Pipes and fittings are essential materials for home renovation. There are many types of pipes on the market. The pipes we consider essential for renovations include cold water pipes, hot water pipes, heating pipes, gas pipes, and sewer pipes.
1. Water Supply Pipes
Key Considerations: High-quality water supply pipes should be able to withstand vibration, shock, water hammer, thermal expansion and contraction, and withstand long-term testing without leaks or cracks. When selecting water supply pipes, it's important to consider whether the pipes pose a risk to human health.
PPR pipes are the mainstream: Currently, PPR pipes are widely used for home water supply pipes. When purchasing, it's important to distinguish between hot and cold water pipes. You can use only hot water pipes, and also use hot water pipes for cold water pipes, but you shouldn't use cold water pipes to transport hot water.
High-end Copper Pipe Users: In developed countries and regions, copper pipes hold a monopoly in water supply and drainage systems. For example, in Hong Kong, copper pipes account for approximately 70% of the market, and domestic water systems in residential buildings are required to use copper pipes. The penetration rate of copper pipes is even higher in established developed countries like the UK. Currently, copper pipes are primarily used by high-end users.
2. Drain Pipes
Specifications: Drain pipes come in a variety of sizes, typically 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 110mm. 40mm pipes are generally used for basin drains, floor drains, and balcony drains; 50mm pipes are generally used for kitchen drains; 75mm pipes are generally used for the main drainage system in kitchens, balconies, basins, and other areas; and 110mm pipes are generally used for toilet drains and exterior wall drains.
Material: Stainless steel: 304, 306; Copper pipes: pure copper, brass; Composite pipes: steel-plastic composite, aluminum-plastic composite, copper-plastic composite, etc.; Carbon steel: hot-dip galvanized, cold-dip galvanized, etc.; Plastic pipes: PPR/ABS/PVC/PE, etc.
Purchase Options: Carbon steel and plastic drain pipes are low-end and commonly used materials, as plastic has a shorter lifespan. Copper and composite pipes are mid-range drain pipe materials. Stainless steel drain pipes are high-end materials, but they can rust, affecting their appearance.
3. Water Pipe Fittings
Key Points to Consider: When choosing pipe fittings, choose fittings that match the pipe material, preferably from the same brand and material. When purchasing fittings, first check for uniform color and glossiness; check for uniform wall thickness and a smooth finish; and for threaded fittings, check for even thread distribution.
Common water pipe fittings are as follows:
- Type: Straight fittings, also called straight-through fittings or sleeve fittings, primarily provide straight connections.
- Tee fittings: Available in same-diameter and reducing-diameter tees, they connect three pipes running in different directions and are used when a separate water channel is needed from a single pipe.
- Elbow fittings: Elbows are used to make bends in water pipes. Since pipes are straight and cannot bend, changing the direction of the pipe is the only way to do so. Common elbows are 45-degree and 90-degree elbows.
- A curved pipe: also known as a bridge, is used to bridge two pipes that intersect in the same plane, rather than directly connecting them. To ensure proper function, a curved pipe is used, much like an arch bridge, to avoid a direct intersection.
- Valve: Also known as a switch, there are two types: ball valves and angle valves. These two valves operate slightly differently but function similarly.
- Pipe clamps: Also known as wall clamps, these are used to secure pipes.
- Pipe caps: Also known as plugs, they are used to seal unused pipes.
- Adapters: If the existing plumbing in your home is made of PE pipe, adapters are necessary during renovations, as PE pipe is rarely used in home renovations. Adapters have one end made of PE and the other made of PPR, allowing for the conversion between the two materials.
- Tack tape: Metal joints are prone to loosening. Using tack tape during installation can provide a more secure seal and reduce the risk of leaks.