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Requirements of a good pipe material

Short answer

Good pipe material must withstand internal pressure and external loads, resist corrosion, have a smooth interior for low friction, be safe for water, and provide easy, watertight joining. Selection considers pressure, diameter, soil, water quality, terrain, cost, and local availability.

What are the requirements of a good pipe material? (What are the selection criteria of pipe materials in water supply system?)

A pipe material for water supply should satisfy the following requirements.

  1. Strength: withstands internal pressure, water hammer and external loads (soil, traffic).
  2. Durability: long life, resistant to corrosion, chemical attack from soil and water, and to abrasion.
  3. Smooth interior: high Hazen-Williams C value, low friction loss, and no growth of deposits.
  4. Safe for water: no taste, colour, toxic or bacterial effect on the water carried.
  5. Easy joints: watertight, flexible and quick to make.
  6. Light and easy to handle and transport; available in many sizes and lengths.
  7. Low cost, including laying and maintenance, and locally available.
  8. Easy to repair, to tap for connections, and to extend later.

Selection criteria in a water supply scheme

  • Pressure and head: the working pressure and the surge pressure decide the class (wall thickness) of pipe. Steel or DI is used for high pressure; PVC/HDPE for medium pressure.
  • Water quality and soil: aggressive soil or water favours plastic or lined pipes.
  • Diameter and flow: large diameters suit DI, steel or concrete; small diameters suit GI, PE, PVC or PPR.
  • Terrain: light flexible pipes (HDPE) suit hilly and landslide-prone ground; exposed crossings need GI or steel.
  • Cost, availability and skill for laying and repairs; life of the scheme.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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