Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses

Ever wondered what lies behind your walls and below your floors? Pipes do! And they help our domiciles function with everyday tasks.

Today in this brief article , we will cover the types of Plumbing Pipes and their uses. In general, there are five different types of plumbing pipe materials. 

The most common types of pipes used in todays repipes are PVC, Rigid Copper Piping, or PEX Piping.

Whether you’re purchasing a new home or repairing pipes in your current home, it’s beneficial to understand the different types of pipes used for plumbing and what the pros and cons are of each.

Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (PVC)

PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride, is typically a thick white pipe that is used for drains, vents, waste lines and sewage applications. In general, the thickness of PVC pipes depends on their use and where they will be used. One of the pros of using PVC pipes is that they are light and easy to configure.

PVC Piping Cost: At the time of this article PVC piping costs $4 – $8 per linear foot depending on the 

Rigid Copper Pipe

We’ve all heard of copper pipping as it is the most widely used type of piping, known for its durability and long lasting corrosion resistant attributes. 

Copper piping is used mainly to supply water as copper naturally kills viruses and bacteria, unlike other types of piping materials. 

One of the downfalls of using copper piping however is that it must be soldered together and can require additional fittings at junction points. This leads to increase costs in many cases due to the additional work that is required for fitment.

Copper Pipe Pricing: At the time of this article copper piping costs $2 – $8 per linear foot depending on the 

Cross-linked Polyethylene Piping (PEX)

Cross-linked Polyethylene, or more commonly referred to as PEX piping, is a flexible plastic tubing that is commonly used to replace both hot and cold water supply lines.

It became a popular alternative to other types of tubing because it doesn’t leave traces of rust or corrosion over time. PEX piping is also preferred because it is flexible and small, enabling plumbers to easily maneuver the pipes around corners and in small spaces when needed.  

Unlike many other pipes, PEX pipes are color coded to signify the temperature of water going through the pipes, including red for hot water, blue for cold water and white for either hot or cold water. 

PEX Piping Cost: At the time of this article PEX piping costs $1.50 – $3.50 per linear foot depending on the 

Stainless Steel Pipes

Stainless steel pipes are another durable and long lasting piping alternative. This type of piping is mostly used near costal areas that are subject to high-humidity and increased corrosion. 

Stainless steel pipes are available in a variety of hardness and flexibility but make use of special couplings. In addition these pipes use steel alloy that contains nickel to harden their durability. 

Stainless Steel Piping Cost: At the time of this article Stainless Steel piping varied too much to provide a clear indication of its pricing.