There are 5 main types of plumbing pipes. Check out the characteristics of each example:
PVC Pipes
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe is one of the most commonly used pipes in residential and building plumbing. This is because, besides being affordable, this tube is also resistant, durable, and can withstand water pressure well. In addition, it does not oxidize or corrode over time. In this way, changing the piping when it leaks or causes more significant damage is only necessary. You can try finding plumbing leak repair utah county ut easily. However, it is important to point out that PVC pipes can carry cold water only. When exposed to hot water, PVC can warp, damaging the entire plumbing system. Furthermore, this material should only be used in built-in applications, as the sun’s UV rays can also harm the material.
In everyday life, PVC is commonly used to supply cold water in buildings, with a focus on providing potable water for people to use and consume, and for evacuation systems in bathrooms and washrooms, kitchens, service areas, and outdoor areas, in addition to from collecting sewage to take it outside the building, promoting health and warding off diseases that can be transmitted by used and contaminated water.
CPVC Pipes
The CPVC pipe (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) has the same raw material as the PVC pipe and also has more chlorine molecules in its composition. This extra chlorine guarantees its great differential: it can handle transporting hot water up to 82°C without suffering damage. Therefore, all the advantages of PVC apply to CPVC as well, which turns out to be even more resistant and durable than the less chlorine version.
The products manufactured with this CPVC raw material have characteristics of low heat loss and, in general, do not require thermal insulation, being ideal for residential buildings. Its installation is easy and fast, using a special glue known as CPVC Plastic Adhesive. It is usually installed for hot water systems (as in installing a gas heater).
Copper Tubes
Copper tubes are classic and have been used in construction for many decades. Its main advantages are durability, strength, and good heat tolerance. The material of this type of pipe also resists corrosion and oxidation. It is safe to transport drinking water as it conserves water quality. However, copper pipes are more prone to the so-called “water hammer,” a water hammer phenomenon in which the abrupt closing of a valve causes the water pressure inside the pipe to increase, which causes noise and, in more severe cases, serious and rare, it can even burst the pipes.
In addition, installation is done using a type of solder, which depends on a qualified professional with the necessary equipment to carry out the correct installation.
PEX
PEX pipes are flexible pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene that transport hot and cold water. PEX can be used to transport hot water in the transition with copper pipes installed next to gas passage heaters. This type of tube has high resistance to pressure and temperature. Also, because it is so flexible, PEX refurbishes plumbing systems, especially in older homes with worn piping and needing renovation. Its flexibility allows the tube to make bends without needing connections such as elbows/knees, which are necessary for other types of piping, reducing possible leak points. Like PVC, however, PEX cannot be exposed to the sun’s UV rays and requires installation in places without exposure to sunlight.
Pex tubes are supplied in coils with a maximum gauge of 32 millimeters; the material becomes very rigid above this diameter. Because of this, it should not be used in areas of plumbing such plumbing in Dana Point for example where a large diameter is required to pass a large volume of water.