Introduction
Knowing the type of material that the waste pipes are in your home will greatly help in troubleshooting problems and upgrading in the future. There are several common types of of drain, waste or vent (DWV) pipe materials.
Plastic
Plastic drain, waste, and vent pipe is fairly easy to tell as it will be either white PVC or black ABS and have a “hollow” feel to it. Plastic pipe are the most widely used and can be coupled with other plastic fittings or with rubber gasket couplings.
Iron
Iron drain, waste, and vent pipe is found in older buildings or where required by code. Iron pipe may have a black asphaltic or zinc coating to prevent rust. It can be easily recognized by its metallic look or feel and if surface rust is on the end of the pipe. Galvanized pipe will typically be threaded at fittings and black or grey iron will typically have no-hub connections in iron or rubber gasket couplings.
Copper
Copper drain, waste, and vent pipe is also found in older buildings. Copper pipe will have a bronze or green finish depending on the age of the pipe. The pipe will have a metallic feel but will be thinner than similarly sized copper or iron DWV pipe. Copper DWV will have soldered fittings or can be connected with a rubber gasket coupling.
Lead
Lead drain, waste, and vent pipe is found in older buildings. Lead pipe will have a dull, grey color and be softer metal touch than iron pipe. To connect to lead DWV pipe, use a rubber gasket coupling.