How to Identify Plastic Pipe

Plastic pipes come in a variety of materials and sizes.

Recognizing a plastic pipe while constructing a new home or making repairs to your own will greatly expedite labor time. Certain pipes are required for specific jobs, such as a residential or commercial site. The correct pipe should be used to avoid unnecessary maintenance or possible damage by pressure. Some plastic pipes are easily found, while others require you to examine them a bit more closely.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the surroundings to which the pipe delivers water. On commercial sites, such as malls, large office buildings, and schools, concrete pipe is used rather than plastic. This is because concrete pipe is very thick, especially as compared to plastic pipe, and can withstand heavy pressure from the surrounding ground. Plastic pipes are typically found serving residential buildings because they are quick to install and will carry smaller amounts of water.

2. Look inside the pipe for notable color variations or peeling material. Plastic pipes won't rust or flake after years of use. And plastic pipes don't corrode from chemicals and materials like salt like metal pipes do. Plastic pipes will remain smooth and keep their original color throughout their life. If rust has build up or there is peeling, the pipe probably isn't plastic.

3. Tap your nail or a coin on the side of the pipe. A "ping" tells you the pipe is metallic; a "thud," plastic. Rub your hand over the surface of a concrete pipe and a plastic pipe to feel the rigid difference of the two. Plastic is smooth and seamless while concrete is bumpy and rough.

4. Evaluate the color of a pipe before it is used. A bright white, dull yellow, or light gray smooth pipe is most likely plastic. Copper pipes are, of course, copper-toned, and metallic pipes are silver or dark gray. These metal pipes are also shiny and slightly reflective. Concrete will not shine, isn't smooth, and isn't reflective.

5. Notice the temperature of the water used with the pipe. Plastic pipes are often used for cold water, like for toilets or fountains. For hotter water, like that in the water heater in your home, a metal pipe is used. Plastic pipes cannot carry water at high temperatures.

6. Look beneath the kitchen sink to the pipe that carries waste water away from the home. This pipe is plastic, so use it to compare to other pipes.

References

• Oxford Plastics: Plastic Piping