ENGINEERING UTILITIES:

PLUMBING MATERIALS

PIPING MATERIALS
 Pipe is a round, hollow channel used to transport
liquids such as water or solid–liquid mixtures such as
wastewater from one point to the next.
 In a building plumbing system, pipes transport hot
and cold water and remove liquid and solid wastes.
 Piping in buildings is also used in transporting natural
and liquefied petroleum gases, fuel oil, compressed
air, refrigerants, and irrigation water.

 Water pipe generally falls into one of two categories:

pressure pipe, which delivers supply water; and
drain, waste, and vent (DWV) pipe, which carries
waste and soil water away.
 Both categories are sold in metal and plastic;
however, metal (copper in plumbing systems)
dominates the pressure category. Plastic and cast iron
are the most common piping material for DWV.

 Pressure pipe must be heavy enough to hold

continuous pressure without rupture, and all
connections must be leak proof.
 This pipe tends to be of a smaller diameter, and it
must be made of material that will not react with the
chemicals or minerals in the water.
 DWV pipe provides a channel for waste materials to
flow freely away from the fixtures and the building
by the force of gravity.
 It is typically lighter weight with thinner walls than
pressure pipe, and joints do not need to be as tightly
sealed because there is no pressure exerted on them.
 DWV pipe is generally larger in size than pressure
pipe to allow for free gravity flow, and it must not
react to common chemicals that might be poured
down a drain.
 In both pressure and DWV piping, fitting design and
joining techniques must be compatible with the
pressures and temperatures encountered when the
pipe is placed in service

PIPING MATERIALS
 Many types of piping materials most commonly used
in building plumbing systems as described in the
following sections.
 Photos 12.2 to 12.7 show examples of piping
materials. Table 12.7 provides a comparison of
common pipe materials.

COPPER PIPE AND TUBING

 Copper tubing is traditionally the most popular water
supply pipe material. It is also used in water space
heating (hydronic) systems, air conditioning and
 refrigeration systems, sanitary drainage, and natural TYPE L
gas and liquid petroleum gas piping.  Type L copper tube is also available in either hard or
 The thin walls of copper tubing are usually soldered soft temper and in coils (soft temper only) and
to fittings. This allows the pipes and fittings to be set straight lengths much like Type K.
into place before the joints are connected with solder.  It is available in the following nominal diameters: 3⁄8,
This advantage generally allows faster installation of 1⁄2, 3⁄4, 1, 11⁄4, 11⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3, 31⁄2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and
copper pipe in comparison to treaded steel or brass. 10 in.
 The types of copper tubing available are K, L, and M,  The soft temper tubing is often used as replacement
with K having the thickest walls, then L, and finally plumbing because the flexibility of the tube allows
M, with the thinnest walls of this group. easier installation.
 DWV copper tubing is used for drainage, waste, and  Hard temper tubing is often used for new
vent piping. Types K and L are preferred for pressure installations, particularly in commercial work. Type L
applications. Type M and DWV are used for lowand copper tubing is color coded blue. This type of tubing
no-pressure applications. is most popular for use in water supply systems.
 Types of commercially available copper tubing are
summarized in Table 12.8 TYPE M
 Type M copper tube is made in hard temper only and
is available in straight lengths of 12 and 20 ft (3.7 and
6.1 m).
 It is used for branch supplies where water pressure is
not too great, but it is not used for risers and mains.
 It is available in the following nominal diameters: 1⁄2,
3⁄4, 1, 11⁄4, 11⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3, 31⁄2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 in.
 It is also used for chilled water systems, exposed lines
in hot water heating systems, and drainage piping.
 Type M copper tubing is color coded red.
 DWV copper tube is the thinnest copper tube and is
used in nonpressure applications.
 It is made in hard temper only and is obtainable in
straight lengths of 20 ft (6.1 m). It is available in the
following nominal diameters: 11⁄4, 11⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3,
31⁄2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 in.

 Diameter of copper pipe is expressed in nominal size.

The actual size is 1⁄8 in larger than the nominal size
expressed (e.g., a 1-in copper pipe has an actual
They are described in the following: outside diameter of 1 1⁄8 in).
TYPE K  Regardless of type, the outside diameter does not
 Type K copper tube is available as either rigid (hard vary for a specific nominal diameter. Inside diameter
temper) or flexible (soft temper). Type K is used will vary with wall thickness. The inside diameter of
primarily for underground water service in water a thin-wall pipe will be greater than the inside
supply systems. diameter of a thick-wall pipe.
 It is available in the following nominal diameters: 3⁄8,  Weights and dimensions of copper tubing are
1⁄2, 3⁄4, 1, 11⁄4, 11⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3, 31⁄2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 in. provided in Table 12.9.
• Soft temper tubing 1 in and smaller is usually  Weights and dimensions of copper and brass pipes
available in coils 60 or 100 ft (18.3 or 30.5 m) long, are provided in Table 12.10.
while 11⁄4 and 11⁄2 in tubing is available in 40- or 60-
ft (12.2 or 18.3 m) coils.
 Hard temper is available in 12- and 20-ft (3.7 and 6.1
m) straight lengths.
 Type K copper tubing is color coded in green for
quick visual identification
  Galvanized steel pipe is covered with a protective
coating of zinc that greatly reduces its tendency to
corrode and thus extends its life expectancy. It is
moderately corrosion resistant and suitable for mildly
acid water.
 It was commonly used for water supply, waste, and
vent lines in plumbing systems through the early
1950s. It is not frequently used for water supply lines
today because the minerals in the water react with the
galvanizing material and form scale, which builds up
over time and will eventually clog the pipe.
 Compared with iron or steel pipe, copper pipe has the
advantage of not rusting and of being highly resistant  Weights and dimensions of standard weight steel pipe
to any accumulation of scale (particles) in the pipe. are provided in Tables 12.11, 12.12, 12.13, and 12.14.
 Copper tubing has a lower friction loss than wrought
iron or steel, providing an additional advantage. Also,
the outside dimensions of the fittings are smaller,
which makes a neater, better-looking job.
 With wrought iron and steel pipe, the larger outside
dimensions of the fittings sometimes require that
wider walls be used in the building.
 Copper piping should not be installed if it will carry
water having a pH of 6.8 or less, as this could cause
copper to corrode from the acidic nature of the water
at this pH. The majority of public utilities supply
water at a pH between 7.2 and 8.0. Private well water
systems often have a pH below 6.8. When this it the
case, it is suggested that a treatment system be
installed to make the water less acidic.

BRASS PIPE
 Red brass piping, consisting of approximately 85%
copper and
 15% zinc, is used as water supply piping. The pipe is
threaded for fitting connections, but this requires
thicker walls to accommodate the threading, making
installation and handling more difficult than for
copper.
 In addition, its relatively higher total cost, installed
on the job, limits its usage. Brass piping has seen
limited use in new construction.

STEEL AND IRON PIPE

 Steel pipe is available in the following nominal
diameters: 3⁄8, 1⁄2, 3⁄4, 1, 11⁄4, 11⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3, 31⁄2,
4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12 in. It is typically sold in lengths
of 21 ft.
 When steel pipe is forged, a black oxide scale forms
on its surface that gives it a dull black finish, and as a
result it is called black pipe. Because steel is subject
to rust and corrosion, the pipe manufacturer also
coats it with protective oil. Black pipe is most
 Steel pipe is typically cut and threaded to fit the job.
commonly used for natural gas supply lines and fire
Fittings for this type of pipe are of malleable (soft)
suppression sprinkler system lines.
cast iron. They connect by screwing onto the threaded
pipe, after applying a small amount of pipe joint
 compound on the threads. Larger diameter pipe is
typically welded rather than threaded.
 Concerns arise as galvanized steel pipe ages:
corrosion of the inner surface of the pipe restricts
water flow; development of rust flakes loosen,
collect, and restrict water flow in fittings and valves;
and leaks form from corrosion.
 Therefore, galvanized steel pipe is not used
extensively in water supply systems. Steel pipe is
connected to its fittings with threaded connections.
Steel pipe also has a higher friction loss than copper.

 Lightweight wrought-iron pipe, designated Standard

THERMOPLASTIC PIPE
(or Schedule 40), is the type most commonly used for
 Thermoplastic pipe, sometimes referred to simply as
water supply and fire suppression sprinkler systems.
plastic pipe, is used for water supply systems because
 The most commonly used wrought-iron pipe is
its economy and ease of installation make it popular,
galvanized. The zinc- galvanized coating adds extra
especially on projects such as low-cost housing or
corrosion resistance. Occasionally, it is used as the
apartments where cost economy is important.
service main from the community main to the riser.
 It is important to check the plumbing code in force in
 Wrought-iron pipe is threaded for connection to the
your locale because some areas still do not allow the
fittings, and it can be identified by a red spiral stripe
use of plastic pipe for water supply systems.
on the pipe. The higher cost of wrought-iron pipe
 A variety of thermoplastics are used for pipe and
limits its increased use. Wrought-iron pipe also has a
fittings in building plumbing systems. Types of
higher friction loss than copper.
thermoplastic materials and their uses are
 Wrought-iron pipe used in buildings is available in
summarized in Table 12.16.
the following nominal diameters: 3⁄8, 1⁄2, 3⁄4, 1, 11⁄4,
11⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3, 31⁄2, 4, 5, 6, 8,10, and 12 in.

 Cast iron pipe is commonly used in gravity building

and storm drain/sewer systems. Cast iron pipes and
fittings are limited to gravity pressure systems. It is
available in two grades: Service (SV) for abovegrade
installations; and, Extra Heavy (XH) for applications
below grade.
 Cast iron pipes are available in 5 and 10 ft lengths
with the following nominal diameters: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8,
10, 12, and 15 in. Cast iron pipes and fittings are
connected using two methods: hub (female end) and
spigot (male end) that are joined by sliding the spigot
into the hub; and the no-hub connection that is
connected with a rubber gasket and screw-type clamp
that is similar to a hose clamp. Dimensions of cast
iron pipe are provided in Table 12.15.
 Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic
pipe is typically black in color. It is generally
approved for use in DWV applications. It is available
in two grades: Schedule 40 and Service.
 It is available in straight lengths in the following
nominal diameters: 1, 1 1⁄4, 1 1⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3, 3 1⁄2, 4,
5, 6, 8, and 10 in. Solvent-cement welding is used to
join ABS pipe and fittings.
 Dimensions of ABS pipe for drainage, waste, and
vent systems are provided in Table 12.17.

 Polybutylene (PB) pipe is a flexible (coils)

thermoplastic pipe generally approved for use in
potable hot and cold water supply applications.
 Because of several lawsuits tied to this type of pipe, it
is no longer recommended for use in building
plumbing systems.
 Interior PB pipe is easily recognized by its gray color.
Underground service laterals are typically blue in
color.
 PB is available in copper tube size (CTS) and iron
pipe size (IPS). PB pipe cannot be solvent-cement
welded, so special fittings are used: a brass, copper,
or acetyl plastic insert fitting that slides into the pipe
and a crimp ring around the outside of the pipe; a
compression fitting with a nut, ring, and cone; and an
instant connect fitting that involves sliding the pipe
into the fitting and rotating the fitting, which causes
the fitting and pipe to press together.
 It is available for water distribution applications in  Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a rigid thermoplastic pipe
the following nominal diameters: 1⁄2, 3⁄4, 1, 11⁄4, generally approved for use in pressure applications
11⁄2, and 2 in. such as cold water supply applications outside the
building (e.g., the building service and in DWV and
 Polyethylene (PE) is a flexible (coils) thermoplastic irrigation piping).
pipe. Black PE pipe is used for buried cold building  It is generally white or gray in color, but can be other
water supply and irrigation (yard) piping. PE pipe is colors. PVC is typically rated at 73°F (23°C) and 100
also approved for use in piping for natural gas and psi (690 kPa), so it is not suitable for potable hot
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) applications, but only water distribution.
when it is directly buried and outside the building  It is available in straight lengths in the following
foundation. nominal diameters: 1, 11⁄4, 11⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3, 31⁄2, 4, 5,
 Fusion (melt) welding and compression and flanged and 6 in. Solvent-cement welding and threaded or
connections are used to join PE pipe and fittings flanged connections are used to join PVC pipe and
carrying gas. fittings.
 PE pipe is available for water distribution  Dimensions of PVC pipe for drainage, waste, and
applications in the following nominal diameters: 1⁄2, vent systems are provided in Table 12.19.
3⁄4, 1, 11⁄4, 11⁄2, and 2 in. PE fittings are typically
copper alloy or plastic barbed insert.

 Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a specific type of

medium- or high-density polyethylene with
individual molecules linking one polymer chain to
another. This type of bond makes PEX stronger and
more stable than PE with respect to temperature
extremes, chemical attack, and creep deformation. In
contrast to metal pipes, it is freeze-break resistant. As
a result, PEX plastic pipe is ideally suited for interior
potable cold and hot water plumbing applications.
 PEX tubing has been in use successfully in Europe
 Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a rigid
for plumbing, radiant heating, and snow melt
thermoplastic pipe generally approved for use in
applications since the 1960s.
potable hot and cold water supply, fire suppression
 PEX is commonly available in 1⁄2, 3⁄4, 1, 11⁄2, and 2
sprinkler systems in residences, and in process
in outside diameter CTS and is packaged in coils or
piping.
20 ft straight lengths.
 CPVC is rated at 180°F (82°C) and 100 psi (690
 See Table 12.18. Some tubing is color coded for easy
kPa), making it suitable for potable hot water
identification of hot (red) and cold (blue) lines. PEX
distribution. Because of its excellent chemical
fittings are generally made of brass, copper, and
resistance, it can also be used in sanitary drainage
engineered plastic barbed insert fittings specifically
applications. CPVC tubing and fittings are beige or
designed for PEX.
tan in color.
 CPVC pipe is available as Schedule 40 and Schedule  Glass fiber is the most common reinforcement used in
80 in straight lengths in the nominal diameters from this type of pipe. Reinforced thermosetting plastic
1⁄2 to 12 in. pipe will typically consist of 15 to 70% glass fiber, 0
 Dimensions of Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 CPVC to 50% filler (e.g., sand), and 30 to 75%
pipe are provided in Table 12.19. CPVC is also thermosetting resin.
available CTS, which is designed for use in hot and
cold water distribution systems in buildings.  Reinforced thermosetting plastic pipe is produced as
 Dimensions of CTS-CPVC plumbing pipe are a standard product with a full line of fittings.
provided in Table 12.20. CPVC pipe with a standard  It is especially suited to applications such as water
dimension ratio (SDR) of 13.5 is used for fire distribution, sewage, and effluent disposal exposed to
sprinkler piping (see Table 12.21). highly corrosive conditions.
 Solvent-cement welding and threaded and flanged  Pipes made from conventional polyester range in
connections are used to join CPVC pipe and fittings. diameter from 1 in to 16 ft (25 mm to 4.9 m) or more.
Because of high cost, reinforced thermosetting
plastic-based pipes constitute only a small proportion
of the total plastic piping in use.

 Thermoplastic piping materials are available in two

sizes: pipe sizes and tubing sizes.
 Although both are sized nominally according to
inside diameter, pipes go by IPS and tubes go by
CTS. Pipes and tubes and their fittings, even in the
same designated sizes, should not be interchanged.
With plastic piping, you can choose from a wide
selection of materials.
 Many plumbing subcontractors, engineers, and
architects still prefer copper for the water supply
systems.
 This dates back to very early concerns about possible
 Styrene rubber (SR) is a rigid thermoplastic pipe that toxicity (poisoning) resulting from the use of plastic
is generally approved for use in septic tanks, drain pipe; this concern has since been proved groundless.
fields, and storm sewers. It is available in straight Another concern is thermal expansion: plastics
lengths in the following nominal diameters: 3, 31⁄2, 4, expand several times more than metal from
5, 6, and 8 in. temperature increases. Additionally, some
thermoplastics degrade in sunlight so they must be
 Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic pipe material protected (e.g., painted or covered).
that is typically used in chemical waste lines. It can
also be used for hot and cold water applications. It is  In recent years, there have been reports of premature
rarely used in building plumbing systems, likely deterioration and catastrophic failure of ABS and PB
because it is joined by heat fusion. pipe in building plumbing systems. Several class-
action lawsuits worth nearly a billion dollars have
 Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is an extremely been filed.
expensive thermoplastic pipe that is used in ultrapure  Problems range from the development of leaks at the
water systems and industrial applications (e.g., fittings, to cracking, splitting, and deterioration of the
pharmaceutical industry). It is joined by heat fusion pipe material. Reportedly, failure caused by many
and, for smaller pipe sizes, by mechanical joining factors including the nature of the material,flaws in
techniques. PVDF is not used in building plumbing manufacture of fittings and pipe, and improper
systems. installation.
 Although the early pipe and fitting failures were
 Reinforced thermosetting plastic pipe is a attributed mostly to defective materials, the industry
thermoplastic resin used in combination with is placing blame for current problems on poor
reinforcement and fillers. The most commonly used installation.
reinforced thermosetting plastic pipe products are
based on polyester or epoxy resins. The  PEX tubing is an approved material in the current
reinforcement may be organic (e.g., synthetic fiber) modelplumbing codes. It is replacing copper as the
or inorganic (e.g., glass fiber). material of choice in residential water supply
 systems. In some jurisdictions using older versions of  Clay pipe is made from vitrified clay. Concrete pipe
these codes may not have amended the code to is cast from concrete. These pipes are traditionally
include PEX tubing. used for sewage, industrial waste, storm water, and
drain field applications. Concrete pipe is also used as
COMPOSITE PIPE large water supply pipe. These materials are not
 Composite pipe is a flexible pipe material that is commonly used in building plumbing systems.
constructed of an aluminum tube laminated between  Pipe is normally supplied in three end styles: PE or
two layers of polyethylene thermoplastic. plain end; BE, or beveled end for welding; or T&C
 It is available in 3⁄8, 1⁄2, 5⁄8, 3⁄4, and 1 in nominal for threaded and supplied with one coupling per
diameter coils ranging from 100 to 1000 ft (30 to 30 length. Steel pipe can be cut to any length and sold
m). Fittings are joined to the pipe with a compression threaded both ends (TBE) or threaded on one end
or crimped connection and to fixtures and other only (TOE). Copper and thermoplastic pipe are sold
fittings with a threaded connection. PE only.

 Branches can extend from a main manifold and TUBING AND PIPE SIZES
extend uninterrupted to the plumbing fixture (e.g.,  Historically, pipe size was based on the inside
sink, lavatory, bathtub, and so on). It is available in diameter of the pipe that was characteristic of the
two types: period, which was cast iron.
 PE-AL-PE pipe is an aluminum (AL) tube  For example, a half-inch cast iron pipe had an inside
laminated between two layers of PE plastic. It diameter (ID) that was exactly one-half inch. The
carries long-term pressure and temperature thickness of its wall determined the outside diameter.
ratings of 200 psi at 73oF, and 160 psi at 140oF, Later, the standard was changed so that pipe size
which is approved for use in cold water and related to a specific outside diameter to ensure that all
compressed air applications. PE-AL-PE pipe is pipes and fittings would fit together for a specific
coded dark blue in color. size.
 PEX-AL-PEX pipe is an aluminum (AL) tube
laminated between two layers of temperature-  Pipe is thick walled and available in standard iron
resistant, PEX plastic. Cross-linking of PE pipe size (IPS). IPS remains the standard by which
means that the molecular chains are linked into a pipe size is measured. With materials other than iron,
three-dimensional network that makes PEX the wall thickness of pipe is different.
remarkably durable within a wide range of  Consequently, inside diameters of pipes of different
temperatures, pressures, and chemicals. It is materials vary for a specific pipe size. Thus, a half-
color coded orange, light blue, or black. Black is inch pipe is neither a half-inch on the inside nor the
used in exposed installations. It is approved for outside, but it is still called a half-inch pipe based on
use in cold and hot water and high-pressure the nominal diameter. Under the IPS designation,
applications and can also be used in radiant floor female fittings are identified by FIP and male fittings
heating systems. It has a longterm pressure are MIP.
rating of 125 psi at 180oF. PEX-AL-PEX pipe is  The terms nominal pipe size (NPS) and IPS are
more costly than PEAL-PE pipe and tends to be interchangeable and refer to the nominal diameter of
used in hot water applications only. the pipe, not the actual diameter.

 Composite pipe is extremely light; a 1000 ft (300 m)  Pipe is distinguished from tubing by the standard by
coil weighs about 40 lb (178 N). Dimensions of and which it is measured. When copper tubing was
bending requirements for PEX-ALPEX composite developed, the walls were much thinner than cast iron
pipe are provided in Table 12.22. As a flexible pipe, or steel. Because of copper’s unique characteristics, it
minimum radius requirements limit the minimum size was not necessary that it be made in IPS sizes.
of bend based upon the diameter of the pipe. Ease of  A new standard called copper tube size (CTS) was
handling and installation makes this type of pipe a developed. The actual size of CTS is much closer to
cost-effective alternative to copper. its nominal size than that of pipe.
 The standard has evolved so that any product made in
IPS size is called pipe and any product made in CTS
size is called tubing, without regard to any
differences in material or manufacturing process.
CPVC is an exception, being called pipe but sold in
CTS.
CLAY AND CONCRETE PIPE
 Pipe is available in a number of different thicknesses
or schedules. The American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) establishes the standards by which
they are graded. The ASTM has assigned standards to
each schedule of pipe made, and those standards
dictate their use.

PIPE PRESSURE RATING

 With the exception of sewer and drainage pipe, all
pipe is pressure rated. There are several different
methods of determining pressure ratings:
 The schedule number is obtained from the
expression 1000 P/S, where P is the service
pressure and S is the allowable stress, both being
expressed in the same units. For example, on
types of steel pipe with IPS sizes thru 12 in, wall
thickness is assigned schedule numbers from
Schedule 10 (S.10) thru Schedule 160 (S.160),
which represent approximate values for 1000
times the pressure–stress ratios. The SDR is
calculated by dividing the outside diameter of
the pipe by its wall thickness. Pipe with an SDR
of 13.5 has an outside diameter that is 13.5 times
thicker than the wall thickness.
 The pressure-level rating provides the pressure
rating of the pipe at a given temperature. Pipes
are available commercially at many pressure
ratings, and the most popular of these are 50,
100, and 125 psi (340, 690, and 860 kPa); 160,
200, 250, and 315 psi (1.1, 1.4, 1.7, and 2.2
MPa).
 Weights designations are used for steel and iron
pipe: standard wall (Std), extra strong wall (XS),
and double extra strong wall (XXS). These last
two designations are sometimes referred to as
extra heavy wall (XH) and double extra heavy
wall (XXH), respectively. Wrought-iron pipe is
referred to as Std, XS, and XXS and not by
schedule numbers.