Water Supply Pipe Types
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC)
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (uPVC)
PVC Pipes
Galvanized Iron Pipes
Polypropylene Pipes
Cast Iron Pipes
Different Pipe Types Used in Engineering
Brass Pipes
Cross-Linked Polyethylene Pipes (PEX)
Steel Pipes
Vinyl Pipes
Lead Pipes
Pipe Types Used for Sanitary Plumbing
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pipes (ABS)
Cast Iron Pipes
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC)
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (uPVC)
PVC Pipes
Galvanized Steel Pipes
Galvanized Iron Pipes
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Pipes
Polypropylene Pipes
Polyethylene Pipes
Lead Pipes
Asbestos Cement Pipes
Stoneware Pipes
Concrete Pipes
Different Pipe Types
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pipes (ABS)
Brass Pipes
Cast Iron Pipes
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC)
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (uPVC)
PVC Pipes
Copper Pipes
Cross-Linked Polyethylene Pipes (PEX)
Galvanized Steel Pipes
Galvanized Iron Pipes
Steel Pipes
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Pipes
Polypropylene Pipes
Polyethylene Pipes
Vinyl Pipes
Lead Pipes
Asbestos Cement Pipes
Stoneware Pipes
Concrete Pipes
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pipes (ABS)
ABS Pipes are resistant to corrosive chemicals and have a low melting point. While primarily used for pipes, they are also known for applications in Lego toys, computer keyboards, and wall socket protectors.
This type of pipe can be used for sewer and wastewater drainage from homes. It is ideal for DWV (drainage, waste, and ventilation) systems.
It is not flexible. In other words, it is rigid.
Brass Pipes
Brass pipes are an alloy of copper and zinc. They are commonly used in plumbing applications, as well as in various household items such as locks, bearings, door handles, and pipes.
Cast Iron Pipes
Cast iron pipes are popular for municipal water distribution systems due to their high resistance to corrosion and long lifespan.
Cast iron pipes are made from pig iron and are typically manufactured with diameters ranging from 5 cm to 120 cm. Under normal conditions, a cast iron pipe is expected to last up to 100 years.
The standard length of a pipe section is 12 feet, although lengths up to 20 feet can also be obtained. Cast iron pipes are made in various wall thickness classes to withstand pressures up to a maximum of 350 psi.
Flanged pipes can be used for pump stations, filtration plants, and other locations where separation of pipes may be necessary.
Flanged couplings should fit perfectly and be equipped with a gasket to ensure they are watertight. Cast iron pipes are also inexpensive and cost-effective. These pipes can be easily assembled, and they can be easily cut and pierced.
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC)
This type of non-corrosive pipe can be used for both cold and hot water (up to approximately 82°C). It is durable and easy to use.
CPVC differs from PVC because the material undergoes a free radical chlorination reaction, which effectively increases the chlorine content.
CPVC can also be a thermoplastic molded into the same products as PVC. This process allows it to withstand a broader temperature range.
CPVC is more expensive than PVC due to its wider range of applications.
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (uPVC)
uPVC, also known as rigid PVC, is used for all plumbing purposes in residential and commercial buildings.
It is ideal for cold water distribution on every floor level, outdoor installations, and concealed piping systems.
uPVC is known for its strong resistance to chemicals, sunlight, and oxidation from water. It is durable, inexpensive, and easy to process, making it widely used in construction.
PVC Pipes
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes are widely used in plumbing, drainage, and irrigation systems due to their affordability, ease of installation, and resistance to corrosion. They are commonly used for both cold and hot water distribution and are ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. PVC pipes are lightweight, durable, and have a smooth surface, reducing the risk of clogs. They are also resistant to chemicals and environmental factors, making them a popular choice for various
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are commonly used in plumbing systems for water supply and heating due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to conduct heat efficiently. They are also resistant to bacteria growth, making them ideal for drinking water systems. Copper pipes are available in different grades and can be used for both residential and commercial applications.
Cross-Linked Polyethylene Pipes (PEX)
This type of pipe can be used for residential radiant heating applications. It prevents the penetration and degradation of oxygen and other elements from heating systems into the main mechanical components.
PEX pipes can also be used to transport drinking water. As shown in the image below, they are flexible and lightweight, making them an easy-to-use plumbing material.
Galvanized Steel Pipes
Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to prevent rusting. This type of pipe became popular in homes built before 1960, replacing lead pipes for water lines.
The issue with galvanized steel pipes is that eventually, the zinc coating wears off, leading to rust formation.
Galvanized Iron Pipes (GI Pipes)
GI pipes are made from soft steel sheets and have a longitudinal welded seam. They are used for supplying gas, water, or other liquids within buildings.
These pipes are available in diameters ranging from 12 mm to 150 mm and can be found in lengths of 6 meters.
The wall thickness of the sheets varies according to the diameter of the pipes. After the pipe is manufactured, it is dipped into a zinc solution.
This process is called galvanization, which helps prevent the pipe from rusting. The average lifespan of these pipes is around ten years.
They can be easily assembled, and threading, cutting, and bending are also simple tasks. They are joined together using a socket. These pipes are lightweight and inexpensive. Acidic and alkaline waters can adversely affect these pipes.
Steel Pipes
Steel pipes are used to transport gas, water, or other liquids under pressure from one place to another. These pipes are made from steel sheets. Small pipes have welded joints that are not visible along the length.
Larger pipes have riveted or welded connections. These pipes are lightweight and can be joined together with welded connections. They are placed on open supports.
These pipes are easy to bend. Acidic and alkaline water can cause rusting of these pipes. Repairing these pipes is difficult. Due to their thinner wall thickness, they can also be pressed under external pressure.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes
High-density polyethylene pipes are likely the most efficient pipes on the market. They come in various thicknesses and can be used in challenging pressure environments.
These pipes can be bent at a 90-degree angle, and some of them are guaranteed for up to 50 years due to their high quality.
Roots will never penetrate such pipes, which is why they are highly recommended for various applications, including water and sewer lines.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Pipes
For plumbing purposes, this pipe can be used for water softening lines. It is resistant to many solvents, acids, alkalis, and gases. It is stress crack resistant, flexible, and durable.
Polypropylene Pipes
As seen in the photo example above, these pipes are flexible and can be routed around various objects.
They are ideal for the transfer of hot liquids and gases in food and beverage processing applications. They can be used for small liquid system support structures or as linings in metal pipe systems.
They are used in manufacturing operations where extreme resistance to acids and alkalis is required.
Polyethylene Pipes
Polyethylene pipes are used in cold water services. Nowadays, plastic pipes dominate others with the following advantages:
Easy installation
No need for threading
Resistant to bacterial scaling
Resistant to corrosion
Cost-effective
Lighter weight
Therefore, they are widely used around the world, but they are limited to cold water sources as they cannot withstand high temperatures.
Vinyl Pipes
These types of pipes are commonly used in laboratory environments and in home applications like home brewing.
They are not commonly used in plumbing applications, but we have included them because they can sometimes be a useful pipe option for passing liquids through.
Lead Pipes
A lead pipe has high corrosion resistance, flexibility, and a hydraulic flow coefficient. However, the lead content in water can lead to poisoning effects that are harmful to humans. Therefore, it is not preferred.
Asbestos Cement Pipes
Asbestos pipe is made from a mixture of silica, asbestos, and cement, which is transformed into a dense, homogeneous material with significant strength under pressure.
This type of pipe is available in lengths of 13 feet and diameters ranging from 4 to 36 inches. The pipe is manufactured in various grades, with the strongest designed for internal pressures up to 200 psi.
The connection is as resistant to corrosion as the pipe itself and is flexible enough to allow deviation of up to 12° when laying the pipe around bends.
Stoneware Pipes
These are produced by firing soft clay at high temperatures in the ceramic industry. They are used for underground drainage systems.
The installation of a stone pipe requires skilled workers.
Concrete Pipes
The use of these pipes is for heavy drainage water discharge, with large-diameter concrete pipes used for larger flows. Smaller diameter pipes are used for smaller flows. These pipes are made solely of concrete and are not reinforced. They are pre-cast pipes.
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