Cast iron pipes are made by melting pig iron with scrap metal and casting it in a mold. They transport sewage and potable water and come in eight grades. Cast iron pipes have been used since the 15th century and are still used in sewer and drain lines. There are two types of cast iron […]
Steel pipes are made of iron and carbon and used in construction and industrial applications. Carbon tubing is affordable and used for large projects, while stainless steel is expensive but highly corrosion-resistant. Galvanized steel is used in harsh conditions and black steel is commonly used for plumbing. Pipes can be seamless or welded, with NPS […]
Polypropylene pipe is a cost-effective and durable material used in industrial settings due to its chemical and thermal resistance. It is also used in residential and commercial waste streams. It is primarily isotactic and can handle caustic streams, but not strong oxidizing agents. It is also used for conveying distilled water and in heating and […]
Limescale buildup in pipes decreases flow volume, increases pressure, and makes water-based machines work harder. Pipe scale is caused by minerals in flowing liquid and can cause flow variations, increase electricity usage, and shorten the life of connected devices. It also affects the taste of drinking water and can cause bacteria buildup. Pipe scale in […]
Pipe fabrication produces pre-designed piping systems for various uses, including irrigation and fire protection. Chemical treatments, welding, and sealed joining methods are used to create a system suited to the customer’s intended use. Pipe bending allows for full customization, making it valuable for creating versatile and exacting piping systems. Fabrication is commonly used for large […]
Pipe threads allow pipes to be joined together, with male threads on the outside and female threads on the inside. Industry standards include NPT and NPSM, with GHT and NST for specific applications. PTFE tape is recommended for leak-proof seals. Pipe sizes are measured by OD and TPI. Building codes require different materials for different […]
A pipe clamp is a tool with two half-circle jaws used to hold a pipe securely while working on it. Some designs have a linked chain component that grips the entire circumference of the pipe. Professional pipe fitters use a self-contained vise mounted on a tripod. Some welding vices have an electric motor to rotate […]
A tee is a plumbing connector that joins two or more hydraulic hoses together at a 90-degree angle. It can combine or split the flow of pipes and is used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Tees are made of different materials and must match the diameter, wall thickness, and project requirements. They are joined […]
Tube banks are heat exchangers used to cool or heat fluids or gases. They are popular worldwide and can be custom-designed. The efficiency of the device depends on the number and size of the tubes. Tube banks are used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and industrial applications. The size and material of construction are considered during […]
Pipe fittings connect two pipes via a third threaded piece, allowing for easy disassembly and secure joining of different metals. They also protect against galvanic corrosion and are common in plumbing systems, but may be more prone to leaks than other joint methods. A pipe fitting is a secure, semi-permanent connection between two pipes. Most […]
Perforated pipes are a popular solution for drainage problems caused by rain and floods. They come in various materials and sizes, with polyethylene being the most popular due to its flexibility. The holes or slots in the pipe allow water to fill and be carried away, preventing soil saturation. Perforated pipes are commonly used in […]
The peace pipe is a traditional Native American instrument used for ceremonies and rituals, typically highly decorated and associated with the White Buffalo Calf Woman. It consists of a wooden stem and stone bowl, with materials varying by tribe. The construction symbolizes harmony and is used in many forms of prayer and tribal rituals. The […]
Pipe welding involves joining metal pieces together using different techniques. Certification is often required due to the potential risks involved, and different types of arc welding may be used. Skilled welders understand the importance of tack welding and electrode selection. Pipe welding generally refers to a set of professional skills used for joining pieces of […]
Water pipes are used to transport treated drinking water, with sizes ranging from large pipes for cities to small ones in buildings. Materials include PVC, copper, steel, and concrete. The history of water pipes dates back to Roman times, using wood and lead sheets. Modern networks use steel, concrete or PVC pipes and have a […]
Utility pipes connect buildings to main pipes for access to council services. Service pipes can split to deliver contents to different areas. Responsibility for maintenance varies by municipal code. Service pipes have shut-offs for service disruption or emergencies. Owners or city employees may manage repairs. Building occupants should familiarize themselves with the service pipe. A […]
Corrugated pipes have parallel ridges and grooves, made from steel or plastic, used in drains and gutters. Soil pressure supports the structure, and coatings protect against environmental factors. Liners can improve flow, and perforated pipes allow runoff to percolate. Joints are made with fittings or coupling clamps. A corrugated pipe is a pipe with a […]
Soil pipes are used to remove solid waste from toilets and are larger in diameter than regular sewage pipes. They require specific fittings and routing constraints to prevent blockages and flooding. Proper installation is critical for health and safety. A soil pipe is a PVC or cast iron pipe used in plumbing to remove dirty […]
Overflow pipes prevent damage by draining excess liquid from storage devices. They can redirect liquid to another container or discharge it into a river or lake. They are found in toilet tanks, water heaters, and boilers. The pipes can direct excess liquid to purification devices, plumbing or sewer systems, or open water channels. Regulations dictate […]
A pipe threader cuts grooves or threads in metal pipes, allowing them to be securely attached to joints or connectors. Plumbers use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe, then insert it into the threader to create the correct thread profile and depth. The threads must be cleaned with a thread reamer before use. Different […]
Pipe couplings are essential for plumbing systems and come in three categories: flared and sweaty joints for copper pipes, ball and mechanical joints for cast iron pipes, and five types for plastic pipes. Other types include glass piping and coated metal piping joints. A pipe coupling is a key component to any successful plumbing system […]
