10 Types of Plumbing Pipes Used in Every Household

Plumbing is a crucial component of every home’s water supply and drainage system for both residential and commercial properties, ensuring the water flows efficiently and waste is properly disposed of. Whether you’re renovating an old house, building a new one, or simply fixing a plumbing issue, understanding the different types of plumbing pipes is essential for making informed decisions about your plumbing system.

Each pipe material has its unique benefits and limitations; some are better for carrying hot water, while others are better for durability or ease of installation, which can affect maintenance and overall functionality. Choosing the wrong pipe type can cause inefficiencies, increased maintenance, or even costly water damage.

In this guide, we will break down the 10 most common types of plumbing pipes, helping you explore the advantages, disadvantages, and typical use cases for each and ultimately choose the best one for your specific needs.

PVC Pipes
PEX Pipes
Copper Pipes
ABS Pipes
Galvanized Steel Pipes
Cast Iron Pipes
CPVC Pipes
HDPE Pipes
Stainless Steel Pipes
Polybutylene Pipes

1. PVC Pipes

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are one of the most common types of plumbing pipes, primarily used in residential drainage systems, venting, and irrigation. They are known for their versatility and durability and are designed for transporting cold water and waste due to their non-reactive and non-corrosive nature.

PVC pipes are relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, making them cost-effective. These pipes don’t rust, making them ideal for drainage and vent systems. PVC is easy to handle and install; the installation process requires no special tools or skills. Its smooth interior surface allows for efficient water flow and reduces the chance of clogs.

However, PVC pipes cannot handle high-temperature water and can wrap or degrade when exposed to high temperatures. They may become brittle and crack in freezing temperatures. The installation requires solvent cementing, which can be time-consuming and must be done correctly to prevent leaks. PVC pipes are commonly used in home drainage systems for handling waste and water runoff.

2. PEX Pipes

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are flexible and easy to install and are commonly used for water supply lines in residential plumbing systems. Unlike other piping materials, PEX can bend around corners and obstacles, making it ideal for residential water supply lines. They are highly flexible and can easily navigate around corners, reducing the need for many fittings.

One of the advantages of these pipes is that it doesn’t corrode over time, unlike metal pipes. Also, it does not scale and requires no soldering, which reduces both labor time and potential safety risks during installation. However, PEX is not suitable for outdoor use as UV rays can degrade the material, and a slight plastic odor can come from it, although this can be mitigated over time.

PEX pipes are often used in radiant floor heating systems, as well as in residential water supply systems. Due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of retrofitting into older systems without major reconstructions, it remains one of the most used piping systems.

3. Copper Pipes

Copper pipes have been a staple and trusted choice in residential and commercial plumbing systems for decades. They are known for their strength and reliability, which deliver clean and safe drinking water.

The benefits of copper pipes include their exceptional durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand high water pressure and temperatures. Copper is also non-toxic, making it a safe material for potable water. However, copper is more expensive than other piping options and often requires professional installation due to the need for soldering. In colder climates, copper pipes can be susceptible to freezing and bursting if not properly insulated.

Despite their higher cost, copper pipes are commonly used in residential homes for main water supply lines for their long lifespan, low maintenance needs, and full recyclability.

4. ABS Pipes

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) pipes are plastic piping typically used for drainage, waste, and vent systems in homes and commercial buildings. They are known for their rigid and easy-to-install nature, making them a popular choice in both commercial and residential plumbing applications.

ABS pipes offer several benefits: they are lightweight, highly durable, and resistant to physical impacts, which makes them well-suited for installation in cold environments where other materials might become brittle. However, they do have some drawbacks. ABS is vulnerable to UV light, meaning it can degrade when exposed to direct sunlight, limiting its use outdoors. It can also be noisier than other pipe types when water flows through, and some local building codes may restrict its use in favor of other materials like PVC.

ABS pipes are used in the waste and drainage systems of both residential and commercial buildings as it’s easy to handle and is durable even in low temperatures.

5. Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes are made by coating steel with a layer of zinc to prevent rusting. In the early to mid-20th century, these pipes were commonly used as the standard material for water supply lines due to their durability and strength.

These pipes are known for their sturdy construction, can withstand high-pressure applications, and are used today in some natural gas lines. It can last several decades if properly maintained. However, Galvanized steel pipes rust and corrode after the zinc coating wears away due to many years of use. Older galvanized pipes may contain lead, which can contaminate drinking water. Also, they are heavy and difficult to install or replace.

Galvanized pipes were commonly found in homes built before the 1980s, but are now rarely used due to their susceptibility to rust. These pipes are being replaced by safer and more efficient materials like PEX and PVC.

6. Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes are heavy-duty pipes used primarily in drainage, vent, and waste systems in older residential and commercial buildings due to their strength and soundproofing qualities. These pipes were once the go-to material for plumbing systems before modern plastic piping.

Some key advantages of cast iron include excellent heat resistance, making it suitable for high-temperature waste, durability, and its natural soundproofing qualities, which reduce noise from water flow, making it ideal for multi-story buildings. However, cast iron is very heavy, making installation labor-intensive and costly. Over time, it can become prone to rust and corrosion, which may lead to leaks or blockages, and replacement or repair can be expensive.

In addition, cast iron pipes are found in older homes and commercial buildings for drainage and waste systems. They are now being replaced by modern piping materials like ABS and PVC, which are a cost-effective solution.

7. CPVC Pipes

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes are similar to PVC, which was modified to handle hot water applications with additional chlorine to enhance their heat resistance. Unlike regular PVC, it was specifically designed for residential hot water plumbing systems.

Some key benefits of CPVC include its ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for hot water lines in kitchens and bathrooms, cost-effectiveness, and relatively easy installation, requiring no soldering, just primer and solvent cement. However, CPVC is more brittle in cold temperatures, which makes it prone to cracking. It also has limited flexibility compared to materials like PEX, and its installation requires careful handling of chemical adhesives.

CPVC pipes are a popular and affordable choice, commonly used in hot water plumbing systems in residential homes. It is a practical solution for homeowners seeking a budget-friendly and effective piping material for hot water distribution.

8. HDPE Pipes

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are a flexible and corrosion-resistant option often used for industrial plumbing. They are known for their flexibility, durability, and strong chemical resistance, making them a versatile option for various plumbing and industrial applications. It is often used in systems where corrosive materials or high water pressure are factors.

It is lightweight, easy to handle, and highly resistant to chemicals and corrosion, making it suitable for a wide range of environments. They also offer excellent tolerance to high pressure and can be joined with heat fusion to create leak-free systems. However, HDPE can be prone to surface abrasion and may degrade when exposed to direct sunlight (UV radiation) over time if not properly protected.

HDPE is commonly used in industrial systems for transporting chemicals and high-pressure water supply. It is a popular choice in industrial and municipal infrastructure, mainly for underground water supply and chemical pipelines.

9. Stainless Steel Pipes

Stainless steel pipes are durable and corrosion-resistant, commonly used in high-pressure and high-temperature environments. They are made from alloyed steel with a high chromium content, offering durability and hygiene. It is ideal for specialized applications where cleanliness and strength are essential.

Its key advantages are resistance to corrosion and rust, exceptional strength, and long life. Also, they perform well in high-pressure systems and are suitable for environments exposed to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and moisture. However, it is more expensive than other pipe materials and requires specialized fittings and tools for installation. This can increase the material costs and labor charges.

In addition, stainless steel pipes are widely used in medical facilities, food and beverage processing plants, and oil pipelines due to their reliability, cleanliness, and ability to withstand extreme conditions. Its durability and hygienic properties make them an ideal choice for industries where performance and safety are critical.

10. Polybutylene Pipes

During the late 20th century, polybutylene (PB) pipes were a popular choice for plumbing due to their low cost and ease of installation. They were commonly used for indoor water supply lines, especially in newly constructed homes and mobile homes, due to their lightweight and flexibility.

Polybutylene pipes are among the cheapest plumbing options. Their key advantages were affordability, flexibility, and ease of installation, helping reduce labor, material costs, and requiring fewer fittings. However, they are highly prone to degradation when exposed to chlorine in municipal water supplies, which can lead to cracking, leaks, and system failures.

Due to reliability issues, polybutylene pipes were discontinued in the mid-1990s and are no longer commonly used. They can be found in older homes, and homeowners are encouraged to replace them with current alternatives to prevent plumbing failures.

Pipe Type	Pros	Cons	Best Use
PVC Pipes	Cost-effective, Lightweight, Corrosion-resistant	Brittle in cold, Can’t handle hot water	Drainage, Irrigation, Venting
PEX Pipes	Flexible, Corrosion-resistant, Easy installation	UV sensitive, Potential water quality issues	Water supply, Radiant heating
Copper Pipes	Durable, Corrosion-resistant, High-pressure tolerance	Expensive, Requires professional installation	Water supply, Commercial plumbing
ABS Pipes	Lightweight, Impact-resistant, Good for cold environments	Noisy, UV degradation	Drainage, Waste systems
Galvanized Steel Pipes	Strong, Durable	Corrodes over time, Lead contamination risk	Older homes (replaced by modern materials)
Cast Iron Pipes	Heat resistance, Soundproof, Durable	Heavy, Expensive, Corrodes over time	Drainage, Waste systems
CPVC Pipes	Hot water resistance, Cost-effective, Easy installation	Brittle in cold temperatures, Needs primer and cement	Hot water systems, Residential plumbing
HDPE Pipes	Flexible, Chemical resistance, High-pressure tolerance	UV degradation, Abrasion	Industrial systems, Chemical transport
Stainless Steel Pipes	Corrosion-resistant, Strong, Long-lasting	Expensive, Requires specialized fittings	High-pressure, Corrosive environments (e.g., oil pipelines)
Polybutylene Pipes	Low cost, Easy to install	Degrades over time, Leaks	Discontinued, Found in older homes

How to Choose the Right Pipe for Your Plumbing Needs

Choosing the right type of plumbing pipe for your needs ensures long-term functionality, efficiency, and safety. Selecting one for your home can depend on various factors, including material, cost, pressure requirements, and installation needs. Whether for water supply, drainage, or gas line, not all pipes are created equal, and selecting the wrong one can lead to system failure, safety hazards, and high maintenance costs.

To choose the best pipe, start by identifying the application:

For water supply lines, PEX is a great choice due to its flexibility and ease of installation, especially in tight or complex spaces.
Copper offers excellent performance and resists corrosion, if durability and longevity are top priorities, though at a higher cost.
PVC or ABS pipes are commonly used for drainage systems, due to their low cost and corrosion resistance.
For hot water lines, CPVC is a reliable option for handling high temperatures.
HDPE or stainless steel is suitable for industrial or high-pressure applications due to their chemical and pressure resistance.

Ultimately, choosing the right piping service depends on the homeowner’s specific plumbing needs and environment. PEX may be the most cost-effective upgrade if you’re retrofitting an older system, while copper or CPVC might be suitable for new construction where long-term performance is key. Also consider local building codes and climate conditions while selecting a piping material for your property.

Answer a few questions to find the best pipe type for your plumbing needs.

Do you need flexibility in your pipes?

Will your pipes be exposed to high temperatures?

How important is pipe durability and resistance to pressure?

Select your preferences to see the best pipe options.