Generally speaking, water pipes can be mainly divided into three categories: metal pipes, plastic pipes, and plastic-coated metal pipes.
1. Metal pipes
Galvanized pipes:
In order to improve the corrosion resistance of steel pipes, general steel pipes are galvanized. However, after several years of use, a large amount of rust and scale develop in the pipes. The yellow water flowing out not only pollutes the sanitary ware, but is also mixed with bacteria that breed on the rough inner wall. The rust causes excessive heavy metal content in the water, seriously endangering human health. (The country has issued regulations prohibiting the use of drinking water pipes)
Copper pipes:
With the advantages of corrosion resistance, sterilization, etc., it is the top grade among water pipes, and the copper pipe interface is the best. There are two methods: ferrule and welding. One disadvantage of copper pipes is that they conduct heat quickly, so the hot water pipes produced by well-known copper pipe manufacturers are covered with plastic and foaming agents to prevent heat dissipation. Another disadvantage of copper pipes is that they are expensive. Very few residential water supply systems are made of copper pipes.
Stainless steel pipe:
It is a very expensive water pipe. It is difficult to construct and is rarely used. Its performance is similar to that of copper pipe.
2. Plastic-clad metal pipes
Aluminum-plastic composite pipes:
Aluminum-plastic composite pipes are a more popular pipe on the market. They are lightweight, Durable and easy to construct, its bendability is more suitable for use in home decoration. The main disadvantage is that when used as a hot water pipe, long-term thermal expansion and contraction may cause the ferrule connection to become misaligned and cause leakage. There are many varieties of aluminum-plastic composite pipes currently sold on the market, with great differences in quality and price. How to choose aluminum-plastic composite pipes has become a headache for consumers.
3. Plastic pipes
UPVC pipes:
UPVC pipes have poor frost resistance and heat resistance. PVC pipes are suitable for electric wire pipes and sewage pipes. The chemical additive phthalein that makes PVC softer has a great impact on the kidneys, liver, and testicles in the human body. It can cause cancer and kidney damage, destroy the human body's functional reconstruction system, and affect development.
PE pipe:
As a new type of water pipe material, it can be used as both a cold pipe and a hot water pipe. Because it is non-toxic, lightweight and durable, It is pressure-resistant and corrosion-resistant and is becoming a popular material. Also suitable for hot water pipes and even pure drinking water pipes. The interface of the PE pipe uses hot melt technology, and the pipes are completely fused together. Therefore, once the installation and pressure test is passed, there will be no aging and leakage over time like aluminum-plastic pipes, and the PE pipe will not scale. The main disadvantages of PE water pipes are: high temperature resistance and slightly poor pressure resistance. The pipes are cheap but the accessories are relatively expensive.