Types of Piping for Residential Water Lines



When trying to determine the perfect pipe type for your residential line it can be difficult to pick the best one for your needs. The variety of options may seem overwhelming, especially if it is your first time tackling a plumbing project. In this post, we will discuss the different kinds of water line piping, ensuring you are able to select the proper type for your plumbing project!

PVC Pipe

PVC and CPVC pipe

When it comes to residential water lines, PVC is the most common type used. Not only is this type affordable but it also offers a large variety of sizes and fittings. Due to its polyvinyl material, this type of pipe will not rust or corrode and it should not ever need to be replaced. This durable material can be relied upon for high-pressure applications or residential water supplies.

However, when it comes to hot water needed in the home for showers, sinks, or washing machines, you will need another type of pipe. PVC does not work with hot water. If it is exposed to hot water it will begin to bend and become misshapen, even potentially break. Also, PVC should not be used for drinking water applications because prolonged exposure to UV rays makes it prone to degradation (cracking and releasing microplastics).

CPVC Pipe

The downfalls of PVC pipe are where CPVC excels. Known for its capacity to withstand heat as well as its ability to safely carry drinking water, CPVC has a variety of traits useful in residential water lines. Using this type of pipe will also help you to avoid water hammer, an annoying trait that occurs in many water piping systems where the pipes making a knocking noise when turned off quickly. Additionally, CPVC is a common replacement for copper pipe systems because it is easier to work with.

Unfortunately, all of these benefits come at a cost. This type of pipe is notoriously more expensive than PVC. And while this type is flexible, freezing (which can lead to cracking) is a common problem with this pipe.

PEX Pipe

PEX pipe has become a staple in the modern home plumbing industry. For older homes, PEX pipe serves as a great retrofitting option. It also comes in handy with remodels due to its extreme flexibility. One of the main positive aspects is that PEX does not need glue to be held up. Also, unlike CPVC, cold temperatures are no problem for PEX pipe. This durable pipe can withstand both cold and hot water.

While water temperatures are not a major issue, PEX pipe does require more specialized tools and fittings to work properly. Additionally, despite being capable of handling hot water, it cannot be directly connected to a water heater. For a hot water flow to work, you need a hot water safe option (CPVC or copper) connected between the PEX and hot water heater.

We hope this helped you better understand the type of pipe used for water lines. If you have any questions feel free to contact us! Browse our selection of PVC and CPVC pipe today to find your best fit!