Using schedule 40 black pipe

spaceman spif

I'm replacing the old bathtub/shower valve assembly and I have some schedule 40 black pipe that I can use for the bathtub spout. Are there any issues with corrosion or rust over time with schedule 40 black pipe? The bathtub spout is rarely used in my house.

SuperPlumberGuy

Don't do it. you will get rust stains and the pipe will rot out very quick.

Jim F

My new Delta 17 series tub spout calls for either 1/2 inch copper or iron pipe for the drop and the spout nipple. Are you saying that if I use it, it will rust out prematurely? I don't understand why they would reccommend something that is so prone to failure. In the meantime, I am not experienced at sweating copper pipes and was really trying to avoid doing that on this expensive faucett. How do you know if it's schedule 40 iron pipe and is there a better quality iron pipe for this?

SuperPlumberGuy

Jim F....I have seen that in the directions myself and it is very misleading. What it should say is to use a material that is iron pipe size (IPS) which basically means schedule 40 threaded pipe. If you do not wish to solder at the very very least use galvanized pipe,but, I would STRONGLY recommend using brass. 1/2" IPS brass nipples and fittings are readily available at any hardware or big box store. DO NOT use standard black iron.

spaceman spif

I'll go with brass! Thanks!

Jim F

Yep, me too. Not the first or the last time I bought the wrong stuff. Fortunately, it's not all together yet.