Follow our piping guide below to discover what sort of plumbing material you have in your home:
- Copper: Copper pipes were used in most homes built between the 1970s and early 2000s. When they're new, they're a golden brown color, but over time, they turn to a deep rust or brown color. Copper pipes can last up to 50 years.
- Galvanized Steel: Pipes that are gray in color are most likely constructed of galvanized steel. This material is less expensive than copper and was commonly used in houses up until the 1970s. When builders discovered that it only lasted for around 40 years, they stopped using it as much.
- PB (polybutylene): "PB2110" is the most popular marking for this piping. These flexible pipes are usually gray, although they may also be black or blue.
- PVC (polyvinyl-chloride): White plastic pipes are most often seen beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks, where they serve as drain pipes.
- PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): Plastic tubing that is usually white, red, or blue and is used to indicate hot and cold pipes. Because of its flexibility, plumbers employ this material often.
- Cast Iron: This pipe has a black finish and was in widespread use from the mid-1960s to around 1970.
