7 Most Common Types of Pipes Used in Construction
Pipes play a vital role in every construction project, whether it’s a residential home, commercial building, or industrial setup. From water supply to drainage systems, selecting the right type of pipe is essential for durability and efficiency.
Below are the 7 most common types of pipes used in construction, explained in simple terms to help you understand their usage and benefits.
1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes
PVC pipes are one of the most widely used types in construction. They are lightweight, affordable, and resistant to corrosion.
Uses:
Water supply lines
Drainage and waste systems
Rainwater systems
Advantages:
Easy to install
Cost-effective
Long lifespan for low-pressure applications
2. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes
CPVC is a modified version of PVC with higher temperature resistance.
Uses:
Hot and cold water supply
Residential plumbing
Advantages:
Handles hot water without degrading
Strong and durable
Resistant to chemical corrosion
3. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Pipes
HDPE pipes are flexible and suitable for high-pressure systems. They are joined using heat fusion for leak-proof connections.
Uses:
Underground water and gas pipelines
Drainage systems
Industrial fluid transport
Advantages:
Highly durable
Impact-resistant
Suitable for rough and uneven terrain
4. Galvanized Steel Pipes
These are steel pipes coated with zinc to prevent rust. Though less common today, they are still used in older or heavy-duty applications.
Uses:
Water supply (in older buildings)
Firefighting pipelines
Industrial installations
Advantages:
Strong and durable
Long-lasting under controlled conditions
Note: They may corrode over time and are being replaced with plastic alternatives.
5. Copper Pipes
Copper is a premium pipe material known for reliability and thermal resistance.
Uses:
Drinking water supply
Refrigeration and HVAC systems
Gas lines (in some regions)
Advantages:
Long lifespan
Corrosion-resistant
Recyclable
6. PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) Pipes
PEX is a flexible plastic piping system that is easy to install in residential plumbing.
Uses:
Hot and cold water systems
Radiant floor heating
Advantages:
Easy to bend around corners
Durable and resistant to scale
Affordable and long-lasting
7. Concrete Pipes
Concrete pipes are strong and mostly used for large-scale drainage or sewage systems.
Uses:
Stormwater and sewer systems
Culverts and irrigation channels
Advantages:
Strong and durable for high-load areas
Long life in underground applications
Which Pipe Should You Choose?
Your choice of pipe depends on the application. For plumbing in homes, PVC, PEX, or CPVC are best. For underground or heavy-duty installations, HDPE or concrete pipes are more suitable.
If you’re looking for durable, high-quality pipe solutions, Plasco Pipes offers a complete range of construction pipes trusted for long-lasting performance and reliable results.