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Materials Used in Water Piping and Its Cost Factors

A water pipe is any pipe that carries water. Piping systems have a wide range of applications, ranging from the power sector to the process industry, utility services, and so on. Piping is used to carry various substances such as liquids, gases, slurries, and so on.

There are three types of water pipes that are extensively used, depending on the function of the transported water:

  • A water pipe distributes purified water to people
  • Water piping systems are utilized in firefighting services
  • Water pipes are used in sewage piping systems, which are utilized in the wastewater treatment process.

Materials for Water Piping

Water pipes are classified into three types and sizes based on their usage, with metallic, cement, and plastic pipes being the most common. Galvanized iron pipes, steel pipes, and cast-iron pipes are examples of metallic pipes. On the other hand, PVC and HDPE pipes are the most common types of plastic pipes used in water piping systems.

  • Steel pipes

Steel Pipes are fairly expensive, but they actually create the most efficient and long-lasting water supply pipes. They are resistant to strong water pressure. They are longer than most other pipes, which cuts installation and transportation expenses. They may also be simply welded.

  • Galvanized steel or iron pipes

It is the most commonly used pipe material for the transportation of water and wastewater. It is still used around the world, although its popularity is decreasing. When the water flow is slow or static for extended periods, it prevents internal corrosion and gives an unpleasant taste and odor to the water under corrosive circumstances.

  • Cast iron pipes

These pipes are extremely robust and well suited for high water pressure applications. They are rather hefty, which makes them unsuitable for remote locations because of transportation issues. Because they are heavier, they are quite often way shorter in terms of length. As a result, the cost of design and assembling will increase.

  • Copper Pipes

They are mostly used to convey hot and cold water. It works in both underground and above-the-surface applications, although when used underground, a protective sleeve is required since copper can be damaged by specific soils. When compared to other pipe materials, it is quite pricey.

  • Asbestos cement and Concrete cement pipes

They are costly, but they are non-corrosive. They are highly robust and long-lasting. They are more expensive to install, handle, and transport since they are bulkier and heavier.

  • Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes

They are non-corrosive and very light, making them simple to handle and transport. Despite their flexibility, they are robust and come in long lengths, which reduces installation and transportation expenses. However, when exposed to the elements above the surface, they are subject to physical damage, and when exposed to UV radiation, they become more brittle. The key concerns should be PVC expansion and contraction. When subjected to temperatures above 65 °C, the material softens and changes shape.

PVC pipe systems are used in a wide range of industrial applications, including the transportation of process cooling water and hazardous chemicals. PVC can also fulfill the high demand for industrial applications in terms of safety, economic factors, and subsequent maintenance.

  • CPVC pipes

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is often a cream or off-white material. This type of pipe can resist temperatures of up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on the schedule), making it suitable for both hot and cold water lines.

  • Water Piping PEX 

XLPEl is another name for cross-linked polyethylene. They are often used in hot and cold water lines for residential usage, as well as hydronic heating systems because they have high resilience to both hot and cold temperatures (such as radiant under-floor systems).

Water Pipes: Cost Factors

The installation of water pipes forms a major part of the project’s total cost. The following factors are taken into account.

  • Weight of the pipe: A lightweight pipe may be handled more easily and quickly.
  • Ease of Installation: techniques of attaching the pipework, such as bolting, welding, threading, and so on.
  • Pipe strength: To withstand external pressure, some pipes may require special bedding. Other pipes, however, will not. The decision might have a significant influence on cost management.

 

 

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