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How to Identify Old Plumbing

Look at the pipe at the water heater, under sinks, in the attic and at the cleanout. Material and fittings tell you a lot about age.

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By PlumberDallas.com editorialUpdated October 14, 2026

Materials

Galvanized: gray steel, threaded
Cast iron: heavy black drain pipe with hub joints
Clay: seen on camera in sewer laterals
Polybutylene: gray flexible plastic, often stamped PB2110
Copper: reddish, soldered
PEX: colored flexible plastic (newer)

Galvanized pipe check

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