What is the best pipe material for water supply?

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Can you please tell me what is the best available pipe material to be used for a water supply network?

We are using concrete pipeline for water supply in our area where we have a dry climate.

What would be the Environmental impact on these concrete pipes after some years? 

Your suggestions would be of help for us to plan the necessary maintenance procedures. 

Thank you. 

 

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29 Answers

  2. Polyethylene for smaller diameters, ductile iron for larger ones. Don't use fiberglass, steel or concrete for water supply. Longevity is the main criteria along with ease of use. The ability to make 'under-pressure' connections is also important.

    1 Comment

  3. Bioriented PVC (PVC-O) is most probably the best alternative. It combines the advantages of PVC (low cost, ease of installation, chemical resistance) with the ductile behaviour of HDPE. External diameters used to be limited to DN400 mm but now DN800 mm and even bigger are available and installed.

  5. Depends on the Diameter of the pipe and working pressure.

    can be DI or GRP or steel or HDPE or UPVC. 

    let me know details about the design if you need me to be specific. 

    1 Comment

    1. Which ones are the most expensive?

      I live in Hong Kong. Are ductile iron pipes most expensive?

      Also, are ductile iron the most versatile?

       

      Thank you in advance.

      Commented on by

  6. pvc pipes are in practice now a days  for water supply because they are not reactive. does not effect the quality of water.

    Answered on by

  7. The selection of pipe material is a careful decision to be made after considering design criteria, soil parameters, effect of corrosion, hydrodynamic effects such as water hammer, type of jointing, water quality to be conveyed, capacity intended to be conveyed, environmental statutes, project life cycle cost inclusive of its operation & maintenance, being some of them. Having said this the availability of materials and the skill levels of pipe laying technicians paramount vital importance. Generally for sizes till 450 mm PE is a good choice and for larger diameters PE although will be good would be more expensive. DI can be used for larger sizes subject to terrain and other soil parameters. It has to be noted that metallic pipes are subject to corrosion, non metallic pipes such as concrete, asbestos cement, are prone to joint dislocation due to soil migration. GRP pipes if selected has to be carefully designed to account for strain corrosion and delamination by selection of proper resin/glass mix ratio and good manufacturing practice which does not allow delamination and cracking due to soil loads. PE pipes are temperature sensitive and care needs to be exercised while laying them in oil contaminated soils. You may go through the published edition of Malaysian Water Association recommendations which considers almost all practical considerations for an optimized choice.

  9. Hello, I see you have had lots of informative answers to your question. In addition to the answers provided I would also suggest you consider the internal aspects of the pipe and the corrosivity of your water supply. Ideally, your system should be designed to minimise low turnover especially at the extremity of your distribution system as this is where you will notice the more significant deterioration over time. Kind Regards Helen

  10. hello sir

    Pipes made from Polyethylene (PE) is a cost effective answer for a number of piping problems in Metropolitan, Municipal, Industrial, Underwater, Mining, Landfill Gas extraction, Cable duct and agricultural applications. It has been tested and proven effective for underground, above ground, surface, under water as well as floating pipe applications.

    Polyethylene pipes both High Density (HDPE) and Medium Density (MDPE) can carry potable water, wastewater, slurries, chemicals, hazardous wastes, cables and compressed gases as well as oils. Polyethylene pipes have a long and successful service experience to the gas oil, mining and water utility industries. PE pipes have the lowest repair frequency per Kilometer of pipe per year compared with all other pipe materials used for urban water and gas distribution.

  11. Sir, As Carlos mentions below there is no specific rule in choosing the pipe material. It depends on availability and economics. Bear in mind the availability of this pipe material for operation and maintenance. Concrete pipe is brittle and fragile, heavy and hence need to be handled cautiously. It could have high operation costs. Concrete mixed with Asbestos Cement should not be used because on environmental and health impacts. Ductile iron pipes are the best but are costly. HDPE pipes are mid-way but need to be buried as sunlight (UV) would have an impact on it. I suggest that for the same pipe diameter you carry out a cost analysis on the available pipe materials in your village/country. Cost to include operation costs also.

  12. Por la experiencia, que tengo en la comercialización de tuberías de Asbesto Cemento, PVC y HDPE estructurales y lisa; debo mencionarles que no existe el mejor material; lo que se debe hacer es conocer si las características técnicas que ofrece el material, soporta las solicitudes del terreno en el cual se van a instalar. En su momento todos los materiales han cumplido solicitudes de instalación pero las garantías de funcionamiento, hermeticidad y resistencia a cargas externas son las que al final deciden si es el mejor para las conidiciones en las cuales seran instaladas y van a ser operadas. Hoy día las tuberías de Polietileno de Alta Densidad con sus uniones de termofusión y/o electrofusión son la mejor alternativa.

  13. For any underground water pipe above 150 mm dia. Ductile Iron pipes are the best, however it quite some costly.

    1 Comment

  14. Further to my earlier comments: the main problem with rigid pipes is the joints - especially concrete and very especially pre-stressed concrete (the disaster I mentioned earlier). With PE the jointing is by fusion welding and this is purported to be stronger than the pipe itself.

  16. if you are talking about preserving water quality and if price is not an issue, a composite pipe with a ceramic lining. glass lining is good too. great for transmission. check it out. you will find that this will be the future for developed countries.

  17. Dear Imbayyah Alwirfili,

    The decision of the best pipe to use in a water supply network depends on a lot of factors, such as:

    - Diameter

    - Working pressure and Working flow

    - type of lands (mechanical and chemical point of view)

    - Operational availability for repairs

    - Durability

    - Environmental issues

    - Reliability

    and etc.

    You should choose the factors that have the greatest weight in the decision. According with your question, Environmental issues have a high weight, so you must chose accordingly; pipes made of material that is 100% biodegradable  and such a material that doesn't contaminate soils and the water.

    If you are considering to use a concrete pipe, most probably we are talking of a water transmission main with a big diameter. For concrete pipes, you have a some choices to consider. LCP, PCCP, BWP, etc. for reliability and Durability you should chose a PCCP Pipe (Prestressed concrete cylinder Pipe).

    In terms of maitainence programs, you have a innovative technologie for PCCP pipe monitoring: Without dewatering the system, you can introduce an optical fibre inside the pipe "SoundPrint AFO Pipeline Monitoring" that continuous real-time structural monitoring PCCP pipelines. This is a technology used to detect and locate wire breaks in a PCCP pipe as they occur, wire breaks are the mains indicator that this pipe type will eventually fail.

    Assessing the condition of buried infrastructure can be challenging and difficult to predict. Traditional belief dictates the condition of the pipe is directly associated with its age, however extensive field work shows this is not always the case and actually 70% to 90% of the replaced pipe still have remaining useful life.

    So for maitanance procudures, you should ponderate a important factor: is this pipe material easy to access in the future? We know that leaks are also a strong indicator of pipe failure, even the smallest ones. Pressure pipes typically do not deteriorate or fail systematically along their full length. Rather, pipe condition is usually related to localized problems. It is known  that more than 90% of pipelines are in good condition leaving less than 4% of requiring renewal. By determining the actual condition of pipelines, utilities can avoid the unnecessary replacement of pipelines with remaining useful life while improving the reliability of their system by avoiding pipe failures and reducing water loss.

    If we are considering a big diameter (DN>400), consider Steel, PCCP or Ductile Iron Pipes. These kind of pipes have a strong mechanical resistance, they support  water hammer and highest pressures, with very high secutrity factors.

    Ask the pipe manufacturers their opinion, and put all those arguments on the balance of decision, weighing those that are most important to you.

     

    Regards,

    Marta

  18. Polyethylene (PE) pipes are best suited for long life times (dependent upon the conditions, >100years). Low maintenance, lightweight, flexibility, leak free systems and ease of installation are key characteristics. Most importantly PE pipes are corrosion free. Depending on the diameter, very long lengths can be supplied minimising the need for jointing. If jointing is required, this can easily be done through butt fusion welding or by using electrofusion fittings. This modular approach also gives the opportunity to to easily tap off the main flow pipe if required. New modern PE 100 products such as "crack resistant" grades may also be used in grounds where imported back fill is not required. As indicated previously, good quality PE resin suppliers and pipe manufacturers comply with various national and international standards to ensure products that are fit for purpose. As a minimum, ISO 4427 gives more details. As a rough guide, a good quality PE 100 SDR11 pipe can transport water safely at 16 bar (safety factor included), based on an ambient temperature of 20°C for 50 years.

    I hope this helps a little !

    Mark

  19. Dear Imbayyah Alwirfili

    Recently we have completed a project name"Dhaka Water Supply Sector Development Project" where we upgraded our pipeline (water supply network) approximately 3000 KM. We used HDPE  material pipe and set the pipes by  trench less technology.  The specification are as below

    1.1    Materials Requirements 
    1.1.1   Pipe materials and jointing Pipe materials to be used for the project works shall conform to the standards described in this Requirements. If any material, not covered in these requirements, is required to be used, it shall conform to relevant International Standards or requirements specified by the Project Manager.  Three types of materials are expected to be used by the Contractors for DWSSDP namely High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) pipes and Ductile Iron (DI) pipes depending on the field situation and requirements as described in this section. HDPE pipes will be used for trenchless technologies for pipe replacement and pipe extension, uPVC pipes may be used in case of conventional trenching methods. All pipes and fittings are intended to be used in Dhaka City Area for drinking water supply under pressure at normal temperature. The materials must be suitable for operation in the tropical climatic conditions that prevail in Bangladesh. Ambient temperatures are up to 50°C and humidity up to 95% at 35°C. The pipes and fittings shall be manufactured specially for surface installation in tropical humid climates with a prevailing water temperature of 35°C. Heavy rainfall and significant flooding usually occurs in Bangladesh during rainy season; dry and dusty conditions prevail for rest of the year. All pipes and fittings shall be new and unused.  The Contractor shall notify the Project Manager of his proposed sources of materials prior to delivery and submit test results of the said pipe type and dimension according to test method specified in this section.  After arrival to the site, all materials shall be subjected to an acceptance test prior to their immediate use. Test samples to be taken out before installation shall be taken out together with the Project Manger or his representative. The cost of sampling / testing shall be borne by the Contractor. If any sample does not conform to the prescribed tests and quality, the batch of pipes and / or fittings shall be rejected by the Project Manager or his representative and such materials shall be removed from the site by the Contractor at his own cost. Such rejected materials shall not be made acceptable by any modifications.  Jointing for pipes and fittings / specials shall be done in accordance with the relevant Specifications depending on type of pipes being used.  
    1.1.2   High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes Standards ï‚·  The materials from which the pipes are made shall be in accordance with ISO 4427-1; ï‚· All High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes (PE 100) shall conform to the standard of ISO 4427-2: 2007(E) of PN 10 nominal pressure and SDR 17 Mean outside diameter shall be in accordance with ISO 11922-1: 1997 (grade B for sizes ≤630) and the maximum out of roundness (quality) shall be in accordance with ISO 11922-1: 1997 (grade N for sizes ≤630). Mean outside diameter and the maximum out of roundness for different diameter of the above mentioned series of PE 100 pipes (provided in the table given below); ï‚·   The pipe shall be coiled such that localized deformation, e.g. buckling and kinking, is prevented. Minimum internal diameter of the coil shall be not less than 18 x nominal diameter; ï‚·  The length of straight pipes and coils depends on the field requirement for the trenchless technology and minimum internal diameter of the coil. Contractor should supply the pipes accordingly; 
    ï‚·   The wall thickness for different diameter of the above mentioned series of PE 100 pipes should be in accordance of the table given below; ï‚· Dimension of the pipes shall be measured in accordance with the ISO 3126; ï‚·  All testing at factory to be done in accordance with the provision in the relevant code/ specification. 
    Nominal outside diameter  (mm) 
    Mean outside diameter  (mm) 
    Maximum out of roundness  (mm) 
    Nominal wall thickness (mm) SDR 17 (S 8) PE 100 (PN 10) dem, min dem, max  emin emax 75 75 75.5 1.6 4.5 5.1 110 110 110.7 2.2 6.6 7.4 160 160 161 3.2 9.5 10.6 200 200 201.2 4.0 11.9 13.2 225 225 226.4 4.5 13.4 14.9 280 280 281.7 9.8 16.6 18.4 315 315 316.9 11.1 18.7 20.7 355 355 357.2 12.5 21.1 23.4 400 400 402.4 14.0 23.7 26.2 450 450 452.7 15.6 26.7 29.5  
    Markings of pipes and fittings: 
    All pipes shall be permanently and legibly marked in such a way that the marking does not initiate cracks or other types of failure and such that normal storage, weathering, handling, installation and use do not affect the legibility of the marking. If printing is used, the colour of the printed information shall differ from the basic colour of the product. The marking shall be such that it is legible without magnification. The frequency of marking being not less than once per meter. The size of marking shall be at least 10 mm height. The marking shall show the followings in order as stated below:  ï‚· The Manufacturer's name or Trademark and the text: "DWSSDP-2009, DWASA" (in bold letters) shall be marked on the surface of each pipe; ï‚·   The number of ISO Specification i.e. ISO 4427-2: 2007 (pipes), ISO 4427-3: 2007 (fittings); ï‚·  The designation of the pipe maternal e.g. PE 100; ï‚·  The fitting material and name of fitting e.g. HDPE Nipple; ï‚·  The nominal outside diameter, SDR series and Pressure (in bold letters) e.g. 200 mm, SDR 17, PN 10; ï‚· Production period (date or code) e.g. 0310. This looks like:  (Trademark name or symbol), DWSSDP-2009, DWASA HDPE, ISO 4427-2: 1996, 200 mm, SDR 17; 0310 
    1.1.3   Jointing of HDPE Pipes and Fittings Butt Fusion Jointing Equipment Butt fusion jointing equipment shall be certified in accordance with ISO 12176-1. Only fully automatic Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machines or computerized 
    microprocessor based machines shall be used. Manual or Semi Automatic CNC machines are not allowed. Butt Fusion requirements Butt Fusion jointing shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 11413. Testing of such joints shall be in accordance with ISO 13953. Joints: When PE pipes are assembled to each other or components, joints shall be in accordance with ISO 4427: 2007. HDPE Pipes (PE 100) may be required to be joined by butt fusion (100 mm Ø or above) or using electro fusion fitting mixing different pipe material, the joint should conform to the requirement specified in the relevant code. Only pipes and fittings of the same material type, size and rating shall be butt welded, e.g. PE 100 pipes should not currently be welded to PE 80 pipes; PN 12.5 pipe should not be welded to PN 10 pipe or fitting.  
    The most widely used method for joining individual lengths of PE pipe and PE fittings is by heat fusion of the pipe butt ends. Quality butt fusion joints may be produced by using trained operators and quality butt fusion machines in good condition. Anyway fusion and other standard practices like mechanical fittings (compression fittings, flanged joints etc.) as appropriate are to be followed depending on each joining situation the Contractor may encounter. Care should be taken to ensure that all pipe jointing is adopted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Fittings: The Contractor may use following three types of fittings made from polyethylene (PE) for piping systems as per ISO 4427-3: 2007. ï‚·   Spigot Fittings: Spigot fittings are injection moulded fittings and / or fitting which are assembled using butt fusion joints. The dimensions of spigot fittings up to and including nominal size 63 shall conform to the requirements of ISO Standards; ï‚·   Electro-fusion Fittings: Electro-fusion fittings shall be injection moulded fittings made of PE but incorporating integral heating element(s) to enable fusion with PE pipes. Installation shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 11414; ï‚·  Mechanical Joints and Fittings: The materials and constituent elements used in making the fitting (including elastomers, greases and any metal parts) shall be as resistant to the external and internal environments as the other elements of the piping system and shall have a life expectancy under the following conditions as least equal to that of the PE pipe conforming to ISO Standard.  
    The requirements for the level of material performance for non-polyethylene parts shall be at least as stringent as that of the PE pipe systems. All mechanical joints and fittings shall be of approved types designed specifically for PE pipe system and shall conform to the requirements specified in the following table. The fittings shall be supplied with all necessary coupling rings, nuts, bolts, washers, rubber rings / sealing gaskets and  restrainers / stiffeners.  

    You can visit Bangladesh to see this success project.

    Best regards

    Dr.J.T.A.Chowdhury 

  20. Having looked at many systems across the world, I have seen many successes and even a few disasters. Obviously there are aspects which relate to the size of the system and the larger the pipes get then the more complex the solution. I have seen steel, cast iron, ductile iron, galvanized iron/steel, uPVC, concrete, fiberglass, MDPE and HDPE (and even brick gravity aqueducts).

    For the larger pipelines ductile iron is preferred as it has the durability of cast iron with some of the flexibility of steel. Never use steel unless it is very well protected both inside and out.

    The UK went to MDPE for distribution systems many years ago but the world-wide preference has been for HDPE. uPVC can present problems if there are sudden pressure changes whereas PE is more able to withstand such conditions and is easier to use on-site. In Russia, I found a supplier making fiberglass distribution pipes which required the system be taken down for 24 hours whilst a simple connection was made. PE can be connected to under pressure with no shutdown.

  21. The material to be used in a drinking water networks depends on its operating conditions and its environment.

    If now you are using concrete pipes, I guess it is a large diameter adduction and gravity working. The concrete pipes can not stand the pressure, although with a steel liner these pipe could be used. Under these conditions, probabily you could use too a PVC double wall corrugated.

    If the current application operates under pressure, more appropriate materials may be a reinforced fiberglass polyester, PVC-O, high density polyethylene or casting. They are ordered from lowest to highest lifecycle, and costs. They are not equivalent: in very aggressive soils can better be a plastic, while with high traffic loads, varying flow conditions or high pressures is better casting. Also depending on the diameter of the pipe there may be variations in costs for the same material, both the price of the tube as the tools required for installation. By the other hand, presence a lot of conections can do dificult the use of polyester pipes.

    You should tell us some more data to help you better.

  22. The best material does depend on a number of factors, including pressure, size and ground conditions. The issue with the use of concrete pipes for treated water is the potential for leaching from the pips causing elevated ph and potentially reduced disinfection efficiency. I would support the use of MDPE, HDPE, PVC, ductile iron, or GRP, as I said depending on size, pressure and of course avilability of the products.

  23. Dear Imbayyah,

    Countries that are members of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) may choose to adopt the ISO framework as a minimum standard set for plumbing products and materials. WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality should be used as reference in decisions concerning health-related matters. Several national and international standards and certifying organizations utilize and expand upon those basic principles by identifying specific products that comply. All pipes, valves, taps and other fittings used for the supply of drinking-water or the removal of wastewater must not contain harmful substances above the specified amount that could leach into the water. Lead, cadmium and arsenic are examples of many possible contaminants that could be present. The pipes, valves, taps and other fittings must be capable of conveying water at a nominated pressure within a prescribed environment, and must be of sufficient strength to contain anticipated internal pressures.

    Metallic and non-metallic materials used in pipework

    There are two families of materials available for water pipework systems: metallic and non-metallic materials.

    Metallic - for drinking-water supply piping are galvanized steel or iron, copper, Metal alloys

    Non Metallic -polybutylene, unplasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) and polyethylene (PE). PVC is good but can crack if there is any shifting/heaving or physical impact. PVC is also cheap.

      Concrete products - For main header(raw water before treatments) unless high production volumes are anticipated, it is often more economical to import such items. Concrete should not be approved for kitchen or food preparation sinks or benches . Environmental Impact of a concrete pipeline on water supply after some years will be unsustainability of water to the environment.

    Regards,

    Prem Baboo

  24. Hello

    Depending on the type of work you elaborate more

     

     

     

     

  25. I think HDPE pipe is good option. However it depends upon the situation, As you mentioned the weather is dry, Concrete can also perform well in certain conditions..

  26. Depends on volume of water used and also the nature of water. Mostly recommended are UPVC called as unplasticized PVC or for larger volumes and long run, HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) black pipes, which have better environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) and UV stability.

  27. The best available pipe material to be used for water supply network is Unplasticised polyvinylchloride (PVC-U or uPVC) because of its durability, can withstand ultraviolet, inexpensive, has good flow characteristics, has chemical resistance and easy to handle. Environmental Impact of a concrete pipeline on water supply after some years will be unsustainability of water to the environment.

  29. Dear Imbayyah,

    The piping solution will of course depend on the network spécifications (size, nominal pressure, flow rate, design, etc.) and the availability of solutions. In terms of environmental impact and long-term reliability, plastic materials should be favoured.

    To answer your question, the best material for water supply is without any doubt bi-oriented PVC, or PVC-O, also called OPVC. The production of PVC-O pipes consists in a 2-step (extrusion and orientiation) process of classical PVC-U resin. This kind of technology is widely used in Australia, North-America, The Netherlands and France amongst others.

    Please let me know if you need more information. You can also check this link:

    http://www.sotra-seperef.com/en/produits/pressure/BIOROC_EN/     

    Best regards,

    Hervé