Various Plumbing Pipes & their Pros & Cons

Numerous standards and certification bodies exists both nationally and internationally, so it may not be necessary for a country to develop a unique set of standards. Rather, it could choose to adopt one of the existing systems and ensure that products are certified to meet that system’s requirements. In judging a product or material, the regulating authority (or certifier) must consider factors such as the following:

• Is the product or material under consideration suitable for the application or purpose?
• Will it be harmful to the health of the community in its normal use?

Is there a risk of these materials being released into the environment (e.g. the water) in the first instance or after the working life of the product or material has expired?
All pipes, valves, taps and other fittings used for the supply of drinking-water or the removal of wastewater must not contain harmful substances above the specified amount that could leach into the water.
Basis the above guidance here lies the prominent plumbing piping options available in our market with their pros, cons and applications to help you make an informed decision.

What are Plumbing Materials?

Plumbing materials encompass the various types of pipes and fittings used for water supply, waste drainage, and heating systems in both residential and commercial buildings. The choice of material can significantly affect the system's efficiency, cost, and longevity.

CPVC

CPVC stands as Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride - a thermoplastic produced by chlorination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin.

• Pros: CPVC pipes are a popular choice due to their durability, lightweight & ease of installation
  CPVC piping system are meant for both Hot & Cold water application, doesn’t corrode & has chemical resistance because of its inertness. It can withstand pressure, and resist scaling, biofilm & bacterial growth.
  Although being a plastic it doesn’t support combustion as it requires 60 % of oxygen to burn. Additionally, CPVC also has low thermal conductivity, ensuring reduced heat loss.
• Cons: Some of CPVC’s drawbacks include being more expensive than PVC and potential to become brittle over time.
• Applications: Ideally, CPVC pipe & fittings are used in residential and commercial Projects in potable hot & cold water distribution system

Copper

Copper tubing is flexible & smaller in overall diameter than equivalent galvanized steel pipes and fittings. Due to its thinner wall section, is relatively light to handle and is available in coil form or straight lengths as required. When assembled and installed correctly it can blend into building structures without difficulty. Piping systems can be assembled with the aid of compression fittings, couplings, or by lead-free solder or brazing. A high degree of skill is required of installers who perform braze welding. Compression fittings are much simpler but may be obtrusive.

• Pros:Copper tubing, due to its thinner wall section, is flexible & relatively light to handle. It has high mechanical strength, high-temperature resistance and excellent resistance to UV degradation. It has ability to withstand high temperature & pressure.
• Cons: Copper tubes are particularly useful for hot water supply systems. However, heat loss can become an issue if adequate insulation is not provided. Moreover, like all metallic materials, the risk of electrolytic corrosion should be consid­ered. This occurs most commonly where galvanized steel pipes or fittings connect with copper alloy (brass) fittings. Cost is also a big barrier compared to other metallic & non metallic options
• Application: Copper pipes are particularly useful for hot water supply systems due to its ability to withstand high temperature & pressure

UPVC

UPVC, also known as Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride now a days commonly used in water and wastewater systems for its numerous advantages over traditional materials like concrete and metal piping systems.
When used with a solvent cement jointing system, its comparable in bulk to galvanized steel or iron pipes.

• Pros: UPVC system is much lighter compared to metallic systems that’s why it’s easy to transport. It’s also plumber friendly due to its ease of installation. It does not suffer corrosion problems like mettalic systems. Additionally, they are cost-effective, chemical-resistant, and easy to maintain, making them a great pick for several applications.
• Cons: It is susceptible to physical damage if exposed above ground and it becomes brittle when exposed to ultraviolet light. It’s also not suitable for hot water application.
• Application: It is used extensively around the world for drainage (waste or soil and storm water) applications.

PEX

Crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) is a high-temperature, flexible, polymer pipe. Crosslinking technology was first developed in Europe in the late 1960s and has since come into use around the world for a variety of applications. PEX has a 50-year history of successful use around the world with extensive testing for durability and material performance.

• Pros: PEX plumbing materials make the pipe highly flexible and can easily be snaked through walls, reducing the need for joints and fittings. They feature heat resistance, long-term strength, and stability, making them an excellent choice for use in service lines, hot- and cold-potable water distribution, and other applications.
• Cons: PEX pipes are not recommended for external usage as its not 100% UV stable.
  PEX piping is susceptible to fire. Not only it will sustain a flame but will also melt, allowing droplets of flaming plastic to fall on anything below the piping system during a fire.
  For underground applications, PEX should never be installed in contaminated soil as such an installation “may cause permeation, corrosion, degradation or structural failure of the tubing
  PEX is naturally not chlorine resistance.
• Applications: PEX fittings and pipes are excellent for indoor plumbing applications, including radiant floor heating and water supply lines.

Galvanised Iron

Galvanized steel or iron was the traditional piping material in the plumbing industry for the conveyance of water and wastewater.
The term “galvanizing” once referred to hot dipped galvanizing, in other words total immersion in molten zinc after pretreatment cleaning. This technology provided a reasonable level of internal and external protection to the metal pipe. In more recent times, the use of electroplating technologies has provided a more attractive external finish, but little or no internal protection. Although still included in many codes of practice throughout the world, the popularity of galvanized piping is declining.

• Pros: Galvanised iron plumbing systems are strong, durable, and cost-effective, making them suitable for larger commercial applications.
• Cons: Internal and external corrosion is a perpetual problem in galvanized steel piping. It may also impart an unpalatable taste and smell to the water conveyed under corrosive conditions.
  Also, due to its heavy weight it’s difficult to handle & transport. It’s generally joined by threading and screwing the components together. This is a lengthy procedure when compared to the assembly of competing non-metallic piping systems.
• Application: Now a days, galvanized steel piping systems are generally accepted more for outdoor applications & also extensively used in the fire protection industry.

PPR

PPR pipe is a form of plastic pipe made from a material  known as polypropylene random copolymer plastic. In many countries, it is extensively used in potable hot and cold water plumbing system as well as for heating systems.

• Pros: PPR pipes are light weight and hence easy to transport. It resist corrosion from acidic or alkaline substances, making it a good choice for water supply systems. It is suitable for both hot & cold water system.
  PPR has a better impact strength compared to alternate plastic systems thus making it durable.
• Cons: Requires specialized tools for installation. Its tensile strength is less compared to alternate plumbing materials, which may lead to unsightly “looping” of the pipe. PPR is a susceptible to chlorine & fire exposure.
• Application: PPR pipes are used in both residential and commercial plumbing for water supply and radiant heating systems.

Which is the Best Plumbing Material for Your Project?

Determining the best plumbing materials depends on several factors, such as the specific needs of your project, budget constraints, and whether the system involves hot or cold water applications.  

Ultimately, one should always consider the following factors while selecting a piping system for domestic usage:

• Pressure rating & Long Term Performance
• Temperature withstanding capability.
• Toughness & rigidity of the material.
• Thermal contraction & expansion of the material.
• UV stability for external usage
• Fire properties
• Ease of Installation & repairability.
• Cost Effectiveness
• Life of piping system
• Maintenance Cost

FAQs

1. What is the most preferred plumbing pipe In India for residential & commercial buildings?

Today In India, CPVC piping system are the most preferred & commonly used in residential & commercial sector because of its flexibility, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, CPVC pipes are non-reactive and are not susceptible to corrosion, hence requires low maintenance cost.

2. Which Plumbing System is preferred in new residential & commercial projects?

Once again, the answer is CPVC pipes & fittings. In India, majority of new constructions (residential & commercial) do carry CPVC piping system for Hot & cold water application.