|
Gray Metal 
|
Galvanized Steel |
Galvanized was in use until the early 60's. There is still some in
service in older homes. The interior surfaces of this pipe corrodes
over time and the flakey buildup reduces the water flow. Or the pipe
will simply rust through and leak. Sometimes it is difficult to run
more than one fixture at a time. Typical life expectancy of
galvanized steel is 40 years. |
|
|
Copper 
|
Copper |
Used from the early 60's and on, copper is the more reliable (and
more expensive) material. Copper's one drawback is that it will
split when frozen. Also the soldered connections contained lead
until about 1988. Copper is still used today, even though most homes
are plumbed with the newer (and cheaper) types of plastic piping. |
|
|
Grey Plastic 
|
Polybutylene (PB) |
Most homes built from the late 70's to the mid 90's were plumbed with
PB. PB, considered problematic, is often referred to as "Quest,"
which is one brand of PB. See the
PB Plumbing pages for
more information. |
|
|
Creamy Plastic 
|
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) |
CPVC is less expensive and easier to install than copper, but will
also split when frozen. It is more reliable than PB.
White PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride,
NOT CPVC) is the most common pipe for drains. |
|
|
Translucent Plastic. Looks like watered down milk. Sometimes red or
blue. 
|
Cross Linked Polyethylene (PEX) |
PEX is the current pipe of choice. It is less expensive than copper.
It installs almost exactly like PB, and has been used since about
1995. The pipe has been in use in Europe for many years without any
known problems. However, the jury is still out in the U.S., since we
only have limited experience with it. |
|
