Pipes are incredibly useful for carrying and transferring gases and liquids from one point to another. There are different types of pipe materials, all of which are suited for different applications. For example, the pipes that carry hot and cold water are typically made from a different material than those that carry wastewater. Pipes are chosen for their suitability for the work to be done. Let’s look at some of the most common pipe materials in use today.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is the chosen pipe material for water-distribution systems due to its high resistance to corrosion and longevity. Cast iron also dampens the sound of water very well, making it suited for residential applications.The typical length of a cast iron pipe is 12 feet, but fabricators can cut lengths of up to 20 feet.The main challenge of
cast iron is that it can be difficult to work with, and this is why new construction projects now mainly use PVC pipes.
PVC (Poly-Vinyl Chloride)
Poly-vinyl chloride has now become the de-facto pipe material in many construction projects. Its strength, chemical resistance, rigidity, heat resistance, and ease of cutting make it particularly well-suited for these types of applications.
PVC can also be used to repair sections of
broken cast iron and to repair drain lines.PVC can be cut with a hacksaw and then joined using plastic pressure fittings. Special chemical solvents are also used in case a permanent solution is required.
PVC has also largely replaced ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) which is a black plastic that used to be popular some time ago. ABS is still used in electrical conduits and applications, but its use has largely been diminished by PVC.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is just one type of steel, although there are different types of stainless steel. Stainless steel is the second most widely used type of steel after carbon steel. It is used in process manufacturing because it offers superior corrosion resistance and is relatively easy to work with.
Stainless steel has a chromium content of at least 10.5% and a carbon content not exceeding 1.20%. The formation of a chromium oxide film means it has a non-reactive layer that adheres strongly to the metal's surface, protecting it from corrosion by acting as a barrier.
Its ductility in addition to its fabricability, weldability, and formability are what make it so easy to work with. All of its properties make the
material perfect for custom steel fabrication of equipment in different industries including dairy, breweries, personal hygiene, and many others.
Galvanized Iron
Galvanized iron is a strong type of iron that is used to supply gas, water, and other liquids. It used to be very popular in plumbing water systems, but its use and popularity waned when people realized it was subject to rusting and susceptible to corrosion.
It is also difficult to cut and work with, and homeowners find it hard to fabricate unless they have specialized skills.
Galvanized iron repairs are done by replacing it with copper.
There are different types of pipe materials to consider for different uses, some that have remained popular, some that have become less popular, and others that are replacing past options. Contractors and homeowners now have numerous options to choose from depending on their needs and application.
