This document provides a comprehensive guide to various pipe materials used in plumbing, detailing options for water supply, waste drainage, and gas systems. It covers materials such as CPVC, PEX, PVC, copper, ABS, and others, emphasizing their specific applications and advantages. The document also advises seeking professional help for gas pipe repairs to ensure safety.

1. Understanding Pipe Materials
for Your Plumbing Projects
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2. When it comes to your homes plumbing installation,
their is nothing more important then considering
what type of pipes get installed and understanding
why. Here at AquaMaintain we live and breath pipes!
There are numerous types of piping materials available
in the market today, and they come in various
specifications, choosing the right pipes for your
plumbing projects may be overwhelming or may even
be confusing.
The purpose of this quick guide is to help you
understand some of the basics about plumbing pipes.

3. Pipe Materials for Water Supply
1. CPVC - Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride is a material well known as a
choice material for domestic sprinkler systems in homes. It is also
ideal for distributing water supply in the household as it is
lightweight and flexible.
2. PEX – Cross-linked polyethylene or PEX is a strong pipe materials
that can be used both for hot and cold water. Due to its flexibility,
it can be installed fast and easy with fewer connections – which in
turn provide better water flow.

4. 3. PVC – Polyvinyl chloride is the third-most widely produced synthetic
plastic polymer and it is widely used as a piping material by
plumbers. However, its use is only limited to cold water
applications, specifically for irrigations and other outdoor water
supply systems.
4. Copper – Same as CPVC and PEX, copper pipes may be used for hot
and cold water. They are ideal for almost all water supply
application in commercial, domestic and industrial premises.

5. Pipes Materials for Waste Drainage
and Vents
1. PVC – PVC pipes are also mainly used nowadays for waste-water
and drainage systems. They are commonly buried underground and
are interconnected using primer and solvent cement or mechanical
couplings.

6. 2. ABS – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is another ideal material for
waste-water systems. It is a tough, heat resistant engineering
plastic suitable for residential, commercial or industrial piping
systems.
3. Cast Iron – This material is strong and durable offering longevity. It
can easily be incorporated to other types of materials with the use
of transition fittings.

7. Pipe Materials for Gas
1. Copper – This material is used for both external gas piping
system and for indoor gas distribution. Same as with the use in
water systems, copper pipes are very flexible and ideal for tight
spaces.

8. 2. PVC – Take note that PVC pipes are only used for underground gas
piping. They are used to transport natural gas or propane from an
outdoor source into the house for distribution. However, it should
not be used for the distribution itself.
3. Polyethylene – This is a durable material that provides long-term
resistance against natural elements. Polyethylene pipes are
available in coils and can be used as a better alternative to PVC
pipes.

9. Important Note: Gas pipe fixes are better handled by professionals for
safety reasons. Thus, avoid doing pipe repairs or replacement on
your own. Whether you are from Altona,Werribee, Hoppers
Crossing, Point Cook or the surrounding Melbourne suburbs, our
professional plumbers will be able to help you any time of the day,
any day of the week.

10. Aqua Maintain is an emergency plumbing & maintenance company in Melbourne.
We have many years of experience in the industry providing quality services to a wide
range of clients. If you have any plumbing related problems or questions, get in touch
with us at aquamaintain.com.au.