plumbInG mateRIals

common pipe & tube types

Benefits & Characteristics

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) was once approved for use in

DWV systems. Most local codes now prohibit ABS for new installations,
but in some cases it can be added to pre-existing ABS DWV systems.

Cast iron is strong but hard to work with. Repairs should be made with
plastic pipe, if allowed.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is rigid plastic that resists heat and chemicals.
Lightweight tubes and heavier Schedule 40.

CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) rigid plastic is inexpensive and

withstands high temperature and pressure.

Chromed brass has an attractive shiny surface and is used for drain
traps where appearance is important.

PE (polyethylene) plastic is a black or bluish flexible pipe sometimes

used for main water service lines as well as irrigation systems.

Black pipe (iron pipe) generally is threaded at the ends to accept female-
threaded fittings. Not for potable water.

Rigid copper is used for water supply pipes. It resists corrosion and has
smooth surfaces for good water flow.

Braided metal is used for water supply tubes that connect shutoff valves
to fixtures.

Flexible stainless-steel (protective coated) connectors are used to

attach gas appliances to supply stopcocks.

Flexible stainless-steel (uncoated) connectors are used to attach gas

appliances to supply stopcocks

Chromed copper supply tube is used in areas where appearance is

important. Easy to bend and fit.

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is flexible and is approved by major

building codes for water supply.

Flexible copper tubing (not shown) bends easily and requires fewer
couplings than rigid copper.

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 Common Uses Lengths Diameters Fitting Methods Tools Used for Cutting

Pipes; drain traps Sold by linear ft. 2", 3", 4" Glue and plastic Miter box or hacksaw

Main drain- waste- Banded neoprene

5 ft., 10 ft. 3", 4" Snap cutter or hacksaw
vent stack couplings

Drain & vent pipes; 10 ft., 20 ft.; or Solvent glue and/or Tubing cutter, miter box,
1¼", 1½", 2", 3", 4"
drain traps sold by linear ft. plastic fittings or hacksaw

Solvent glue and

Hot & cold water Tubing cutter, miter box,
10 ft. 3/8", ½", ¾", 1" plastic fittings, or with
supply pipes or hacksaw
compression fittings

Valves & shutoffs;

1¼", ½", ¾", Compression fittings, Tubing cutter, hacksaw,
drain traps, supply Lengths vary
1¼", 1½" or with metal solder or reciprocating saw
risers

Outdoor cold water Sold in coils of 25 Rigid PVC fittings and Ratchet-style plastic pipe
¼" to 1"
supply pipes to hundreds of ft. stainless steel hose cutter or miter saw

Hacksaw, power cutoff

Sold in lengths
Gas supply pipe ¾", 1" Threaded connectors saw or reciprocating saw
up to 10 ft.
with bi-metal blade

Hot & cold water 10 ft., 20 ft.; or Metal solder or Tubing cutter, hacksaw,
3/8", ½", ¾", 1"
supply pipes sold by linear ft. compression fittings or jigsaw

Compression coupling
Supply tubes 12" or 20" 3/8" Do not cut
or compression fittings

Gas ranges, dryers,

36" or 48" 5⁄8", ½" (OD) Compression coupling Do not cut
water heaters

Gas ranges, dryers,

36" or 48" 5⁄8", ½" (OD) Compression coupling Do not cut
water heaters

Brass compression
Supply tubing 12", 20", 30" 3/8" Tubing cutter or hacksaw
fittings

Water supply, Sold in coils of

tubing for 25 ft. to hundreds ¼" to 1" Crimp fittings Tubing cutter
radiant floors of ft.

Brass flare fittings,

Gas supply; hot & 30-ft., 60-ft. coils;
¼", 3/8", ½", ¾", 1" solder, compression Tubing cutter or hacksaw
cold water supply or by ft.
fittings

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(Text) (Ray) #175 Dtp:225 Page:15