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The word plumbing comes from the Latin for lead and there are still a fair number of lead pipes and fittings around. But today a variety of materials is used in house plumbing : copper, cast iron, steel, brass and plastic. Several are likely to be combined in a house, for each brings a balance of benefits in economy, durability and convenience that makes it the choice for a particular job. And the combination cannot join others without special precaution such lead pipe works.

Copper pipes most popular for supply pipes, but also used for waste and vents, is convenient to work with and very durable. It is available in straight 3 meters and 6 meter lengths.

Plastic pipes has become increasingly popular in recent years because it is light, less expensive and easy to join. Several different plastics are made into pipes. PVC is the most usual, with cPVC second.

Galvanized steel is the strongest plumbing material available for plumbing , water supply pipes and is preferred for piping exposed to damage and sometimes in conservation areas where needed.

Cast iron pipes are use only for soil pipes, waste pipes, vents and drains. It is joint with bolted mechanical couplings or common in old pipe works , special caulked joints.

The practical consideration of convenience, cost and durability, however, are not the only factors determining the choice of material. Some prohibit a material in one part of a plumbing system but not another, and may even dictate the method.

London Plumbers