Water pipes called lines carry water from one meter of water or else in a house. Each house has a supply line connected to it. Local building codes specify the types of pipes for interior pipes and pipes. The water pipes used in the interior of houses are often a different material than the supply lines.
Materials
Most supply lines in municipalities are made of galvanized metal or copper, although polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is gaining wider approval. Houses in rural areas that are connected to community water systems can use copper, galvanized, PVC or polyethylene supply lines, depending on local building codes. Households that obtain water from wells typically use PVC or polyethylene. Many homes have copper pipes inside. Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) tubes are less common. Reticulated Polyethylene (PEX) is gaining acceptance and approval code in many areas. You can use accessories to connect all these to any type of power.
ID
Copper tubes have a smooth surface, even when they are old. You can rub the copper with a piece of sandpaper to remove surface discoloration and reveal its true copper color. Galvanized tube has a rough surface and silver gray. PVC is white, smooth plastic. Polyethylene is black plastic, smooth. You will often find screw clamps where the polyethylene pipe connections are located.
Size
Plumbing select water pipe sizes that meet the water demands of the house in volume and pressure. An average household has a 3/4 inch supply line. System installers use a line of 1 inch or larger for homes that require a large volume of water at a time, for example, when an irrigation system is tied to the home’s plumbing.
Connections of
The type of water pipe carrying the water to the house, together with the type of pipe used in the house’s plumbing system, together determine how they connect the pipes. Connection of copper to copper is soldered. Galvanized connection threaded applications. Most building codes do not allow PVC inside the home for hot or cold water pipes. PVC power lines use threaded fittings to connect to the house plumbing. Polyethylene is adapted with threaded fittings, and in most building codes it is not approved for use inside homes.
Considerations
Copper and galvanized travel supply pipes on the home page and connect to the plumbing of the house near the hot water heating. Polyethylene and PVC supply pipes usually connect to the outskirts of the slab or basement wall and do not enter the home page. The supply lines are buried sufficiently below the level to avoid freezing. Dig carefully with a shovel if trying to find them, so do not cut through them. Contact your local utility localization service before digging.