The materials in common use today — copper ... because they're similar to the ones used for water pipes and serve the same purposes. Whether you're connecting PVC or CPVC pipes to copper ...

Frozen water pipes can lead to costly plumbing repairs ... one plumber recommended using a hairdryer to thaw out a section of a frozen pipe. What you don't want to use, however, is a blowtorch ...

Keep the faucet open, so you'll know when the water is flowing again. Begin warming the pipes using a hairdryer. Start with the pipe nearest the faucet and work toward the frozen section.

Do not use anything electrical to thaw a pipe if there's standing water. That creates a danger of electrocution. Never use a blowtorch or open flame to thaw a pipe. They pose a fire hazard.