Plumbing Materials
Note: The method of fitting and joining plumbing materials depend on the materials used. Fittings come in a variety of shapes and may have specific purposes. Materials are also subject to code requirements.
Check with your local building inspection department before replacing plumbing materials.
Common residential 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 |