At Bill Howe, our certified team of San Diego plumbers understands that plumbing pipes have distinct features and qualities that set them apart. Each type of plumbing pipe serves a specific purpose that ensures the plumbing system functions efficiently. With so many types of pipes, pinpointing the exact problem can be tricky for someone without proper training.
Bill Howe’s San Diego plumbers are trained and qualified to keep the drains in your home or business flowing. But we also want to help you understand the condition and performance of any kind of pipe. At Bill Howe, we prioritize our customers’ needs. If you ever have any questions or need assistance, we’re here to help.
Common Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses
While hiring Bill Howe’s plumbing experts for all your plumbing needs is your best bet, there are some tasks you can do yourself. Of course, before you dive into a DIY project, like replacing a broken pipe, it’s a good idea to understand the most common types of plumbing pipes and their uses. Of course, if the problem is too much to handle, call us!
Plastic
There are two kinds of plastic pipes: black acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and white or cream polyvinyl-chloride (PVC). Both types of plumbing pipes can be used for residential purposes. ABS are mostly used in drain, vent, and waste systems. ABS pipes are valued for their strength and durability, so they’re also often used in sewer lines.
PVC is a combination of plastic and vinyl. PVC is robust and rigid, so it’s ideal for various uses. These types of plumbing pipes are most used for water and irrigation in both residential and commercial settings. Plus, these plumber pipes are labeled with the ratings and diameters for easy sightings.
PVC pipes are commonly used for:
Drain, vent, and water supply applications.
Pros of PVC Pipes:
- Lightweight
- Widely available
- Easy to work with
- Corrosion resistant
- Resistant to chemical damage
- Ideal for non-potable and low-temperature applications
Cons of PVC Pipes:
- Not recommended for hot water applications
- Can deteriorate with constant UV exposure
- If burned, can release harmful chemicals
ABS pipes are commonly used for:
Venting and drainage systems
Pros of ABS Pipes:
- Impact-resistant
- Work well in low temperatures
- A good choice for drain, vent, and waste lines
- Can use solvent welding for easy installation
Cons of ABS Pipes:
- Highly sensitive to UV exposure
- Not very flexible compared to PVC pipes
- Not suitable for potable water systems
Cast Iron
You’re more likely to see cast iron pipes in older structures. These types of pipes are strong and can dampen noise, so it’s fairly common to see cast iron pipes used in main sewage lines, underground water systems, and storm drainage systems. Although they are durable, they can rust with age, so these pipes often require replacement. If you do not want to incur the costly expense of digging to repair cast iron pipe issues, these types of pipes are often good candidates for epoxy lining.
Cast iron pipes are commonly used for underground sewage systems, vent stacks, and in commercial applications.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Noise dampening
- Abrasion resistant
- Resistant to heavy loads
- A good choice for high-pressure applications
Cons:
- Prone to rust and can corrode over time
- Very heavy
- Can be difficult to install
- Their weight and size make these types of pipes expensive to repair
Steel
Steel or galvanized pipes are strong and usually used as gas piping. They were once popular plumber pipes for use in sinks, showers, and tubs. However, their tendency to rust makes other, more modern choices a much better option. These types of plumbing pipes are not commonly used today. It’s rare to see them used for water supply systems in remodeling or new construction projects.
Steel pipes are commonly used for drain and vent lines, gas supply lines, and industrial applications.
Pros:
- Good for high-pressure and temperature resistance applications
- Fire resistant
Cons:
- Can rust easily and break down over time
- Known for mineral buildup
- Very heavy
Copper
Copper pipes are more expensive than plastic options due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. These types of plumbing pipes are also resistant to bacteria, so they’re a good choice for potable water applications. Because they can be recycled, they are an excellent option for anyone interested in sustainable building practices. They are also available in various sizes, so they can be used for many different applications.
Copper pipes are commonly used for:
Refrigerant lines in HVAC systems and hot and cold water lines.
Pros:
- Can withstand high temperatures
- Durable
- Bacteria resistant
- Corrosion resistant
- Recyclable
- Able to withstand high pressure
Cons:
- Typically, more expensive than plastic pipes
- Do not work well in acidic environments
- Must be soldered on for installation
The associated types are rigid copper, which is suited for outdoors, and flexible copper, which is used indoors.
PEX
PEX pipe is flexible, easy to install, and a popular choice for both hot and cold plumbing systems. And, unlike other types of pipes, PEX styles are resistant to scale and chlorine. PEX pipes are an excellent option for use in areas that experience freezing temperatures because they are less likely to burst.
PEX pipes are commonly used for:
Residential and commercial tubing systems. Since they are durable and flexible, they are used extensively for radiant floor heating, indoor water supply lines, and cold and hot water plumbing systems.
Pros:
- Their flexibility makes them easier to install
- Scale and chlorine resistance
- Freeze resistant
- Have excellent insulation properties to reduce heat loss
Cons:
- UV light can crack or break the pipe if left unprotected
- Cannot be recycled
- Can leach harmful chemicals into the water supply
Polybutylene (Qest)
Polybutylene pipes, also known as Qest piping, were commonly used in homes built during the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. However, they stopped installing them in plumbing systems during the mid-1990s because they were rupturing and causing significant property damage. So, if you happen to have these types of pipes in your plumbing system, the Bill Howe team is equipped with the proper tools and knowledge to repair leaks in this type of piping.
Polybutylene pipes were commonly used for:
Home plumbing systems, electrical insulation, and domestic water heaters.
Pros:
- Flexible
- Resistant to freezing
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Prone to rupture, leading to water damage and possible mold growth
- Does not meet building codes
If you have Qest piping, our San Diego plumbers can help you explore the best repiping options, such as copper or PEX. These options can help eliminate many of the issues associated with polybutylene piping.
When to Call Bill Howe for Plumbing Pipe Replacement
Knowing about the many different types of plumbing pipes may help you when tackling simple plumbing tasks. But if you aren’t experienced with plumbing systems, why risk causing more damage? The professional plumbing experts at Bill Howe go through extensive training and have a complete understanding of commercial and residential plumbing systems. Our certified technicians know about problems with plumbing and pipes and know how to use the correct pipe to remedy the problem.
We recommend calling Bill Howe Plumbing if you encounter:
- Leaks
- Recurring clogs
- Discolored water
- Strange noises coming from the types
Serving the local community since 1980, our certified San Diego plumbers can resolve any plumbing issues, regardless of size or difficulty. Our pipe and plumbing experts use specialized tools, including cameras, to troubleshoot and diagnose the most challenging problems with pipes and sewers.
Whether it’s maintenance, repairs, or new installations, we’ll get the job done right. After all, we offer guaranteed service at an affordable rate. When it comes to plumbing and ensuring top-notch services, we know Howe!
For more information or to schedule an appointment with our expert San Diego plumbers, please contact us at 1-800-Bill-Howe (1-800-245-5469).
