Water Distribution Pipes - Materials

Materials used in water distribution pipes for potable water delivery inside buildings. Includes common piping materials and their corresponding U.S. standards.

Water Distribution Pipes - Materials

A water-distribution pipe is located inside a building and delivers potable water to the fixtures. The supply system delivering water from the potable source to the building is the water service pipe.

Overview

The water distribution system includes normally both hot and cold water. The temperature range limits the materials allowed.

Standard Operating Conditions:

  • Minimum working pressure: ~100 psi (7 bar)
  • Temperature rating: 180 °F (80 °C)

If the water-service pressure to the building exceeds the rated water-distribution pressure, a pressure-reducing valve must be installed.

Commonly Used Materials

  • Copper tube
  • Galvanized steel pipe
  • PB (polybutene)
  • PEX (cross-linked Polyethylene)
Piping MaterialUS Standards
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe and tubingASTM D2846; ASTM F441; ASTM F442; CSA B137.6
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride/aluminum/chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC/AL/CPVC)ASTM F2855
Copper or copper-alloy pipeASTM B42; ASTM B302; ASTM B43
Copper or copper-alloy tubing (Type K, WK, L, WL, M or WM)ASTM B75; ASTM B88; ASTM B251; ASTM B447
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubingASTM F876; CSA B137.5
Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipeASTM F1281; ASTM F2262; CSA B137.10
Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/high-density polyethylene (PEX-AL-HDPE)ASTM F1986
Ductile iron pipeAWWA C151/A21.51; AWWA C115/A21.15
Galvanized steel pipeASTM A53
Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) composite pipeASTM F1282
Polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) plastic tubingASTM F2769; CSA B137.158
Polypropylene (PP) plastic pipe or tubingASTM F2389; CSA B137.11
Stainless steel pipe (Type 304/304L)ASTM A312; ASTM A778
Stainless steel pipe (Type 316/316L)ASTM A312; ASTM A778
Calculator

Inputs

Results

Pipe Volume-- gallons
Estimated Max Flow Rate-- GPM
Temperature Status--
Pressure Status--