Interactive Tools

NYC Plumbing Tools

Free tools built from 30+ years of NYC plumbing experience. No email required. No BS. Just useful information.

Project Cost Estimator

Get a ballpark estimate for your NYC plumbing project. Factors in building type, borough, and scope of work.

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NYC Pipe Materials Guide

NYC bans PEX and PVC for water supply - here is what you can and cannot use, with costs, lifespans, and real-world pros and cons.

NYC Pipe Materials

Copper

NYC Legal

Water supply lines, both hot and cold. The NYC gold standard.

Cost/ft: $8-15
Lifespan: 50-70 years

Pros

  • NYC code compliant
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Long lifespan
  • Reliable in pre-war buildings

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Requires skilled soldering
  • Can develop pinhole leaks in acidic water

PEX

NYC Banned

BANNED in NYC. Used everywhere else for residential water supply.

Cost/ft: $0.50-2
Lifespan: 25-50 years

Pros

  • Extremely cheap
  • Flexible - easy to route
  • Freeze resistant
  • Fast installation

Cons

  • Banned in NYC
  • Rodent damage risk
  • UV sensitive
  • Potential chemical leaching concerns

Pipe Sizing Reference

Visual reference for pipe sizes used in NYC plumbing. Cross-sections at relative scale with usage, materials, and common issues.

NYC Pipe Sizing Reference

Click a pipe to see details. Cross-sections shown at relative scale.