Plumbing operations necessitate quality plumbing fixtures in order for the entire system to work efficiently and seamlessly in your home. From Victoria Plum to you, below are the basic types of plumbing pipes installed in most households. 

6 Basic Plumbing Pipes 

1. ABS Pipe 

ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene pipes are known for their durability and strength. Most are composed of a thermoplastic resin of the same name. Said thermoplastic resin is often interchanged with PVC. Though both have similar characteristics, they have differences for differing functions. 

ABS pipes are commonly used because of their high tensile strength, shock-absorbing capacity, and high resistance to impact. These work together to make the pipes themselves be able to withstand repeated usage and high water pressure. 

It isn’t flexible. Yet this is exactly its distinctive feature. This type of pipe is frequently installed for expelling wastewater and sewage from your home to septic tanks.

2. Cast Iron Pipe 

Cast iron is among the OGs of basic piping systems. They have been around for quite some time but are still very reliable at present. Durable and strong, it can definitely withstand wear-and-tear. 

Although cast iron is not impervious to rust, is generally takes a lengthy period of time before said piping cancer takes over to warrant pipe replacement. 

3. Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)

Cross-Linked Polyethylene belongs to the list of the most flexible fixtures when it comes to piping systems. This is greatly due to its linked-chain molecular structure. What this means in “application” is that PEX pipes have good thermal stability, which is why they are preferred for radiant heating operations--- heating systems in your home. 

4. Galvanized Steel 

The history behind galvanized steel being introduced to plumbing frameworks is that it was meant to replace lead pipes. The latter has toxic chemicals which can contaminate water and cause cardiovascular, central nervous system, and endocrine problems. 

On the other hand, galvanized steel is great for transporting water. Plus, it has a zinc coating which acts as a protectant against rust. This zinc coating will, in time, disintegrate. Still, if budget-friendliness, low maintenance, and rust-protection are factors you have in mind, galvanized steel will be ideal for you. 

5. PVC Pipe 

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a material which carries excellent versatility, flame resistance, water tightness for joints, and is lightweight. These point towards why many older piping apparatuses are being replaced by this modern innovation. 

Vent applications and drainage for waste are main its functions. On the other hand, it is not to be utilized along with heating components as it is not a material that can hold out against high temperatures. 

6. Copper Pipe 

Here’s another kind of pipe that has been in the running since day 1--- copper pipes. Numerous newly-built and/or renovated homes see PVC replacing copper pipes due to the first’s economic cost and flexibility. Alternately, copper pipes continue to have their place in the world of plumbing. 

Their strength and more importantly, non-toxic components, are what allow them to be reliable for potable water transportation. And because they don’t contain iron or any similar metal, they are completely impregnable by corrosion and/or rust.