Water Service Pipe Lines
A "water-service" pipe line extends from the potable water source to the interior of a building. Inside the building the "water-service" pipe becomes a "water-distribution" pipe.
A water service pipe must be rated for the pressure produced by the water source and in the service line by pumps or static differences.
- it is common to rate water service lines for more than 160 psi (11 bar) and temperatures below aprox. 75oF (25oF)
Commonly used materials in water service pipe lines are
- Cast iron pipe (ductile pipe) - used in large water mains
- PE - Polyethylene
- PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
- PB - Polybutylene
- Asbestos cement pipe
Other commonly approved and rarely used materials are
- ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Brass pipe
- Copper tube - can be used as service lines without joints. Primarily used as water distribution pipes.
- CPVC - Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
- Galvanized Steel
Water Service Pipes
Materials used in water service pipes according US standards.
| Piping Material | US Standards |
|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic pipe | ASTM D1527; ASTM D2282 |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe | ASTM D2846; ASTM F441; ASTM F442; CSA B137.6 |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride/aluminum/chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC/AL/CPVC) | ASTM F2855Copper or copper-alloy pipe ASTM B42; ASTM B302 |
| 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 pipe and tubingASTM F876; | AWWA C904; 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 water pipe | AWWA C151/A21.51; AWWA C115/A21.15 |
| Galvanized steel pipe | ASTM A53 |
| Polyethylene (PE) plastic pipe | ASTM D2239; ASTM D3035; AWWA C901; CSA B137.11 |
| Polyethylene (PE) plastic tubing | ASTM D2737; AWWA C901; CSA B137.1 |
| Polyethylene/aluminum/polethylene (PE-AL-PE) pipe | ASTM F1282; CSA B137.9 |
| Polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) plastic tubing | ASTM F2769; CSA B137.18 |
| Polypropylene (PP) plastic pipe or tubing | ASTM F2389; CSA B137.11 |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe | ASTM D1785; ASTM D2241; ASTM D2672; CSA B137.3 |
| 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.
Domestic Service Water Supply Systems
Introduction to general design of domestic service water supply systems - with pressurized or gravity tanks.
Domestic Water Supply - Lime Deposits
Lime deposited vs. temperature and water consumption.
Hot and Cold Water Pipes Sizing
Recommended dimensions hot and cold water pipes.
PE - Polyethylene High Density Water Supply Pipes - Properties
Nominal pipe size, outside diameter, wall thickness, weight and working pressure.
Water Distribution Pipes - Materials
Materials used in water distribution pipes.
Water Supplies - Expected vs. Theoretical Summarized Demand
Calculating expected demand for water supply service lines.
Water Supply - Cross-Contamination Control
It is fundamental to keep the potable water in the water supply systems uncontaminated.
Water Supply Lines - Sizing
Sizing water supply service and distribution lines based on Water Supply Fixture Units (WSFU).
Water Supply Systems - Online Design Application
Free online tool for designing water supply systems in buildings.