When people think of “sewer pipes,” they may assume that they’re all the same — but that can’t be further from the truth. There are a variety of sewer pipes, all made of different materials. Some are stronger, some are older, and some are cheaper. We’ll go over the most common varieties today to explain their differences.
Plastic or PVC Pipes
Plastic pipes, which can be both white thin-walled pipes or black thick-walled pipes, are popular for use in homes and by anyone who wants to take their plumbing into their own hands. This is because plastic pipes are lightweight, cheap, and easy to cut.
Clay Pipes
Clay pipes were a very common type of sewer pipe. They’re capable of moving a lot of waste and won’t catch fire or get rusty. However, they’re also not as strong as concrete pipes or pipes of other materials and can break under pressure. You also likely won’t see these pipes being installed new — you’d just see them if your home already had them installed.
Cast-Iron Pipes
Associated mostly with older homes but still seeing use today, cast-iron pipes are strong against high-pressure water. They can handle up to 350 psi, while other pipes will crack under that pressure.
Concrete Pipes
Concrete pipes can be durable and inexpensive. They’re liked for being flexible, cost-effective, and relatively durable. However, they’re prone to aging and cracking.
Galvanized Pipes
Widely used in the home drainage system, galvanized pipes are rust-proof and coated in molten zinc to increase their strength. They’re more expensive due to being more complex but are also multi-purpose.
Plumbing Help
Regardless of what sort of pipes you have in your home, when they break, you have a problem. From clogs and leaks to bursts and more, you need a trusted professional to come and help you repair your pipes before the damage gets worse. Contact BPI Plumbing today, and we’ll fix any pipe you have an issue with, no matter what material it’s made from.