types of plumbing pipe
These 10 animal facts will amaze you. The two major categories of plumping pipe are plastic and metal. Plastic pipes include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chlorine (CPVC), PEX pipe and PolyPipeÂ®. Copper, stainless steel and galvanized steel are all types of metal plumbing pipe. Not all pipes are as useful or effective as others, and each type is used for a specific purpose in plumbing. PVC pipe is a type of plastic plumbing pipe primarily used to transport high pressured water. It is available in several standard sizes, ranging from Â½ inch (1.3 centimeters) to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) in diameter. PVC pipe is only made to handle cold water, as hot water will cause the pipe to warp.
Knowing the types of plumbing pipes in your home lets you take steps to prevent leaks, flooding, and potential health hazards. Polybutylene is prone to breakage, but it can be replaced with PEX, as it was here. Image: ilovebutter/Flickr.