Rhys_Malen
(Rhys Malen)
January 20, 2010, 1:01am
1
I’m fairly new and I don’t have a construction background… so, I’m still a bit confused about the easy ways to tell the difference between:
painted/dirty copper piping,
galvanized steel piping,
painted galv steel,
black cast iron,
brass fixtures
Sometimes they can look similar or discolored so I find it rather difficult to be 100% certain.
staylor5
(Steven Taylor, 16000004979)
January 24, 2010, 1:22pm
2
look at fittings. the copper fittings are more stream lined. Gal is usually silver in color.
mcyr
(Marcel Cyr, CMI)
January 24, 2010, 1:38pm
3
Here is a gallery of different pipe corrosion failures, and also shows different types of piping material that may help.
http://www.corrview.com/corr_07.htm
ldapkus
(Linas Dapkus, CMI)
January 24, 2010, 2:19pm
4
You may need to scrape some paint off in an inconspicuous area to see the surface. Don’t forget lead piping used as supply into homes is easily recognized because it is very soft and easy to scratch.
belliott
(Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)
January 24, 2010, 6:24pm
5
Also usually has a noticeable curve.