If you doing plumbing by yourself you need to understand different types of pipes. If you know the difference between pipes you will repair it by yourself.
The common types of pipes use is copper, PVC or ABS. When you performing any repairing in older homes, you may find different piping materials. Like homes built before 1960 the galvanized steel or cast iron DWV (drain/waste/vent) pipe systems.
Cast Iron
It is used before 1960 for the vertical drain, vent stacks and for horizontal drain lines. The cast iron is durable but has rusting problems over time. Call the professional plumber for replacing the rusted section with plastic (PVC or ABS) with correct fittings.
Plastic
Plastic pipes are coming as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) or PVC (polyvinyl-chloride). The homes after mid-1970 have the plastic pipes and the fittings as they are inexpensive and easy to use. Joint it using with a primer and liquid cement.
ABS
It is the black pipe and first plastic pipe to use in residential plumbing. But as of today, the ABS is not used in construction because joints can come loose. If you use ABS check with your local plumbing inspector.
PVC
The white or cream-colored pipe is most commonly pipe for drain lines. The PVC is strong, no effect of chemicals and long-lasting. The rating and diameter of the pipe are stamped on the pipe.
The schedule 40 PVC is strong for residential drain lines but it is good to check it before use. The CPVC (Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipe has the strength of PVC but it is heat-resistant, which makes it useful in suitable for many regions like interior supply lines. The schedule 80 PVC is also sometimes used for interior supply lines. It is not suitable for some regions as it is not suitable for hot water.
PEX
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the newest pipe for residential use. It is approved in many regions of the country, PEX is easy to install as it cut easily and also flexible and uses compression fittings. The permanent connections require a special crimping tool. The PEX is three to four times more expensive than copper or plastic.
Steel
Galvanized steel pipes are commonly used in older homes. The galvanized pipe is strong and lasts up to 50 years. It is good to replace instead of repair.
Copper
It resists corrosion and widely used for water supply lines. Copper pipes cost more than plastic and also long-lasting. Copper pipe has two types:
Rigid Copper
It comes with three thicknesses. Type M is the thinnest but it is strong enough for most homes. Type L and Type K are thicker and mostly used in outdoor and drain applications. For cutting of rigid copper, require a wheel cutter, tube cutter or hacksaw. Pipes are mostly connected with soldered fittings and compression fittings and can connect the pipe to shut-off valves.
Flexible Copper
It is often used for dishwashers, refrigerator icemakers and other appliances that need a water supply. The flexible copper is easy to blend but if it kinks you have to cut the piece or replace it. The sections of the flexible copper pipe are joined with using solder or compression.
