Types of Drainage Pipe and Ideal Uses

When it comes to drainage, pipes can be made from a number of materials more suitable for specific uses than others.

Each material will have its benefits and cope with certain applications better than others, so here’s our guide to the different types, and what they’re best used for.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are commonly used as water supply lines as they’re incredibly resistant to corrosion. Copper is also a great conductor of heat, so the pipes will get warm if exposed to hot water and help further keep this water warm.

PVC Pipes

One of the most common pipes in the market due to its strength and durability, PVC pipe is lightweight and flexible, but still watertight and flame resistant, making it suitable for almost any application.

They’re corrosion resistant making them the ideal candidate for transporting drinking water, and it’s incredibly cost effective due to its lasting nature – they have an expected lifespan of 100 years.

Moreover, PVC pipes are also recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly option.

PEX Pipes

PEX pipes are made from high density polyethylene and are multi-layer pipes. They’re known for being flexible and durable and are capable of bending at a 90 degree angle.

Because of how durable it is it’s suitable for hot and cold water systems due to its performance at temperatures both below freezing and above 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s easy to install and therefore can bring your costs down when it comes to labour time involved.

Cast Iron Drainage Pipes

CPVC Pipes

CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic that is able withstand a wider range of temperatures than standard PVC, which is not ordinarily used in applications where temperatures may exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s relatively maintenance free and again easy to install, though it can’t quite withstand as high temperatures as copper and can go brittle if exposed to these.

Polypropylene Pipes

Polypropylene is one of the lightest materials available for creating pipes. It is chosen when chemicals could be involved in the drainage process, as it has excellent chemical and abrasion resistance.

Polypropylene (PP) pipes are also high strength and reliable for thermal and electrical insulation.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized coatings on pipes are designed to prevent corrosion and rusting in the pipe system. They’re often used for transporting other substances, such as oil or gas, but are used just as frequently for transporting water.

It’s a super thick and durable pipe that’s rust and corrosion free, which prevents leakage.

All of these pipes are suitable for transporting water, but as can be seen above, some are more specifically for hot water, or chemically contaminated water due to their properties.

Shop drainage products and find the right pipes for you.