Additional Plumbing Pipes that are less common but still used.
Now that we have looked at some of the most common types of plumbing pipes, let’s take a quick look at several others that are not quite as common. These include stainless steel, cast iron, polybutylene (PB) and high-density polybutylene (HDPE). We will also briefly discuss another type of pipe that is not intended for plumbing: black iron pipes.
1. Stainless Steel Pipes
Stainless steel piping is actually more expensive than copper piping. A high price point, however, indicates a high level of quality. Stainless steel pipes are strong and corrosion-resistant. Because of their ability to resist corrosion, stainless steel pipes are the preferable choice in areas that are susceptible to it, such as coastal communities.
Stainless steel piping is available in both flexible and rigid versions, and it comes in a variety of sizes. Pipes are fitted together using couplings.
2. Cast Iron Pipes
Despite the advantages of strength and durability, though, a big disadvantage of cast iron is that it is susceptible to rust over time. In homes that have cast iron piping, if a pipe rusts all the way through, that section can be replaced with plastic piping, like PVC. Cast iron pipes come in various sizes, with the smallest usually being four inches.
3. Polybutylene Pipes
Polybutylene pipes also referred to simply as PB pipes, were a popular choice for plumbing from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. In fact, as many as 10 million homes built during that timeframe included polybutylene piping of some kind. Polybutylene is a type of plastic resin that was seen as a futuristic material, perfect for replacing copper.
These grey, plastic pipes were, and are, inexpensive and easy to work with. However, they fell out of favour because it was demonstrated that PB pipes were prone to leakage at the joints.
High-Density Polybutylene Pipes
High-Density Polybutylene pipes, also known as HDPE pipes, are one of the most popular choices for underground service lines, though they work in a variety of plumbing applications. This is due to HDPE’s durability and ability to resist corrosion.
Some codes call for buried plastic lines to be made from HDPE instead of PVC. HDPE pipes are flexible, so they require minimal joints. Where they do require joints, heat fusion is used, making these pipes mostly leak-proof.
5. Black Iron Pipes
This type of piping is worth a mention, though it should be understood that it is not meant to be used in plumbing applications. Black iron pipes were at one time a popular piping material for water supply, but today, they are only used for conveying natural gas or propane. Black iron is also a popular choice for fire sprinkler systems since it is especially effective at resisting extreme heat.
What type of piping is in your home? Especially in older homes, you may need to consider whether it is time to replace outdated or deteriorated pipes with better piping materials. Likewise, if you are building a new home, the type of piping you have installed is an important choice.
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