What’s the right pipe for water supply, drainage, sewer, and even the exterior? The answer is not as clear as it was in the past when the main pipe choices were just galvanized steel or cast iron. Below, we’ll break down common pipe materials to help you choose which is best for your space and application. The tubes commonly come in 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch diameters, and they’re easy to cut and join. Plus, they’re typically color-coded red for hot water and blue for cold water. PVC pipe is moderately easy to install and requires little more than a hacksaw and a miter box to cut. It glues together with solvents. Rigid copper also is quite durable, and it can be cut easily with a tubing cutter or hacksaw. However, it is fairly expensive. This pipe is fairly durable, though sun exposure can warp and degrade it, and it’s a cost-effective choice. But like PVC, it isn’t to code everywhere, so check your local regulations. Flexi pipe comes in many lengths and sizes. It’s somewhat durable, though it’s not uncommon for it to fail after years of wear and tear. It also is expensive, though you typically don’t need much of it for a project. Galvanized steel is rigid, corrosion-resistant steel piping that was used for decades for drainage, water supply, gas supply, and several other purposes. While galvanized steel pipe is still around (particularly for gas supply), it is far less common and not used for water supply in new construction or remodel projects. While it has good durability, it’s also pricey to install. Each end of the pipe is threaded, and individual pipes are screwed into each other with connecting fittings. Cast iron is rigid, dark gray piping that was often used for sewer and other drainage purposes. It is still found in many homes and is used today in some commercial and high-rise building applications. Cast iron is expensive but durable with good longevity. It’s viable until the point that it rusts completely through. It’s also very heavy and difficult to cut. Retrofits tend to replace cast iron pipe with rigid plastic pipes, such as ABS. Cost also will be a factor in your decision. In general, a perk of more expensive piping is it tends to last longer. So ultimately you might save money in the long run. Plus, you’ll have to know your local building codes to make sure you’re using a permitted type of piping. Speaking with a contractor or other plumbing expert can help you make an informed decision for your project. Sometimes you might not know exactly what you’ll need until walls come down and you see the space you’re working with.
