This article is about pipes used to carry water in plumbing. For the smoking device known as a water pipe, see Hookah or bong. For other uses of the word, see pipe.

Water pipes are tubes, frequently made of polyvinyl chloride, Polyethylene or copper, that carry pressurized fresh water to buildings (as part of a municipal water system), as well as through the building.

For many centuries, lead was the favored material for water pipes, due to its malleability (this use was so common that the word "plumbing" derives from the Latin word for lead). This was a source of lead related health problems in the years before the health hazards of ingesting lead were fully understood; among these were stillbirth and high rates of infant mortality. Lead water pipes were still in common use in the early 20th century and remain in many households.

Wooden pipes were used during the colonial era in Boston. The pipes were hollowed out logs. These logs were tapered at the end with a small hole in which the water would pass through. The multiple pipes were then sealed together with hot animal fat.

Pipe v Tube: Pipe is usually rigid and is supplied in straight lengths called joints or sticks compared to tubing, which is usually flexible and supplied in rolls. Water pipe is usually measured by its outside diameter. Pipe in most other industries is usually measured by its inside diameter, while tubing is generally measured by its outside diameter.

See also

• Pipeline transport
• Pipe (material)
• Domestic water system

External links

• Lead Water Pipes and Infant Mortality in Turn-of-the-Century Massachusetts
• Various type of water pipe and pipe fittings with accessories includes many useful information i.e. technical details, design data, how to install, maintain, etc.
• Case Studies in Environmental Medicine - Lead Toxicity
• ToxFAQs™: Lead

Plumbing

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