Most plumbers today prefer plastic over copper pipes because it is easier and better protects water quality.
Plastic pipes are lightweight and resistant to temperature swings, while also being cost-effective and long-term solutions for plumbing needs. When looking for the ideal plastic pipe solution for you, check its National Sanitation Foundation certification status as well as thickness markings on its body.
PEX Pipe
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe is an economical and straightforward alternative to copper or galvanized steel water supply lines for water supply lines. Installation is often faster and cheaper compared to metal pipes, making PEX an attractive option for DIY homeowners taking on plumbing projects themselves.
PEX tubing’s flexibility enables it to easily navigate around corners and other obstacles, without needing elbow joints for tight spots in tight places – saving installation time and money!
PEX tubing is much simpler to work with than copper pipes, which can easily be damaged by drops or mishaps on a job site and fail due to unseen cracks and imperfections that go undetected. PEX, however, is more resistant to damage and makes for ideal remodeling projects.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipe
HDPE pipes are highly versatile. They’re built to withstand different environments while remaining chemical resistant – not to mention having long lifespans that rival any other pipes on the market.
Safe to use around drinking water sources, it can transport both liquids and gases at low temperatures safely – an excellent choice as an upgrade option for ageing concrete and steel mains pipelines.
HDPE plastic pipe can be used in applications including sewer and drainage lines, rural irrigation systems, fire systems supply lines and electrical and communication conduit. It is resistant to high pressures while its joints remain leak-free without needing flame welding for assembly.
PVC pipe is easy to install and suitable for trenchless installations as well as rehabilitation of existing pipelines, while remaining lightweight and having lower environmental impacts than metal alternatives. After its useful life is up, its materials can be recycled back into new plastic products or decomposed faster than any other plastics on their own.
ABS Pipe
ABS or PVC plumbing pipes could be the perfect choice if you need something other than copper pipe. Both types can be used indoors or outdoors and both offer many advantages – just make sure that you choose one suitable for your project!
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipe looks similar to PVC piping, though typically black in color and slightly softer. When bonding ABS pipes together instantly with special cement instead of two step primer and cement methods such as for PVC piping, an instant bonding process occurs which makes this type of plastic water pipe easy and quick.
These pipes are constructed of extra durable plastic and work well in underground situations or places not exposed to direct sunlight. They’re resistant to cold temperatures, too, making them suitable for drain, sewer, vent or other plumbing needs. Your area’s construction regulations may dictate which pipe type to use before starting any projects – while connecting multiple PVC pipes together won’t withstand high pressure levels as expected.
PVC Pipe
When selecting the ideal pipe for your plumbing system, its purpose should be paramount. From water supply, drain-waste-vent and gas lines to PVC pipes made of plastic or metal – there are plenty of choices on the market! When selecting PVC plumbing pipe as your preferred choice for water or drain waste-vent applications it offers flexibility while being resistant to rust and corrosion – ideal characteristics!
High-density polyethylene pipe may also be suitable for your home’s piping needs, offering another cost-effective option to consider when replacing copper pipes. Not only is this material highly durable and resistant to high water pressures, it’s also cost effective – easily identifiable by its white hue.