Types of Plumbing Pipes: What’s Best for St. George Homes?

When it comes to plumbing in St. George, picking the correct type of pipe can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Whether you’re building a new home, upgrading your old system, or fixing a burst pipe, your choice of different types of plumbing pipes matters more than you might think.

We’ve seen it all—from cracked PVC in ageing homes in Kogarah to rodent-nibbled PEX in older shops across Sutherland Shire. Each property is different, and the local climate, water quality, and building codes significantly influence the most suitable materials.

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand your options and why they matter.

Main Types of Plumbing Pipes and Uses

Copper Pipes

Best For: Hot and cold water supply, HVAC systems, and potable (drinking) water.

Copper is a tried-and-true choice in plumbing. You’ll often find it in older homes throughout Inner West and St. George, particularly in properties that haven’t had a complete plumbing upgrade. It’s a strong, durable material that resists corrosion and can withstand high pressure and temperature. We once replaced 60-year-old copper pipes in a Hurstville property that were still doing their job—it just goes to show how long-lasting they can be.

Pros

1. Long lifespan (50–70+ years): Ideal for homeowners who want a long-term solution.

2. Resists corrosion: Less likely to fail due to water quality.

3. Safe for drinking water: Doesn’t leach harmful chemicals.

Cons

1. Higher initial cost: More expensive upfront compared to other materials.

2. Needs skilled installation: Not a DIY-friendly material.

3. Corrosion in acidic water: It can degrade if your area has low-pH water.

Pro-Tip: If your taps have green-blue stains or a metallic taste, you might have corroded copper pipes. Don’t wait—get it checked before it affects your water quality.

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) Pipes

Best For: Indoor water supply lines, hot and cold water plumbing, and radiant floor heating.

PEX is a newer, flexible plastic piping that’s becoming a favourite in modern homes and renovations in areas like Bexley and Rockdale. It’s easy to weave through walls and around corners without needing as many fittings. It’s colour-coded too—red for hot, blue for cold—making repairs and identification easier.

Pros

1. Flexible and easy to install: Reduces labour time and cost.

2. Resistant to scale and chlorine: Keeps your water lines clear and clean.

3. Less likely to burst in freezing conditions: Great for areas with cold snaps.

4. Lifespan of 40–50+ years: With proper care, it can last decades.

Cons

1. Not UV-resistant: Can’t be used outdoors or where there’s sunlight exposure.

2. Rodent risk: Rats and mice may chew through it if it’s left exposed.

3. Some code restrictions: Not all councils in NSW approve PEX for every use.

4. Potential leaching concerns: Some people worry about chemical transfer into drinking water, though it meets Australian standards when installed correctly.

Pro-Tip: Don’t run PEX pipes through areas with poor ventilation or high rodent activity unless you can encase or shield them. It’ll help extend their life and performance.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes

Best For: Drainage, waste, and vent lines; cold water supply; irrigation systems.

PVC pipes are ubiquitous in plumbing systems across Sutherland Shire. They’re lightweight, easy to cut and glue, and great for handling large volumes of water moving away from your home—think sewer lines or stormwater drains.

Pros

1. Low cost: One of the cheapest pipe options available.

2. Corrosion-resistant: Won’t rust or scale like metal pipes.

3. Long lifespan (up to 100 years for drainage): Set it and forget it—at least for a while.

Cons

1. Not for hot water: It can warp or fail under heat.

2. Rigid: Needs more fittings to go around corners or tight areas.

3. Chemical leaching concerns: Though rare, it’s not always used for drinking water in all councils.

4. Not UV stable: Prolonged sun exposure makes it brittle and weak.

PVC is a solid choice for waste and stormwater systems, but keep it out of the sun and away from high-temperature areas.

CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes

Best For: Hot and cold water supply.

CPVC is like PVC, but it’s been treated to handle higher temperatures. You’ll find it in homes and commercial buildings that need a more affordable alternative to copper for hot water plumbing. It’s often used in areas where copper is too pricey or not practical.

Pros

1. Heat-resistant: Handles both hot and cold water.

2. Durable and corrosion-resistant: Especially useful in areas with hard water.

3. Lifespan of 50–75+ years: A long-term solution without the high price tag of copper.

Cons

1. More expensive than PVC, though still cheaper than copper.

2. Not flexible: Requires fittings for bends and turns.

Cast Iron Pipes

Best For: Sewer, drainage, and vent systems in older homes.

These heavy-duty pipes were the go-to for plumbing before plastics became popular. You’ll find them in historic homes in suburbs like Marrickville or Ashfield. They’re incredibly strong and quiet—perfect for multi-storey buildings where noise is an issue.

Pros

1. Long-lasting (80–100 years): Solid, reliable performance over decades.

2. Fire-resistant: A safety bonus in high-risk areas.

3. Sound-dampening: Reduces noise from water flow.

Cons

1. Heavy and hard to install: Usually requires a team and special tools.

2. Can corrode if neglected: Needs periodic checks to prevent leaks or backups.

3. Costly to repair or replace: Especially if buried underground.

Galvanised Steel and Brass Pipes

Best For: Water supply in older homes (galvanised) and corrosion-resistant needs in historic buildings (brass).

These aren’t commonly used in modern installations, but they still exist in homes built before the 1970s.

Pros

1. Durable (in their day): Used to be top of the line.

2. Brass is corrosion-resistant and antimicrobial.

Cons

1. Galvanised steel rusts: It can flake off inside the pipe and affect water quality.

2. Brass may contain lead: A significant health concern.

3. Harder to work with: Needs to be cut and threaded, not glued.

We usually recommend replacing these when doing any major plumbing upgrades.

Quick Comparison Table: Types of Plumbing Pipes

FAQs About Types of Plumbing Pipes

Is PEX better than PVC?

Generally, yes—for water supply. PEX is more flexible and better for hot/cold plumbing. PVC is rigid, cheaper, and better for drainage or cold water lines. Each has its place depending on the job.

How do I know if I have PEX or PVC?

PEX feels soft and comes in red or blue rolls. PVC is rigid, white or cream, and installed in straight sections using glue. If you're still unsure, we can inspect your system for free.

How long do PEX pipes last?

They can last 40–50 years or more, especially if installed correctly and used in clean water systems.

Where shouldn’t I use PEX?

Avoid using PEX outdoors, in areas exposed to direct sunlight, or anywhere rodents can access it. If you're not sure where it’s safe, we’ll help you figure it out.

What’s the longest-lasting pipe type?

Cast iron and CPVC typically last the longest—up to 100 years in some cases. Copper and PEX follow closely behind.

What if I need to get services for different types of plumbing pipes?

If you’re not sure what kind of pipes are in your home or you need help choosing the right ones, don’t stress. All Needs Plumbing has worked with every type of pipe across St. George, Inner West, and Sutherland Shire. Whether you need a complete system replacement or a small section fixed, we can check your current system and develop a long-term solution. No guesswork. No stress. Just good plumbing done right the first time.

We make it easy to get started—with a $0 callout fee, 24/7 same-day service, and a 15% discount for seniors, there’s no reason to put off your plumbing needs. And if you’re planning to upgrade or replace your hot water system, we’ll take $150 off to help ease the cost. Let’s take the stress out of your plumbing—contact All Needs Plumbing today.

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