There are countless types of plumbing fixtures in a home, and each one needs a specific type of pipe to work efficiently. If you’re having trouble figuring out what kind of piping is best for your home’s plumbing system, here are some clues that can help point you in the right direction. Read on for more information about which pipes are best for your home’s plumbing system.
What type of pipe is best for your home’s plumbing?
There are several different types of pipes available for residential plumbing systems. Here are some common types of pipe you might run in your home’s plumbing:
Copper piping: copper is still a popular piping material today and is used in most residential plumbing systems. Copper is a good material for both hot and cold water plumbing because it resists corrosion well. Copper piping can be a good choice for most residential plumbing applications.
Plastic piping: plastic piping is a common material used for residential plumbing. It is a low-cost material and is a good choice for garden and irrigation piping. Plastic piping is low-cost and lightweight, but it does not hold up well to wear and tear over time. You should consider plastic piping if it is an area of your home that will get only occasional use like a screened porch or skip-drain.
Iron piping: iron piping is not as commonly used as copper, but it can be used for residential plumbing systems. Iron is usually a more expensive piping material, but it is also stronger than copper and doesn’t corrode as copper does.
P traps and drain valves
A trap is a fitting that collects wastewater from sinks, bathtubs, and laundry tubs. A trap is attached to a drain valve that allows water to flow from the trap to the drain. A drain valve is a fitting that allows water to flow from the plumbing system to a sink or toilet without being trapped in the system. P traps and drain valves are typically copper. For most residential plumbing applications, a P trap is all you need for wastewater in a kitchen or bathroom. You only need a drain valve for the sink or toilet.
P traps are inexpensive and easy to install, and they can be used again and again. For larger plumbing systems, like a home that also has a gym or building with an indoor pool, residents can purchase a septic system. A septic system collects wastewater from a building and uplifts it to be clean and put into the ground where it doesn’t pollute streams and lakes. A septic system is more complex than a P trap and drain valve system, but it can be cost-effective and helpful for large-scale residential plumbing systems.
Waste pipes
Waste pipes are used to transport wastewater and toilet paper flushing water from sinks and toilets to a sewer system. Waste pipes are typically made of plastic or reinforced iron and are often accompanied by a wastewater disposal (also called a black water disposal system or a grease trap). Waste pipes are typically used in kitchen or bathroom plumbing systems.
For larger residential plumbing systems, like a home with an in-ground pool and spa, a wastewater disposal or grease trap is required to keep the water clean. This system involves a pipe that is connected to the waste pipe and that holds the wastewater until it goes into the sewer system. The system is important because it prevents raw sewage from entering waterways like rivers and lakes.
Wind pipes
Wind pipes are used to protect water lines from freezing during winter months when temperatures dip below freezing. Wind pipes are usually made of galvanized steel and range in diameter from 1/2 inch to 2 inches. Wind pipes are connected to water supply pipes. When temperatures are low enough to create a risk of ice forming on water pipes or causing a bursting pipe (which is rare), the water pressure is increased in the windpipe so that the water doesn’t burst out of the main water line.
The water then flows through the pipes without freezing. Wind pipes can be an inexpensive and effective way to protect water lines from freezing. They are available in a range of sizes, so you can easily find the one that best suits your home’s plumbing system.
Sewage and drain lines
Sewage and drain lines are used to transport wastewater from a plumbing system to a wastewater treatment plant or a septic system. For large residential plumbing systems, like a home with an in-ground pool and spa, a septic system is recommended. A septic system prevents wastewater from entering the ground by lifting it and sending it into the ground.
For smaller residential plumbing systems, like a home with a single-family house, a wastewater treatment plant is recommended. A wastewater treatment plant takes wastewater from a city or town’s sewage system and cleans it before it goes back into the water supply.
Fire protection and water supply piping
Fire protection piping is used to protect water supply lines from fire. Water supply lines are typically made of iron or concrete and run from a water source, such as a hydrant, to a home. Water supply piping is typically protected by a water supply tank, which is typically made of reinforced iron or concrete. The water tank protects the piping from damage from water pressure and from animals that dig in search of water.
Fire protection piping is typically made of iron, copper, or plastic and is run from the main water supply to a home. The piping helps protect the water supply pipes from the risk of fire.
Elbows and connectors
An elbow is used to connect two pieces of copper pipe. The copper pipe connects to the drain valve or a sink, while an elbow connects the drain valve with the P trap. An elbow is a low-cost and simple connector used to connect two pieces of copper pipe.
It is made of copper or plastic and can be used again and again. For smaller residential plumbing systems, like a single-family house or a single-family home with a small pool, an elbow joins the main water supply line to a sink or a toilet. It is inexpensive and does not wear out over time.
For larger residential plumbing systems, like a home with an in-ground pool and spa, an adapter is recommended. An adapter connects the main water supply line to a 2-inch or larger pipe made of iron or plastic.
Summary
Household plumbing systems are important, but it can be difficult to figure out which pipes are best for your home. Copper is a common and durable material, but it is expensive and can be difficult to install. Plastic is a low-cost and lightweight material, but it is not as durable as copper. For residential plumbing systems, copper is still a popular material and is used in most systems. It is a good choice for both hot and cold water due to its resistance to corrosion.
Plastic is a low-cost material with a lightweight design, but it is not as durable as copper. For large-scale residential systems, like a home with an in-ground pool, a septic system, or a wastewater treatment plant, a wastewater disposal or grease trap is recommended. A P trap and drain valve are recommended for smaller residential systems, like a single-family house or a single-family home with a small pool.
