Plumbing is an essential part of the construction, Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an old one, there are several different types of plumbing pipes that you’ll be using during the project. Construction companies Lahore and Home Builders in Lahore recommend durable and high-quality plumbing material for your home project. In this blog we try to cover up all of the different materials used for plumbing pipes, highlighting their pros and cons along the way.

SUPPLY PIPES

Plumbing pipes can be categorized into two main types based on their use like Supply Pipes and Drainage Pipes.
Supply Pipes distribute water from the main supply in the neighborhood or building to your house or apartment. These supply pipes are manufactured from the following materials:

PVC Pipes

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is a type of pipe that is lightweight and easy to install in comparison to traditionally used iron, steel, or concrete pipes.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of the PVC pipes

Pros:

• PVC pipes are cheaper in cost
• PVC pipes are easy to install and maintain
• PVC is lightweight and easy to handle
• PVC pipes can be used for both supply and drainage
• PVC Pipes are available in different diameters with a range of joint fittings as well

Cons:

• PVC pipes require proper cutting tools to create sections
• PVC pipes must be glued together to form joints
• Joints of the PVC pipes may leak if the glue does not form a strong bond
• Sunlight can result in severe wear and tear over time on PVC pipes
• PVC pipes are not suitable for high water pressure levels or hot water pipes

PEX Pipes

PEX pipes are only used for water supply. PEX or cross-linked polyethylene is one of the newest types of plumbing pipes.

Pros:

• PEX pipes can sustain high water pressure
• PEX pipes are made off flexible material that can weave through small spaces
• PEX pipes are ideal pipe for DIY projects
• PEX pipes can connect with different pipes easily
• PEX pipes are very cost-effective

Cons:

• PEX pipes only used for water supply channels
• Sometimes PEX pipes might result in leaks if the connections are not fitted properly

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are chosen when the groundwater being supplied into the house is highly corrosive and can cause damage to other metallic pipe materials.

Pros:

• Copper pipes are used for high resistance to corrosion
• Copper pipes are used for high water pressure levels
• Copper pipes are easily available in long lengths
• Copper pipes can be used with hot water channels
• Copper pipes are easily available in market

Cons:

• Copper pipes might be costlier than other options
• Copper pipes need to be cut with a tool for sectioning
• Copper pipes are difficult to connect, for connecting two copper pipes together requires professional expertise

DRAINAGE PIPES

Drainage pipes are used to carry wastewater out of the house and into the local sewers. Most of the drainage pipes are underground and can be made of the following materials:

ABS Pipes

ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a material used to create drainage pipes that resemble PVC pipes but are slightly softer to the touch.

Pros:

• ABS pipes are stronger than PVC pipes
• ABS pipes are ideal pipes for colder climates
• ABS pipes can be used underground

Cons:

• ABS pipes are low tolerance to heat
• ABS can deform in hot climates

Concrete Pipes

The concrete pipes are needed at every construction site to connect the home’s wastewater system with the main sewers in the area.

Pros:

• Concrete pipes are available in varying diameters
• Cast in molds and readily available for use
• Concrete pipes are economical and durable

Cons:

• In concrete pipes prone to corrosion increase due to regular contact with bacteria in wastewater
• Concrete pipes are heavy pipes which often require cranes for transportation

Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized pipes are generally made from iron or steel that has been coated with zinc. These pipes are manufactured by pouring molten steel or iron into molds.

Pros:

• Galvanized pipes are available in both iron and steel
• Galvanized pipes are very strong pipes that are extremely durable
• Galvanized pipes are available in varying thicknesses and diameters

Cons:

• Galvanized pipes only available in short lengths
• Prone to corrosion over long periods of time
• Galvanized pipes are expensive than other options