Types Of Household Water Supply Pipes
Copper pipe – Used for decades as the most common water supply pipe. Copper pipe and tubing comes in a variety of sizes and types.
Type L – Thick walled hard/soft copper
Type M – Thin walled hard/soft copper
Type K – Thick walled hard/soft copper
PVC – Used as a cold water supply pipe in many countries around the world because of the low price and ease of installation. 
CPVC – Used as a hot/cold water supply pipe in many countries around the world because of the low price and ease of installation. 
PEX – Is cross-linked polyethylene tubing and has become the standard in new home construction. PEX comes in a variety of colors and is used for plumbing and heating purposes. 
Galvanized pipe – May still be found in many homes but is seldom used anymore because of water discoloration, cost and difficult repairs. 
Types Of Household Drainage Pipes
ABS – A hard walled black plastic drain pipe used extensively in North America.
PVC – A hard walled white plastic drain pipe used throughout the world. 
Cast iron – A very common drain pipe in older homes but is no longer used in residential plumbing. 
Galvanized pipe – Common in many older homes and prone to maintenance. Easily discernable by the silver to whitish color and threaded fittings.
Copper DWV – A hard walled copper drain, waste and vent pipe(DWV) that was commonly used in older homes. Still commonly used in commercial and industrial construction, but to pricey for residential. 
