CHAPTER

2
Plumbing Materials
Fittings
Fixtures
TYPES OF PLUMBING PIPES

All plumbing pipes can be categorized into two main types based on their use:

1. Supply Pipes

All pipes that distribute water from the main supply in the neighborhood or building to
your house or apartment are considered as supply pipes. 

2. Drainage Pipes

Drainage pipes carry wastewater out of the house and into the local sewers. Most of
these are present underground.
 SUPPLY PIPES: MATERIALS
A. PVC Pipes (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Pros:
•Cheaper cost
•Easy installation and maintenance
•Lightweight construction
•Can be used for both supply and
drainage
•Available in varying diameters with a
range of joint fittings as well Cons:
•Requires proper cutting tools to create sections
•Pipes must be glued together to form joints
•Joints may leak if the glue does not form a strong bond
•Sunlight can result in severe wear and tear over time
•Not suitable for high water pressure levels or hot water
pipes
 SUPPLY PIPES: MATERIALS
B. PEX Pipes (Cross-linked
Polyethelene
Pros:
•Cheaper cost
•Easy installation and maintenance
•Lightweight construction
•Can be used for both supply and drainage
•Available in varying diameters with a range of joint
fittings as well

Cons:
•Only used for water supply channels
•Might result in leaks if the connections are not fitted
properly
 SUPPLY PIPES: MATERIALS
C. Copper Pipes
Pipes made from copper are chosen when the groundwater being supplied into the
house is highly corrosive and can cause damage to other metallic pipe materials.

Pros:
•High resistance to corrosion
•Strong material for high water pressure levels
•Easily available in long lengths
•Can be used with hot water channels
•Both flexible and rigid copper pipes are easily
available
Cons:
•Might be costlier than other options
•Needs to be cut with a tool for sectioning
•Connecting two copper pipes together requires
professional expertise
 DRAINAGE PIPES: MATERIALS
A. ABS Pipes
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS is a material used to create
drainage pipes that resemble PVC pipes but are slightly softer to the
touch.

Pros:
•Stronger than PVC pipes
•Ideal pipes for colder climates
•Can be used underground Cons:
•Low tolerance of heat
•Can deform in hot climates
 SUPPLY PIPES: MATERIALS
B. Concrete Pipes
Large sections of concrete pipes are needed at every construction site to
connect the home’s wastewater system with the main sewers in the area.

Pros:
•Available in varying diameters
•Pure concrete construction with no
reinforcement needed
•Cast in moulds and readily available for
use
•Economical and durable
Cons:
•Prone to corrosion due to regular contact with bacteria in
wastewater
•Heavy pipes which often require cranes for transportation
 DRAINAGE PIPES : MATERIALS
C. Galvanized Pipes
These pipes are generally made from iron or steel that has been coated with
zinc. Galvanized pipes are manufactured by pouring molten steel or iron into
molds.

Pros:
•Available as both galvanized iron pipes
and galvanized steel pipes
•Very strong pipes that are extremely
durable Cons:
•Varying thickness and diameters •Only available in short lengths
available •Prone to corrosion over long periods of time
•Costlier than other options