Galvanized Steel Pipe (1) | Galvanized steel pipe is covered with a protective coating of zinc that greatly increases its life compared to black pipe. It is made in standard 21 foot lengths with each end threaded. The pipe is cut and threaded to fit the job. Joints are made by placing a small amount of pipe joint compound on the pipe threads and screwing on the fitting.
Galvanized steel pipe is suitable for all piping inside a building, but plastic and copper pipe are preferred for underground installation. Highly mineralized water greatly reduces the life of steel pipe. |
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Copper Pipe (1) | Copper pipe is available in types "K", "L", and "M". Type K is
heavy duty - pump suction lines and underground piping. Type L is standard
weight - inside buildings, and type M is light-weight for use only behind
walls inside buildings.
Both types K and L are available in hard- or soft-tempered form. Hard-tempered pipe is rigid and comes in 10 to 20 foot lengths. It is used for exposed piping inside buildings, where it can be fit closely to walls or ceilings. It needs very little mechanical support to keep it in position, compares to flexible tubing. Soft-tempered tubing is excellent for underground use and for inside existing walls in old buildings. |
Plastic Piping (1) | Plastic pipe is available in flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid
forms. Flexible pipe is common for underground water piping because of
installation ease and economy. It is 1/2 inch or more in diameter and
in coils of 100 feet or more.
Solvent welded, or glued, PVC semi-rigid pipe is now common as a result of better and more readily available quality, ditching equipment, and ease of joining. The joints of polyethylene pipe use nylon or brass fittings and stainless steel clamps and clamp screws. Use only pipe fittings that have the National Sanitation Foundation seal, NSF. It assures that the pipe is safe for use with drinking water. There are five classes of plastic pipe and fittings that meet commercial standards established by the ASTM for potable household water:
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