Properties of Plastic Pipes

PVC Pipes

PVC comes in white or gray colors, and is available in schedule 40, 80 and 120--these numbers refer to the thickness of the pipe walls, with schedule 40 having the thinnest walls, and is the size used for standard sewer and vent lines. PVC pipes for sewer/vent lines come in a diameter range of 1 1/2 to 4 inches, with each diameter pipe used to serve different types of water fixtures. The pipes generally come in 8- or 12-foot lengths. The pipe sections join together with PVC couplings, PVC primer and PVC cement.

ABS sewer and vent pipe is black in color, and available in the same diameters and lengths as PVC. The pipe sections are also installed with couplings (made from ABS), and ABS cement connects the coupling to the pipe ends--no primer is needed. Local building codes dictate whether PVC or ABS must be used, though the two types of pipe must not be used together in the same pipeline.

This type of water pipe has thinner walls than PVC or ABS, but is very durable. Lengths are also joined together with couplings (made from CPVC), PVC primer and PVC cement. The pipes are installed in 3/4 and 1/2-inch diameters, and also come in 8- and 12-foot sections. CPVC is temperature-resistant up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for both hot and cold water lines.

PEX is a flexible piping, and is used for water supply pipes, gas lines and in-floor heating systems. The piping is very durable and reacts well to temperature extremes and to direct chemical contact. PEX remains flexible in sub-zero conditions, and up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The pipe comes in a diameter range of 1/4 to 1 inch, and is available in coils from 20 to 1000 feet in length. The pipe sections join together with barbed male-ended fittings and copper crimp rings.