Supply-Line, also known as a water supply line, is a metal or plastic water line that helps transfer water from the main line to essential home fixtures, including showers, sinks, and toilets. Water lines sound simple enough: they simply carry fresh water from the source to wherever you need it. But the demands on the water pipes mean that the material, size, and thickness of each pipe are critical.

There are five main types of plumbing pipe materials that are still in use today: copper, galvanized steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is also used.

Copper pipes are popular for both hot and cold-water pipes because they are heat resistant, resist corrosion, and have natural anti-microbial properties. They are more expensive than plastic pipe options.

It’s tough to beat copper pipes for longevity, which on average last 50 to 70 years, compared to PEX, which has an expected lifespan of 30 to 50 years. expected lifespans for common supply pipes: Brass Pipes: 80-100 years. Galvanized Steel Pipes: 80-100 years. The size of copper tubing is measured by its outside diameter in millimeters. Common sizes are 15 mm and 22 mm. Other sizes include 18 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 42 mm, 54 mm, 66.7 mm, 76.1 mm, and 108 mm outside diameters. The 2 disadvantages to using copper pipes there are expensive, may add a metallic flavor to water, and copper pipes cannot withstand acidic water.

Because of the pressurized water inside them, old or faulty water supply pipes can sometimes spring a leak that causes flooding very quickly. And water lines are also susceptible to freeze damage and bursting since they’re full of water regularly (unlike drain lines) and water expands when it freezes.

Pipes can also sometimes cause problems such as contaminating the water supply. If your supply lines are over a few decades old, ask your plumber to check that they aren’t galvanized pipes or some other material that could contaminate your water.

Your water supply lines can also experience less dramatic problems. For instance, if a water line connection isn’t quite tight enough, a slow leak may develop. While it doesn’t cause a lot of damage all at once, a slow leak can be very insidious and could cause water damage over time.