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What are the Different Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses?
What are the Different Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses?
4.8 RATING

What are the Different Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses?

When it comes to the different types of plumbing pipe materials, you have many options to choose from.

October 15, 2026
What are the Different Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses?

When it comes to the different types of plumbing pipe materials, you have many options to choose from. However, most people usually go for plastic or metal, and without the proper knowledge of these types, you risk compromising the efficiency and performance of your plumbing system. The last thing you want is a plumbing emergency that leaves you searching online for a plumber near me in the middle of the night. That’s why Mr. Rooter Plumbing ensures that you have all the pertinent information about common plumbing pipe materials the next time you choose the ideal plumbing system for your home. Here are some of the different types of plumbing pipe materials.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC Pipes)

CPVC pipes are common residential plumbing pipe materials preferred in high-pressure water conditions and appliances like toilets and sinks. They are lightweight and low-cost, making them the ideal plumbing pipe solution. CPVC is versatile and accommodates numerous water needs while resistant to corrosion and rust. The downside to CPVC pipes is increased susceptibility to breakages when exposed to the sun or extremely cold temperatures.

Cross-Linked Polyethylene or PEX Pipes

These are newer materials to the market used for commercial and residential use. PEX pipes are highly-flexible, allowing them to be easily woven through floors and walls. These pipes have flexible bodies which contract with weather changes, protecting them from ruptures, leaks, and corrosion. Contact us at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for more information and quality pipe repair services.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Metal Pipes

A lot of plumbing pipes are made from metal since they have incredible longevity and durability. There are different metal pipes, but the most common include galvanized steel and copper pipes. It is important to consult a reliable plumber before choosing to ensure you get the most suited for your plumbing needs.

Copper

Copper pipes are usually used as supply lines to various appliances because it is long-standing and reliable. Another feature that makes copper pipes ideal is the ability to resist corrosion, allowing them to be used for hot and cold temperatures. However, copper is slightly costly, and individual components need to be soldered together, which requires an experienced plumber in case of any additional fittings.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes comprise iron or steel coated with other metals to enhance rust resistance. These pipes are commonly used for underground or outdoor water supplies due to their high durability and long-lasting features. The downside is that this type of pipe is known to rust over time, leading to various plumbing issues like restricting water flow. This is why building codes in most areas are against using galvanized steel pipes for plumbing.

Plastic Pipes

If you want an alteative to metal, plastic pipes are cost-effective and quieter. Although plastic pipes are not as strong as metal pipes, they can withstand high pressure and are resistant to impact damage and corrosion. These are some reasons why plastic pipes are popular in residential plumbing.

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