Classification of Materials in Plumbing 1

CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS IN PLUMBING
Types of pipe commonly used in plumbing installation:

a. Ferrous metal pipes
b. Non-ferrous metal pipe
c. Non-metal pipes
The choice of the kind of pipe to be installed depends upon the following considerations:
a. Quality and durability
b. Resistance to external and internal contact with foreign matters
c. Resistance to acid waste and other chemical elements that will pass into it.
d. Cost of materials and labor
A. Ferrous Metal Pipes

1. Galvanized Iron pipes (G.I.Pipe)
Galvanized iron pipe is used for water supply line. It is made out from mild steel, drawn through a die and welded, cast
into 6. 00 meters long. This type is easily corroded by alkaline and acid water. The carbonic acid in water, attack the zinc
coating and ultimately the steel itself. It is subject to deposits of salt and lime that gradually accumulate and finally
choke the flow of water. Galvanized steel pipe deteriorate faster when used as not water supply line.
2. Cast Iron pipe(C.I.Pipe)

Cast iron pipe is the most popular and generally specified material for drainage system in buildings for the past several
decades. Cast iron pipe should not be used for buildings taller than 25 storey because of constant vibrations which
causes water leak of the joints. Cast iron pipe is also affected by corrosion caused by the action of carbon dioxide, sulfur
oxide and methane gases forming solutions of carbonic acid and sulfuric acid. These acids attack the metallic material
causing a slow chemical reaction or oxidation to take place forming ferrous oxide called rust.
Cast Iron Pipes are of Two Types
a. The SV type – which is generally used for building installations

b. The XV type – classified as extra duty pipe used for underground installations.
Cast Iron Pipe Has Four Varieties

Recommended Uses
1. The Standard Pipe is used for a well-fitted hub and spigot connections
2. The Single Hub Pipe is recommended when the length of a pipe needed is more than 150 centimeters long
wherein cutting is not necessary.
3. The double Hub Pipe is preferred when a piece of pipe needed is shorter than 150 centimeters long. When the
pipe is cut, both ends has hub to serve as joint connector.
4. The Hubless Pipe is used in lieu of the single hub to do away with caulking of joints. It is cheaper and easily
connected using a neoprene rubber sleeves.
Acid Resistant Cast Iron Pipe – is made from alloy of cast iron and silicon. It is widely used in chemical laboratories,
industries and other installationswhere acid wastes are being discharged. Basically this type of pipe is brittle in character
and requires stronger support for each pipe installed horizontally to prevent sagging of joints.
3. Black iron pipe
Black iron pipe refers to ordinary iron pipe and are mainly used for gas lines, it is also used to connect appliances to their
supply lines. It is the pipe that is used by businesses and residential homes to convey their supply of natural or propane
gas.
Black iron pipe is also used for fire sprinkler systems because of its strong resistance to heat. It is usually joined by
welding or by using mechanical couplings. It can even be used instead of galvanized pipe in projects other than carrying
water for drinking.
Black iron pipe is actually made of a low-grade "mild steel" compound. This gives it much better corrosion resistance
than traditional cast iron piping.
4. Stainless steel pipe –

Stainless steel pipe is generally used for food processing. A stainless steel pipe system is the product of choice for
carrying corrosive or sanitary fluids, slurries and gases, particularly where high pressures, high temperatures or corrosive
environments are involved. Due to stainless steel’s aesthetic properties, it is also used in architectural applications.
B. Non-Ferrous Metal Pipes
1. Copper pipes –
Copper pipe is a durable and extremely resistant material. It is easy to install compared with other types of pipe. Copper
pipe is classified into three types, depending upon its wall thickness.
a. The K type is the heaviest. It is suitable for underground installation.
b. The L type is lighter than the K type. And available in both the rigid and flexible form. It is commonly used in
residential water supply line and for radiant heating installations.
c. The M type is the thinnest and available only in a rigid form. This type of copper pipe is specially designed for
small water supply lines and for radiant heating installation.
Comparatively, copper pipe costs little more than the steel pipe, but its fittings cost lesser than that of the steel pipe.
And because of its smooth interior surface, one size smaller pipe could be used instead, without substantial reduction of
liquid flow. For instance, where a 25 mm (1”) diameter steel pipe is required, a 20 mm (3/4”) diameter copper pipe is
equally sufficient.
Two kinds of copper pipes specified outside diameter from 1/8” and up.
a. Hard drawn – limited to 20’ in length
b. Soft drawn – maximum of 150’ in length
2. Brass pipes -
Copper and brass pipes are used for water pipes, flush pipes in water closets, pipes for fixtures, traps, faucets, and
valves.
The main difference between copper and brass is that copper is a metal whereas brass is a metal alloy. Copper
is reddish brown in color whereas brass is bright gold in color.
Special Features of Copper and Brass Pipes

a. Copper and Brass Pipes could be used as drains and vent pipe.
b. Copper and Brass Pipes could be used as cold water supply line
c. Copper and Brass Pipes remarkably excellent material for hot water lines.
d. Copper and Brass Pipes can replace rusted or choked-up sections of galvanized steel pipe
e. Copper and Brass Pipes have no special tools required to install nor threading is necessary.
f. Copper and Brass Pipes bent easily A flexible vertical line can offset existing structure. Underground line can be
re-routed around an obstruction.
g. Copper and Brass Pipes need fewer joints and fittings.
h. Copper and Brass Pipes come in longer length.
i. Copper and Brass Pipesmay be used one size smaller than a steel pipe.
3.Lead pipe
The oldest plumbing material used by the Egyptians, Greeks and the Romanarchitects for soil, waste and ventilation
pipe. Lead is highly resistant to acid and is suitable for underground installation. But because lead is poisonous and
injurious to human health, is is never used to convey water for human consumption.
C. Non-Metal Pipes
1. Plastic or Synthetic Pipes

Plastic pipe is a new concept in the field of plumbing. It was introduced in the Philippines at the early part of
70’s, although this type of material was developed in Germany in the mid year of 1935.
Plastic pipe has gained widespread acceptance after it has in many ways proven itself to be superior as sewer
and cold water pipe line.
Types of Plastic or Synthetic Pipes

a. The Rigid Type
b. The Flexible Type
The Rigid Types of Plastic Pipes are:

1. Polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC) – for sewer/drainage and cold water supply lines.
2. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
3. Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC)
4. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
5. Polypropylene (PP)
6. Styrene Rubber Plastic (SR)
The Flexible Types of Plastic or Synthetic Pipes

1. The Polyethylene (PE)
2. The Polybutylene (PB)
The PE and PB pipes are in coil form available at 30 meters long. The PB tube is manufactured with special length
up to 150 meters long in coil form.
Recently, the plastic pipe being used for hot water lines are the Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC), the
Polyvinyl Dichloride (PVDC), and the Polypropylene (PP).
Advantages of Plastic Pipes

1. Plastic pipe is more resistant to rust and corrosion.
2. Water conveyed by plastic pipe has no pipe tastes.
3. The extreme smooth interior surface prevents the buildup of scale, rust, and foreign material that often
impedes flow through metallic pipes.
4. There is no turbulence of water and therefore, has a minimum resistance to flow.
5. PVC pipe and fittings weighs about 1/5 of the metal pipe. They easily and quickly installed through solvent
cementing.
6. Plastic pipes are cast in longer length and easy to cut as well as to install.
7. The Polyethylene (PE) pipe is flexible material that weighs about 1/8 as much as the steel pipe.
8. PVC pipe can be connected to existing metal pipe using a threaded adapter.
9. PVC is virtually acid proof to any chemical used in recommended strength around the home.
10. No special tools are needed for installing PVC except a rule to measure and a saw to cut.
11. The best reason at all – You can do it yourself.
Certain chemicals such as methyl-ethyl- ketone (acetone), paint remover or paint brush cleaner should not
be poured in PVC or any other drainage pipe.
2. Asbestos pipes –
Asbestos pipe is made of asbestos fibers and Portland cement. It could be used as soil pipe, waste pipe, ventilation pipe
and downspout. This kind of pipe is remarkably superior for embedment in concrete structure for having the same
material properties.
3. Cement / concrete pipes – for drainage purposes.
4. Vitrified clay pipe

Vitrified Clay Pipe is one of the oldest materials used for sewer lines. It is made out from clay, cast into length of 75
centimeters treated with glazing compound. The pipe is durable material for underground installations like public sewer,
house sewer or storm drain. Clay pipe is highly resistant to most acid wastes.
Note:
o Non-metal pipes are usually joined through Socket
o Schedule No. – refers to the wall thickness of pipes
o Pipes with 1/8”Ø to 12”Ø are measured in their inside diameters
o Pipes with 14”Ø and up are measured in their outside diameters
o G.I. pipes with 1/8”Ø to 4”Ø are threaded at the end
o G.I. pipes with 6”Ø and up have plain ends (no thread at the end)
o Water main – is a pipe buried at the side of the street with lengths 5’ and 20’ and are used for waste and
drainage and main water supply line respectively.
Cast Iron Pipes

Grades are: 1. Strong
2. Extra strong
3. Double extra strong
Grades of Pipes
a. standard
b. Extra Strong
c. Double extra strong
a. Schedule number of standard pipes
1. Schedule 10
2. Schedule 20
These are for conduit pipes, thin wall pipes
3. Schedule 30
4. Schedule 40
These are for water distribution line, specifically for low pressure
b. Schedule no. of extra strong pipes– for high pressure

1. Schedule 60
2. Schedule 80
c. Schedule no. of double extra strong pipes–for pressurize steam

1. Schedule 100
2. Schedule 120
FITTINGS
Galvanized iron fittings are for water pipes, while PVC fittings are for sewer/drainage pipe line system. Fittings are used
for joining, changing direction, branching, reducing, and capping pipes. The fittings are known as accessories. Fittings are
classified as follows:
A. Screwed fittings – generally referred to G.I. These are threaded.
B. Socket fittings – refers to PVC
C. Hub / Bell and spigot fittings – refers to C.I.P.
D. Welded fittings – refers to fabricated G.I.
E. Flange fittings – refers to tongue and groove

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CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS IN PLUMBING

Types of pipe commonly used in plumbing installation:

A. Ferrous Metal Pipes

2. Cast Iron pipe(C.I.Pipe)

Cast Iron Pipes are of Two Types

a. The SV type – which is generally used for building installations

Cast Iron Pipe Has Four Varieties

3. Black iron pipe

4. Stainless steel pipe –

B. Non-Ferrous Metal Pipes

Special Features of Copper and Brass Pipes

1. Plastic or Synthetic Pipes

Types of Plastic or Synthetic Pipes

The Rigid Types of Plastic Pipes are:

The Flexible Types of Plastic or Synthetic Pipes

Advantages of Plastic Pipes

3. Cement / concrete pipes – for drainage purposes.

4. Vitrified clay pipe

Cast Iron Pipes

a. Schedule number of standard pipes

b. Schedule no. of extra strong pipes– for high pressure

c. Schedule no. of double extra strong pipes–for pressurize steam

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