Pipes

The pipes transport the liquid between the components of the water loop and determine how easily the system will be assembled and how it will look. Here you will find soft pipes made of PVC and EPDM and hard pipes made of PETG, acrylic, and PCTG, straight and pre-bent, with various diameters and lengths. The choice between soft and hard pipe is the first decision when planning the loop.

How to choose

• Soft or hard. Soft pipes bend by hand and forgive inaccuracies – they are ideal for the first loop. Hard pipes look precise and organized, but require cutting, bending with heat, and accurate measuring.
• The material. EPDM is opaque and very resistant to plasticizers. Transparent PVC shows the liquid. Hard PETG bends easily, while acrylic is more resistant to scratching and heat, but is more brittle when processed.
• The diameter. For soft pipes, both inner and outer diameter are specified, for example, 10/16 mm. For hard pipes – the outer diameter, for example, 12, 14, or 16 mm. It must match the fittings.
• The length. Soft pipes are sold in rolls of several meters, while hard ones are sold in pieces from 50 cm to 1 m. Take extra for cutting errors.
• Pre-bent pipes. They have a ready angle of 90° and save the bending of a simple turn.
• The color. Transparent pipes show the colored liquid, while matte black ones hide the liquid and give a strict appearance.

What to watch out for

• Cut hard pipes perpendicularly and clean the edge to ensure the seal sits properly.
• When bending, use a silicone insert to avoid crushing the pipe.
• PVC pipes can release plasticizer over time – EPDM is safer for long-term use.
• Do not bend the soft pipe too sharply – it may break and stop the flow.
• Place deformation inserts in hard pipes when recommended by the manufacturer.

Compatibility

The pipes must match in diameter with the fittings – this is the most common mistake when ordering. For hard pipes, you will need tools for cutting and bending, and for a more secure installation – deformation inserts from water cooling accessories. Pipes from different brands work together as long as the sizes match.