Types of Piping Material Available

five of the most popular piping materials, as well as the conditions that each of them would work best for.

1. cast iron

cast iron was one of the earliest materials used for piping, and it’s most commonly found in underground applications. piping that carries materials like water, gas and sewage underground must be incredibly durable, pressure-resistant and long-lasting since these pipes must last for several decades without having to be replaced. soil pipes are also commonly made using cast iron due to its excellent corrosion-resisting properties. cast iron pipes are more popular in apartment buildings rather than private dwellings due to its fire resistance and noise-dampening qualities.

if you need underground piping at your facility that will last as long as possible, cast iron may be the best material for your fluid handling system.

2. steel and steel alloys

carbon steel pipes and steel alloys are created using different manufacturing methods to provide multiple piping material options all made from steel. steel is a desirable piping material because of its thickness and ability to contain highly pressurized fluids. two common types of steel piping materials for manufacturing facilities are:

carbon steel pipes: carbon steel pipes are available in several different grades depending on the amount of carbon the pipe contains. this type of steel piping is more subject to corrosion than other varieties, making it ideal for indoor systems transporting non-corrosive materials.

galvanized steel: the second option for steel piping is galvanized steel, which is better equipped to handle corrosive fluids, as well as high-temperature materials. however, it is not as ideal for high-pressure substances, as it is rated only for pressures of up to 250 psi.

3. nonferrous

the category of nonferrous pipe materials refers to any piping material that is a metal other than steel. popular options for nonferrous metals include:

brass: brass piping is popular for the transportation of corrosive materials, and the most common type is red brass.

aluminum: several varieties of aluminum piping exist based on the type and amount of alloy added to the aluminum. the level of aluminum pipe you choose will be dependent on whether you’re transporting highly corrosive or high-pressure materials.

copper: copper piping is standard for both commercial and residential water applications, such as plumbing and other waterlines. you can choose between several types of copper piping based on thickness.

copper-nickel: copper-nickel piping is most commonly used in marine and offshore applications for its excellent ability to transport seawater effectively and with minimal corrosion. as a durable pipe material option, copper-nickel can also handle materials of high temperatures.

4. concrete

the most typical application for concrete pipes is in large-scale engineering projects such as water resource management and stormwater control. depending on the diameter of the pipe, concrete pipes are typically reinforced with another layer or durable wire to allow it to maintain its strength underground. concrete pipes used for civil purposes must pass several destructive tests to ensure they can withstand any potentially disastrous occurrences.

these pipes must also be regularly maintained, as dirt and debris can easily stick to the insides of concrete pipes and cause a backup. depending on the type of material the pipes are carrying, a sewage or stormwater backup could be very hazardous to the surrounding areas. most manufacturing facilities would not benefit from using concrete piping for their fluid handling systems.

5. plastic

plastic pipes are an option you may seriously consider for your facility’s fluid handling system. options for plastic pipes include:

pvc: polyvinyl chloride (pvc) pipes are the most widely used type of plastic piping, ideal for both structural and electrical applications.

polypropylene: polypropylene pipes are most effective and appropriate for transporting chemical waste and other highly corrosive materials.

polyethylene: polyethylene is a flexible but strong material that is best for piping in irrigation, sprinkler and other water-related applications.

pex: pex pipes are essentially polyethylene pipes that have been processed to be both stronger and more resistant to hot and cold temperature changes. this material is becoming a significant alternative to traditional copper pipes.

abs: you’ll find abs pipes in sewer, waste, drain and vent applications.