Check with your local building inspection department before replacing plumbing
materials.
| Material |
Characteristics |
Uses |
Fitting Methods (joined with) |
Tools for Cutting |
| Cast Iron |
Very strong but difficult to work cut and
fit |
Main drain waste |
Banded neoprene couplings |
Cast iron cutter
hacksaw |
ABS
Acrylonitrile-
Butadiene-Styrene |
Plastic material now restricted for use |
Drain pipes and traps |
Solvent glue and plastic fittings |
Tube cutter
hacksaw
miter box |
PVC
Poly-Vinyl-Chloride |
Rigid plastic resistant to moderate heat and
chemical |
Drains pipes
Vent pipes
Drain traps |
Solvent glue and plastic fittings |
Tube cutter
hacksaw
miter box |
| Galvanized Iron |
Very strong but corrodes over time
difficult to fit |
Drains pipes;
Hot & Cold supply lines |
Galvanized threaded fittings |
Hacksaw, Reciprocating saw |
PB
Poly-Butylene |
Flexible plastic easy to bend and fit
Restricted for use |
Hot & Cold supply lines |
Plastic crimped/grip fitting |
Flexible plastic tube cutter
Utility knife |
| Rigid
Copper |
Resists corrosion and very durable |
Hot & Cold supply lines |
Metal solder
Compression fittings |
Tube cutter
hack saw |
| Flexible Copper |
Resists corrosion and easy to bend |
Hot & Cold supply lines |
Brass flare fittings
Compression fittings
Metal solder |
Tube cutter
hack saw |
| Brass |
Durable and attractive
Relatively expensive |
Valves and exposed drain traps and pipes |
Compression fittings
Metal solder |
Tube cutter
hack saw
Reciprocating saw |
