Common Types of Home Plumbing Pipes

plumber installing pipe at home Albany, OR

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one, it pays to understand the qualities, benefits, and limitations of the different plumbing pipes available. Fret not—your reliable plumber in Albany, OR, from Linn Benton Plumbing, is here to help you make an informed decision.

Copper

Copper pipes have been a go-to choice for plumbing applications for decades. They are durable, resistant to corrosion, and can withstand high temperatures, which is why they are less likely to need plumbing repairs. Sometimes copper piping does not do well with well water or hard water and can develop pin holes. Copper pipes come in two options:

  • Type M- This is the thinnest wall piping allowed for Water piping by code- most homes that are plumbed with copper use type M
  • Type L- This is a thicker wall piping that will last longer
  • Soft Copper – This is used for areas where bends and curves are required sometimes used in water services and is seldom used within the home for main water piping. It is sometimes used in older homes for dishwasher supply tubing and icemaker supply tubing.

PEX

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are also popular due to their flexibility and ease of installation. PEX pipes are available in different colors, making it easy to distinguish between hot and cold water lines. Furthermore, they are resistant to scale and chlorine, reducing the need for plumbing services due to corrosion or pipe degradation.

PVC

Lightweight and cost-effective, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are commonly used for drain, waste, and vent systems. However, they are unsuitable for hot water lines as they can soften or warp under high temperatures.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel pipes are coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. However, they have gradually been replaced by other materials due to their tendency to accumulate mineral deposits, reducing water flow over time.

Linn Benton Plumbing is your reliable provider of top-notch plumbing solutions. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.

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