Module 3:

PLUMBING MATERIALS
Learning Outcomes:
1. Discover the technical considerations in selecting materials for a quality plumbing system.
2. Familiarize with the different plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures used in plumbing
activities.

Introduction:

Different plumbing materials are reserved for different purposes. For a successful career as a
plumbing professional, you’ll need to know which to use for specific plumbing systems.

The choice of the kind of plumbing materials to be installed, depends upon the following
considerations:

1. Quality and durability

2. Resistance to external and internal contact with foreign matters
3. Resistance to acid waste and other chemical elements that will pass into it.
4. Cost of materials and labor

Plumbing Pipes
 A pipe can be defined as a tube made of metal, plastic, wood, concrete or fiberglass.
Pipes are used to carry liquids, gases, slurries, or fine particles.
 A piping system is generally considered to include the complete interconnection of pipes,
including in-line components such as pipe fittings and flanges.
 Pumps, heat exchanges, valves and tanks are also considered part of piping system.
 Piping systems are the arteries of our industrial processes and the contribution of piping
systems are essential in an industrialized society.

 Different types of plumbing pipes can be used in a number of ways, from carrying water
to your kitchen faucet to delivering waste to your sewage system. These kinds of drainage
and delivery systems have been around since ancient times. The Greeks used clay pipes
to transport water to homes and public buildings. Moving into the early twentieth century,
materials like cast iron, terra-cotta, copper, and galvanized steel became more popular.

 As our understanding of lead poisoning developed, things evolved even further. Today,
there are many different types of pipes available, each used to serve a specific purpose.

Types of pipes

Pipes come in several types and sizes.

Three Main Categories:

1. Metallic pipes - includes Steel pipes, Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes and Cast Iron pipes
2. Cement pipes - includes Concrete Cement pipes and Asbestos Cement pipes
3. Plastic pipes - includes Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes and other plasticized pipes like
PEX or XPE -cross-linked polyethylene pipes
 Steel pipes
 Steel pipes are comparatively expensive, but they are the strongest and most durable
of all water supply pipes. 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. (LEE n.y.).

 Galvanized steel or Iron pipes

 Galvanized steel or 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 steel or 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 steel or iron piping may also give an unpalatable taste and smell to the
water conveyed under corrosive conditions (WHO 2006).

 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.

Cast Iron Pipe, strong and heavy. Source: KUMAR (n.y.)

 Concrete cement and asbestos cement pipes

 Concrete cement pipes are expensive but non-corrosive by nature. Their advantage is that
they are extremely strong and durable. However, being bulky and heavy, they are harder
and more costly to handle, install and transport (LEE n.y.).

 Plasticized 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 (LEE
n.y.). However, they are prone to physical damage if exposed overground 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).
Cost considerations

(Adapted from CHRISTENSEN 2005)

 Installation costs make up a major part of the total cost of a project. Differences in the cost of
the actual pipe do not change the total cost of the project much.
 However, the following factors should be considered concerning installation costs and the
choice of pipe:

1. Weight of the pipe: A pipe that is lightweight can be handled easier and faster.
2. Ease of assembling: Push-on joints can be assembled much faster than bolted joints.
3. Pipe strength: If one type of pipe requires special bedding to withstand external pressures
while another pipe does not, the choice can impact installation costs significantly.

Health aspects

 A leaking distribution system increases the likelihood of safe water leaving the source or
treatment facility becoming contaminated before reaching the consumer. Moreover,
leaking can result in considerable water loss on the way to the end-user (also see the
factsheet on leakage control).
 The distribution system must be designed, managed and maintained to guarantee a
minimal level of leakage. The internal pipe pressure constantly must be greater than the
external hydrostatic pressure. This will ensure the delivery of the water reducing loss from
leaks and minimizing excess growth of pathogenic microorganisms. A certain level of free
residual chlorine or chloramine disinfectant will reduce the risks of recontamination within
the distribution system (see also chlorination). Inflows of contaminated water during
distribution are major sources of waterborne pathogens and thus cause of waterborne
diseases (WHO 2006).
 Water pipes are often made of copper and bath fixtures may be made from alloys
containing copper (brass, bronze). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
established a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for copper in public drinking
water systems at 1300 parts per billion (ppb). MCLGs are non-enforceable health
standards for drinking water. The principal source of copper in drinking water results from
the leaching of copper from pipes and bath fixtures due to corrosive (acidic) water. The
blue-green stain left in some bath fixtures is a sign of the presence of copper in water.
Usually, excess copper in drinking water comes from the leaching of the plumbing system
into the water that has been sitting in the pipes for several hours. Therefore, letting the
water run for 30 to 60 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking will often significantly
reduce copper levels (DES 2005).
Applicability
Water pipes are required almost everywhere, especially for drinking water distribution. The most
robust and durable type of water pipes is probably made from cement. Due to their heavy weight,
they are however difficult and expensive to install. PVC pipes are easier to install and much
lighter, and thus particularly suited for remote areas that are difficult to access.

Some questions:

What is the best piping for plumbing?

  PVC pipe is by far the most commonly used pipe in residential homes. This type of pipe is
affordable and available in a number of different fittings and sizes. It’s also a great choice
for most warm and cold-water applications.

Is PEX better than PVC?

 PEX pipes remain more popular among plumbers because they are flexible and easy to
install. Unlike PVC, it doesn’t require the use of glue, which can potentially leak into the
water. It’s also resistant to corrosion, making it compatible with metal pipes.

What is the best pipe to use for an underground water line?

 You can use both PVC and PEX pipes for an underground water line. Both are able to be
buried and can withstand high pressure. They are also resistant to rusting and corrosion.
 You can also use copper plumbing pipes for underground plumbing, as they are resistant
to rusting and leakage. Though, they are sensitive to certain soil conditions. Before
beginning any project, it’s best to check with what local building codes recommend.

WATER PIPES

 A water pipe is any pipe or tube designed to transport treated drinking water to
consumers. The varieties 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. Materials commonly used to construct water pipes
include cast iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copper, steel or concrete.

Advantages
 Water can be transported using gravity
 The quality of the water is preserved (compared to trenches)

Disadvantages
 High initial investment
 Expensive operation and maintenance (need for regular reinvestments to maintain
the infrastructure)
 Risk of recontamination
 Risk of water loss through leakage
PIPES FOR WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
 Pipes which are commonly used in water supply system are given below.

1. Cast Iron (CI) Pipes

2. Steel Pipes
3. Galvanized Iron (GI) Pipes
4. Copper Pipes
5. Plastic or Polythene or PVC pipes
6. Asbestos Cement (AC) Pipes
7. Concrete Pipes
1. CAST IRON PIPES (CI)
 These pipes are most commonly used in water distribution system mainly because of the
following reasons.

 They are cheaper in cost

 It has high resistance to corrosion
 It is highly durable

 C.I. pipes are manufactured by following 4 methods.

1. Horizontally cast (MC ware pipes)

2. Vertical cast (pit cast in sand moulds)
3. Centrifugally cast in sand lines moulds spun type
4. Centrifugally cast in water cooled metal moulds

 Now a days horizontally cast C.I. pipes are no longer used.

 Centrifugally cast pipes possess fine grained dense structure and uniform thickness and
therefore they are widely used.
 Special care has to be taken during transportation and making connection of these pipes,
to prevent damage.
2. STEEL PIPES
 Use of steel pipes in water supply system is suggested when,

 pipes are subjected to very high pressure (i.e. above 7 kg/cm2)

 large diameter pipes are required

 Steel pipes are used because they are stronger and lighter in weight as compared to C.I.
pipes.
 These pipes, however, require adequate preventive measure to sustain adverse
atmospheric conditions.
 When steel pipes are encased in cement mortar or cement concrete, they are
called Hume Steel pipes.
3. GALVANIZED IRON (GI) PIPES

 This type of pipe is used for water supply work inside the building. These pipes are
wrought steel pipes provided with zinc coating.
 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.
 Mostly screw and socket joints are used for G.I. pipes.

4. COPPER PIPES
  These pipes are used in hot water installation. They have high tensile strength and can
therefore have thin walls and they can be bent easily.
 Copper pipes are sometimes coated with chromium to enhance its appearance.
5. PLASTIC OR POLYTHETHYLENE OR PVC PIPES
 These pipes are being used increasingly these days for supply of cold water in external
and internal plumbing work.
 They are light in weight, non-corrosive, lower in cost and do not require any threading for
connections.
 There are 3 common types of plastic pipes are available in market, as given below.

 Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) or rigid pipes for use with cold water
 Plasticized PVC pipes which are plasticized with addition of rubber. It has lower
strength and lower working temperature than UPVC pipes.
 Chlorinated PVC (CPVC) pipes which can withstand higher temperatures upto
1200 (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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Plumbing Fittings and Fixtures

 Plumbing fixture is an exchangeable device which can be connected to a plumbing

system to deliver and drain waste and water.
 Bathtubs
 Water closet
 Faucet
 Shower
 Urinals, etc.
 Lavatories
  Plumbing Fittings
 Obviously, pipe fittings are attached to the end of pipes that allow them to change
direction, control the flow, and change the diameter of the pipe.

Types of pipe fittings and their purposes:

 Elbows: Used to change the angle or direction of the pipe run. Most commonly in 90
degrees and 45 degree turns. The sweep of the fitting describes how fast a transition or
change in direction is made.
 Street Elbows: One end of the pipe fitting has male threads and the other end has
female threads. These are common in galvanized steel and copper pipe. They are
convenient because they do away with the need for a nipple and work well in tight
quarters.
 Tee Fittings: Shaped like the letter T. Allows for branch lines.
 Couplings: Used to join two straight pieces of pipe of the same diameter.
 Reducers: Used to join pipes of different diameters. Makes a gradual change in
diameter.
 Bushings: Used to make the diameter of a pipe fitting smaller. They are different from
reducers because they make an abrupt change in diameter and take little space.
 Unions: Used to join pieces of pipe where pipes cannot be turned or when a piece of
equipment may have to be removed for maintenance or replacement.
 Adaptor Fittings: Used to change the end of a non-threaded pipe to male or female
threads as needed. Most commonly used in copper and plastic plumbing jobs.
 Caps: Used to close the end of a dead-end pipe.
 Plugs: Used to close an ending on a pipe fitting normally used for inspection or
cleanout.
 Nipples: Short lengths of pipe threaded at both ends.
 Wyes: Used primarily to gain inside access to DWV (drain-waste-vent) systems.
 Valves: Devices that control the flow of liquid or gas through or from a pipe.
(Compression valves, ball valves, sleeve-cartridge valves, ceramic disc valves, etc)
 PVC Fittings: Come in a wide variety of configurations and may be glued (S) or
threaded (T)
 Copper Tubing Fittings: Use compression fittings. Common fittings are couplings,
ells, and tees.

Additional Notes/Readings: PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

[Link]
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fixtures-waste-management/5400
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Assignment:
Research in the internet the figures of the different fiitings and fixtures