Choosing the Best Types of Plumbing Pipes: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to water heater installation, choosing the best types of plumbing pipes can be confusing. Plumbing pipes and fittings must be robust, durable, and non-corrosive to ensure they operate efficiently for years. The installation process can also become tricky if you lack basic knowledge or the right tools.

Fortunately, this guide is here to simplify the process! We’ll help you navigate the essential aspects of selecting plumbing pipes, highlight what to consider, and provide tips to ensure your water heating system operates seamlessly.

What Makes the Best Plumbing Pipes? Understanding the Basics

Whether it is copper, PVC, PEX, CPVC, or galvanized steel, water heating systems demand high-quality pipes that can withstand high temperatures, maintain pressure, and deliver consistent hot water without compromising performance. The right pipes need to be durable, resistant to wear, and designed to handle the unique demands of water heaters.

Before making your choice, it’s crucial to evaluate factors like material durability, ease of installation, and local plumbing codes. These considerations will help you determine the best type of plumbing pipes for your needs.

Plumbing & Water Heating

Properly installed plumbing is as essential as electricity and gas. Plumbing systems not only deliver clean water and remove wastewater but also provide hot water for daily tasks like showers, laundry, and dishes. Yet, we rarely think about these systems—until something goes wrong, like leaks, lack of hot water, or unpleasant odors.

When it comes to water heaters, plumbing pipes play a crucial role in transporting cold water to the heater and delivering hot water to fixtures. Different setups exist to ensure efficient water heating and distribution, and understanding the basics can make a big difference in choosing or maintaining your system.

How Does Hot Water Delivery Work in Plumbing Systems?

Hot water delivery is a cornerstone of modern plumbing. With a properly connected water heater, you simply turn on a tap, and hot water flows effortlessly. The process relies on two pipes: one carries cold water into the heater, while the other transfers heated water to fixtures like showers and appliances.

For enhanced efficiency, some systems use recirculation or auxiliary methods (installing POU heaters) to ensure hot water is delivered quickly and consistently. While these systems seem straightforward, their design and installation require careful planning to maximize performance and minimize energy waste.

Best Types of Plumbing Pipes: Advantages & Disadvantages

Now that you understand how plumbing and water heating systems work together, it’s time to explore the most common and best types of plumbing pipes. Each material comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are a classic choice for plumbing, renowned for their durability and reliability. They have been a go-to material for over 40 years and remain one of the most trusted options for water heating systems. Copper is resistant to corrosion, does not pollute water, and provides excellent heat transfer, making it ideal for hot water delivery.

However, installing copper pipes can be challenging. They require specialized tools, such as soldering equipment or compression fittings, which increase installation costs and complexity. Additionally, copper is significantly more expensive than other materials, making it a premium choice.

Copper pipes are available in standard sizes, such as ½” and ¾”. Rigid copper is ideal for new installations, while flexible copper is better for repairs or retrofits.

Advantages:

• Extremely reliable, durable, and long-lasting
• Resistant to corrosion and chemical contamination
• Excellent insulation retains heat, keeping water hot longer

Disadvantages:

• High cost of materials and installation
• Heavier and less flexible, making installation more labor-intensive
• Less suitable for recirculating systems due to rigidity

Related: Copper vs. Pex

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes are another durable option that has been widely used in plumbing systems for decades. They are coated with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion, offering longevity and heat transfer efficiency. These pipes are suitable for water heating systems, particularly for auxiliary or recirculating setups.

However, galvanized steel can rust over time, potentially causing water discoloration and affecting water quality. While it remains a durable option, modern homeowners often prefer alternatives like copper or PEX.

Advantages:

• Excellent durability and heat transfer properties
• Can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance
• Easier to install than copper

Disadvantages:

• Prone to rust and potential water discoloration
• Similar in cost to copper, making it less budget-friendly
• Limited use in modern installations due to water quality concerns

Related: Galvanized pipes vs. Copper

PEX Pipes

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes are an increasingly popular option for modern plumbing systems. They are highly flexible, lightweight, and easy to install, making them ideal for retrofits and recirculating systems. PEX is resistant to heat and wear, although it cannot be connected directly to water heaters due to its sensitivity to high temperatures. To use PEX with a water heater, a section of heat-resistant pipe (at least 18 inches) must be installed between the heater and the PEX pipe.

Despite its convenience, PEX has some drawbacks. Its chemical composition may leach into hot water, raising concerns about water quality.

Advantages:

• Highly flexible and easy to install, reducing labor costs
• Excellent for recirculating systems due to its versatility
• Resistant to heat when not directly connected to heaters
• Durable and long-lasting under normal conditions

Disadvantages:

• Cannot connect directly to water heaters
• May leach chemicals into hot water over time

PVC Pipes

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are a cost-effective and versatile option, primarily used for cold water plumbing. They are lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and simple to install. While PVC is unsuitable for hot water systems due to its low heat tolerance (maximum operating temperature of 140°F), it works well in recirculating systems when paired with more heat-resistant materials.

PVC’s affordability and availability make it a common choice for many homeowners, though it has limitations in terms of longevity and resistance to contaminants.

Advantages:

• Affordable and widely available
• Resistant to rust and corrosion
• Lightweight and easy to handle

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for hot water systems (prone to deformation)
• May grow bacteria and other contaminants over time
• Cannot be directly connected to water heaters

CPVC Pipes

CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipes are an upgraded version of PVC, offering greater durability and heat resistance. They are suitable for both hot and cold water systems, making them a versatile choice for plumbing. CPVC pipes are easy to install, using either compression fittings or solvent cement.

While CPVC pipes are more affordable than copper or steel, they are not as durable or environmentally friendly. They may become brittle in freezing temperatures, and they are not recyclable.

Advantages:

• Handles hot water better than PVC
• Resistant to corrosion and contaminants
• Affordable and easy to install

Disadvantages:

• Prone to splitting in freezing temperatures
• Not as long-lasting as copper or steel
• Non-recyclable, raising environmental concerns

Types of Connections Used in Plumbing

Plumbing systems rely on various types of connections to ensure proper installation and functionality. These connections depend on the materials being joined, the type of plumbing system, and the specific requirements of the installation. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used plumbing connections:

Soldered Fittings

Soldered fittings, also known as “sweated” fittings, are commonly used to join copper pipes. This method involves using flux, solder, and a torch to create a watertight seal. While highly reliable and durable, soldering requires precision and skill, making it more labor-intensive than other methods.

Threaded Fittings

Threaded fittings can be made from steel, plastic, or copper. These fittings rely on threads to connect pipes securely. To ensure a leak-proof connection, plumbers often use pipe dope or sealing tape (such as Teflon tape) on the threads. Threaded fittings are versatile and can be used in various plumbing systems, but care must be taken to avoid over-tightening, which can damage the threads.

Solvent Weld Fittings

Solvent weld fittings are used to connect plastic pipes, such as PVC or CPVC. These connections are made by applying a specialized solvent cement, which chemically bonds the pipes together, creating a strong and permanent seal. This method is straightforward and cost-effective but requires careful preparation of the pipe surfaces for optimal results.

Compression Fittings

Compression fittings are an alternative to soldering or gluing pipes. These fittings use a compression ring and nut to create a watertight seal. They are compatible with plastic, copper, or mixed-material connections, making them highly versatile and easy to install. Compression fittings are especially useful for situations requiring quick repairs or temporary installations.

Important Note: When joining galvanized steel and copper pipes, always use dielectric unions to prevent electrolysis, which can cause corrosion and degrade the pipes over time.

Quick Tip: For fast and simple pipe repairs, push-on fittings (like SharkBite fittings) are highly recommended. These fittings are easy to use, require no special tools, and can connect pipes of various materials in seconds.

Water Heaters and Plumbing Connections

Water heaters, whether tank-type or tankless, play a critical role in delivering hot water to your fixtures and appliances. Properly installed hot and cold water lines are essential for these systems to function efficiently. However, the type of plumbing pipe used significantly affects performance, durability, and safety.

One plumbing pipe type not recommended for use with water heaters is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). While PVC pipes are cost-effective and suitable for cold water applications, they are not designed to withstand high temperatures. Exposure to the heat generated by water heaters can cause PVC pipes to warp, deform, or even fail over time. The maximum operating temperature for PVC is typically around 140°F, which is insufficient for most hot water systems.

For direct connections to the water heater, copper pipes are highly recommended due to their excellent heat resistance and durability. Alternatively, CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is a more affordable option that can handle high temperatures effectively. PEX can also be used, but it must be connected to the water heater using a short section of heat-resistant piping, such as copper or CPVC, to prevent damage from direct exposure to high temperatures.

By choosing the appropriate plumbing pipe type and ensuring proper installation, you can optimize your water heater’s performance and avoid common issues like plumbing crossover, where incorrect connections lead to mixed water temperatures. Proper labeling of hot and cold water lines, along with attention to pipe material, is key to maintaining a reliable and efficient plumbing system.

How to Save Energy and Water

Improving your plumbing system’s efficiency can be as simple as insulating hot water pipes. This reduces heat loss, keeping water 2–4°F hotter and requiring less energy to reheat. Insulated pipes also deliver hot water to fixtures faster, conserving water and lowering utility bills.

Pipe insulation is a cost-effective solution for enhancing energy efficiency. Tube foam insulation, made from polyethylene, neoprene, or fiberglass, is widely available at stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards. Once installed, these sleeves create a heat-trapping barrier that keeps water temperatures stable as it travels through the pipes.

In addition to saving energy, insulation reduces water waste by delivering hot water faster, cutting down on delays and unnecessary water use. It also protects pipes from freezing in colder climates, preventing potential damage and costly repairs.

Pairing pipe insulation with the best types of plumbing pipes further boosts efficiency. Durable materials like copper and galvanized steel benefit greatly from insulation due to their high heat conductivity. Similarly, PEX, known for its natural energy efficiency, can perform even better when properly insulated.

By insulating your pipes and optimizing your plumbing system, you can conserve energy and water while enjoying significant long-term savings on utility bills and reducing your environmental impact.

Conclusion

Choosing the best types of plumbing pipes depends on your home’s needs, budget, and the specific application. Durable options like copper and galvanized steel offer long-term reliability but come with higher installation costs and complexity. Meanwhile, PEX provides unmatched flexibility and easier installation, while PVC and CPVC offer cost-effective alternatives for specific uses.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of each type of pipe is essential to ensure your plumbing system is efficient and reliable. For the best results, consider your home’s plumbing requirements and consult a professional plumber to make an informed decision.