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| Choose the Right Materials | Rigid pipe makeup includes the following elements:
- PVC (polyvinylchloride) for cold water or DWV plumbing;
- ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) for DWV piping;
- CPVC (chlorinated polyvinylchloride) for hot and cold water.
PE (polyethylene) and PB (polybutylene) are used for flexible plastic tubing. Plastic pipe is designed for the pressure it can control; its level is neutralized on the outside of the pipe.
For water supply piping rigid copper pipe is widely distributed. It opposes mineral assemblage and conducts both cold and hot water, furthermore is sturdy and durable. There are three types of thickness for rigid supply pipe: M (thin wall), L (medium wall) and K (thick wall). The largest part of aboveground plumbing concerns Type M.
Soft copper supply pipe is flexible enough to be routed without as many fitting, though has higher price than hard copper pipe. For aboveground applications Type L (medium wall) is more frequently used than M Type.
Copper pipe may be linked to immobile soldered fittings or flare/compression fittings that can be  dismounted.
Before 1960 galvanized iron pipe and fittings were customary for water supply plumbing and are widespread until now. The galvanized zinc covering on the surface of this pipe resists corrosion and rust but sooner or later innards of pipes become clogged with mineral deposits and corrode. Waterproof links are made with threaded armature. Larger-diameter galvanized iron pipe is used in some buildings for vent plumbing.
A dielectric union should be used everyplace copper is linked to an iron pipe, to hinder corrosion from electrolysis that comes about as soon as two different metals are combined.
Cast iron pipe is a sturdy, durable outfit meant for drain, waste and vent (DWV) plumbing. There are two common types: the older "hub" or bell-and-spigot type that is combined with lead and oakum and newer "no-hub" or "hubless" equipment, joined with special rubber packing and rustproof steel band clamps.
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