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.
Key Points to Know for Pipe Types
Different types of pipe have different features that make them suitable for different uses in a home. Here’s what you need to remember:
- Plumbing codes specify pipe types for different applications.
- Pipe installation is best left to a professional plumber.
- Schedule 40 PVC is rigid pipe suitable for bringing cold water to a home but is not typically allowed inside a home.
- CPVC is a rigid pipe suitable for distributing both hot and cold water in a home.
- PEX is flexible pipe suitable for hot and cold water distribution.
- Copper pipe is a durable and long-lasting metal pipe for water supply systems in some homes.
- Foam core PVC isn’t for water supply systems but is suitable for DWV systems.
- ABS is a type of rigid pipe that adds durability to a home DWV system.
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.
FAQ on Types of Pipe for Plumbing
While you should always defer to plumbing codes for your area, the answers to these questions about different types of pipe can help you understand pipe for different applications in your home.
Can You Use the Same Pipe for Water Supply Lines and Drains?
No, DWV pipe isn’t strong enough for the pressurized system necessary for water supply. In addition, pipe for water supply systems typically has straight angular turns, while DWV pipe needs gradual turns to reduce wastewater backups.
How Are Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC Different?
Schedule 80 PVC pipe has a thicker pipe wall than Schedule 40 PVC, allowing higher pressures. Schedule 40 PVC pipe is common for transporting water to a home, while Schedule 80 pipe is more common for industrial use. A home would only use Schedule 80 PVC if it’s recommended by a pro or required by code.
What’s the Easiest Type of Pipe to Install?
The flexibility of PEX pipe, as well as the crimp connectors and push-to-connect fittings make it one of the easiest types of pipe to install.
What's the Standard Water Pipe Size in Residential Plumbing?
While sizes vary by location and code, 3/4-inch pipe is common for water pipe running to a house and the branch lines inside a house. Pipe for fixtures like sink, tub and shower faucets is usually 1/2-inch pipe.