DIY guidePipes
Identify your water pipes
Copper, PEX, poly-B or galvanized: what each looks like, and which ones need a pro to look.
- 10 to 20 min
- 7 steps
- Every step animated
7 steps
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Look at the pipes by the water heater, at the main valve and under the sinks.
Red-brown metal, sometimes with green spots at the joints: copper. Usually fine.
Flexible plastic in red, blue or white, with metal rings at the fittings: PEX. Usually fine.
Grey plastic, sometimes blue or black, often stamped PB: poly-B. It can fail without warning.
Dull grey metal with threaded joints: galvanized steel. It rusts inside, so the water runs slow or brown.
Take a photo of each kind you find, and note where it is.
Poly-B and galvanized pipes need a plumber's look, and insurers often ask about them. Ask Handyman for a plumber.
What you need
- A flashlight
- Your phone
Call a pro if
- You found poly-B or galvanized pipe
- Water runs brown, or the pressure has dropped
- Green crust, drips or wet spots at a joint
Handyman says: I'll find a plumber to look.
Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.
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