We will be discussing common plumbing issues in your home, which you might encounter often.

We’ll also be discussing one type of plumbing pipe that you might not see in your home anymore. It was, however, the most commonly used pipe at that time and was used for all plumbing purposes until better options were developed.

PVC Pipes

PVC pipes are white-colored plastic pipes that are used to vent your home and drain it. PVC pipes were popular because they were inexpensive and easy to install.

PVC pipes are also able to be glued together using solvents due to their polyvinyl nature. This makes it possible for longer runs such as irrigation. PVC pipes are common in American homes. You may find them under sinks or in bathrooms as drain pipes.

Pros:

It’s affordable

It is easy to cut

It is easy to install

Cons:

If glue is not applied correctly, it can leak.

Pipes cannot be unglued and must be removed by glue

PVC tends to degrade in direct sunlight

Copper Pipes

Copper is a durable, reliable, lightweight metal that doesn’t contaminate water. Copper pipes are fire- and corrosion-resistant making them an ideal choice for water supply lines in your home.

Copper pipes are resistant to high pressure and will not cause water contamination. Copper pipes can be cut easily, but soldering is required to connect them. Only experienced professionals should perform this task, and they must follow safety protocols.

Copper pipes are very expensive because of their intrinsic value. Even if they are no longer useful, copper pipes can still be resold for a profit.

They are also 100 percent recyclable and great for the environment.

Pros:

100% Recyclable

Durable, long-lasting

The monetary value of waste pipes is high

High pressure can be handled

It does not contaminate water

Resistant to fire and corrosion

Cons:

Expensive

Soldering connections can be difficult

PEX Pipes

The latest in the line of pipes is the cross-linked polyethylene pipe, also known as PEX pipes. They are quickly becoming a very popular choice around the globe. These pipes are only used for water supply to homes and are not suitable to be used for other plumbing purposes.

These pipes are ideal for water supply. They can withstand high pressure and still allow for flexibility for home structures. These pipes can be woven around walls, ceilings, and basements.

Plumbing for water supply pipes before PEX pipes was introduced was something homeowners or professional plumbers could not do.

Pros:

It’s affordable

Flexible

It is easy to cut

It is easy to install

Color-coded to indicate whether you are drinking cold (blue), or hot (red).

Cons:

Single-purpose pipe (water supply).

Cannot be recycled

Untested long-term use

ABS Pipes

PVC pipes are very similar to ABS pipes. Both were introduced less than 10 years apart. They are both plastic pipes and serve the same purpose in homes.

ABS pipes can be used to vent your home, much like PVC pipes. You might think that a PVC pipe is the same as an ABS pipe. However, ABS pipes are lighter than white PVC pipes.

ABS pipes are stronger than PVC pipes. ABS pipes can deform and warp at high temperatures, unlike PVC pipes. They are suitable for outdoor use and cold temperatures.

Pros:

Outdoor underground use:

Best for colder environments

Stronger than PVC pipes

Cons:

High temperatures can cause deformities

It is often prohibited by local building codes

Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes are still common in many homes. They have been used in drainage and sewer systems for years. Cast iron pipes can be difficult to cut and put in due to their heavy weight. Although they serve their purpose well, cast iron pipes can rust over time.

Cast iron pipes are still quite common, but most professionals recommend that ABS pipes be retrofitted into older homes with cast iron pipe.

Pros:

Except for drainage and sewer system use, none

Cons:

Heavy

It is difficult to cut

Installation is difficult

Overtime Rust Completely

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes can sometimes be found in older homes. They were the most common and popular choice of plumbing pipes for a long time before better ones were made. They were traditionally used for many plumbing and piping applications, including:

Water supply

Gas supply

Drainage system

Underground piping

More

They are not used today for any other purpose than gas supply lines. This is due to their heavyweight and inflexibility as well as the difficulty of installation and potential water contamination. They are not an option for water supply lines during remodeling and new construction.

They are still needed for gas supply lines and may be found in older homes that weren’t remodeled in many decades.

Pros:

Except for gas supply lines, none

Cons:

Heavy

Installation is difficult

Overtime corrode and clog supply

Water contamination and lead poisoning can be caused by pipes or water.

This post was written by Joey Denick. Joey is the Owner and Operator of Clog Kings. At Clog Kings, LLC, we pride ourselves on our dedication and efficiency. We know you don’t have time to waste. That’s why we work fast to get your home or commercial building back up and running in no time. If you are looking for Hillsborough county plumbing then look no further because we got you covered!