Our house was built in 1966; we purchased it 3 months ago. Most of the plumbing is newer w/black pvc for sewage etc. Recently, I was under the house checking things and making sure all is going to be good for the winter. Here is what I found.
The galvanized pipes under the kitchen area that drains into the sewage (I assume this is where it goes) has sprung a leak in a connection. There is quite a puddle in that area now. I am thinking of replacing that entire section of galvanized pipe that drains from the kitchen w/the black pvc pipes. Am I on the right track? I don't want to only replace the connecting section that is broke because today it will be this and tomorrow it will be another leak somewhere else on the galvanized pipes. And I do not want to do some crappy patch job either. I am a new home owner that wants to learn about all of this stuff. My husband, unfortunately, isn't much of a handyman and won't go under the house. I will have help to replace these pipes. Any helpful information regarding this replacement and fix would be VERY helpful and appreciated.
Thx, Beverly

Hey Bev,
In my area we quit using ABS black pipe for drainage. The hot Florida sun would make our horizontal sink arms droop. We found white Schedule 40 PVC would hold up much better. But you have the right idea. Replace that old galvanized with plastic, either ABS or PVC will be fine. We have plumbers here that can walk you through the transition. When do you wish to start? Regards, Tom

Hey Bev,
In my area we quit using ABS black pipe for drainage. The hot Florida sun would make our horizontal sink arms droop. We found white Schedule 40 PVC would hold up much better. But you have the right idea. Replace that old galvanized with plastic, either ABS or PVC will be fine. We have plumbers here that can walk you through the transition. When do you wish to start? Regards, Tom

What is the difference between ABS and PVC? Which is better for drainage under the kitchen sink area/under the house.
Thx. Beverly

What is the difference between ABS and PVC? Which is better for drainage under the kitchen sink area/under the house.
Thx. Beverly

As I've stated we use PVC exclusively in my area. They're both good and they both hold up. Let me explain a little farther, We stopped using ABS here in the Tampa Bay Area over 30 years ago. PVC is stronger and holds up better then ABS. ABS is used exclusively for drainage because it can't be used for anything else, (you can't water pipe with ABS). Let me tell you a little about plastic pipes.
There are four types of plastic in general use. Black plastic, which is ABS,(Acylonitrile Butadine Styrene) and white plastic which is PVC and CPVC,(Polyvinyl Chloride and Chlornated Polyvinyl Chloride) ABS is used for drainage. PVC is used outside the house for cold water feed from the pump or the meter Also drainage both inside and outside the house. CPVC is rated for both hot and cold lines and can be used to plumb a house on the inside and then we have Polybutylene pipe,(PB or Polly Pipe) which is flexible tubing on water piping. Hope this answers your question. Tom

As I've stated we use PVC exclusively in my area. They're both good and they both hold up. Let me explain a little farther, We stopped using ABS here in the Tampa Bay Area over 30 years ago. PVC is stronger and holds up better then ABS. ABS is used exclusively for drainage because it can't be used for anything else, (you can't water pipe with ABS). Let me tell you a little about plastic pipes.
There are four types of plastic in general use. Black plastic, which is ABS,(Acylonitrile Butadine Styrene) and white plastic which is PVC and CPVC,(Polyvinyl Chloride and Chlornated Polyvinyl Chloride) ABS is used for drainage. PVC is used outside the house for cold water feed from the pump or the meter Also drainage both inside and outside the house. CPVC is rated for both hot and cold lines and can be used to plumb a house on the inside and then we have Polybutylene pipe,(PB or Polly Pipe) which is flexible tubing on water piping. Hope this answers your question. Tom

Thx for the explanation. My pipes I'm replacing are only the drainage pipes under the kitchen under the house that connects w/sewage pipes that are ABS, so perhaps the ABS would work? I plan to do the replacement next weekend and if I need more help, you can bet I'll be here emailing you! I'm off to drive truck.
Thx for your advice.
Beverly