Bathroom plumbing carries both water and waste away. Supply lines deliver water directly, while drain or discharge pipes remove wastewater from the system.
Before installing pipe in walls, preassemble as many fittings as possible – this will save both time and money when finishing the task.
Zinc-coated steel pipes
Galvanized pipes feature an outer coating of zinc to protect them from corrosion. Used extensively in outdoor railings, fences and plumbing applications (e.g. sewage plumbing), they also find use in some industrial settings. Galvanized tubes tend to be more durable than black pipes and can often be joined together into one long piece by welding.
Zinc coating of galvanized steel pipes extends their lifespan; however, it should be remembered that zinc used as coating contains impurities that could introduce metal fragments into water sources – an issue especially relevant in older homes with galvanized pipes.
Zinc coatings on ductile iron pipe have been popular since the 1950s. Their application is straightforward and creates an effective protective surface. Other metals may be used as corrosion control measures for iron and steel structures, but studies have proven that zinc to be most effective; its anodic coating acts as an anode against its own cathodic properties; thus giving ductile iron’s oxide layer an annealing anode role to act as cathode.
Copper pipes
Copper makes for an excellent material to use in bathroom pipes as it’s long-lasting, corrosion resistant, and capable of handling high water pressure. Plus, there are different sizes to meet all of your needs!
Though other materials exist for piping purposes, copper remains the premier material due to its durability and safety features. However, copper can leach under certain water chemical conditions or when installed incorrectly; maintenance must therefore be conducted correctly for best performance and longevity of use.
Your home contains various kinds of copper pipes with various wall thicknesses and markings to easily identify them. Type K pipes have the thickest walls and can be found underground and outside piping applications; while Type L pipes, which feature thinner walls yet still hold significant pressure, are more often found used for residential plumbing purposes and identified by blue printing. Furthermore, Type DWV copper piping usually serves unpressurized applications like drain-waste-vent (DWV) lines.
PVC pipes
PVC pipes make an excellent addition to bathrooms as they have long lifespans and can handle high water pressure without becoming damaged or toxified, are non-toxic, corrosion resistant and easy to install using solvent welding or adhesive fittings.
PVC pipes may not be ideal for hot water because of their tendency to degrade over time and when exposed to sunlight. Instead, ABS or CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipes designed specifically for this task would make better choices.
Both types of pipe are available in a wide selection of sizes, making them an excellent choice for all plumbing applications. Often white or dark gray in color with technical descriptions printed on either side, these pipes require little maintenance but may be more expensive than other pipe materials. They’re great choices for commercial as well as residential projects alike since they can be used in plumbing, drainage, drinking water distribution, chemical handling fume exhaust or ventilation duct systems – among others!
Polybutylene pipes
Polybutylene pipes were an economical and straightforward choice in homes throughout America during the 70s and 1990s, due to their affordability and straightforward installation process. Unfortunately, however, their popularity led them to be installed throughout many homes nationwide due to their affordability and easy installation process; unfortunately however they’re also susceptible to failure and leaks that can result in costly home damage; caused by their reaction with disinfectants in water supplies such as chlorine; this reaction causes cracks or flaking within its walls due to corrosion caused by chlorine exposure, creating leaks.
If your home features polybutylene pipes, it’s imperative to replace them as soon as possible. Prospective buyers could require you to update it prior to selling; and insurance companies might take this risk into consideration when underwriting policies. Regular plumbing inspections are vital to ensuring a functional plumbing system – professional plumbers can identify signs of polybutylene piping and recommend repairs when necessary, plus inspect water meters, main shutoff valves and basement or crawlspace areas beneath to make sure all your plumbing remains up to date.