How do you identify cast iron pipes?

Cast iron pipe is recognizable by its black finish and the bulge at the end of each pipe section, called a “hub,” that the adjacent pipe fits into. Surface rust may eliminate the black finish on extremely old cast iron, leaving it simply rust-color.

What size are cast iron drain pipes?





Cast Iron Building Drain Piping: Identification, Diagnosis, Repair. his heavy material is available in diameters from 2″ and up, with typical main building drains of 4″ to 6″ in diameter in residential buildings.

What is the diameter of cast iron soil pipe?

Service Cast Iron

Size (in) Inside Diameter of Hub (in) Outside Diameter of Barrel (in)
3 3.94 3.30
4 4.94 4.30
5 5.94 5.30
6 6.94 6.30

What is a cast iron drain pipe?

Cast-iron drain pipes were only built to last 50 to 100 years, leaving pipes in homes built in the 20s and 30s way over their life-use. Their blackish-brown color and hard material can identify cast-iron drain pipes. Cast-iron drain pipes are strong, but nature has a way of breaking things down over time.

How do I know what type of pipe I have?


Quote from Youtube video: Here we have what's called CPVC. It's a plastic pipe. And this is also used for your fresh water not used for waste at all then you have these right here these are both PEX.

How can you tell the difference between cast iron and steel pipe?





In addition to looking at spark pattern, watch for color. Steel will most often give off bright yellow sparks, whereas iron releases more red or orange sparks. If you do not feel confident telling the sparks apart at first, you can use a comparison.

What were old sewer pipes made of?

Sewer lines have been used all over the world for centuries but have evolved a lot over the past few hundred years. Until the late 20th-century, most sewer pipes were made of wood, cast iron, fired clay, or fiber conduit. No matter what they were made of, sewer lines were built to last at least 50 years.

What does cast iron drain pipe look like?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: It's going to be just opposite their laundry room. But very interesting pipe that's a two-inch pipe right there that goes down into the basement.

What size pipe do I have?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Use a ruler or measuring tape to find the circumference or the length between the tip of the string.

What type of pipes are used in old homes?



Galvanized steel pipes are very common, especially in older homes. These are thicker and heavier than other commonly used pipes, making them very durable.

What type of plumbing was used in 1969?

Copper. If your house is from the 1960s, there’s a chance you have copper pipes. Copper pipes are one of the best types of pipes you can have.

What are the different sizes of plumbing pipes?

1. PVC Pipe Sizes

NPS Outside diameter of pipe (inch) Inside diameter (inch)
3/8” 0.675” 0.493”
1/2” 0.840” 0.622”
3/4” 1.050” 0.824”
1” 1.315” 1.049”

How do I know what size PVC pipe I have?



If you purchased your PVC pipe from a hardware store, you can use the markings on the side of the pipe to tell you what size you have. It will normally indicate the size in decimal or fraction, close to where the manufacturer’s name is, such as ‘1.25’ (for 1-1/4″) or “3/4” (for 3/4″… obviously).

What size are waste pipes?

Why does waste pipe come in different sizes – 32mm and 36mm – 40mm and 43mm?

Advertised Dimension Push Fit Diameter Solvent Weld Diameter
32mm 34mm 36mm (1 1/4″)
40mm 41mm 43mm (1 1/2″)
50mm 54mm 56mm (2″)
110mm 110mm 110mm

What size is main drain line?

4 inches

Depending on your local plumbing codes, the main sewer line for residential homes is usually 4 inches in diameter. You may think if the pipe were larger, more waste could travel without getting clogged.

How do you measure the diameter of a sewer line?



Measure the Outside Diameter (OD) of your pipe or pipe fitting:

  1. Wrap a string around the pipe.
  2. Mark the point where the string touches together.
  3. Use a ruler or measuring tape to find the length between the tip of the string and the mark you made (circumference)
  4. Divide the circumference by 3.14159.


Do sewer pipes run under houses?

They are usually behind the houses by a few metres. Sometimes people build extensions over them (this is not actually allowed). In terraces they usually run behind all the houses, parallel with the road, then come forwards to join the sewer under the road at the end of the terrace.