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Key Comparisons of Water Supply Pipe Materials
| Type of Pipe | Key Characteristics | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE Pipes | – Resistant to corrosion and chemicals – Flexible and lightweight- Long lifespan (up to 50 years) – Suitable for cold and hot water supply (with reinforcement) – Environmentally friendly – Working temperature range: -40°C to 60°C – Pressure rating: up to 16 bar | – Quick and easy installation – Low maintenance – Safe for drinking water – Can handle high pressure (up to 16 atmospheres) – Excellent impact resistance – Resistant to biofouling – Cost-effective | – Significant linear elongation (0.2 mm/m°C) – Requires reinforcement for heating networks – Vulnerable to mechanical impact without protective measures |
| Polypropylene Pipes | – High rigidity – Excellent tightness of welded seams- Affordable – Service life: up to 50 years for liquids up to 75°C- Density: 0.91 g/cm³ | – Quick installation – Does not affect water composition – Long lifespan (up to 50 years) – Lightweight and easy to handle | – Significant linear expansion (0.15 mm/m°C) – Vulnerable to UV radiation – Deforms at high temperatures |
| Metal-Plastic Pipes | – Combination of plastic and metal – Color-coded for temperature (blue for cold, white for hot) – Supplied in coils – Service life: up to 25 years – Operating temperature: up to 95°C- Pressure rating: up to 10 bar | – Moderate weight – Good thermal conductivity – Flexible – Reduced risk of scale build-up | – Deforms with temperature changes – Low fitting tightness – High maintenance costs |
| PVC Pipes | – Wide range of pipes and fittings – Uses standard seals for joints – No welding required – Operating temperature: up to 60°C – Pressure rating: up to 10 bar | – Resistant to temperature changes – Reliable connections – Easy to replace and upgrade – Cost-effective – Lightweight | – Vulnerable to impact – Not suitable for hot water applications |
| Steel Pipes | – Heavy – Requires welding – High installation skill required – Service life: up to 25 years – Operating pressure: up to 25 bar | – Strong – Excellent thermal conductivity – Handles high pressure – High mechanical strength | – Corrosion prone – Requires regular maintenance – Affects water composition – Needs support structures- Heavy |
| Galvanized Steel Pipes | – Uses threaded connections – High mechanical resistance – High performance – Service life: up to 50 years – Operating pressure: up to 25 bar | – Good heat dissipation – Corrosion-resistant – Durable – High mechanical strength | – Expensive – Heavy – High joint tightness required – Difficult to install |
| Copper Pipes | – Aesthetic appeal – No painting needed – Installed by gas welding – Service life: up to 50 years – Operating temperature: up to 200°C | – Corrosion-resistant – Long lifespan – Aesthetic appeal – Good thermal conductivity – Biostatic properties prevent microbial growth | – Expensive – Vulnerable to mechanical impact – Difficult to form tight connections – Oxide film reduces aesthetics |
