Homeowner library · Water supply
Copper, PEX and galvanized pipe
Knowing which pipes run through your home helps you understand leaks, pressure problems and what a plumber recommends.
- Copper: Orange-brown, soldered
- PEX: Flexible plastic, crimped
- Kitec: Orange/blue, brass fittings
- Galvanized: Grey, magnetic, threaded
- Licensed, insured trade work (details confirmed when you call)
- Diagnosis before anything is cut
- Emergency calls taken
- Etobicoke and the west end
Pipe identification chart
- Copper
- Orange-brown, soldered
- PEX
- Flexible plastic, crimped
- Kitec
- Orange/blue, brass fittings
- Galvanized
- Grey, magnetic, threaded
- Lead
- Dull grey, soft, not magnetic
Copper
Orange-brown metal joined with soldered fittings. Common from the 1950s on. Long-lasting, though pinholes can develop.
- Green crust at fittings is a warning sign.
PEX and Kitec
PEX is flexible plastic, often red or blue, with crimp or expansion fittings. It is widely used today. Kitec is an older orange and blue composite with brass fittings that are prone to failure.
- Kitec replacement is recommended.
Galvanized and lead
Galvanized steel is grey, magnetic and threaded; it rusts inside and reduces pressure. Lead is dull grey, soft and non-magnetic, usually in service lines of older homes.
- Both should be replaced.
Drains too
Drain pipes vary as well: cast iron (heavy, black or rusty), clay tile underground, galvanized drain lines in older homes, and ABS plastic (black) in newer work. Each has its own failure patterns.
- Knowing what you have helps you understand repair recommendations.
Mixing materials
Joining different metals directly can cause corrosion.
- Dielectric unions or proper transition fittings prevent this.
- Repairs should use compatible materials.
When to replace
Replace galvanized, lead and Kitec.
- Consider replacing copper with repeated pinholes.
- PEX is a common replacement material today.