If you’ve ever opened the cabinet under your sink or looked at your water heater and thought, “I have no idea what I’m looking at,” you’re not alone. Most homeowners know plumbing is important—but don’t always know what’s behind the walls or which parts connect to what.
At A+ Services, we believe knowledge leads to peace of mind. Whether you’re facing a small repair or just want to understand what your plumber is talking about, this guide will help you get familiar with the basic components of your home’s plumbing system: pipes, fittings, and the tools used to work on them.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Types of Pipes in Your Home
Your home’s plumbing is made up of different types of pipes, each chosen for its specific purpose. Knowing which type you’re working with can help you make the right repair—or avoid making the wrong one.
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene)
PEX is one of the most common materials used in modern homes, especially in remodels or new construction. These flexible plastic pipes are color-coded—red for hot water, blue for cold—and can bend around corners without extra fittings. PEX is popular because it’s easy to work with and resistant to corrosion and freezing. For DIYers, PEX is often the most forgiving option when it comes to small plumbing upgrades or repairs.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
PVC is the rigid white plastic pipe you’ll typically find under your sinks or in your drainage system. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to cut and glue. PVC is mostly used for drain and vent lines—not for hot water, as it can warp under high temperatures.
CPVC (chlorinated PVC)
CPVC is similar to PVC but is safe for both hot and cold water. It’s cream-colored and used more often in water supply lines where heat resistance is needed. It’s important not to confuse PVC with CPVC, and they shouldn’t be glued together without a proper transition fitting.
Copper pipes
Copper pipping often found in older homes or high-end builds, are known for their durability and ability to withstand both hot and cold water. Copper piping requires soldering, which involves heat and specialized tools—not typically a DIY-friendly method unless you’re comfortable working with torches and flux.
If you live in an older home, you may also encounter galvanized steel pipes. These heavy-duty metal pipes were common decades ago but tend to corrode over time, leading to low water pressure and rusty water. If you see them in your home, it may be time to consider replacing them with newer materials like PEX or copper.
The Role of Fittings: Connecting Everything Together
Pipes may carry the water, but fittings are what make plumbing systems work. Fittings allow you to connect, redirect, and control the flow of water throughout your home.
Elbows
Elbows are curved fittings that change the direction of the pipe—typically at 90 or 45 degrees. They’re what allow pipes to move around corners or obstacles behind walls or beneath floors.
Tee fittings
Tee fittings, shaped like the letter “T,” split one pipe into two directions. These are common wherever one water supply line feeds two fixtures—like a cold water line branching off to both a toilet and a sink.
Couplings
Couplings are used to connect two straight pieces of pipe together, either to extend the run or to repair a broken section. If you want to easily disassemble the connection later, a union might be used instead—it works like a coupling but can be unscrewed when needed.
Adapters
Adapters are used to join pipes of different types or sizes. For example, if you’re connecting a copper pipe to a PEX line, you’ll need an adapter specifically designed for that transition.
Shutoff valves
Shutoff Valves are critical components that control water flow to a specific fixture or appliance. You’ll typically find them under sinks, behind toilets, or near your water heater. Ball valves are a modern, reliable choice and easier to turn off quickly in an emergency compared to older gate valves.
Some of the most DIY-friendly fittings are push-fit fittings (like SharkBite connectors). These require no soldering, glue, or clamps—just cut the pipe cleanly, push the fitting on, and you’ve got a watertight seal. They’re reusable and ideal for emergency fixes or quick upgrades.
Essential Plumbing Tools for Everyday Fixes
Even if you don’t plan on doing major plumbing work, having a few basic tools on hand can help you handle minor issues with confidence.
Wrenches
An adjustable wrench is a must-have. It’s used for tightening and loosening fittings, especially those under sinks or on water heaters. For larger plumbing nuts and fixtures, channel lock pliers (or tongue-and-groove pliers) give you the grip you need.
Pipe Cutters
If you’re working with PEX pipe, a pipe cutter allows you to make clean, straight cuts without crushing the material. For copper or PVC, you’ll want different cutters suited to those materials.
Plumbers Tape
No plumbing toolbox is complete without plumber’s tape (also called Teflon tape). This thin white tape is wrapped around threaded pipe connections to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks at joints.
Drain snake
For clearing minor clogs, a plunger and a drain snake are your best friends. Be sure to keep one plunger for the toilet and another for sinks or tubs to avoid cross-contamination. A zip-it tool—a long plastic strip with barbs—is also great for pulling hair and debris from bathroom drains.
A few other essentials include a bucket, some old towels, and a good flashlight or headlamp. Plumbing often requires crawling under sinks or into dark corners, and you’ll be glad you’re prepared when things get messy.
When DIY Isn’t Enough: Call A+ Services
Learning the basics of pipes and fittings can empower you to make small repairs, replace a faucet, or understand your home’s water flow. But it’s also important to know your limits.
If you’re facing a burst pipe, water damage, low water pressure throughout your home, a malfunctioning water heater, or any kind of sewage backup—don’t wait. These are signs of a deeper issue that could get worse quickly. Our licensed plumbers at A+ Services are available 24/7 across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati to help you fast—with no-pressure guidance and clear, flat-rate pricing.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Plumbing, Protect Your Home
You don’t need to be a plumber to understand the basics of your home’s plumbing system. A little knowledge about the types of pipes, fittings, and tools you might encounter can go a long way—saving you money, preventing damage, and giving you peace of mind.
Whether you’re tackling a weekend DIY project or facing a plumbing emergency, A+ Services is your local partner for fast, honest, and expert help.