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How To Recognize Different Types of Pipes: Download Manual (Free)

The document discusses how to recognize different types of pipes commonly found in homes. It describes the main pipe materials, including cast iron, plastic (ABS and PVC), PEX, steel, and copper. Cast iron was used before 1960 for drain lines but can rust over time. Plastic pipes like ABS and PVC became popular after 1970 and are inexpensive and easy to install. PEX is a newer flexible pipe that is easy to cut and install but more expensive. Copper is used for water supply lines as it resists corrosion. Being able to identify the pipe material is important for knowing the proper repair technique.

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Michael Villaluz
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52 views

How To Recognize Different Types of Pipes: Download Manual (Free)

The document discusses how to recognize different types of pipes commonly found in homes. It describes the main pipe materials, including cast iron, plastic (ABS and PVC), PEX, steel, and copper. Cast iron was used before 1960 for drain lines but can rust over time. Plastic pipes like ABS and PVC became popular after 1970 and are inexpensive and easy to install. PEX is a newer flexible pipe that is easy to cut and install but more expensive. Copper is used for water supply lines as it resists corrosion. Being able to identify the pipe material is important for knowing the proper repair technique.

Uploaded by

Michael Villaluz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2/25/2019 How to Recognize Different Types of Pipes

  HOME & GARDEN  PLUMBING  PIPES  HOW TO RECOGNIZE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIPES

HOW TO RECOGNIZE DIFFERENT TYPES OF


PIPES
To tackle a do-it-yourself plumbing project, you need to know how to recognize di erent types of
pipes. Recognizing the di erent types of pipes within your house is vital to knowing the right repair
technique.

The most common pipes used today are copper, PVC, or ABS. However, when dealing with older
homes, you might encounter a number of other piping material. For example, homes built before
1960 used galvanized steel or cast iron DWV (drain/waste/vent) pipe systems.

Download Manual (Free) OPEN


View PDF Manual, Download Here free.atozmanuals.com

Here’s a quick look at types of pipes commonly used in homes, beginning with the pipes used for
DWV systems.

Cast iron: Commonly used before 1960 for the vertical drain, vent stacks, and sometimes the
horizontal drain lines. Cast iron is durable, but can rust over time. Call a professional plumber to
replace rusted sections with plastic (PVC or ABS) and the correct transition ttings.

Plastic: Plastic pipe comes as either ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) or PVC (polyvinyl-


chloride). Most homes since mid-1970 have plastic pipes and ttings because it’s inexpensive
and easy to use. Simply glue the joints using a primer and liquid cement.

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2/25/2019 How to Recognize Different Types of Pipes

ABS: This black pipe was the rst plastic pipe to be used in residential plumbing. Today,
many areas don’t allow ABS in new construction because joints can come loose. Check with
your local plumbing inspector if you want to use ABS.

PVC: This white or cream-colored pipe is the most commonly used pipe for drain lines. It’s
strong, untouchable by chemicals, and seems to last forever! The rating and diameter is
stamped right on the pipe.

Schedule 40 PVC is strong enough for residential drain lines, but check with your plumbing
inspector rst. CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipe has the strength of PVC but is heat-
resistant, which makes it acceptable in many regions for use on interior supply lines.
Schedule 80 PVC is sometimes used for cold-water supply lines, but it isn’t allowed in some
regions because it isn’t suitable for hot water.

Do-it-yourselfers can handle ABS or PVC pipes, but call a professional for cast
iron.

PEX: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the newest pipe for residential use. Approved in many
regions of the country, PEX is easy to install because it cuts easily, is exible, and uses
compression ttings. However, more permanent connections require a special crimping tool.
PEX is three to four times more expensive than copper or plastic.

Steel: Galvanized steel pipe is common in older homes. Galvanized pipe is strong, but lasts only
about 50 years. Before repairing, consider replacing instead. Call a professional to deal with it.

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2/25/2019 How to Recognize Different Types of Pipes

Copper: Copper pipe is resists corrosion, so it’s commonly used pipe in water supply lines. It
costs more than plastic but it lasts! There are two common types of copper pipe:

Rigid copper, which comes in three thicknesses. Type M is the thinnest but is strong
enough for most homes. Types L and Type K are thicker and used in outdoor and drain
applications. To cut rigid copper, you’ll need a wheel cutter, tube cutter, or a hacksaw. Pipes
are usually connected with soldered (sweat) ttings and compression ttings can connect
the pipe to shut-o valves.

Flexible copper, which is often used for dishwashers, refrigerator icemakers, and other
appliances that need a water supply. It’s easy to bend, but if it kinks, you must cut the piece
o and replace it. Sections of exible copper pipe are joined using either soldered or
compression ttings.

Consider longevity and expense when choosing piping.

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2/25/2019 How to Recognize Different Types of Pipes

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