Piping Materials
Plumbing Systems
CNST 305
Environmental Systems 1
Dr. Berryman
1b
Introduction – Materials
Chapter 1, 3;
Appendix D (Wentz)
and 7.4.1 - 7.4.3
(Tao)
4.39 Building Codes and Standards
(2 hrs); 4.44 Notes and
specifications, reference
conventions (1 hrs)
Material Selection Criteria
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Corrosiveness
Temperature
Pressure
Material allowed by code
Availability
Cost of material/installation
Miscellaneous
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
Noise
Combustion
Steel (carbon) Pipe
Types
Black
Galvanized
Cast
Connections
Iron
Tapered
Thread or Threaded*
Flanged
Grooved
Welded
Sizes/Weight
Schedule
40*, 80, 120
Nominal I.D. used for measure (ie ¾”
= .82 inches; O.D. = 1.0 inches)
Cast iron – SV* and XH
Fittings
Elbow, couplings, union, wye, street L,
reducer, dielectric, 90o L, etc.
*most commonly used
Cast Iron
Copper (nonferrous)
Tempered hard or soft
Types

Connections
Soldered
(sweated)*
Flanged
Compression
Sizes/Weight
K
– heaviest with green stripe
L – medium weight w/ blue stripe
M – lightest w/ red strip*
DWV – yellow stripe (non pressure)
 Measured O.D.
Fittings
Elbow, couplings, street L, reducer,
dielectric, 90o L, Tees, etc.
*most commonly used
Plastics (polymers)
ABS, CPVC*, PB, PE, PP, PVC*, PVDF,
Fiberglass
Types

Connections
Solvent
Sizes/Weight

Fittings
Elbow, couplings, street L, reducer,
dielectric, 90o L, Tees, etc.
weld*
Flanged (plastic)
Compression
Schedule 40*, 80 or 200 psi
Stone-Based
Types
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Concrete
Clay
Glass
Connections
Compression
(neoprene gasket or O-
Sizes/Weight

Fittings
Elbow, reducers, couplings, hub and
spigot, etc.
ring)
Concrete grout
Diameters (ie up to 144” for concrete)
Valves
Butterfly
 Check
 Gate
 Globe
 Ball
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Terminology

Riser
• Vertical water supply piping supplying more one
floor or more

Stack
• Vertical DWV piping (exceptions vertical fixtures and
vented stacks…ie stack vents, vent stacks)

Branch
• Horizontal piping (water and DWV) for plumbing
other than a riser, main or stack

Main
• Principal pipe supply for connecting branches
Terminology (cont.)
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Vent Lines
Soil Lines
Traps
Air Gap/Break
• Prevents back sophoning
• Flush valves have air breaks

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Flushometers (flush valves)
Sump
• A tank or pit that receives liquid wastes

Grey water
Terminology (cont.)
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Potable Water
Water Service
• From water main

Water Distribution Service
• Water piping within the building to point of usage

Water Supply System
• All water pipes, fittings, control valves, etc. within
and adjacent to building
Next Time

Waste Water Disposal and Storm
Drainage
• Chapter 4, 7; Appendix A (Wentz) and 8.6 -8.7
(Toa)