Cast iron is the most common pipe material for systems in which extremely corrosive wastes are not expected. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is often used because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to install. Galvanized steel, copper, and acrylonitrile butylene styrene (ABS) also are used.
Plumbing piping should conform to one or more of the accepted material standards approved by the plumbing code applicable in the area in which the building is located.
For cast-iron pipe, the fitting joints are calked (with oakum or hemp and filled with molten lead at least 1 in deep), push-on which use rubber gaskets inserted into the bell of the pipe, or are no-hub (drawn stainless steel bands with neoprene gaskets). Copper pipe is commonly soldered or brazed, while steel and wroughtiron pipe have screwed, flanged, or welded connections.
When planning a plumbing system, designers should check with the applicable code before specifying the type of joint to be used in the piping. Joints acceptable in some areas may not be allowed in others.
