Plumbing Materials
Cast Iron Pipe
For the past several decades, the most popular and generally specified material for
drainage system in buildings is the cast iron pipe. It is durable, conveniently installed and answers
to most plumbing needs of all types of buildings less than 25 storey high. However, buildings taller
than 25 storey do not specify the use of cast iron pipe because of constant vibrations which causes
water leak of the pipe joints.
To a certain extent, cast iron pipe is also affected by corrosion caused by the action of
carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide and methane gases forming solutions of carbonic acid and sulfuric acid.
These acid attack the metallic material causing a slow chemical reaction or oxidation to take place
forming ferrous oxide called rust.
Cast Iron Pipe are of Two Types
1. The SV type which is generally used for building installations
2. The XV type classified as extra duty pipe used for underground installations
Cast Iron Pipe has Four Varieties
1. Standard pipe
2. Single Hub pipe
3. Double Hub pipe
4. Hubble’s pipe
Asbestos Pipe
Asbestos pipe is made of asbestos fibers and Portland cement. The thickness of the pipe
is twice as that of the standard cast iron pipe. Asbestos pipe could be used as soil, waste, ventilation
and downspout. This kind of pipe is remarkably superior for embedment in concrete structure for
having the same material properties.
Joints – All joints are suitably grouted and firmly packed with oakum or old hemp rope. They are
soaked in tar to be watertight and well secured with pure lead not less than 25 mm deep, well calked,
or filled with cement mortar.
Bituminous Fiber Sewer Pipe
Bituminous fiber sewer pipe is the cheapest among the sewer pipes. It is sometimes
recommended for house sewer and for septic tank installation. This type of pipe is light in weight,
slightly flexible which could take slight soil movement without danger of cracking or pulling out from
joint. However, excessive hot water or chemical flow may soften or damage the pipe.
Vitrified Clay Pipe
Vitrified cay pipe is one of the oldest materials used for sewer lines. It is made out from
clay, cast into length of 75 centimeters treated with glazing compound. The pipe is heated in a large
kiln under a temperature of 1370 degrees C, making it impervious to moisture. Clay pipe is highly
resistant to most acid wastes. It is a durable material for underground installations like public sewer,
house sewer or storm drain. Being made of clay, its physical property is brittle. Hence, it should not
be laid on unstable ground.
Lead Pipe
Lead pipe is also one o the oldest plumbing materials used by the Egyptians, the Greeks
and the Roman builders as soil and waste pipe. Lad is highly resistant to acid is suitable for
underground installation. But because lead is poisonous and injurious to human health, it is never
used to convey water for human consumption.
Galvanized Steel Pipe
Galvanized steel pipe is made out from mild steel, drawn through a die and welded, cast
into 6.00 meters long. This type of pipe is easily corroded by alkaline and acid water. The carbonic
acid in water, attack the zinc coating and ultimately the steel itself. It is subject to deposits of salt
and lime that gradually accumulate and finally choke the flow of water. Galvanized steel pipe
deteriorate faster when used a hot water supply line.
Brass Pipe
Brass pipe is one of the most expensive type of pipe. This pipe is made of an alloy or zinc
and copper at 15 percent and 85 percent proportion respectively. Because of its smooth interior
surface and high resistance to acid, brass pipe become superior material for waste and water supply
installations. Brass pipe fittings are one of the recessed type similar in deign with galvanized steel
pipe.
Copper Pipe
Copper pipe is a durable and extremely corrosive resistant material. It is easy to install
compared with other types of pipe. Copper pipe is classified into three types depending upon its wall
thickness.
1. The K type is the heaviest. It is suitable for underground installation.
2. The L type is lighter than the K type available in both the rigid and flexible form. It is
commonly used in residential water supply line and for radiant heating installations.
3. The type M is the thinnest and available only in a rigid form. This type of copper pipe is
specially designed for small water supply lines and for radiant heating installations.
Comparatively, copper pipe cost little more than the steel pipe, but its fittings cost lesser
than that of the steel pipe. And because of its very smooth interior surface, one size smaller pipe
could be used instead, without substantial reduction of liquid flow. For instance, where a 25 mm(1”)
diameter steel pipe is required, 20mm(3/4”) diameter copper pipe is equally sufficient.
Special Features of Copper Pipe
1. Brass pipe could be used as drain and vent pipe.
2. It could be used as cold water supply line.
3. Copper pie is remarkably excellent material for hot water lines.
4. It can replace rusted or choked-up sections of galvanized steel pipe.
5. No special tools required to install brass pipe nor threading is necessary.
6. It is bent easily. A flexible vertical line can offset existing structure. Underground lines can
be routed around an obstruction.
7. Measuring is less critical.
8. It needs fewer joints and fittings.
9. It comes in longer length.
10. Copper pipe may be used one size smaller than a steel pipe.
Plastic or Synthetic Pipes
Plastic pipe is a new concept in the field of plumbing. It was introduced in the Philippines
at the early part of 70’s, although this type of materials was developed in Germany in the mid year of
1935.
Advantages of Plastic Pipe
1. Plastic pipe is more resistant to rust and corrosion.
2. Water conveyed by plastic pipe has no pipe tastes.
3.The extreme smooth interior surface prevents the buildup of scale, rust, and foreign
material that often impedes flow through metallic pipes.
4. There is no turbulence of water and therefore, has a minimum resistance flow.
5. PVC pipe and fittings weighs about 1/5 of the metal pipe. They are easily and quickly
installed through solvent cementing.
6. Plastic pipes are cast in longer length and easily to cut as well as to install.
7. The Polyethylene (PE) pipe is flexible material that weighs about 1/8 as much as the steel
pipe. For instance, a 100 meters 25mm diameter coil plastic pipe could be easily carried by one
individual compared with metal pipes having the same length and diameter which could hardly
carried by 5 persons.
8. PVC pipe can be connected to existing metal pipe using a threaded adapter.
9. PVC is virtually acid proof to any chemical used in recommended strengths around the
home.
10. No special tools are needed for installing PVC except rule to measure and saw to cut.
11. The best reason at all: You can do it yourself.
PUBLIC SWER LINE
Is a public sewage system ,operated and maintained by the government consisting of a
sewage treatment plant that conveys the raw sewage from buildings and houses to a disposal
system.
SAITARY SEWER
Is a public sewer facility that carries regular sanitary waste only. It terminates in a modern
sewage dispersal plant. Rainwater is not permitted to enter into this type of public sewer.
STORM DREAIN
Is another kind of public sewer line that carries storm water. It terminates in a natural drain
such as canals, lakes or rivers.
MANHOLE
Is classified as a device of the main and storm sewer. It serves a man’s access for
inspection, cleaning and repair. It is constructed out of bricks, stone, adobe or concrete at an
interval distance from 75 to 150 meters. The manhole diameter varies from 90 to 120 centimeters
provided with iron rungs to serve as ladder or the maintenance crew to reach the bottom. It provided
with a well-fitted cover on top/ leveled with the road surface.
THE SEPTIC TANK
Septic Tank is a receptacle or vault used to collect organic waste discharged from the
house sewer. The main function of a septic tank is to liquefy and precipitate solid waste purifying
odorous materials.
