There are several varieties of different types of pipes used in plumbing for homes and businesses, each with their own positive attributes. Based on the application and function of the pipe, and the environment in which the pipe is placed, some pipes are better than others. And indeed, some pipes may not be effectively used for some applications at all.
Essentially, the two major categories of pipes used in plumbing are plastic pipes and metal pipes.
The most common plastic pipe is the PVC, or polyvinyl chloride pipe, used primarily to transport high pressured water. As hot water will cause the pipe to warp, it is only used to handle cold water. Standard sizes range from .5 inch to 4 inches in diameter, and are most often white in color, though a few variations of gray PVC pipe can be found.
CPVC pipe is PVC pipe which has received extra chlorination, and is more versatile than standard PVC pipes, as it can be effectively used for both hot and cold water. It is also thinner and more flexible than PVC pipe, and is distinguishable by its yellow color.
With a much higher heat resistance than most other pipes used in plumbing is cross linked polyethylene, or PEX pipe. Typically creamy white in color, but also red and blue to indicate hot and cold temperature usage, it is often used in water-based heating systems.
Of the metal pipe variety, copper is the most popular type used in residences. With the ability to withstand high temperatures, and with its corrosive-resistant composition, it is a more expensive alternative than plastic piping, which some homeowners just don't trust.
More rare, and more expensive than other metal pipes, is stainless steel. Because of its ability to withstand salt water, which would cause erosion in most other pipes, its common use in a marine environment.
Galvanized pipes, with its galvanized coating that helps to prevent rust, has been used in homes for many years, primarily for the transport of water in and out of the home. For new home construction, or pipe replacement in existing homes, though, these pipes are being phased out by PEX pipes, just as durable as galvanized pipes, but less expensive.
Prospective home buyers interested in purchasing a home constructed from 1978 to about the year 2000 should be wary of the piping used in the home. Polybutylene pipe was a commonly used pipe installed in these years, and have suffered an extraordinarily high rate of failure under normal, standard operating conditions. Chlorine water additives have been cited as one of several causes of pipe deterioration. In fact, many homeowners joined in a class action lawsuit against pipe manufacturers, the problem having gotten so extensive and widespread.
If it is determined that polybutylene pipe was installed in the home, homeowners should seriously consider having that pipe removed, and re-piped with more durable, reliable piping. Even if no problem with these pipes has presented an issue yet, the chances of problems occurring at some point are much greater than normal, and can be a very unsettling feeling, as total pipe failures can cause devastating problem for the homeowners in many ways. Better to have this situation fixed now, or pay a much bigger price later if this turns into an emergency repair situation.
From plumbing projects ranging from a major re-piping job down to more basic problems or concerns in the home, homeowners would be best off hiring a licensed plumber for the job.
Licensed, certified plumbers will be able to come in, do a full, comprehensive check of the given situation, and diagnose what steps that need to be taken to fix the problem. They can determine if there are more underlying problems that exist, problems most likely unseen by the 'layperson'. They will guarantee their work, and be right back out to the home if their work doesn't rectify the problem, and work on the situation until the homeowner is completely satisfied.