Pipes & Fittings Types

Explore the different types of pipes & fittings to find the best option for your needs and budget.

Quick Comparison

Type	Best For	Price Range	Pros	Cons
Copper Piping	Outdoor use, high-quality installations	$2.00 – $8.00/ft	Extremely durable	Expensive
PEX Piping	Residential repiping, new construction	$0.40 – $1.50/ft	Flexible	Not UV resistant
Push-Fit Fittings	Quick repairs, DIY projects	$3 – $15 per fitting	No special tools	Expensive per fitting
PVC & CPVC Piping	Drain lines, irrigation, cold water supply	$0.30 – $2.00/ft	Affordable	Rigid (no flexibility)

All Pipes & Fittings Types 4

Copper Piping

5 min read

Copper has been the standard for residential water supply lines for over 70 years. Type M (thin wall) is standard for residential supply. Type L (medium wall) is used for commercial and outdoor burial. Copper is durable, corrosion-resistant in most water conditions, bacteriostatic (inhibits bacterial growth), and fully recyclable. Joints are soldered (sweated) with flux and lead-free solder, or connected with push-fit fittings. The main drawback: cost. Copper is significantly more expensive than PEX and requires soldering skill or push-fit fittings for connections.

Best for: Outdoor use, high-quality installations $2.00 – $8.00/ft

Key features:Proven 50+ year lifespan in residential water supply applicationsBacteriostatic -- inhibits bacterial growth inside the pipeHandles high temperatures and UV exposure (can be used outdoors)Fully recyclable -- has scrap value at end of lifeRigid pipe maintains shape and supports itself between hangers

Pros

Extremely durable
Bacteriostatic
Recyclable
UV resistant

Cons

Expensive
Requires soldering
Can corrode in acidic water
Freezing can burst

PEX Piping

5 min read

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) has largely replaced copper for new residential water supply installations. Flexible, freeze-resistant, corrosion-proof, and dramatically cheaper than copper. Runs in long continuous lengths from a manifold to each fixture with fewer fittings and no joints inside walls. Three types: PEX-A (most flexible, expands for connections), PEX-B (stiffer, crimp connections), and PEX-C (least common). Red for hot, blue for cold, white for either. Cannot be used outdoors -- UV degrades it.

Best for: Residential repiping, new construction $0.40 – $1.50/ft

Key features:Flexible -- bends around corners without elbows, reducing fitting countFreeze-resistant -- expands up to 3x pipe diameter before burstingCorrosion-proof -- no pitting, scaling, or galvanic corrosionRuns in continuous lengths (up to 1000 feet per roll) for fewer jointsManifold systems allow individual fixture shut-offs from a central location

Pros

Flexible
Freeze resistant
Easy installation
Corrosion proof
Affordable

Cons

Not UV resistant
Cannot be used outdoors
Some fittings restrict flow

Push-Fit Fittings

4 min read

Push-fit fittings (SharkBite, Tectite, Gatorbite) connect pipe by simply pushing the pipe into the fitting. No soldering, no crimping, no glue, no special tools. Internal teeth grip the pipe, an O-ring seals it. Works on copper, PEX, and CPVC interchangeably -- which makes them perfect for transitioning between pipe types. More expensive per fitting than traditional methods but the labor savings are enormous. Approved for behind-wall use in most jurisdictions.

Best for: Quick repairs, DIY projects $3 – $15 per fitting

Key features:Tool-free installation -- push pipe in and the connection is madeWorks on copper, PEX, and CPVC in any combinationRemovable and reusable with a disconnect clipRated for 200 PSI and 200 degrees F -- exceeds residential requirementsAvailable in couplings, elbows, tees, ball valves, caps, and transition fittings

Pros

No special tools
Fast installation
Works on multiple pipe types
Reusable

Cons

Expensive per fitting
Slightly reduces flow
Not for concealed spaces in all codes

PVC & CPVC Piping

4 min read

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the standard for residential drain, waste, and vent (DWV) lines. White PVC handles cold water and drainage. CPVC (chlorinated PVC) is a different formulation rated for hot water supply -- cream or tan colored. Both are lightweight, corrosion-proof, and joined with solvent cement (glue). PVC is not rated for hot water supply. CPVC is rated up to 200 degrees F. Do not mix them up -- using PVC on hot water supply lines is a code violation and a failure waiting to happen.

Best for: Drain lines, irrigation, cold water supply $0.30 – $2.00/ft

Key features:PVC: standard for drain, waste, and vent lines (DWV). Schedule 40 is residential standard.CPVC: rated for hot and cold water supply up to 200 degrees F and 100 PSISolvent cement joints are permanent -- no mechanical connections to fail or loosenLightweight and easy to cut with a hacksaw or PVC cutterCorrosion-proof, chemical-resistant, and unaffected by soil conditions (ideal for underground)

Pros

Affordable
Chemical resistant
Lightweight
Easy to cut

Cons

Rigid (no flexibility)
Cement joints are permanent
PVC not for hot water

Which Pipes & Fittings Type Is Right For You?

Copper Piping$2.00 – $8.00/ft

Best for: Outdoor use, high-quality installations

PEX Piping$0.40 – $1.50/ft

Best for: Residential repiping, new construction

Push-Fit Fittings$3 – $15 per fitting

Best for: Quick repairs, DIY projects

PVC & CPVC Piping$0.30 – $2.00/ft

Best for: Drain lines, irrigation, cold water supply

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of pipes & fittings are there?

There are 4 main types of pipes & fittings: Copper Piping, PEX Piping, Push-Fit Fittings, PVC & CPVC Piping.

What is the most affordable type of pipes & fittings?

Copper Piping typically offers the most budget-friendly option with prices in the $2.00 – $8.00/ft range.

How do I choose the right type of pipes & fittings?

Consider your specific needs: Copper Piping is best for Outdoor use, high-quality installations; PEX Piping is best for Residential repiping, new construction; Push-Fit Fittings is best for Quick repairs, DIY projects.