EasySafe
Tools You'll Need
Nothing — just your eyes
Pipe Material Identification
| Material | Appearance | Where Found |
|---|---|---|
| PEX | Flexible plastic tubing, usually white, red, or blue. Curves around joists. Crimp or clamp fittings at connections. | Homes built or repiped after ~2000. Supply lines. |
| Copper | Rigid metal pipes, copper-colored when scratched. Soldered or pressed fittings. May have green patina at joints. | Homes built 1960s–present. Supply lines. |
| CPVC | Rigid plastic pipe, usually cream or light yellow. Solvent-welded (glued) fittings. Marked 'CPVC' on the pipe. | Homes built ~1990–2010. Supply lines. |
| Galvanized Steel | Rigid metal pipe, silver-gray with threaded fittings. Rough, magnetic surface. Often corroded at joints. | Homes built before ~1960. Supply lines. Often replaced. |
| Cast Iron | Heavy, thick-walled metal pipe. Dark gray. Often with a hub-and-spigot connection. Used for drain lines. | Older homes. Drain lines. Often replaced with PVC. |
| PVC | Rigid white plastic pipe. Solvent-welded (glued) fittings. Lightweight. Marked 'PVC' on the pipe. | Modern homes. Drain lines. Sometimes supply lines. |
Step-by-Step
1
Look at exposed pipes
Check the basement, crawlspace, attic, or utility room where pipes are visible. Look at both supply (smaller) and drain (larger) pipes.
2
Identify supply vs. drain
Supply pipes are smaller (1/2" to 1") and carry pressurized water. Drain pipes are larger (1.5" to 4") and carry waste.
3
Match the appearance
Use the identification table above. Copper is metal and copper-colored. PEX is flexible plastic. CPVC is rigid cream plastic. Galvanized is metal with threaded fittings.
4
Note the condition
Look for corrosion, green patina (copper), rust (galvanized), cracks, or mineral buildup. These indicate potential issues.
WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL
- You have galvanized steel supply pipes — they corrode and reduce pressure over time.
- You see green patina or pinhole leaks on copper — may indicate water chemistry issues.
- You have cast iron drain pipes that are corroded or leaking.
- You're considering a repipe and want to understand your options.