Plumbing: Pipe Materials

Introduction to Plumbing

• Plumbing involves various pipe materials for water supply in building construction.

Plastic Pipes

• Types include PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), CPVC (Chlorinated PVC), and UPVC (Unplasticized PVC).
• Applications involve cold water supply, drainage, waste disposal, and irrigation systems.
• Advantages include being lightweight, easy to install, cost-effective, corrosion/chemical resistant, with a smooth inner surface.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes

• Uses include potable water supply, underground water mains, sewage/drainage, and agricultural irrigation.
• Flexible, durable, leak-proof with fusion-welding joints, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for high-pressure applications.

Densified Cast Iron (CI) Pipes

• Applications are underground water mains and sewage/drainage systems.
• Advantages include being extremely durable, strong, having a long service life, and good resistance to external loads.
• Prone to internal corrosion if not lined or coated and heavy and challenging to install.

Galvanized Iron (GI) Pipes

• Used in indoor plumbing for hot and cold water and temporary water distribution.
• Advantages are strength and durability and ease of threading and joining.
• Prone to rust and corrosion over time, especially with hard water and often replaced by PVC or CPVC.

Stoneware Pipes

• Applications involve underground drainage and sewage systems.
• Resistant to corrosion and chemical reactions and Suitable for non-pressurized systems.
• Brittle and prone to cracking under heavy loads and limited to low-pressure applications.

Asbestos Cement Pipes

• Used for water mains, sewer lines, and rainwater drainage.
• Lightweight, easy to handle, and corrosion-resistant.
• Health risks exist due to asbestos content and has limited use due to environmental concerns.

Concrete Pipes

• Used for large-scale water supply and sewerage/drainage systems as well as culverts and stormwater management.
• Strong, durable, and suitable for high-capacity systems.
• Heavy, requires skilled labor for installation, and is susceptible to chemical erosion.

Hot Water Pipes with Insulation

• Materials include CPVC, PPR, and copper pipes with thermal insulation.
• Used for hot water distribution in residential and commercial buildings.
• Insulation prevents heat loss and condensation and CPVC/PPR are corrosion-resistant.
• Insulation materials are foam rubber, fiberglass, or polyethylene foam.

Pipe Selection Criteria

• For pressure requirements, use HDPE, GI, or CI pipes.
• For hot water, CPVC, PPR, or insulated copper pipes are best.
• For chemical resistance, PVC, HDPE, or stoneware pipes are suitable.
• For durability, CI, HDPE, and concrete pipes are preferred.

Water Supply Fittings - Elbow (90° or 45°)

• Changes the direction of water flow in a piping system.
• Materials include brass, PVC, CPVC, copper, or stainless steel.
• Used in bends of water supply systems and available in different angles.

Tee

• A T-shaped fitting that allows water to flow in three directions.
• Materials include brass, PVC, CPVC, or galvanized iron.
• Divets water supply into two separate lines and useful in branch connections.

Coupling

• Connects two pipes of the same or different diameters in a straight line.
• Materials: PVC, CPVC, or metal (brass or stainless steel).
• Joins two pipes for water supply extension or repair and is available in compression or threaded types.

Reducer

• Connects pipes of different diameters.
• Materials: Brass, PVC, or CPVC.
• Reduces or increases the flow capacity in a pipeline and commonly used in water supply systems to adjust pipe sizes.

Union

• Allows easy disconnection and reconnection of pipes without cutting.
• Materials: Brass, stainless steel, or PVC.
• Used where pipes need frequent maintenance or replacement.

Valve (Stopcock/Globe Valve/Gate Valve)

• Controls or stops the flow of water in a pipeline.
• Materials: Brass, stainless steel, or plastic.
• Stopcock controls water at the entry of a property, globe valves regulate water flow, and gate valves provide full opening or closing.
• Essential for maintenance and emergency shut-off.

Nipple

• A short length of pipe with male threading on both ends.
• Materials: Brass, galvanized iron, or steel.
• Connects two fittings or pipes with female threads.

Adapter

• Connects pipes of different types (e.g., threaded to non-threaded).
• Materials: Brass, CPVC, or PVC.
• Transitions between different piping materials or connection types.

Flange

• A flat, circular fitting to connect pipes or valves with bolts.
• Materials: Stainless steel or cast iron.
• Provides a secure, leak-proof connection and common in high-pressure water systems.

Bend

• Similar to an elbow but with a smoother curve.
• Materials: PVC, CPVC, or metal.
• Used in pipelines where gradual direction changes are required.

Check Valve (Non-Return Valve)

• Allows water to flow in one direction only.
• Materials: Brass, stainless steel, or PVC.
• Prevents backflow in water supply systems.

Cap

• Closes The end of a pipe.
• Materials: Brass, PVC, or CPVC.
• Temporarily or permanently seals pipe ends.

Aerator

• mixes water with air at the tip of a faucet.
• Materials: Stainless steel or plastic.
• Reduces water flow while maintaining pressure and minimizes water splashing.

Hose Bibb (Tap/Spigot)

• Provides an outdoor water outlet.
• Materials: Brass or stainless steel.
• Commonly used for garden hoses and outdoor cleaning.

Flexible Hose

• A flexible pipe connection, often reinforced with metal or plastic.
• Materials: Rubber, PVC, or stainless steel.
• Connects fixtures like sinks, toilets, or water heaters to the supply line.

Compression Fittings

• Creates a water-tight seal by compressing a ferrule against the pipe.
• Materials: Brass or plastic.
• Common in residential plumbing, especially for copper or plastic pipes.

Fitting Selection Considerations

• Material Compatibility: Match fittings to pipe material.
• Pressure Rating: use fittings designed for system pressure.
• Corrosion Resistance: Select materials suitable for water type

Water Main

• The Primary pipeline that transports water
• Typically operated and maintained by municipal authorities or water supply agencies.
• Material is cast iron, ducile iron, concrete, HDPE or PVC

Service Pipe

• The pipe that connects the water main to an individual building or property.
• It typically runs underground and ends at the property boundary or stopcock.
• Material: Brass, copper, lead or PVC
• Delivers water from the municipal water main to a specific property and ensures regulated flow and pressure to individual users.

Supply Pipe

• The internal piping system within a building that distributes water from the service pipe to various fixtures and taps.
• Material is PVC, CPVC, GI PEX or copper
• Supplies potable water for domestic, commercial or industrial use

Distribution Pipe

• Pipes used to distribute water from the source or storage to the end users
• Materials: PVC, CPVC, GI, HDPE or copper
• Should be durable, leak-proof and suitable for the pressure and temperature of the water

Domestic Storage Tank

• Definition: A tank used to store water for domestic use, typically installed on rooftops or underground.
• Materials: Plastic, RCC or stainless steel
• Should be UV-resistant and hygienic and equipped with an inlet, outlet and overflow pipe

Stopcock

• Definition: A valve used to controle the flow of water in a pipeline
• Location: Typically installed at the entry point of a water supply to a building
• Types: Brass or plastic stopcocks

Ferrule

• Definition: A fitting that connect the water main to the service pipe for individual buildings
• Material: Brass or gunmetal
• Regulates water flow from the main to the distribution system

Gooseneck

• A short, flexible pipe or fitting shaped like a gooseneck that allows slight movement between the main pipe and the service pipe.
• Material: Made of lead or polyethylene

Water tap

• Definition: A valve used to dispense water from a pipe or tank
• Types: Compression taps, quarter-turn taps, mixer taps
• can be fitted with aerators for water conservation

Aerators

• Definition: Small fittings attached to the tip of a water tap that mix water with air
• Purpose: Reduce water flow without affecting pressure and save water and prevent splashing
• Common Materials: Stainless steel or plastic

Water Meter

• Measures the volume of water consumed by a household or building.
• Types include mechanical (positive displacement or velocity meters) and digital (smart water meters with remote monitoring).
• Helps monitor and bill water usage accurately.

Merits of Connecting from Water Main to Buildings

• Reliable Water Supply: Direct connection ensures a consistent and adequate flow of water to buildings.
• Control and Regulation: Valves allow easy control of water supply.
• Efficient Distribution: Designed connections minimize water loss/efficient delivery.
• Customizable Pressure: Pressure-regulating devices optimize water flow.
• Hygienic Supply: Modern materials resist contamination.

Demerits of Connecting from Water Main to Buildings

• Cost of Installation: Initial installation is expensive due to excavation, materials, and labor.
• Maintenance Challenges: Corrosion, leaks, or blockages are hard to detect/repair.
• Pressure Issues: Variations in pressure can affect internal plumbing.
• Risk of Contamination: Poor installation/maintenance can introduce contaminants.

Sustainability Factors for Plumbing

• Material Durability: Resistant materials increase lifespan.
• Environmental Impact: Use eco-friendly/recyclable materials.
• Water Quality: Compatibility of materials with water chemistry.
• Energy Efficiency: Insulated pipes and efficient fittings reduce energy loss.
• Maintenance Needs: Minimal maintenance improves sustainability.
• Adaptability: Select materials for local climate/soil conditions.

Water Pressure Testing Pipes

• Perform tests to make sure components do not leak
• Preparation: Seal all pipe ends and install pressure gauges.
• Testing: Gradually increase pressure to one-and-a-half times the operating pressure for 30 minutes.
• Monitoring: Observe pressure gauges and pipe joints for leaks.
• Final Assessment: If no leaks or pressure drops, the system is deemed sound.
• Considerations: Pipe material, installation quality, and environmental conditions affect outcomes.