Metal vs. Plastic Piping: A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Material

When planning your next plumbing project, selecting the correct pipe material is essential for performance, longevity, and safety. While stainless steel and brass are available, the majority of installations use galvanized steel, copper, or plastic piping.

Lead pipes and lead‑solder used on copper have been prohibited since 1986, eliminating the risk of lead contamination in new systems. However, some plastics can absorb chemicals from the water supply. As Chemical & Engineering News notes, all pipe types can impart taste and odors, which can usually be mitigated by a thorough system flush.

Explore our Metal Piping collection at IMS

Benefits of Plastic Pipe

Plastic piping—made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), or PEX (cross‑linked polyethylene)—offers several advantages:

• Corrosion‑free and lightweight, making handling and installation easier.
• No welding required; joints can be made with clamps, mechanical couplings, or solvent welding.
• High flexibility, especially for PEX, which can navigate walls and corners without kinks.
• Excellent resistance to freezing temperatures and long service life.

PVC is a cost‑effective choice for many applications, but it cannot withstand high temperatures and is not rated for potable hot water. CPVC adds chlorine to enhance heat resistance, making it suitable for both hot and cold drinking water lines. PEX is ideal for radiant heating systems and domestic water supply, though it typically requires a short copper segment when connected directly to a water heater.

Benefits of Metal Pipe

Historically, plumbing relied on brass, copper, cast iron, and steel. Brass and copper provide natural corrosion resistance, but aging can lead to corrosion, especially if lead‑soldered connections are involved.

Steel—particularly galvanized and black steel—offers unmatched strength and durability. Galvanized steel features a zinc coating that protects against rust and mineral buildup, extending service life to 30+ years at a lower cost. Black steel, with its iron‑oxide finish, is used where galvanization is unnecessary, such as high‑pressure steam, gas lines, and fire sprinkler systems.

304 stainless steel delivers superior corrosion resistance, high strength, and excellent thermal and electrical properties. It is non‑magnetic and can be cold‑worked for added hardness.

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, remains popular for water supply and drain lines. When a lead‑free brass alloy is chosen, it is safe for potable water and offers a tight seal to prevent leaks.

Industrial Metal Supply offers a full range of 304 stainless steel, brass, copper, galvanized, and black steel pipes. Standard diameters span from 1/4‑in. to 6‑in., with lengths up to 21 ft. We also provide cut‑to‑length services to meet your exact specifications.

Visit any of our six locations in California and Arizona to view inventory, or request a quote for your project.