Take the Guesswork Out! Essential Plumbing Materials List
Installing or repairing a plumbing system requires bringing together many different parts and pieces. Having the right materials on hand can make or break your next plumbing project. We've assembled this definitive guide to simplify your plumbing supply runs.
With a comprehensive list of the most common plumbing system components, you'll take the guesswork and frustration out of your upcoming installs and repairs. Read on for the materials you'll need to handle everything from routine maintenance to complete re-piping jobs.
PVC Pipes and Fittings
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, has become ubiquitous in modern plumbing systems. PVC offers an affordable, durable, and easy-to-install piping solution for supplying water throughout residential and commercial buildings.
PVC pipe is available in varying diameters, pressure ratings, and schedules (wall thicknesses). Schedule 40 is the most common grade for low pressure applications. Here are some of the most widely used PVC fittings:
- Solvent Cements - Solvent cements literally weld PVC pipes and fittings together to form permanent, watertight bonds.
- Threaded Fittings - Male and female threaded PVC fittings allow pipes to be hand tightened together without glues or solvents.
- Push-Fit Fittings - These quick connect fittings use gaskets that seal to the inside of pipes as the fitting is pushed on.
- Compression Fittings - Tightening a nut on these fittings compresses a gasket against the pipe's outer wall to seal the joint.
CPVC Piping
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes share many of the same properties of PVC with the added ability to withstand higher temperatures. This makes CPVC well-suited for hot and cold potable water delivery.
CPVC pipe fittings rely on the same joining methods as PVC fittings, including solvent cementing, threading, push-fit technology, and compression style connections.
Copper Tubes & Fittings
Valued for its corrosion resistance, copper remains a go-to material for supply lines, drains, and vents. Drawn copper, also called hard copper, offers rigid pipes in long lengths. Soft copper tubing can be bent and shaped onsite for custom installations.
Common methods for joining copper pipes include:
- Soldering - Flux is applied and metal fittings are sealed to copper joints with melting solder (typically lead-free).
- Brazing - Silver brazing alloy bonds copper without fluxes at higher temperatures.
- Threaded Fittings - Male and female threaded fittings can readily seal copper pipes together by hand.
- Compression Fittings - Tightening a nut radially compresses gaskets against the copper tube for a strong seal.
- Press Fittings - Copper press fittings use mechanical cold forming to create seamless joints.
PEX Tubing Systems
Crosslinked polyethylene, or PEX, has gained popularity due to its extreme flexibility plus resistance to temperature extremes and chemical corrosion. PEX tubing simplifies the installation of water delivery systems.
Common PEX fitting and connection styles include:
- PEX Crimp Fittings - Copper crimp rings are compressed around barbed PEX fittings with a powered crimping tool.
- PEX Push-Fit Fittings - These fittings form tight seal to PEX tubing without clamps, compression rings, or crimps when pushed together by hand.
- PEX Compression Fittings - Similar to other compression styles, these fittings seal against the tubing's outer diameter when tightened.
Other Important Plumbing Components
Beyond the pipes and tubes transporting water and waste, many auxiliary system components deserve a place in your plumbing supplies.
- Pipe Insulation - Insulation wraps or sleeves slow heat loss from hot water pipes and prevent condensation on cold water lines.
- Pipe Hangers & Supports - Pipe positioning systems like clevis hangers and riser clamps properly align and anchor piping runs.
- Valves - Isolation valves control flows or enable shutting off water, gas, and drain lines for maintenance and repairs.
- Plumbing Tools - Having essentials like tubing cutters, reamers, levels, wrenches and crimpers pays dividends.
- Plumbing Fixtures - The variety of modern sinks, faucets, water closets, and tubs multiplies each year.
- Water Heaters - Keep replacements for storage and tankless models on hand before emergencies strike.
When tackling any residential or commercial plumbing project, leverage this exhaustive list of go-to system components. Having the right plumbing parts, tools, and accessories is the surest path to success!