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PVC (an acronym for Polyvinyl Chloride) is a plastic material used in plumbing. It is one of the five main pipe, the other types being ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), copper, galvanized steel, and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene).

PVC pipes are lighter materials, making them easier to work with than other piping options. PVC pipe  are commonly used for drain lines of sinks, toilets, and showers. They can handle high water pressure, making them suitable for indoor plumbing, water supply lines, and high-pressure piping.

1. Advantages Of PVC Pipes

• Durable
• Can withstand high water pressure
• Resistant to rust and corrosion
• Have a smooth surface that makes water flow easily
• Easy to install (welding is not required)
• Relatively inexpensive

2. Disadvantages Of PVC Pipes

• Not suitable for hot water
• Concerns that PVC may introduce chemicals into drinking water

Different sizes of PVC pipes are used in different areas of a  residental pipe. However, the most common ones around a home are 1.5”, 2”, 3”, and 4-inch pipes. So let’s take a closer look at where pipes are used throughout the home.

1.5” Pipes – The 1.5-inch PVC pipes are commonly used as drainage pipes for kitchen sinks and bathroom vanity or tubs.

2” Pipes – The 2-inch PVC pipes are commonly used as drainage pipes for washing machines and shower stalls. They are also used as vertical stacks for kitchen sinks.

3” Pipes – The 3-inch PVC pipes have many applications. Inside the home, they are commonly used to pipe toilets. Outside the home, 3-inch PVC pipes are commonly used for irrigation (carrying water to and from a garden hose).

4” Pipes – The 4-inch PVC pipes  are commonly used as building drains under floors or in crawl spaces to transport wastewater from the home to sewer systems or private tanks 4-inch pipes can also be used as drainage pipes in homes to capture wastewater from two or more bathrooms.

As you can see, it’s very difficult to answer the question of the most common PVC pipe size as all these sizes are used. If you need to replace your pipe and need to know the size, then it’s best that you measure it. Let’s check out how you can do exactly that.