Water Distribution Pipes - Materials
A water-distribution pipe is located inside a building and delivers potable water to the fixtures. The supply system delivering water from the potable source to the building is the "water service" pipe.
The water distribution system includes normally both hot and cold water. The temperature range limits the materials allowed.
- it is common to rate water-distribution pipes for a minimum working pressure of aprox. 100 psi (7 bar) and 180oF (80oC)
It the the water-service to the building exceeds the rated water-distribution pressure, a pressure-reducing valve must be installed.
Commonly used and approved materials in water-distribution pipe lines are
- Copper tube
- Galvanized steel pipe
- PB - polybutene
- PEX - cross-linked Polyethylene
Water Distribution Pipes
Materials used for water distribution pipes according US standards.
| Piping Material | US Standards |
|---|---|
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe and tubing | ASTM D2846; ASTM F441; ASTM F442; CSA B137.6 |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride/aluminum/chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC/AL/CPVC) | ASTM F2855 |
| Copper or copper-alloy pipe | ASTM B42; ASTM B302; ASTM B43 |
| Copper or copper-alloy tubing (Type K, WK, L, WL, M or WM) | ASTM B75; ASTM B88; ASTM B251; ASTM B447 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubing | ASTM F876; CSA B137.5 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipe | ASTM F1281; ASTM F2262; CSA B137.10 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/high-density polyethylene (PEX-AL-HDPE) | ASTM F1986 |
| Ductile iron pipe | AWWA C151/A21.51; AWWA C115/A21.15 |
| Galvanized steel pipe | ASTM A53 |
| Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) composite pipe | ASTM F1282 |
| Polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) plastic tubing | ASTM F2769; CSA B137.158 |
| Polypropylene (PP) plastic pipe or tubing | ASTM F2389; CSA B137.11 |
| Stainless steel pipe (Type 304/304L) | ASTM A312; ASTM A778 |
| Stainless steel pipe (Type 316/316L) | ASTM A312; ASTM A778 |
Related Topics
• Water Systems
Design of hot and cold water service and utility systems with properties, capacities, sizing of pipe lines and more.
Related Documents
ASME B31.9 Building Services Piping - Working Pressure and Temperature Limits
The working pressure and temperature limits of ASME Code B31.9 - Building Services Piping.
ASTM F876 - PEX Tube - Dimensions
Dimensions of PEX tubes.
Domestic Service Water Supply Systems
Introduction to general design of domestic service water supply systems - with pressurized or gravity tanks.
Hazen-Williams Friction Loss Equation - calculating Head Loss in Water Pipes
Friction head loss (ftH2O per 100 ft pipe) in water pipes can be estimated with the empirical Hazen-Williams equation.
Hoses - Pressure Loss vs. Water Flow
Pressure loss in hoses due to water flow and friction.
Hot and Cold Water Pipes Sizing
Recommended dimensions hot and cold water pipes.
Hot Water Circulation System - Return Pipes
Hot water can be circulated through a return pipe if it's instantly required at the fixtures.
ISO 4427 - PE Pipes for Water Supply - Dimensions
Polyethylene pipe dimensions according European Standards.
PE - Polyethylene High Density Water Supply Pipes - Properties
Nominal pipe size, outside diameter, wall thickness, weight and working pressure.
Water Service Pipe Lines
Water service pipe lines extends from the potable water source to the interior of buildings.
Water Supplies - Expected vs. Theoretical Summarized Demand
Calculating expected demand for water supply service lines.
Water Supply Fixture Units WSFU
WSFU is used to calculate water supply service systems.
Water Supply Lines - Sizing
Sizing water supply service and distribution lines based on Water Supply Fixture Units (WSFU).
Water Supply Pipe Lines - Sizing
Sizing of water supply pipe lines.
Water Supply Systems - Impurity Limits
Typiclal limits for impurities in drinking water.
Water Supply Systems - Online Design Application
Free online tool for designing water supply systems in buildings.