A device, which is used for transmitting water, oil, steam, etc., from one place to another is called a pipe. The system of pipes and tube fitting is known as plumbing. It deals with the laying of pipelines for the transportation of the fluids.
Plumbing is a system, that deals with pipes, drains fittings, valves, and other devices installed in a building for the distribution of water, gas, and liquid waste. Now – a – days, it is an important part of domestic and commercial environments. Plumbing is used for fluids in specialized applications i.e., water or gas supply and sewage system. In this chapter, we will discuss about the pipes, their types, and uses, etc.
Classification of Pipes
Pipes mainly can be classified on the basis of materials used in their manufacturing. Some of them are discussed here.Â
The strength and use of a pipe can be determined by the material which is used for manufacturing the pipe. On this basis, the pipe can be made up of cast iron, Galvanised Iron pipe (GI pipe), copper pipe, brass pipe, aluminum pipe, PVC pipe, etc.Â
There are some types of pipe materials, which are as follows.
(i) Cast Iron Pipe
It is made up of grey cast iron and is mostly used for transportation of water, gas, and sewage. Coating and lining are done to reduce corrosion and improve its hydraulic properties.
(ii) GI Pipe
GI stands for Galvanised Iron. This pipe is made up of mild steel with a zinc coating on both external and internal surfaces. It has no effect on moisture and protects from rust. It is widely used in domestic plumbing for water supply.
(iii) Copper Pipe
It is made up of copper and is mostly used in steam engines and boilers because it has no effect on heat. The copper pipe is also used in industries and motor vehicles for transmitting the petrol and oil from one place to another.
(iv) Brass Pipe
It is made up of brass and is mostly used for coupling, flange, and fullering coupling methods. It is widely used in airplanes because, during the bend, it will not squeeze.Â
(v) Aluminium Pipe
This pipe is made up of aluminum. It is mostly used in airplanes and ships. It is used due to its low cost, resistance to corrosion, and ductility. Aluminum tubes can be connected by flare or compression fitting or they can be welded.
(vi) PVC Pipe
It is made up of a plastic and vinyl combination material. These pipes are durable, hard to damage, and long-lasting. These pipes do not rot, rust, or wear over time, so these are used in water systems, underground wiring, and sewer lines.
(vii) Canvas Pipe
This pipe is made up of cloth and is mostly used by the fire brigade in firefighting and to drain out the rainwater from low-lying areas.
Some Other Pipes
Pipes are divided into different categories, which are as follows.
On the basis of applicationsÂ
According to the kinds of work, the pipes are divided into many types such as water pipes, gas pipes, steam pipes, oil pipes, etc. The purpose of each pipe is defined by its name.
On the basis of manufacturing processesÂ
According to the production material of the pipe, the pipes have many kinds such as butt weld pipe, casted pipe, drawn pipe, seamless pipe, etc.
On the basis of capacityÂ
According to the working capacity of the pipes. The pipes are classified as light pipe, heavy pipe, standard pipe, extra heavy pipe, etc.Â
On the basis of the process of joining
 According to the basis of the process of joining pipes, the pipes have many kinds of such as threaded pipe, flanged pipe, collar pipe, socket pipe spigot pipe, etc.