Plumbing 101 for Homeowners

Admin Renovation Room
Aug 21
5 min read

Key Highlights

PEX: Flexible, durable, affordable, and great for hot and cold water inside your home.
PVC: Lightweight and inexpensive, best for drainage, not hot water.
CPVC: Similar to PVC but able to handle hot water.
ABS: Strong and good for underground drains but not safe for drinking water.
Galvanized Steel & Cast Iron: Older materials found in older homes, durable but prone to issues.
Copper: Reliable and long-lasting, but expensive.

Introduction

Most of us don’t think much about the pipes hidden in our walls and under our floors—until something goes wrong. But when it comes time to repair a leak, upgrade old plumbing, or plan a remodel, knowing the basics about different pipe materials can make a big difference. Some pipes are better for hot water, some are best for drainage, and others are great for long-term durability.

If you’re a homeowner, understanding the pros and cons of common pipe types helps you make smarter choices, ask the right questions when talking to plumbers, and avoid surprises down the road.

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) – A Modern Favorite

If you live in a newer home or recently had plumbing replaced, chances are you have PEX. It’s one of the most popular choices today because it’s flexible, durable, and affordable. Unlike rigid pipes, PEX can bend around corners, which means fewer joints and fewer opportunities for leaks.

PEX is also resistant to corrosion, which means you won’t get rust-colored water. It works well for both hot and cold water delivery, so it can be used throughout the house. The only drawback? It shouldn’t be used outside where it’s exposed to sunlight, since UV rays can damage it.

Why homeowners like it: PEX is budget-friendly, reliable, and often the easiest option for whole-house plumbing.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – The Drain Pipe Standard

PVC is the white plastic pipe you’ve probably seen under sinks or in your basement. It’s been around since the 1950s and is widely used for drainage, waste, and vent systems. PVC is lightweight, easy to cut, and inexpensive. Plus, it doesn’t rust or corrode like metal.

That said, PVC isn’t designed for hot water. It can soften or warp under heat, so it’s only used for cold water drainage. It’s also sensitive to sunlight, so it’s not a good choice for outdoor use unless specially rated.

Why homeowners like it: PVC is cheap, easy to spot, and gets the job done for drainage.

CPVC (Chlorinated PVC) – Hot Water Friendly

Think of CPVC as PVC’s stronger cousin. It looks similar but has been treated to withstand higher temperatures and pressure, making it safe for hot water lines. That means you might see CPVC connected to your water heater or in places where both hot and cold water are needed.

However, CPVC can become brittle in very cold climates, which may lead to cracking. If you live somewhere with freezing winters, that’s something to keep in mind.

Why homeowners like it: CPVC gives you the benefits of PVC but works for hot water too, and it’s still more affordable than copper.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – The Underground Option

ABS is easy to recognize because it’s usually black instead of white. It’s often used for underground drains and sewer lines because it’s tough and resists impact.

The downside is that ABS isn’t UV-resistant and can break down when exposed to sunlight. It also contains BPA, so it’s not used for drinking water.

Why homeowners like it: ABS is a strong option for sewer lines and underground drainage, though you won’t see it used much inside the home.

Galvanized Steel and Cast Iron – The Old School Materials

If your house was built before the 1960s, you may still have galvanized steel pipes. These were once very common because they were strong and resisted rust at first. But over time, they tend to corrode on the inside, which restricts water flow and can leave you with low water pressure or rusty-colored water.

Cast iron, on the other hand, is extremely durable and was often used for sewer and drainage systems. It’s heavy, long-lasting, and even helps reduce noise from water flow. But like galvanized steel, it’s prone to rust and is expensive to repair or replace. Today, most plumbers replace both materials with PVC or PEX when doing upgrades.

Why homeowners like it (or don’t): If you have them, they may still work fine, but replacement is often a better investment.

Copper – The Long-Term Investment

Copper has been a trusted plumbing material for decades. It’s safe for drinking water, resists bacteria, and can handle both hot and cold water. Copper is also very durable—pipes can last 50 years or more if properly maintained.

The downside? Copper is pricey. Not only is the material itself more expensive, but installation takes more skill and time than plastic pipes. Older copper pipes installed before 1986 may also have lead solder in the joints, which is a health concern.

Why homeowners like it: Copper is reliable, long-lasting, and safe, making it a premium choice for those who can afford it.

The Renovation Room – A Community Resource for Homeowners

Sometimes the hardest part about making decisions for your home isn’t just choosing the right materials—it’s figuring out who to trust and where to get reliable advice. That’s where The Renovation Room comes in.

The Renovation Room is both a website and an active Facebook group with over 39,000 members, made up of homeowners, DIYers, and renovation enthusiasts who share tips, ask questions, and offer real-world advice. It’s a place where you can post photos of your project, get feedback from people who’ve been in your shoes, and even discover which products and contractors others recommend.

If you’re unsure about whether to go with PEX or copper, or you’re wondering what kind of maintenance older cast iron pipes might need, chances are someone in the group has gone through it and can share their experience. The community is especially helpful for those who want to be more informed before hiring professionals.

Conclusion

Plumbing might not be the most exciting part of homeownership, but it’s one of the most important. Knowing the basics about pipe materials helps you make informed decisions when it’s time to repair, replace, or upgrade.

For most modern homes, PEX and PVC are the most common and cost-effective.
If you need hot water lines, CPVC or copper are strong options.
If you live in an older home, watch out for galvanized steel or cast iron, which may need replacement.

The right choice depends on your budget, your climate, and how long you plan to stay in the home. With this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to ask questions and understand your plumber’s recommendations.

Frequency Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know what type of pipes I have?

Check under sinks, in the basement, or near the water heater. Plastic pipes will usually have markings (PVC, CPVC, PEX), while metal pipes are either copper, galvanized steel, or cast iron.

2. What’s the best type of pipe for drinking water?

Copper and PEX are both great choices. Copper is the gold standard, but PEX is more affordable and also safe.

3. Should I replace galvanized steel pipes?

Yes. If you notice low water pressure, rust-colored water, or frequent leaks, it’s a sign they need to go.

4. Can PVC be used for my hot water lines?

No. PVC can’t handle hot water. For that, you’ll need CPVC, copper, or PEX.

5. How long do different pipes last?