Transmission lines are the pipes that carry the water from the source to the storage system. Transmission lines are the largest, thickest pipes in the system. When planning a water system, try to keep the treatment and storage tanks close to the water source to reduce the cost of transmission lines.
Distribution Pipes deliver the water to the end user. The minimum diameter is 2 inches but lines which service fire hydrants must be at least 6 inches. To protect the water from contamination, the potable water pipe should be at least 10 feet from sewer pipes and in separate trenches.
Iron Pipe Is still in use today. It does require special fitting. It was used as a lower cost alternative to copper until the development of PEX
Wooden pipes were often used in Montreal and Boston in the 1800s. The pipes were hollowed-out logs, which were tapered at the end with a small hole in which the water would pass through. The multiple pipes were then sealed together with hot animal fat.
Lead Pipe's where a perfered materials for centuries due to the malleability. For years this was a source of lead related health problems including still births and high rates of infant mortality. They remain in many households. It is no longer legal to install lead pipes in the US.
PEX is cross-linked polyethylene. The material is more durable under temperature extremes, chemical attack, and better resists creep deformation, making PEX an excellent material for hot water and other applications.
Copper Pipes are widely used for potable water plumbing because of their corrosion resistance and safety. Plumbers who can install and repair copper are common. They are easy to work with because of it's malleability and fittings are easily soldered. Copper pipe has sometimes failed due to pinhole leaks a company called CuraFlo has made exceptional strides in rehabilitating copper pipe.
Galvanized The galvanizing process is done by the application of molten zinc to pre-formed steel pipes to provide a corrosion resistant coating. Galvanized pipes will corrode over time. Many galvanized pipes in old buildings were manufactured using zinc that probably contained high levels of lead, which is a common impurity in the zinc. Galvanized pipes can still be found in many older homes and many commercial buildings. - 15275
Distribution Pipes deliver the water to the end user. The minimum diameter is 2 inches but lines which service fire hydrants must be at least 6 inches. To protect the water from contamination, the potable water pipe should be at least 10 feet from sewer pipes and in separate trenches.
Iron Pipe Is still in use today. It does require special fitting. It was used as a lower cost alternative to copper until the development of PEX
Wooden pipes were often used in Montreal and Boston in the 1800s. The pipes were hollowed-out logs, which were tapered at the end with a small hole in which the water would pass through. The multiple pipes were then sealed together with hot animal fat.
Lead Pipe's where a perfered materials for centuries due to the malleability. For years this was a source of lead related health problems including still births and high rates of infant mortality. They remain in many households. It is no longer legal to install lead pipes in the US.
PEX is cross-linked polyethylene. The material is more durable under temperature extremes, chemical attack, and better resists creep deformation, making PEX an excellent material for hot water and other applications.
Copper Pipes are widely used for potable water plumbing because of their corrosion resistance and safety. Plumbers who can install and repair copper are common. They are easy to work with because of it's malleability and fittings are easily soldered. Copper pipe has sometimes failed due to pinhole leaks a company called CuraFlo has made exceptional strides in rehabilitating copper pipe.
Galvanized The galvanizing process is done by the application of molten zinc to pre-formed steel pipes to provide a corrosion resistant coating. Galvanized pipes will corrode over time. Many galvanized pipes in old buildings were manufactured using zinc that probably contained high levels of lead, which is a common impurity in the zinc. Galvanized pipes can still be found in many older homes and many commercial buildings. - 15275
About the Author:
Joe Joseph is a writer for leaky pipe a web site on water pipe repair. The web site has information on home and commercial plumbing products
