Types of Fittings

A fitting is a detachable piece of pipe or tubing that either connects to another piece of pipe or
tubing or connects two such pieces. Fittings are generally used in mechanical and plumbing
operations for a number of different purposes. There are many different kinds of fittings, made
from a variety of materials: some of the most common types are elbows, tees, wyes, crosses,
couplings, unions, compression fittings, caps, plugs and valves.

Elbows

Elbows, also known as "ells," are used to change the direction of a pipe system. An elbow
typically features a 45- or 90-degree bend, although other angles are also available. Elbows come
in a variety of diameters and are generally threaded for connectivity. A common example of an
elbow fitting in the home is the piece that extends from the wall of your shower to which the
shower head connects.

Tees, Wyes and Crosses

Tee, wye and cross fittings are all used to combine or split pipe or tube sections. Their names
describe the basic design of each: tee and wye fittings each have one input and two outputs (or
vice versa), intersecting at 90 and 45 degree angles, respectively; cross fittings have one input
and three outputs (or vice versa) that intersect at 90 degree angles. All three designs come in
standard designs (in which all outlets/inlets are the same diameter) and reducing designs (in
which one or more is a different size).

Couplings and Unions

Couplings and unions come in a number of different sizes and designs. The basic function of
each is simply to connect two pieces of pipe or tubing. Therefore, couplings and unions are
generally quite short fittings. The main difference between couplings and unions is that
couplings are designed to be somewhat permanent and are often welded in place or secured by a
series of bolts and nuts, while unions are designed to be easily removed at any time.

Compression Fittings

Compression fittings are generally made up of three pieces: a body, nut and gasket ring (or
ferule). They use pressure to tighten connections, thereby preventing leakage. These fittings are
used in many different industries, as well as many places throughout the house, such as in toilets
and faucets.
Caps and Plugs

Caps and plugs perform basically the same function but in different ways. A cap, as its name
suggests, is a cap that goes over the end of a pipe, creating a dead end. Plugs also stop up a pipe
or tube system, but are plugged, like a stopper, into the end of the pipe.

Valves

Valves, while considered fittings, are sometimes placed in their own category because of their
complexity and variety. There are many different types of valves but the one unifying attribute is
that they control the flow of fluids and gases through a system. In addition, some valves are also
used to control temperature. Some common types of valves are butterfly, gate, globe and ball.
Sink and shower/bathtub faucets are among the most common types of valves.

Composition

Fittings may be composed of a number of different materials. The most important consideration
is that each fitting be made of a material compatible with the material composition of the rest of
the pipe or tube system. Some of the most common materials used to create fittings are copper,
steel, brass and PVC.

Types of Valves
Ball Valve
Ball valve is a quarter turn operated valve. The closure member is a spherical plug with a through hole. When the
valve is in open state, the through hole is in-line with the fluid flow and hence, the fluid passes through it. The
valve is closed by rotating the globe by 90 Deg. such that the hole now becomes perpendicular to the flow and
hence, stops the flow.

The seat is usually circumferential, made up of soft materials to offer a tight shutoff. The seat can be made either
out of plastic or metals. Ball valves are not recommended to be used in a partially open condition. Due to
misalignment between the flow direction and opening of the plug, large pressure drop takes place in partially open
condition.

Due to above specified challenges, ball valves are mostly used in shutoff applications. Ball valves are commonly
used in steam, water, oil, gas, air, corrosive fluids. They can handle slurries and dusty dry fluids. Ball valves are not
used with abrasive and fibrous materials as it poses risk of damage to the seat and plug surface.

Gate Valve
Gate valve is a sliding type of valve. In
gate valves, the closing member is a
metal gate. The gate slides down to close
the valve.  In fully open conditions, the
flow area is equal to the area of the pipe
and hence, there is negligible pressure
drop across the valve.

Gate valve should ideally be used as on-

off valve. It is not advisable to use them
as throttling valves because in partly
open conditions, erosion of gate might
take place. In partially open conditions,
due to vibrations, valve is exposed to
quick wear and tear. Also, during closing
and opening, there is considerable
amount of friction and hence, opening
and closing these vales quickly and
frequently is not possible.

These valves find their use in

petrochemical industry due to the fact
that they can work with metal-metal
sealing. 

Plug Valve
Similar to ball valves, plug valves are also quarter turn type of valves. This valve consists of a plug which can be
either cylindrical or conical in shape. The plug has a through slit which remains in-line with the flow in the open
condition. When the plug is turned by 90 Deg., this slit becomes perpendicular to flow and the valve gets closed. 
Plug valves are well suited to handle fluids with suspended solids, slurries etc.
Plug valves are primarily used for on-off applications. When used for throttling purpose, the pressure drop through
the valve is higher because of misalignment between flow direction and the direction of the opening (slit).
Butterfly Valve
Butterfly valves are most simple yet versatile valves.
They are quarter turn operated valves which are
commonly used in multiple industries for varied
applications. Quarter turn operation ensures quick
operating of the valve. In the open condition there is
minimum obstruction to the fluid flow through the
valve as the flow passes around the disc
aerodynamically. This results in very less pressure drop
through the valve.
Due to its unique mode of operation, the valve can be
actuated easily without requiring high torques and
wear and tear. Due to lack of friction, use of bulky
actuators can be avoided. Another advantage offered
by butterfly valve is their compact size. The valve is
quite compact, resembling a metal disc. This makes
their installation very easy. They can be used to handle
slurries and fluids with suspended solids as there are
no cavities for deposition of solid particles inside the
valve body.

Globe Valve
Globe valve is a linear motion type of valves and is
typically used in both on-off and throttling
applications. In globe valves, the flow of the fluid
through valve follows an S-path. Due to this, the
flow direction changes twice which results in
higher pressure drops. Due to other advantages
offered by them, they are widely used in
applications where pressure drop through the
valve is not a controlling factor.

These valves are generally not used beyond sizes

larger than NPS 12 (DN 300) as enormous forces
are exerted on the stem to open or close the valve
under fluid pressures. Globe valves require high
pressures on the seat to keep it closed when the
fluid exerts pressure from the bottom of the disc.

They are used for both on-off and throttling

applications but special types of trims are required
for throttling applications where large pressure
drops are involved. These valves can be used in
three configurations, depending upon the
applications-
a. Tee pattern
b. Angle Pattern
c. Wye Pattern
When the disc is removed from the stem and allowed to rest on its own weight, globe valves can be used as non-
return valves. Machining of seats is easier and cheaper compared to other types of valves.

Pinch Valve
Pinch valves consist of a plastic tube/sleeve which is made up of reinforced elastomers. The sealing/ closing action
is achieved by throttling or pinching this sleeve/tube. Pinch valves are best suited for handling slurries and fluids
having suspended solids. Pinch valves offer many benefits over the other types of valves. They can be used for
handling corrosive fluids as there is no contact between the fluid carried and the actual valve mechanism. Once
suitable sleeve material is selected, this valve can work with a variety of fluids. As fluid being carried does not
come in contact with the metal parts, these valves can be used for food grade applications also.

Generally, pinch valves are suitable for low pressure applications. When used with abrasive slurries, they should
be used as on-off valves; if used for throttling purposes, the sleeve will get worn out.

Disc Check Valves

Disc check valves, also called as non-return
valves allow the flow to pass through them in
only one direction and stop the flow in
reverse direction. Because of this unique
directional property, disc check valves are
essentially used for some critical applications
in the steam systems.

There are four major types of disc check

valves as follows-

1. Lift Check Valve- Lift check valves work

simply on the principle of gravity. When the
fluid comes in the forward direction, the disc
gets lifted from the seat against the
gravitational force by the force of incoming
fluid. The valve thus allows fluid to pass in this
direction. When the fluid comes in opposite
direction, it supports the force of gravity and the disc remains on the seat, keeping the valve closed.
Tight shutoff can be difficult to achieve in case back pressures are low. The valve will leak the fluid in such
situations.

2. Swing Check Valve- In this kind of check valve,

the disc or the closing element swings around a
point to which it is hinged. When the fluid comes in
the forward direction, the disc swings in an open
position allowing the fluid to pass. When the fluid
flow comes in the opposite direction, the disc
swings and rests on the seat to lose it.

3. Spring loaded Check Valves- In this kind of check

valves, tight shut-off it provided using a spring. The
spring holds back the disc on the seat. Even in the
forward flow condition, the fluid should exert some
pressure, called cracking pressure in order to open
the disc against the spring pressure.

4. Diaphragm Type Check Valve- This kind of check valves uses diaphragms arranged in such a way that that open
to allow the flow only in forward direction. When flow comes from the reverse direction, the diaphragms remain
closed.
 
Typical applications in a steam system-
1. After a float trap- Steam traps are passive device and work on the principle of the pressure difference. During
operation, process pressure might go under the backpressure after trap. In such situations, because of the
negative pressure across trap, condensate might go back into the process equipment through the trap. Hence, it is
always advisable to fix a disc check or non-return valve after the float trap. This check valve will allow the
condensate to flow from the trap outlet to the condensate recovery system but will ensure that it does not flow in
reverse direction.
2. Mixing applications- Applications where two or more fluid are mixed, check valves should be installed at the
end of each individual line. This avoids the contamination of one fluid by the other.
3. Disc check valves as vacuum breakers- Disc check valves, when fitted in a reverse way, can act as vacuum
breakers. While being used as vacuum breakers, they should be used as shown in the figure below-

      Under normal operating conditions, the valve will remain closed not allowing the steam to pass through it.
When the vacuum formation takes place (during shutoff) the disc will open and will allow the air to come in thus
avoiding the formation of vacuum. 

What is Pipe Fittings?

Pipe Fittings are Piping component that helps in Changes the direction of the flow such as
elbows, tees. Changes the size of the pipe such as reducers, reducing tees. Connect different
components such as couplings and stop the flows such as Caps.

There are different types of pipe fitting used in piping. Pipe Fittings used in piping work are
mainly Elbow, Tee, Reducer, Union, Coupling, Cross, Cap, Swage Nipple, Plug, Bush,
Expansion Joint, Adapters, Olet (Weldolet, Sockolet, Elbowlet, Thredolet, Nipolet, Letrolet,
Swepolet), Steam Traps, Long Radius Bend, Flanges and Valve.

Pipe Elbow

The Elbow is used more than any other pipe fittings. It Provides flexibility to change the pipe
direction. Elbow mainly available in two standard types 90° and 45°. However, it Can be cut to
any other degree. Elbows are available in two radius types, Short radius (1D) and Long radius
(1.5D).
90 Degree Elbow Pipe

90 Degree elbow is installed between the pipe to change the direction of the pipe by 90 Degree.
Available in long and short radius form.

45 Degree Elbow

45 Degree elbow is installed between the pipe to change the direction of the pipe by 45 Degree.

Long Radius Elbow

In long radius elbow, centreline radius is 1.5 times the nominal size of the pipe or you can say
1.5 times the diameter of the pipe. Normally long radius elbows are used in piping as pressure
loss is less as compared to short radius elbow. It required more space than short radius elbow.

Short Radius Elbow

In short radius elbow, centreline radius is same as the nominal size of the pipe or you can say one
times the diameter of the pipe. Short radius elbows are used under limited space application.
However, it has a high-pressure drop due to a sudden change in the direction of flow.
Reducing Elbow

The 90 reducing elbow is designed to change direction as well as reduce the size of pipe within a
piping system. The reducing elbow eliminates one pipe fitting and reduces the welding by more
than one-third. Also, the gradual reduction in diameter throughout the arc of the reducing elbow
provides lower resistance to flow and reduces the effect of stream turbulence and potential
internal erosion. These features prevent sizeable pressure drops in the line.

Pipe Bend

Long radius pipeline bends are used in fluid transportation line which required pigging. Due to
their long radius and smooth change of direction, pipe bend has very less pressure drop, and
smooth flow of fluid & pig is possible. 3D and 5D Pipe bends are commonly available. Here, D
is the pipe size.

Miter Bend

Miter bends are not standard pipe fittings they are fabricated from pipes. Usually, they are
preferred for size 10” & above because large size elbow is expensive. Use of miter bend is
restricted to the low-pressure water line. Miter bend can be fabricated in 2, 3, & 5 pieces.
Returns – 180 Degree Elbow

Returning elbows are used to make a 180º change in direction. Available in short & long pattern.
Returns are used in the heating coil, heat exchanger, tank vent etc.

Pipe Tee

Pipe tee is used for distributing or collecting the fluid from the run pipe. It is a short piece of pipe
with a 90-degree branch at center. There are two types of Tee used in piping, Equal / Straight
Tee and Reducing / Unequal Tee.

Straight Tee

In straight tee, the diameter of the branch is same as the diameter of the Run (Header) Pipe.

Reducing Tee

In reducing tee, diameter of the branch size is smaller than the diameter of the Run (Header) Pipe

Barred Tee

A barred tee which is also known as a scrapper tee is used in pipelines that are pigged. The
branch of the tee has a restriction bar welded internally to prevent the pig or scrapper to enter the
branch. The bars are welded in the branch in a way that it will allow restriction free passage of
the pig from the run pipe.

Wye Tee / Lateral

It is a type of Tee which has the branch at a 45° angle, or an angle other than 90°. Wye tee
allows one pipe to be joined to another at a 45° angle. This type of tee reduces friction and
turbulence that could hamper the flow. Wye tee is also known as a lateral.

Cross

Cross is also known as four-way pipe fitting. A cross has one inlet and three outlets (or vice
versa). Generally, crosses are not used in process piping to transport fluid. But forged crosses are
common in the fire water sprinkler line.

Pipe Reducers

A pipe reducer changes the size of the pipe. There are two types of reducer used in piping
Concentric & Eccentric.
Concentric Pipe Reducer or Conical Reducer

In Concentric reducer which is also known as a conical reducer, the center of both the ends is on
the same axis. It maintains the centerline elevation of the pipeline. When the center lines of the
larger pipe and smaller pipe are to be maintained same, then concentric reducers are used.

Eccentric Reducer

In Eccentric reducer, the center of both the ends is on different axis as shown in the image. It
maintains BOP (bottom of pipe) elevation of the pipeline. When one of the outside surfaces of
the pipeline is to be maintained same, eccentric reducers are required.

Offset = ( Larger ID – Smaller ID) / 2

Swage Reducer

The swage is like reducers but small in size and used to connect pipes to smaller screwed or
socket welded pipes. Like reducers, they are also available in concentric & eccentric type.
Swages are available in different end types. Such as both plain ends or one plain and one
threaded end.
Pipe Caps

The cap covers the end of a pipe. Pipe caps are used at the dead end of the piping system. It is
also used in piping headers for future connections.
Stub Ends

Stub ends are used with lap joint flange. In this type of flange, the stub is butt welded to the pipe,
whereas flange is freely moved over the stub end. It is basically flange part but covered under
ASME B16.9 that is why it is considered as pipe fittings.

Piping Union

Unions are used as an alternative to flanges connection in low-pressure small bore piping where
dismantling of the pipe is required more often. Unions can be threaded end or socket weld ends.
There are three pieces in a union, a nut, a female end, and a male end. When the female and male
ends are joined, the nuts provide the necessary pressure to seal the joint.

Full Coupling

Full Coupling is used for connecting small bore pipes. It used to connect pipe to pipe or pipe to
swage or nipple. It can be threaded or socket ends types.

Half Coupling

Half Coupling is used for small bore branching from a vessel or large pipe. It can be threaded or
socket type. It has a socket or thread end on only one side.

Reducing Coupling

Reducing coupling is used to connect two different sizes of pipe. It is like concentric reducer that
maintains a center line of the pipe but small in size.
Pipe Nipple

Nipple is a short stub of pipe which has a male pipe thread at each end or at one end. It used for
connecting two other fittings. Nipples are used for connecting pipe, hoses, and valves. Pipe
nipples are used in low-pressure piping.

Socket weld and Threaded Pipe Fittings

Socket weld and Threaded Pipe Fittings are forged product and classified based on its pressure-
temperature rating. Socket weld & Threaded end fittings are available from NPS 1/8” to 4”.
These fittings are available in four pressure-temperature rating class.

 2000 class fittings are available in only in threaded type.

 3000 & 6000 class fittings are available in both Threaded and Socket Weld types.
 9000 class fittings are available in only socket weld type.
 Cast iron: Commonly used before 1960 for the vertical drain, vent stacks, and sometimes the
horizontal drain lines. Cast iron is durable, but can rust over time. Call a professional plumber to
replace rusted sections with plastic (PVC or ABS) and the correct transition fittings.

 Plastic: Plastic pipe comes as either ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) or PVC

(polyvinyl-chloride). Most homes since mid-1970 have plastic pipes and fittings because it’s
inexpensive and easy to use. Simply glue the joints using a primer and liquid cement.

 ABS: This black pipe was the first plastic pipe to be used in residential plumbing. Today,
many areas don’t allow ABS in new construction because joints can come loose. Check
with your local plumbing inspector if you want to use ABS.
 PVC: This white or cream-colored pipe is the most commonly used pipe for drain lines.
It’s strong, untouchable by chemicals, and seems to last forever! The rating and diameter
is stamped right on the pipe.
 Schedule 40 PVC is strong enough for residential drain lines, but check with your
plumbing inspector first. CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipe has the strength of
PVC but is heat-resistant, which makes it acceptable in many regions for use on interior
supply lines. Schedule 80 PVC is sometimes used for cold-water supply lines, but it isn’t
allowed in some regions because it isn’t suitable for hot water.

Do-it-yourselfers can handle ABS or PVC pipes, but call a professional for cast iron.

 PEX: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the newest pipe for residential use. Approved in
many regions of the country, PEX is easy to install because it cuts easily, is flexible, and uses
compression fittings. However, more permanent connections require a special crimping tool.
PEX is three to four times more expensive than copper or plastic.
 Steel: Galvanized steel pipe is common in older homes. Galvanized pipe is strong, but lasts
only about 50 years. Before repairing, consider replacing instead. Call a professional to deal with
it.

 Copper: Copper pipe is resists corrosion, so it’s commonly used pipe in water supply lines.
It costs more than plastic but it lasts! There are two common types of copper pipe:

 Rigid copper, which comes in three thicknesses. Type M is the thinnest but is strong
enough for most homes. Types L and Type K are thicker and used in outdoor and drain
applications. To cut rigid copper, you’ll need a wheel cutter, tube cutter, or a hacksaw.
Pipes are usually connected with soldered (sweat) fittings and compression fittings can
connect the pipe to shut-off valves.
 Flexible copper, which is often used for dishwashers, refrigerator icemakers, and other
appliances that need a water supply. It’s easy to bend, but if it kinks, you must cut the
piece off and replace it. Sections of flexible copper pipe are joined using either soldered
or compression fittings.

1.  PEX

For:   Water supply lines only and for do it yourselfers.

Flexible, color-coded plastic piping, PEX has truly delivered water-supply plumbing into the
hands of DIYers.  

PEX is easy to cut, simple to join.  PEX yields to logic, and it makes 90 degree curves with ease.
For most homeowners, plumbing supply lines with PEX is a no-brainer.

2. PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride

For:   Drain and vent lines.

PVC pipe has been a very big deal in the plumbing industry in the last few decades, because it is
lighter and easier to work with than traditional galvanized steel pipe.

You will mainly be using PVC pipe for drain or waste pipes, or stacks (those pipes you often see
sticking up out of the roofline), and not as supply pipes. PVC pipe is easy to install, and requires
little more than a hacksaw, miter box, and solvents which essentially "glue" the pipe together.

Diameters are clearly marked on the white surface of the pipe. If not easy to read, diameters can
be determined with a sizing tool such as Pi-Piper.

3. Rigid Copper 

For:   Water supply lines and for either professional plumbers or motivated DIYers.
This is your water supply pipe. Rigid copper is easily cut with a hacksaw or Skilsaw, or with a
special copper tube cutter. Connection is a different matter, as it requires a practiced hand to
solder copper pipe together (advice: buy extra copper pipe to practice on).

Rigid copper pipe is great for water supply because it does not carry the health risks that PVC
has.

4. ABS 

For:   Drain and vent lines.

ABS pipe looks very much like PVC pipe, except it is black. ABS is basically the "older version"
of PVC, and is often not allowed anymore by plumbing codes. Like PVC, ABS pipe is used for
drain and vent pipes. If working with ABS, the best advice is to replace with PVC.

5. Flexible Copper Tubing

For:   Final runs to water heaters, refrigerators, etc.

Flexible copper is used for short runs. You have probably seen it leading up to your water heater,
or for cold water supply in tight spots.

Flexible copper tubes can be cut with ease with a hacksaw, and bent to fit around corners.
Because it does not stand up well against extreme temperatures, flexible copper is not
recommended for exterior use.

6. Galvanized Steel

For:   Continuing previously-installed galvanized steel pipe.

Galvanized iron pipe is the pipe of popular imagination: it is what we think of when we think
about plumbing pipe. It is made of galvanized steel, with each end of the pipe threaded.
Individual pipes are screwed into each other with connecting joints.

While extremely strong, galvanized pipe is rarely used for new home construction, and is not
recommended that the do it yourselfer run new lines with it.

7.  Cast Iron

For:   Sewer lines.

Older cast iron pipe is still found in many homes.  Despite its outside aged appearances, cast iron
is still viable for use until the point that it rusts completely through.
1. Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes and fitting are primarily used for designing of soil and rain water disposal
systems. These pipes are made by the sand cast process or by spinning.

Sand cast pipes are made by pouring molten cast iron into vertically mounted sand moulds. They
are available in 1.5, 1.8 & 2 metre length and 5 & 6 mm thickness.

Spun pipes are made by pouring molten grey cast iron into a revolving water cooled mould,
producing a seamless pipe in length upto 3 metre with thickness less than sand cast pipes.

2. Plastic or PVC pipes

There are 3 common types of plastic pipes are available in market, as given below.

1. Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) or rigid pipes for use with cold water
2. Plasticized PVC pipes which are plasticized with addition of rubber. It has lower strength and
lower working temperature than UPVC pipes.
3. Chlorinated PVC (CPVC) pipes which can withstand higher temperatures upto 120 0 (used to carry
hot water)

For pipes used in soil and waste water discharge systems, the thickness of the wall will be larger
than that of used for roof drainage.

Rigid PVC pipes are used for distribution of water with temperature below 450C.

At higher temperature, the strength of the pipes decreases. Similarly ultraviolet radiation from
sunlight as well as frequent changes in temperature reduces the life of PVC pipes.

These pipes are costlier than AC pipes but cheaper than GI pipes.

3. Galvanized Steel (GI) Pipes

GI pipes are made from steel pipes. The galvanizing process deposits a thin coating of zinc
which protects it from corrosion.

They are available in light, medium and heavy grades depending on the thickness of the metal.
For a 15 mm GI pipe, the thicknesses are 2.0, 2.65 & 3.25 for the light, medium and heavy
grades, respectively. Generally the medium grade pipes are used for internal plumbing in
building.

These pipes corrode easily if it carries brackish water or concealed in lime concrete and
brickwork or buried under the ground.

These pipes are costlier than PVC pipes.

4. 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.

5. Asbestos Cement (AC) 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.

6. Concrete Pipes

Unreinforced pipes of small diameters as well as reinforced and prestressed 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.
Cast Iron Pipes

These are probably the most common types of pipes used today in sewer lines of homes and
some commercial properties. Cast iron pipes are strong and can withstand the weight of dirt and
stones without breaking. The only major drawback of cast iron pipes is that they can rust and
corrode really fast. The pipe can wear out and decrease in diameter over the years which is what
causes the drains to clog. Cast iron pipes are most commonly used in indoor plumbing projects.
Outdoor usage is least recommended.

Asbestos Pipe

This is a type of pipe that is made using asbestos and cement. Because this type of pipe is able to
withstand high pressure, it can be used for water mains. However, this type of pipe can be
damaged by root intrusion. If you have a tree near the septic tank or sewer line, it’s best to install
a different kind of pipe.

PVC Pipes

There are different types of plastic/PVC pipes. They include un-plasticized PVC pipes that is
commonly used in cold water systems, plasticized PVC pipes used in low temperature and low
strength applications and chlorinated PVC pipes that are designed to withstand high
temperatures.

Galvanized Steel (GI) Pipes

When steel pipes are coated with zinc, you get galvanized pipes that are well protected from
corrosion. Galvanized pipes come in different grades that represent varying levels of thickness.
The light and medium level grades of galvanized pipes are used in internal plumbing. These
pipes are more expensive than PVC pipes.

Concrete Pipes

These pipes are mostly used to supply water. They can be reinforced or unreinforced with
varying diameters. The smaller unreinforced concrete pipes are used to drain rain water whereas
the larger reinforced concrete pipes are used in major water supply projects.

HDPE Pipes

High density polyethylene pipes are probably the most effective pipes in the market. They come
in various thicknesses and can be used in demanding pressure environments. This type of pipe
can bend into a 90-degree angle and some have 50 years warranty due to their high quality.
Roots can never grow into this type of pipe and that’s why they are best recommended for sewer
lines and water lines in different applications.
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