Which pipe, what it costs, how to fix it — explained plainly.

The independent guide to plumbing pipe for US homeowners. No jargon, no guesswork — just researched answers.

Serving homeowners since 1998. This site began as the ABS pipe class-action claim resource — rebuilt as an independent pipe authority. Every guide is researched, dated and reviewed.

Browse by Topic

Five libraries covering every pipe question a homeowner asks.

15 guides

Pipe Guides

Materials, comparisons, identification and sizing — the core of everything we publish about plumbing pipe.

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5 guides

Plumbing Cost Guides

What plumbers charge and what projects really cost — verified price ranges for US homeowners.

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10 guides

DIY Plumbing Repairs

Step-by-step fixes you can do yourself, with the honest limits of DIY called out.

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6 guides

Home Inspection & Pipe Problems

Failing pipes, inspection checklists and the history behind this site — built for homeowners and inspectors.

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0 guides

Calculators & Tools

Reference charts and simple tools for pipe sizing and project planning.

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3 guides

Water Heaters

Tank and tankless water heater guides: costs, sizing, lifespan and when to replace.

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2 guides

Drain Cleaning

Clogged drains fixed: what plumbers charge, what works, and what to avoid.

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3 guides

Sewer Lines

Sewer line problems, replacement costs and trenchless repair options explained.

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2 guides

Whole-House Repiping

Repiping a house: costs by size and material, PEX vs copper, and what to expect.

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2 guides

Leak Detection & Slab Leaks

Finding hidden leaks and fixing slab leaks: costs, methods and warning signs.

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2 guides

Water Softeners & Filtration

Hard water solutions: softener costs, types and whether you need one.

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3 guides

Toilets

Toilet installation, repairs and costs: everything about the hardest-working fixture.

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1 guides

Faucets & Fixtures

Faucet replacement and fixture guides: costs, types and DIY limits.

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1 guides

Garbage Disposals

Disposal troubleshooting, replacement costs and installation guides.

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2 guides

Sump Pumps

Sump pump installation and maintenance: costs and flood prevention.

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2 guides

Gas Lines

Gas line installation costs and safety: pro-only work explained for homeowners.

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2 guides

Water Pressure

Low or high water pressure: causes, fixes and regulator guides.

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2 guides

Frozen & Burst Pipes

Frozen pipe prevention, thawing and burst pipe repair costs.

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2 guides

Septic Systems

Septic tank pumping costs, maintenance and problem signs for rural homes.

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2 guides

Well Pumps

Well pump replacement costs, troubleshooting and lifespan for well owners.

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1 guides

Bathroom Plumbing

Bathroom plumbing costs: rough-ins, remodels and fixture installation.

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2 guides

Kitchen Plumbing

Kitchen sink, dishwasher and disposal plumbing: costs and guides.

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2 guides

Emergency Plumbing

Plumbing emergencies: what to do first, what it costs, and when to call now.

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2 guides

Outdoor & Irrigation

Outdoor faucets, hose bibs and irrigation plumbing guides and costs.

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1 guides

Showers & Tubs

Shower valve and tub plumbing: replacement costs and repair guides.

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Plumbing Cost Guides

The highest-value content on this site — verified 2026 price ranges before you call a plumber.

Repiping a House

Full-home repipe costs by size and material — PEX vs copper compared.

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Sewer Line Replacement

Trench vs trenchless sewer line costs and what drives the price.

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Water Heater Installation

Tank and tankless installation costs, 2026 prices.

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Plumber Rates & Fees

Hourly rates, service call fees and how quotes work.

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Latest Guides

Fresh from the editorial team.

Pipe Guides

ABS DWV Fittings Explained: Complete Guide

ABS DWV fittings explained in plain English: elbows, tees, wyes, couplings and adapters — what each fitting does, where it belongs, and 2026 price ranges.

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Home Inspection & Pipe Problems

ABS Pipe Lawsuit Explained: What Homeowners Should Know (2026 Update)

The ABS pipe class-action lawsuit explained: the $73.6M settlement, which pipe was affected, and what homeowners with 1980s black pipe should do in 2026.

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Pipe Guides

ABS Pipe Sizes Chart: Dimensions for Every Diameter

ABS pipe sizes chart with OD, ID and wall thickness for every DWV diameter, 1-1/4" to 6". Plus how to measure pipe size and choose the right diameter.

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Pipe Guides

Can ABS Pipe Be Used Underground?

Can ABS pipe be used underground? Yes — with the right schedule, bedding and depth. Code rules, burial depth, and mistakes that cause crushed pipe.

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Pipe Guides

ABS vs PVC Pipe: What's the Difference and Which Should You Use?

ABS vs PVC pipe compared: material, joining, cost, code, noise and durability. Find out which drain pipe is right for your project in 2026.

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Bathroom Plumbing

Bathroom Plumbing Rough-In Cost in 2026

Bathroom rough-in plumbing cost in 2026: $1,500-$7,500 for most bathrooms. See price tables by bathroom type, fixture moves, venting and permits.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ABS pipe?
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a rigid black plastic pipe used for drain, waste and vent plumbing in homes. Read the complete guide.
Is ABS better than PVC?
Neither is universally better — ABS joins faster and handles cold better, while PVC tolerates sunlight better. Local code usually decides. See the full comparison.
How long does ABS pipe last?
A properly installed ABS drain system typically lasts 50 to 80 years. Most failures come from bad installation or UV exposure, not age.
How do I identify ABS pipe in my home?
Look for solid black plastic pipe with printed markings reading "ABS DWV ASTM D2661". Check basements, crawlspaces and under sinks. Identification guide.
What was the ABS pipe lawsuit?
A 1998 class-action settlement ($73.6M) over allegedly defective ABS pipe made 1984–1990. The claim period has closed. Full explainer.
How much does a plumber cost?
Plumber rates vary widely by region and job — our cost guides give verified 2026 ranges so you can judge any quote.