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 |
