Types of Plastic Pipes Used in Plumbing

Types of Plastic Pipes Used in Plumbing

Plumbing pipes can be of various types and each is different from the other in terms of the purposes they serve. Before planning home plumbing, it is important for a house owner to be well aware of the different kinds of pipes used for different purposes.  In case you are not aware of the uses of the different pipes, a particular pipe can easily go into a wrong place resulting in an inefficient plumbing system in your house. Here is a brief overview of the different types of plastic pipes used for plumbing.

PVC

PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride and is a commonly used high pressure water pipe in many homes. The thickness of PVC pipes can vary and the one that is used in most of the home water systems is known as ‘Schedule 40′. This type of pipe is usually white in color and possesses thick walls. There is a slightly thicker gray colored version of PVC which is called ‘Schedule 80′. This variety is fully compatible with Schedule 40 and there is also a lighter and thinner version referred to as ‘thin wall’. A standard PVC pipe comes in a thickness ranging from half inches to four inches and is meant to be used only for cold water applications.

CPVC

CPVC stands for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride and it is the extra amount of chlorine present in the plastic pipe which makes it stand apart from the rest. This pipe is thinner and somewhat more flexible when compared to the standard PVC pipes. The yellow colored plastic pipe is resistant to heat and is ideal to be used for hot water supply. The outer diameter of the pipe is made of Type L copper because of which this kind of pipe can be used successfully in ‘Sharkbite’ fittings and compression fittings to adapt one type of pipe from the other.

PEX

PEX is a newer version of plastic pipe available in the market. The product has been around since the 1920s but has gained popularity as a component of household plumbing only recently. PEX is either available in a milky white color or in a red and blue combination. The pipe is suitable to be used for any water temperature at home. PEX shares the same outer diameter with both copper and CPVC and can be used as an alternative for these pipes at a much lesser cost. Being highly resistant to heat, PEX is used often for the in-floor heating of new homes. 

Poly pipe

The rigid and thick plastic pipe mostly runs from the water meter box to your house. But there can be variations depending on the set-ups and location of the house. The poly pipe is highly durable, consisting of high pressure tubing and serves the purpose of carrying water from the main source to the house. This pipe is generally used outdoor and is buried deeply underground to avoid freezing during the winter months.

With a decent knowledge of the different pipes used for standard home plumbing, you will be well equipped to take the correct decision regarding the use of pipes for the plumbing your house.