Types of Pipe for Home Plumbing
While many pipe installation jobs are best for a professional, it’s helpful for a homeowner to understand the types of pipes that are common in a home. The two main types of plumbing water lines in a home are water supply lines and drain, waste and vent (DWV) lines.
Water Supply Systems
Water supply lines are pressurized plumbing systems. They supply drinking (potable) water but also supply water to bathrooms, laundry appliances and irrigation systems. Common types of pipe for water supply systems include:
- PVC pipe
- CPVC pipe
- PEX pipe
- Copper pipe
DWV Systems
Drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems remove wastewater, help drains work correctly and prevent the flow of sewer gases into homes. The most common types of plumbing pipes used in homes today are:
- Foam core PVC pipe
- ABS pipe
We explain the key facts of these common types of pipe below, but use this information as a general guide only. Professionals choose pipe based on the specific situation and plumbing codes. Always defer to local codes for information on which type of pipe is suitable for specific uses. Note that plumbing installations may require a licensed plumber, as well as permits and inspections.
Sometimes it’s possible to join different types of pipes with specialty fittings, but not all pipe and fittings are compatible. Check your plumbing codes for guidance.
PVC Schedule 40 Pipe for Pressurized Applications
Schedule 40 PVC pipe is a type of plastic pipe that’s common for delivering cold water to a home.
Features
- Rigid white plastic pipe and fittings
- Easy to size and assemble with the right tools and materials
- Not suitable for hot water supply lines
- Usually not allowed for use inside a home, per local codes
- Uses straight, angular turn fittings
Common Applications
- Transporting cold water to a home
- Supplying water to irrigation and sprinkler systems
Common Joining Methods
- Approved primer and solvent cement
- MIP (male iron pipe, or pipe with external threads) and FIP (female iron pipe, or pipe with internal threads) adapters for transitions to threaded pipe
The schedule of a pipe refers to the thickness of the pipe wall. The higher the number, the thicker the pipe wall.
CPVC Pipe for Pressurized Applications
CPVC pipe, or copper tube size chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe, is a common plastic pipe type for residential water systems.
Features
- Cream or tan, rigid pipe and fittings
- Like PVC, comparatively simple to cut and assemble
- Suitable for use inside homes
- Handles higher temperatures than PVC
Common Application
- Distributing hot and cold drinking water in homes
Common Joining Methods
- Approved cement or primer and solvent cement
- MIP and FIP adapters for transitions to threaded pipe
PEX Pipe for Pressurized Applications
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene pipe, is flexible, making it easier to work around obstructions than rigid pipe. PEX installation requires fewer joints and fittings than rigid pipe types but might require more pipe.
Features
- Blue, red, white or orange flexible plastic tubing
- Quieter than rigid pipe
- Resists corrosion, as well as scale buildup from hard water
- More resistant to freezing and high temperatures than PVC
Common Applications
- Distributing hot (typically red PEX) and cold (typically blue PEX) or hot and cold (typically white PEX) water inside homes
- Radiant heating systems (orange PEX)
Common Joining Methods
- Crimp rings and a PEX crimping tool
- Push-to-connect fittings
Learn about different ways to protect your pipes from freezing and bursting with our tips on frozen pipe prevention and repair.
Copper Pipe for Pressurized Applications
Copper pipe is notable in pressurized water supply systems for its durability and long life, compared to plastic pipe types.
Features
- Rigid metal pipe and fittings with a bright finish
- High corrosion resistance and more durable than plastic pipe
- Suitable for higher temperatures than PVC, CPVC and PEX
- More difficult to install than plastic pipe
- Not suitable for water with high levels of acidity
Common Applications
- Delivering water to homes and commercial buildings
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) applications
Common Joining Methods
- Soldering with pipe flux
- Push-to-connect fittings
Foam Core PVC Pipe for DWV Systems
PVC pipe for DWV systems doesn’t have the strength necessary for pressurized systems like those that supply water to a home. This PVC pipe is only for gravity-fed drain, waste and vent systems.
Features
- White, rigid pipe and fittings
- Foam core reduces weight and cost
- Not as strong as PVC pressure pipe
- Easy to size and connect
- Uses gradual, non-angular turns, known as sanitary turns, to reduce backups
Common Applications
- Draining household sanitary wastewater (kitchen, bathroom) and groundwater
- Venting plumbing systems to allow air into the drain system and release sewer gases
Joining Method
- Approved primer and solvent cement
ABS DWV Pipe
Like PVC DWV pipe, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipe is for gravity-fed drain, waste and vent uses. It’s not strong enough for pressurized systems.
Features
- Black, rigid pipe and fittings
- Durable and resists impact damage
- Easy to cut and assemble
- Fittings have a gradual sanitary turn
Common Applications
- Draining household wastewater (kitchen, bathroom) and groundwater
- Venting plumbing systems that allow air into the drain system and release sewer gases
Joining Method
- Approved ABS solvent cement with no primer
Choosing Correct Pipe Sizes
To understand pipe sizes, you need to understand some common terms:
- Outside Diameter (OD): The distance from the outer edge of the pipe, across the center, to the opposite outer edge
- Inside Diameter (ID): The distance from the inner edge of a pipe, across the center, to the opposite inner edge
- Nominal Pipe Size (NPS): A common reference for OD that is less than the actual size on smaller pipe diameters, but equal to the OD on larger-diameter pipe
Depending on the pipe type, you might use the OD or the ID to match pipe to fittings, so check the specifications for your pipe and fittings.
Get details and descriptions of common plumbing terms and components in our plumbing repair glossary.
Find the Right Types of Pipe
Lowes.com has different types of pipe for drinking water, drain systems and more, as well as the tools and materials to cut and assemble just about any type of home plumbing pipe. Or visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest Associate. They can explain different types of pipe and their uses and show you everything necessary to do a plumbing job right.