What Are Most Pipes Made From?
Plumbing pipes are used in homes and businesses to transfer water, heat, and other substances. Several different materials are used in the manufacturing of pipes, including iron, steel, copper, plastic, and aluminium. Each of these is useful for a variety of applications. The type of material best for your project depends on the application.
Copper pipe is often used for various applications and is considered a good choice for water supply and sewage systems. However, if the water quality is not excellent, it will cause the copper pipe to oxidise and eventually corrode. If this happens, installing a new copper line is highly recommended. A copper pipe will last for a long time as long as it is properly installed and maintained. For information on Copper Pipe Fittings, go to watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/
Steel is another common material for piping. It is often used to convey cooling water to air handlers and variable air volume devices. In some instances, it is also used for sprinkler systems in fire protection thanks to its high resistance to heat. Often, threaded connections are used to join the pipes together.
Plastics are also common piping materials. They are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be made in various sizes. However, these materials are more brittle and may leak if not correctly installed.
Unlike metal piping, the plastic pipe does not have the same corrosion problems. Some plastics are also resistant to abrasion and UV rays, meaning they are a top choice for outdoor applications. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of pipe frequently used for home sewage systems. While PVC is durable, it is not as flexible as other types of piping.
Aluminium pipe is another standard option for piping. It is used in situations where weight is a concern, and this may be particularly helpful if the pipe is to be buried underground. Additionally, this type of pipe is often used to transport incompatible fluids.
Steel pipe is still commonly used for many purposes, including fire sprinkler systems. Depending on the application, it is welded or seamless, and welded pipes have tighter dimensional tolerances than seamless types.
Cast iron sewer lines are usually preferred for commercial buildings’ plumbing systems. Cast iron can be combined with a threaded fitting or push-on joint, and most of the joints in cast iron systems are push-on.
Metal piping is a sturdy and durable form of piping, and it is still used in many applications but is more expensive than plastic or PVC. Although plastic and PVC are becoming increasingly popular, metal piping is still used in some applications.