What type of pipes are used in new homes?

Pipes

Pipes are an essential part of the plumbing system of any house. Plumbing pipes are used to supply water, carry waste to a sewer system, and for drainage. In ancient Greece times, clay pipes were used to supply water into homes. In the early 1900s, or during the 20th century, cast iron, galvanized steel, copper was the popular materials for pipes used for drainage, water supply, and even gas supply. But today its use has stayed limited to gas supply and that too in low extend. Since galvanized steel pipes tend to corrode and rust on the inside, plumbers stopped using them. Nowadays a plumber in Sacramento seldomly uses it in home’s plumbing. reduced. Over time, the plumbing pipes used in homes have evolved. Now, in new or modern homes, several different types of pipe materials are available and are used for various plumbing purposes. These pipes come in different sizes and shapes too. As a homeowner, you need to know the type of pipes, their use, and what material they are made of.

There are 5 popular types of plumbing pipes used in new homes that we are going to explore in the following blog post. Knowing the types, and their uses will help you to install the right pipe in your home.

Check this blog post to know the types of pipes now used in new construction homes: 

• PVC pipes 

PVC pipes are designed to take care of home waste that comes from the shower, toilet, and sink drain. So, this type of pipe takes all the waste of your house out. They are also used for vent systems as these pipes remove sewer gases and prevent air locks in drainage pipes.

Due to its easier installation and lightweight, PVC pipes quickly rose to popularity.

Pros of PVC pipes

• Great at handling high water pressure
• Ligh weight
• Low-cost as compared to other options
• More resistant to blockages due to its smooth inner lining

Cons of PVC pipes 

• Vulnerable to damage because of their weak nature these pipes get warped when exposed to high heat.
• Its material is incapable to stand firm against hot water.

• PEX pipes

Another pipe that is quite popular to use in modern or new homes is PEX pipes. This is one of the most contemporary pipes used for water supply for home improvement. The material used in this pipe lasts quite a long time and handles high water pressure quite well. PEX pipes are also flexible enough to be twisted through tight spaces, basements, and crawl spaces and walls.

Pros of PEX pipes

• Cross-linked polyethylene pipe comes in red and blue codes so it is easy to identify them for hot and cold water.
• Affordable
• Easy to cut and install

Cons of PEX pipes

• Not good for areas where the climate is too cold. Its material doesn’t withstand freezing temperature climates.
• These pipes can’t be recycled
• Not designed to install outdoor as they are prone to damage from ultraviolet rays.

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• ABS Pipe

ABS pipes are used for drain and vent systems. They are stronger but less flexible than PVC pipes. ABS refers to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. They come in a black-color tone and are softer than PV pipes.

Advantages of ABS pipes

• Most people choose ABS over PVC pipes because it has expanded tensile strength.
• More shock resistant to PV pipe.
• Better at handling lower temperatures ( snow and icy climate) than PV pipes.

Disadvantages of ABS pipes

• Exposure to direct sunlight can lead to deterioration and pipe wrapping.
• Most times, this type of pipe is not allowed to install according to building codes.
• Creates more sounds as compared to other plumbing pipes.

• Rigid Copper pipe

Copper pipe is another most preferred choice for new construction homes for water supply lines.

The use of copper pipes has been prevalent for decades in the plumbing industry. This pipe type is used for sinks, other faucets, showers, and tubs that supply water in your home.

Advantages of copper pipes

• They are extremely durable. ( it can last up to 50 years)
• They are more resistant to corrosion as compared to iron or steel pipes.
• Since copper pipes don’t easily corrode, the water quality is also preserved.
• High tolerance to both cold and hot water temperature
• Handles high water pressure
• Capable to withstand high heat.
• Recyclable.

Disadvantages of Copper pipes

• Expensive when compared with other pipe types.
• These pipes are likely to freeze when exposed to cold and freezing temperatures.
• Due to their rigid structure, these pipes can’t be used in tight spaces.
• When copper pipes start getting aged, their inner lining also gets weak. As a result, they become much more prone to pinhole leaks. If there is a leak, you will need to either have it repaired or replaced by a professional plumbing and appliance repair in Sacramento. 

Cast Iron and Galvanized Pipes 

The last type is seldomly used in new homes. But cast-iron pipes are still used in some parts of new homes for water dispensing. If your home is built before the 1960s, chances are you may have these pipes installed in your home. Cast iron pipes are durable and resistant to heat. But the cast-iron is vulnerable to corrosion and rust eventually. That’s why their use has come to end and plastic and copper pipes have replaced them. Earlier, cast iron pipes were used for drainage and sewer system. They got very popular at that time because of their ability to be resistant to heat and make very negligible sounds when water moves through them.

Rust and corrosion are the biggest factors that became the reason for less use. Because corrosion and rust affect the water quality also. Now, most of the companies, serving plumbing and heater repair in Sacramento, use copper, PEX, and plastic pipes are used in place of them.

To bottom it up 

If you are building a new home, make sure you know the pipes used in the home’s plumbing. The above information has covered all the popular pipe types used in the home. This information will help you make the right choice.