Material used in pipes for water supply
Types of Pipe
1) CAST IRON PIPE
CI pipes are extensively used in water distribution mains because they are comparatively
cheaper in cost, highly resistant of corrosion and have very long life. They are used for
diameter less than 90cm. life is 200 yr if laid underground. Maintenance cost is low, length
3-6 mt. Ductile Pipes (DI Pipes) are the advanced form of CI Pipes.
2) STEEL PIPES
Steel pipes are used while the pipe is subjected to very high pressure (ie above 7 kg/cmsq)
and the diameter of pipe required in large. Steel pipes are stronger and lighter than Cl
Pipes. They require adequate preventive treatment to sustain adverse atmospheric
conditions. There are encased in cement mortar or cement concrete are called Hume steel
Pipe. The weight of steel pipe is one fourth to CI pipe. Steel pipes cant be used as
distribution pipe, life is 30-60 years .
3) Galvanized Iron Pipe
GI pipes are wrought steel pipes, provide with zinc coating. They are used for water supply
service inside the building. They are also used in service connections. Mostly screw and
socked joints are used for Gl. pipes connection. They are also suitable for hard water. These
pipes can be used where the chance of corrosion are more. They are cheap and easy to
transport. These are generally manufactured in size of 6mm-75 mm. Life of these pipe is
about 10 – 20 years subjected to the condition.
4) COPPER Pipes - Copper Pipes are used for hot water supply installation. They have high
Tensile strength and can have thin wall and they can be easily bent. They are not liable to
corrosion and do not sag when hot.
(5)LEAD Pipes : They are very suitable for plumbing inside the building as they can bent in
direction. They can not be used for high pressure and drinking water Supply due to
poisoning effect. They may be used for flushing and overflow pipe.
6) PVC pipe - These pipes are used for Supply of cold water in external and internal fittings.
These are light in weight, non corrosive and lower in cost. These pipe are not used in hot
water Supply.
UPVC Pipes: Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride
CPVC Pipes: Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride : used for Hot water and drinking purpose
7. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipe: High-density polyethylene pipe (HDPE) can carry
potable water, wastewater, slurries, chemicals, hazardeous wastes, and compressed gases.
Made from the thermoplastic HDPE (high-density polyethylene), its high level of
impermeability and strong molecular bond make it suitable for high pressure pipelines.
(Dia ranging from 16 mm to 2000 mm and length up to 30’)
8) OTHERS PIPES are Concrete pipe, R.CC pipes, wooden pipes, Asbestos cement pipes, DI
Pipe etc.
In India the street mains are made of Cl pipes, DI Pipes and HDPE Pipes; distribution &
building Connection pipes are made of GI pipes or connection pipe between service pipe and
street mains. The ferrule is of copper. The supply mains are 250 mm, The pipes in buildings
are 12 mm diameter
COPPER Pipes STEEL PIPES Galvanized Iron Pipe
PVC pipe
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipe
CAST IRON PIPE
