems. Use in manufacturing operations where extreme resistance to acids and alkalis is required

#15. Polythene Pipes

Polythene pipes are used for cold water services. These Days, plastic pipes dominate the others by some advantages as follow

1. Ease of installation.
2. Do not require threading.
3. Resistant to bacterial scale.
4. Do not corrode.
5. Cheap in cost.
6. Less weight.

So, these are mostly used in the world, but they’re limited to cold water supplies. They don’t sustain high temperatures.

#16. Vinyl Pipes

This type of tubing is widely used in laboratory settings and in-home for applications such as home brewing. It is not widely used for plumbing applications, but we included it because it is sometimes a useful tubing option to run liquids through.

#17. Lead Pipes

A lead pipe has high corrosion resistance, flexibility, and hydraulic coefficient of flow. But lead content in water can lead to poisoning effects that are harmful to people. Thus, it is not preferred.

#18. Asbestos Cement Pipes

The asbestos pipe is made from silica, asbestos, and cement converted under pressure into a dense, homogeneous material possessing considerable strength.

This type of pipe is available in dia of 4 to 36 inches in 13 feet lengths. The pipe is made in various grades, the strongest being intended for internal pressures up to 200 psi.

The joint is as resistant to corrosion as the pipe itself and is flexible enough to permit up to 12° deflection in laying pipe around curves.

#19. Stoneware Pipes

These are manufactured in ceramic industries by burning soft soil at high temperatures. These are used for carrying drainage in the underground. For the installation of a stoneware pipe, skilled workers are required.

#20. Concrete Pipes

These pipes use For heavy drainage water disposal, concrete pipes of large diameters are used. Smaller diameter pipes are used for small flows. These are made from concrete only; no reinforcement is provided. These are pre-casted pipes.

FAQ: Plumbing Pipes

What are the main types of plumbing pipes used in construction?

The main types of plumbing pipes used in construction include Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC), Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC), PVC, Galvanized Iron (GI), Polypropylene, and Cast Iron pipes, among others.

What are the differences between CPVC and uPVC pipes?

CPVC pipes are suitable for both cold and hot water applications, with a higher temperature tolerance compared to uPVC pipes, which are primarily used for cold water distribution. CPVC is also chemically altered for increased durability.

What are the advantages of using PVC pipes in plumbing?

PVC pipes are durable, cost-effective, and easy to install. They are commonly used in residential plumbing for waste drainage and vent applications. PVC is also resistant to corrosion and chemical damage.

How long can Cast Iron pipes last, and where are they commonly used?

Cast Iron pipes are known for their durability and can last up to 100 years under normal conditions. They are commonly used in city water-distribution systems due to their high resistance to corrosion.

What are the benefits of using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes?

HDPE pipes are highly efficient and durable, suitable for demanding pressure environments. They are resistant to root intrusion and come with warranties of up to 50 years. HDPE pipes are commonly used for water and sewer lines.

Are Lead pipes still used in plumbing, and what are the risks associated with them?

Lead pipes are not preferred for plumbing due to the harmful effects of lead poisoning. While lead pipes have high corrosion resistance and flexibility, the risk of lead contamination in water makes them unsuitable for modern plumbing applications.

What are the limitations of Polythene pipes in plumbing?

Polythene pipes are primarily used for cold water supplies due to their inability to sustain high temperatures. While they offer advantages such as ease of installation, resistance to corrosion, and affordability, they are not suitable for hot water applications.

What are Asbestos Cement pipes commonly used for, and what are their characteristics?

Asbestos Cement pipes are commonly used for drainage systems. They are strong and resistant to corrosion, with joints that are as durable as the pipe itself. However, the use of asbestos in these pipes raises health concerns.

What are the applications of Stoneware pipes, and what considerations are needed for their installation?

Stoneware pipes are used for underground drainage systems. Skilled workers are required for their installation due to their specific manufacturing process and characteristics.

What are the typical uses of Concrete pipes in plumbing, and what are their features?

Concrete pipes are used for heavy drainage water disposal, with larger diameters suitable for higher flows. They are made solely from concrete and are precasted for ease of installation.