Types of Home Plumbing Pipes

It is important for every homeowner to know which type of plumbing pipes they have in their home. This will help them prevent hazards around the homes as wells as leaks and flooding. Many of the older homes still have pipes from years ago.

Galvanized Steel Plumbing Pipes

Galvanized steel was used until the earlier part of the 1960s. It is still present in many of the older homes. This type of pipe corrodes easily and flakes, which can cause problems when it comes to water flow. The water flow can be reduced when the pipes corrode, rust and flakes and those items build up in the pipes. The rust can cause the pipes to leak. In many of the homes with these pipes, homeowners find they have problems with water flow when more than one fixture is turned on. The color of this pipe is gray metal.

Copper Plumbing Pipes

Copper plumbing pipes were in use from the beginning of the 1960s. They are still being used today but they lead that were installed in them ceased to be used starting in 1988. These pipes can burst when they are frozen, which can cause major problems for the homeowner. It cost more to use galvanized steel plumbing pipes but they are much more reliable than other types of pipes. The pipes have a copper color.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Plumbing Pipes

This type of pipe is also known as CPVC. It is much cheaper than copper pipes and much easier to install. The CPVC pipes will crack when it is frozen. It is commonly used for drains in the home. The color of this pipe is cream.

Cross-Linked Polyethylene Plumbing Pipes

Cross-linked polyethylene plumbing pipes are also known as PEX. It was first used in 1995. This type of pipe is not as expensive as copper. It is also widely used in Europe with no problems reported but is used very little in the United States. The color of this pipe is red, white or blue.