Water Supply Piping in Orlando, FL

Different Types of Piping for Plumbing in Your Home

On average, household leaks waste up to 10,000 gallons of water every year. In fact, 10% of homes waste 90 gallons a day, summing up to almost 30,000 gallons of wasted water each year. Monitoring the piping in your home is key for detecting leaks and preventing such waste. If you see visible leaks, such as those from faucets, call in the plumbers at United Air Temp!

We’ll arrive swiftly to diagnose and repair the leak so that you can get back to enjoying your comfort. Continue reading to learn more about the types of plumbing pipes you have in your home and the best way to resolve leaks for them.

Different Types of Piping for Plumbing in Your Home

The majority of homes in the U.S. were built before 1970, meaning most have galvanized steel or copper pipes. Newer homes typically have plastic pipes or PVC. Types of residential piping include: 

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized pipes have a protective coating of zinc applied to protect against corrosion. However, they can still corrode over time. Most will provide reliable operation for around 40 years.

Copper

Copper pipes are rigid and resist corrosion, making them ideal for buried water service lines. With a high pH level of the water, these pipes can corrode, as can large quantities of dissolved oxygen and salts.

Polyvinyl Chloride 

Gray or white PVC pipes are among the most common pipes used in homes and irrigation systems today. PVC pipes also have “schedules,” which refer to their thickness. Schedule 40 pipes, the most common, can deliver cold water. Schedule 80 pipes (often the dark gray ones) have thicker walls and can deal with higher pressures.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride 

CPVC pipes, like PVC, are also plastic pipes used both above and below grade. They withstand higher temperatures and greater pressures than standard PVC. 

Cross-Linked Polyethylene 

PEX, like PVC and CPVC, is another type of plastic water supply line for both above and underground applications, but they can deteriorate when exposed to UV radiation.

Choosing the Right Pipe

Are your pipes suited to meet your needs? Pipes have various ratings for pressure and temperature, or “P-T Rating.” Find out which types of pipes are best for specific applications below!

Drinking-Water

Copper, PVC, CPVC, and PEX can deliver drinking water. 

Non-Potable Water

All types of pipes can carry and supply non-potable water into your home. However, there are strict regulations for labeling pipes, especially plastic ones.

Hot Water

PVC is the only pipe that you may not be able to use for hot water unless otherwise rated, such as the schedule 80 variants.

CPVC pipes are typically rated for hot water applications.

White and gray PEX pipes are also often safe for use in hot water applications.

Home Systems That Rely On Each Pipe Type And Drain

PVC Pipes

Drain lines carry used water and waste from your home to the main drain, where it flows to the on-site septic tank or municipal sewer line. The main drain then connects to either an on-site septic tank or the municipal sewer line. 

CPVC Pipes

CPVC can replace copper pipes. It’s also the typical go-to for applications where you want to use PVC but can’t use it.

The Common Types Of Pipes

Metal, PVC, or CPVC pipes often make up a bulk of a home’s plumbing system. There are several other types of pipes, such as stainless steel, cast iron, and brass, which may also be in your home. In addition, you may find acrylonitrile butadiene styrene piping.

Troubleshooting for Leaks

The easiest way to troubleshoot your water lines for leaks is to monitor your water meter. Shut off all faucets, fixtures, and water-using appliances. At this point, the water meter should no longer move. In an older analog meter, you can see this right away if the gauge uses a pin. If you have a digital meter, you may have to wait for about an hour to see if there’s a change in the reading. If the pin moves or you see the numbers change, it likely means you have a leak. Other signs can include discolored or foul-smelling water.

How To Keep Your Water Lines Clean

A water treatment system that incorporates the following can keep your water lines clean:

• Water softeners
• Filtration units
• Distillation systems
• Reverse osmosis
• Ultraviolet sterilization

Protect Your Home by Maintaining Your Plumbing Pipes

Never delay repairs or maintenance. When you need professional plumbing help, get in touch with the professional plumbing experts at United Air Temp to schedule a maintenance appointment!

United Air Temp has provided exceptional plumbing services in Orlando for over 90 years! We have the skill and equipment to do it right the first time, and we strive for excellence with every visit. When you need the best plumber in the Orlando area, call United Air Temp.