Introduction

A water pipe is any pipe or tube designed to transport drinking water to consumers. If the
water is treated before distribution or at the point of use (POU) depends on the context. In well
planned and designed water distribution networks, water is generally treated before distribution
and sometimes also chlorinated, in order to prevent recontamination on the way to the end user.
The varieties of water pipes include large diameter main pipes, which supply entire towns,
smaller branch lines that supply a street or group of buildings, or small diameter pipes located
within individual buildings. Water pipes can range in size from giant mains of up to 3.65 m in
diameter to small 12.7 mm pipes used to feed individual outlets within a building. Joining
individual water pipe lengths to make up extended runs is possible with flange, nipple,
compression or soldered joints.

Types of Pipes
Pipes come in several types and sizes. They can be divided into three main categories.
Metallic Pipes
Stainless Steel Pipes
Galvanized Iron Pipes
Cast Iron Pipes
Copper Pipes
Plastic Pipes
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipes
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Pipes
Cross Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipes
Grey Plastic Polybutylene Pipes
Acrylonitrite-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Pipes
High density polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes
Cement Pipes
Concrete Pipes
Asbestos Cement Pipes
Stoneware Pipes

Metallic Pipes
Stainless Steel Pipes
Stainless Steel is less commonly used than other metal pipes. These pipes are
comparatively expensive and harder to find, but they are the strongest and most durable of all
water supply pipes. These pipes are strong and highly resistant to corrosion. They can withstand
high water pressure, come in convenient (longer) lengths than most other pipes and thus incur
lower installation/transportation costs. They can also be easily welded.

It is primarily used in marine environments because it can withstand salt water, which
would erode most other metal pipes. The price makes it less desirable for other applications, or in
safer areas where a copper pipe would perform just as well.

Galvanized Iron Pipes

Galvanized iron is the traditional piping material in the plumbing industry for the
conveyance of water and wastewater. Although still used throughout the world, its popularity is
declining. The use of galvanized iron as a conveyer for drinking water is problematic where
water flow is slow or static for periods of time because it causes rust from internal corrosion.
Galvanized iron piping may also give an unpalatable taste and smell to the water conveyed under
corrosive conditions (WHO 2006). Galvanized pipes typically come in sizes between inch (1.3
centimeters) and 2 inches (5.1 centimeters) in diameter.

Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes are quite stable and well suited for high water pressure. However, cast
iron pipes are heavy, which makes them unsuitable for inaccessible places due to transportation
problems. In addition, due to their weight they generally come in short lengths increasing costs
for layout and jointing. If you need to replace broken cast iron pipe, PVC is a good choice
because it joins well with cast iron.

Copper

Pipes

It is
the
most
common
type
of
plumbing
pipe used in the
home. It is
reliable but more
expensive
than
plastic
piping.
Copper pipes are
highly
resistant
to
corrosion,
tolerant of heat,
and not prone to leaks, since the connections are soldered and fittings stay tight. Copper pipe
comes in three sizes: M (very thin walls), L (medium thickness), and K (thickest walls). Types M
and L are usually used for interior hot and cold supply lines, while Type K serves for
underground service lines. Copper pipes biggest drawback is price, which is why copper is
gradually being replaced by more economical plastic pipe.

Plastic Pipes
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipes
PVC pipes are non-corrosive, extremely light and thus easy to handle and transport. Still,
they are strong and come in long lengths that lower installation/transportation costs. However,
they are prone to physical damage if exposed over ground and become brittle when exposed

to ultraviolet light. In addition to the problems associated with the expansion and contraction of
PVC, the material will soften and deform if exposed to temperatures over 65 C (WHO 2006).

It is primarily used to transport high pressured water. It is available in several standard

sizes, ranging from inch (1.3 centimeters) to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) in diameter. PVC pipe
is only made to handle cold water, as hot water will cause the pipe to warp. It is generally white
in color, though a few varieties are gray.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Pipes

It is PVC pipe that has received an extra chlorination. It comes in a distinctive yellow

color, and can handle both hot and cold water. CPVC is more flexible with substantially thinner
walls than PVC pipe, and has the same outer diameter as copper pipe, which increases its range
of uses. It should not be buried, as it will split if it freezes.

Cross Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipes

This type of pipe is used extensively for interior plumbing in new homes. PEX resists
heat much better than most plastic pipe so its often used for water-based heating systems.

Grey Plastic Polybutylene (PB) Pipes

Gray or beige, usually sold in coils, this type of flexible pipe was used extensively from
the late 1970s to the mid-1990s as an inexpensive replacement for copper. Over the years,
however, PB has proven to be prone to leaks, which is why its not used much anymore.

Acrylonitrite-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Pipes

This is a black plastic drainage, waste, and vent pipe that was a forerunner to PVC and is
currently prohibited by many current plumbing codes. However, this piping is not uncommon in
mobile homes and usually needs to be replaced with PVC or HDPE.

High density polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes

This plumbing pipe is highly resistant to corrosion, flexible, and very long lasting, and
can be used to carry everything from drinking water to compressed gas to hazardous waste.

HDPE comes in long lengths, and joints are formed through heat fusion, eliminating leaks. It has
unusually low resistance, or drag, making it a good choice for virtually all plumbing
applications.

Cement Pipes
Concrete Pipes
Unreinforced pipes of small diameters as well as reinforced and pre-stressed concrete
pipes of large diameters are available for water supply and other uses. Small unreinforced
concrete pipes are very much used for drainage of rain water. Large diameter pipes are generally
used for major water supply works.

Asbestos Cement Pipes

These pipes are used for drainage of rainwater from roofs, soil and waste and also for
ventilation. They come in two profiles one with beading around socket (WB) and the other
without beading around socket (WOB). The latter type is more common than the former. The
pipes come in lengths of 3 meters. The principal defects of these pipes are that they are heavy
and they break easily. These pipes are cheaper than PVC pipes.

Stoneware Pipes
These pipes are available in the form of internal diameters 10 mm to 600 mm with
thickness varying from 12 mm to 43 mm. A good stoneware pipe should give a sharp clear tone
when struck with a light hammer. These pipes are extensively used as underground drainage
pipes in low cost construction buildings. Usually these pipes are laid on an even bed of concrete
and further treated as specified for laying in different types of soils. However laying of these
pipes requires experienced workmen and good supervisor. Therefore PVC pipes are being
preferred to these pipes in many places. These pipes are cheap.