Pipe & Tubing

100+ products

Expected delivery: Tue, Nov 17

Pipe and tubing for water supply, drain lines, compressed air and equipment hookups. The range includes PVC Schedule 40 and 80 pipe, CPVC, copper tube in Type K, L and M, PEX tubing, threaded steel pipe and nipples, and flexible tubing in polyethylene, vinyl and nylon. Rigid pipe suits fixed runs, while flexible tubing works for instrument lines, drip lines, coolant and short equipment connections.

What to check before you order

  • Pipe or tube sizing. Pipe is sized by nominal size. Copper plumbing tube is also named by nominal size, but flexible tubing is usually sold by actual outside and inside diameter. Measure the old line before ordering.
  • Wall thickness. Schedule 80 PVC has a thicker wall than Schedule 40. Copper Type K has the thickest wall, then L, then M.
  • Temperature and pressure. PVC is for cold water and drains. CPVC, copper and PEX are used for hot water within their ratings. Check the rating printed on the pipe or tube.
  • Fluid compatibility. Confirm the tubing material is suited to the fluid, such as water, air, oil or chemicals.

Fittings for each material are in pipe fittings, support straps and clamps are in pipe hangers and supports, and more is under plumbing. For metal tube used as stock rather than plumbing, see metal bar, sheet and tube.

Common questions

What is the difference between Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC pipe?

Both have the same outside diameter for a given nominal size, so they take the same size fittings. Schedule 80 has a thicker wall, which gives it a higher pressure rating and a smaller inside diameter. Schedule 80 is usually gray and Schedule 40 white, but go by the markings printed on the pipe.

What is the difference between Type K, L and M copper tube?

All three types share the same outside diameter for a given size, so they use the same fittings. The wall is thickest in Type K, then L, then M. The printed markings are color coded green for K, blue for L and red for M, and local plumbing code decides which type is allowed for each use.

How do I measure pipe and tubing size?

Pipe and copper plumbing tube are named by nominal size, which is not the measured diameter. For example, 1/2 in. PVC pipe measures about 0.84 in. outside, and 1/2 in. copper tube measures 5/8 in. outside. Flexible poly, vinyl and nylon tubing is usually sold by its actual outside or inside diameter, so measure the old line or read the size printed on it.

Pipe & Tubing: page 2

More in Plumbing