5 Types of Plumbing Pipes

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5 Types of Plumbing
Pipes
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By Brenda Woods

Updated 02/02/2024

The plumbing pipes that carry water to your

kitchen faucet or drain waste to your sewage
system have evolved over time. The galvanized
iron or steel pipes that were a staple to in-home
plumbing during the early 1900s gave way to
more advanced plumbing solutions, such as
polyvinyl chloride piping (PVC) and polyethylene
cross-linked (PEX) piping.

Keep reading to learn about the most common

plumbing pipes you can find in your home.

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Plumbing Repairs
On average, plumbing repair jobs
usually total between $150 and
$500.

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Water Heater Installation

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Water Softener Installation

A water softener system can cost
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5 Types of Plumbing Pipes

1. PVC Pipes

2. PEX Pipes

3. ABS Pipes

4. Copper Pipes

5. Cast Iron and Galvanized Piping

1. PVC Pipes
PVC is a plumbing pipe known for its versatility,
lightweight, and blockage resistance. PVC piping
is generally used as part of a sink, toilet, or
shower drain line, though it’s sometimes used as
a home’s main water supply pipe.

Pros and Cons of PVC Pipes

Affordable—The lightweight
properties of PVC not only
decrease the labor necessary for
installation, but they also
decrease the cost of transporting
the material.
Resistant to high water pressure
—PVC doesn’t easily bend, but the
pipe does have some flexible
properties that allow it to
withstand the constant influx of
high water pressure.
Resistant to blockages—The
smooth inner lining of PVC speeds
up the draining process, protecting
it against sediment buildup and
blockages.

Toxicity concerns—Despite
meeting the standards for
drinkable water by the American
National Standards Institute, the
administrator and coordinator of
the U.S. private sector voluntary
standardization system, there are
concerns over the potential for
PVC pipes to leach chemicals into
drinking water, exposing people to
high levels of polyvinyl chloride,
potentially causing respiratory and
reproductive issues.
Limited size options—PVC piping
has limited sizing options that can
render the piping ineffective
within tight spaces.
Warping—Like many types of
plastic, PVC isn’t capable of
withstanding hot water and will
warp as a result.

Read More: How to Identify PVC Pipes and

Fittings

2. PEX Pipes
PEX is an affordable plastic plumbing solution
that can withstand both hot and cold water and
is commonly used for water supply lines.

Pros and Cons of PEX Pipes

Easy installation—PEX uses a

“crimp” installation method that
involves crimping a ring around a
ribbed fitting using a specialized
tool. PEX can even be retrofitted
to copper or PVC pipes using the
crimp method and specialized
fittings.

Flexibility—PEX piping is
conducive to tight spaces and
sharp corners and can stretch for
long distances without requiring
additional fittings.

Inside use only—Since PEX is

susceptible to deterioration from
ultraviolet rays, these pipes can’t
be used outside.
Discrepancy over safety
—Some studies have shown that
chemicals within PEX pipes leach
into the drinking water, potentially
exposing homeowners to
carcinogens. As a result, PEX
piping is against the plumbing
code in the state of California.

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3. ABS Pipes
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) piping is a
type of plastic piping that’s similar to PVC and
distinguishable by its black color. Known for its
long lifespan, ABS is used only for drain and
waste piping.

Pros and Cons of ABS Pipes

Resistant to cold temperatures—

Although its structure doesn’t
hold the flexible properties of PVC,
it can better withstand colder
temperatures.
Easy to install—While PVC pipes
need a coat of solvent before
applying the cement that holds
the pipes together, ABS pipes just
need cement.

Loud transport of water—ABS

pipes don’t contain the sound of
running water as efficiently as PVC
pipes, causing some disturbance
to homeowners.
Warps in warm temperatures—
ABS pipes don’t survive long in
direct sunlight and can warp under
strong ultraviolet light.

4. Copper Pipes
Copper piping lasts for over 50 years and is the
standard hard pipe within the plumbing industry.
It’s able to withstand high water pressure and
comes in various grades of thickness, separated
into two categories: rigid and flexible copper
pipes.

A rigid copper pipe is typically used for water

supply lines, whereas flexible copper pipes are
used in tight spaces where the malleable copper
can bend.

Pros and Cons of Copper

Pipes

Corrosion-resistant—Copper pipes
are resistant to corrosion, can
handle high water pressure, and
are tolerant of hot and cold
temperatures.
Environmentally friendly—Copper
can be recycled, so your water
lines can be made from recycled
material or go on to be recycled
for future use.

Expensive—Copper piping is more

expensive than some of its more
popular alternatives like PVC or
PEX.
Reduced flexibility—Copper is
unable to be used in tight spaces
where plastic piping would be
more viable.

5. Cast Iron and Galvanized

Piping
Although cast iron and galvanized piping are
rarely installed in new construction homes, you
may have these pipes if you have an older home
that was built in the early 20th century. Cast iron
pipes are still used today for parts of water
distribution systems.

Cast Iron Pipes

Strong and durable

Heat resistant

Reduce the sound of moving water

Both pipes are prone to rust and corrosion over

time and have been swapped for copper or plastic
pipes in residential plumbing repairs.

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project today

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Frequently Asked
Questions About Plumbing
Pipes

What are the different types of

pipes used in plumbing?

How often does plumbing need to

be replaced?

What causes plumbing pipes to

vibrate?

Are PVC pipes safe for drinking

water?

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