Cast Iron

Very strong but difficult to work cut and fit

Main drain waste

Banded neoprene couplings

Cast iron cutter
hacksaw

ABS
Acrylonitrile-
Butadiene-Styrene

Plastic material now restricted for use

Drain pipes and traps

Solvent glue and plastic fittings

Tube cutter
hacksaw
miter box

PVC
Poly-Vinyl-Chloride

Rigid plastic resistant to moderate heat and chemical

Drains pipes
Vent pipes
Drain traps

Solvent glue and plastic fittings

Tube cutter
hacksaw
miter box

Galvanized Iron

Very strong but corrodes over time
difficult to fit

Drains pipes;
Hot & Cold supply lines

Galvanized threaded fittings

Hacksaw, Reciprocating saw

PB
Poly-Butylene

Flexible plastic easy to bend and fit
Restricted for use

Hot & Cold supply lines

Plastic crimped/grip fitting

Flexible plastic tube cutter
Utility knife

Rigid Copper

Resists corrosion and very durable

Hot & Cold supply lines

Metal solder
Compression fittings

Tube cutter
hack saw

Flexible Copper

Resists corrosion and easy to bend

Hot & Cold supply lines

Brass flare fittings
Compression fittings
Metal solder

Tube cutter
hack saw

Brass

Durable and attractive
Relatively expensive

Valves and exposed drain traps and pipes

Compression fittings
Metal solder

Tube cutter
hack saw
Reciprocating saw