Protect your plumbing system with high-quality pipes. Call Champion Plumbing for reliable piping services throughout Oklahoma.
Pipes are the heart of your plumbing system. They carry water into your home so you can bathe, clean, and hydrate while removing wastewater from the sewer system. Keeping your pipes intact often boils down to which material you install.
This begs the question: What type of pipe is used for main water lines? The experts at Champion Plumbing, who provide reliable plumbing in Yukon, Oklahoma, explain the options in this informative guide. Discover the advantages and potential drawbacks of various piping materials below.
Cast Iron and Galvanized Steel Pipes
Kicking off the list of the common types of pipes are two highly durable metals. Galvanized steel and cast iron pipes are renowned for their strength and temperature resistance. These key features made them a staple for 20th-century piping systems.
If your home was built before the millennium and still has the original pipes, you likely have cast iron and galvanized steel pipes transporting your water supply. These materials are incredibly durable and reduce the sound of water flowing through them. However, they also come with a few drawbacks.
Cast iron pipes tend to rust over time, impacting your home’s water supply. For this reason, residential piping systems have started incorporating other materials, though sewer pipes still use cast iron and galvanized steel.
PVC Pipes
What type of pipe is used for main water lines today? One of the most popular materials is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC pipes. This synthetic material withstands corrosion and rust, making it a sought-after choice for residential piping.
PVC pipes see the most use as connections to your home’s sinks, toilets, and shower drains. The material’s durability is impressive despite the plastic being lightweight and easy to install. You won’t have to worry about the pipe becoming blocked with sediment build-up since the inside has a smooth lining that prevents debris accumulation.
While PVC pipes can handle high water pressure levels, their heat resistance isn’t as strong as other options. Another major concern is water supply toxicity. Some states ban the use of PVC pipes over fears that they will release polyvinyl chloride chemicals into your drinking water and cause respiratory problems.
PEX Pipes
Knowing what type of pipe is used for water main lines makes you more adept at choosing materials should you need a repiping service. You can’t go wrong choosing cross-linked polyethylene, also known as PEX pipes. This synthetic material is similar to PVC and boasts the following advantages:
- Cost-effective and easy to install
- Flexible enough to fit through tight areas, including crawl spaces
- Withstands high water pressure levels
- Unlikely to rust or corrode over time
These pipes often come color-coded so plumbers can easily differentiate hot and cold water lines.
Copper Pipes
Your home benefits from having copper pipes in place. This option is one of the best in terms of material durability since copper pipes can last up to 50 years. You may never have to replace your pipes in your lifetime if you buy a home with brand-new copper piping.
Other perks include versatile temperature resistance and strength against corrosion. It’s one of the most eco-friendly options since contractors can recycle the material once it no longer suits your pipes. You should remember that all of these advantages come at a higher price than other materials, so consider your budget before making changes to your piping system.
Do you have a lot of tight spaces that you need to fit the pipes through? Copper may not be the best choice since it’s so rigid and less flexible than a synthetic option like PVC or PEX pipes.
ABS Pipes
What type of pipe is used for main water lines in cold climates? ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is ideal for pipes because it’s durable in cold temperatures. However, you must keep these pipes out of direct sunlight, or you may risk damaging the black piping material.
While you can use this for your main water line pipes, it tends to be noisier when transporting water in and out of your home. For this reason, ABS pipes are better suited for vent and drain lines.
How To Choose the Best Pipe for Your Plumbing System: Key Installation Considerations
What type of pipe is used for water main lines that won’t break the bank and give you peace of mind? All the options listed above are great materials, but you must choose the one that best suits your needs. Consider the following factors before booking a piping service with professional plumbers.
Cost of Materials
Perhaps the most important component of a piping service is the overall cost. If your budget allows, you could choose copper pipes and enjoy optimum chlorine resistance and a lengthy lifespan. However, a cheaper alternative like PVC pipes saves you money without compromising the integrity of the pipes.
Material Durability and Lifespan
Select a material that won’t wear quickly and maintains a clean water supply. Copper pipes last up to 50 years and resist corrosion. Cast iron and galvanized steel pipes also last a long time but can rust and corrode with use.
Home Layout
Finally, think about which material suits your home’s layout. If there are a lot of hard-to-reach places, a flexible material like PVC or PEX pipes will be easier to install than rigid, metal pipes.
Contact Oklahoma’s Trusted Plumbing Experts
Now that you know what type of pipe is used for main water lines, reach out to the specialists at Champion Plumbing for service to your pipes. We can inspect and repair faulty pipes or replace your home’s entire system. Our experts are here to provide superior service and tips, such as understanding the causes of plumbing noises.
We are available for service 24 hours a day and are happy to help you maintain good plumbing in your Oklahoma home. Call (405) 342-3571 or book a service online.
