There have been many different pipe materials used in the plumbing industry over the years, and being able to identify the various types requires some effort and time.

Most homes were originally built with multiple pipe materials, some were pipes for water, and others were for the drain. Each plumbing pipe material has advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the different pipe materials can help you better identify your plumbing problem and potentially solve it.

The composition of your plumbing pipes can dramatically impact your entire plumbing system. Picking the wrong type could mean you have to do repairs to replace it drastically sooner than you would have anticipated.

How To Tell What Kind of Pipes You Have

1. GALVANIZED PIPE

This was the material of choice for homes built before the 1960s. This highly durable material can be recognized by its texture and color; smooth, silver pipes, coated with zinc.

However, despite being durable, they have a limited life span and are susceptible to rust. Water will cause galvanized pipes to corrode and rust on the inside because the steel corrodes over time.

To know if you have a galvanized pipe, scratch the outside of the pipe with a screwdriver and the area will have a silver-gray color and a strong magnet will stick to it.

2. CPVC PIPE

This pipe looks similar to PVC but is cream in color and turns light tan as it ages. It’s the most popular water pipe for new homes in our area. It’s also fairly easy to recognize because it should be marked “CPVC” on the pipe, as shown below.

Example of CPVC pipe on white background.

However, just to be sure, scratch a small area on the pipe and an ivory or white color should appear. A magnet will not stick to it.

3. COPPER PIPE

Copper pipes are normally used in the construction industry for the supply of water and as a refrigerant line in HVAC systems. Copper can be used with hot or cold water and is extremely durable. Even better, copper has a long life span but can be recycled once it eventually needs to be replaced.

Copper has a life expectancy of 50 to 70 years or more. However, very acidic water or water with abnormal pH balances, hardness, and contaminants can shorten their life span to about 20 years due to “pitting corrosion.”

Pitting corrosion is the non-uniform localized corrosion along the inside wall of copper tubes, pipes, or fittings.

4. CAST IRON PIPE

This pipe is recognizable by its black finish and the bulge at the end of each pipe section called a “hub” that the adjacent pipe fits into. It was commonly used up until the mid-1960s for drainpipes but is rarely used in newer homes.

Some cast iron pipes are still in good condition, but many have deteriorated and require replacement. Trenchless rehabilitation methods are effective in replacing such pipes by allowing only damaged portions to be removed.

Having a plumbing issue can be troubling enough, but if you don’t know what kind of pipes your home has, finding a solution even more difficult. Spending a few minutes learning about the piping in your home will help you fix the problem and know what options are available.

If your plumbing problem is more than you can handle and you’re near San Mateo, contact the experts at Caccia Plumbing. Let us handle all the dirty work for you.

What Plumbing Pipe Material Is Best for My Home?

The right pipe material for your home depends on what it’s being used for. When it comes to carrying water to and from your fixtures and appliances, copper is a popular choice. Copper pipes are:

  • Durable: Copper pipes last a long time and stand up against heavy use.
  • Resilient to temperature changes: Copper pipes can be used to carry both hot and cold water throughout your home.
  • Corrosion-resistant: Copper pipes are made from high-quality pure copper, which resists corrosion.
  • Safe for drinking water: Copper pipes won’t leach chemicals into your drinking water.

For waste lines, PVC piping is commonly used. It’s lightweight and easy to work with while also being durable and inexpensive. When you hire an experienced plumber from Caccia Plumbing, we’ll always recommend the safest, most durable pipe option.

How Do I Replace My Old Plumbing Pipes?

While it’s possible to complete some minor repiping yourself, we don’t recommend it. Hiring a professional plumber is always a safer bet than DIY.

Caccia Plumbing offers pipe replacements, including trenchless sewer services. We can inspect, repair, and even replace piping outside your home without digging up your entire yard.

If trenchless replacement isn’t an option for your situation, we can complete standard open-trench pipe replacement. This involves excavating your pipes to replace them fully.

We can replace existing pipes with new material and recommend the most up-to-date pipe option for your home.

Contact Caccia Plumbing today to learn more about our pipe replacements.