Plumbing pipes for residential and commercial buildings come in a variety of materials, and each type

has its advantages, limitations, and particular usage. Therefore, it is important to know all the pipe
varieties in the market before making an investment in plumbing installations. The most commonly used
materials are copper, PVC, CPVC, and PEX.

This article will provide an overview of the most popular piping materials. Like in many engineering
decisions, the best option changes depending on project conditions - each material has pros and cons.

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Copper Pipes

Copper has been the traditional material for plumbing since the 1960s, due to its durability. Since then,
other materials have been introduced in the market, but copper is still one of the best materials for
plumbing. The main drawback of copper piping is its high cost, and it requires soldering and additional
fittings. Due to its high price, copper piping is prone to theft when exposed or easy to access.

Pros:

-Not prone to leaks

-Proven standard for reliability since the 1960s

-Durable

-Does not pollute water

-Heat tolerant

-Long lifespan

-Old pipes can be recycled

-Corrosion resistant

Cons:
-Expensive: Around $300 for 100 ft

-Old installations may contain lead-based solder

-Even though old copper pipes can be recycled, copper mining and manufacturing cause significant
environmental damage. Thus, copper is not considered a green material.

Common applications:

-Interior hot and cold wall supply lines - very thin walls(M) and medium thickness(L)

-Underground service lines - thickest walls (K)

-Hot and cold drinking water supplies

-Refrigerant lines for HVAC systems

Polyvinyl Chloride Piping (PVC)

PVC is a white piping material commonly used in plumbing applications, and it comes in two sizes called
schedules 40 and 80. Schedule 40 is the most commonly used, while schedule 80 has a thicker wall and
is stronger. A table created by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides information of
the outside diameter of all schedules for a given pipe size to be equal.