Tranmision Lines Carry the water from the source to the storage areas. They are generally the most expensive because they are the largest and thickest pipes in the water delivery system. The closer the storage tanks are to the source the lower the cost will be.

Distribution Pipes deliver the water to the end user. The minimum diameter is 2 inches but lines which service fire hydrants must be at least 6 inches. To protect the water from contamination, the potable water pipe should be at least 10 feet from sewer pipes and in separate trenches.

Iron Pipe Is still in use today. It does require special fitting. It was used as a lower cost alternative to copper until the development of PEX

Wooden Pipes where common in Boston and Monreal in the 1800’s. They where hollowed out logs. The pipes where sealed together with animal fat. They where also used as a substitute material during WWII

Lead Pipe’s where a favorite materials for centuries due to the malleability. For years this was a source of lead related health problems including still births and high rates of infant mortality. They remain in many households.

PEX is a cross-linked polyethylene. The material is more durable under chemical exposure, extreme temperature changes, and better resists creep deformation, therfore PEX is an excellent material for hot water and other applications.

Copper Pipes are widely used for potable water plumbing because of their corrosion resistance and safety. Plumbers who can install and repair copper are common. They are easy to work with because of it’s malleability and fittings are easily soldered. Copper pipe has sometimes failed due to pinhole leaks a company called CuraFlo has made exceptional strides in rehabilitating copper pipe.

Galvanized Galvanizing is done by the application of molten zinc to pre-formed steel pipes to provide a corrosion resistant coating. Many galvanized pipes in old buildings were manufactured using zinc that probably contained high levels of lead, which is a common impurity in the zinc. It was not until 1986 that the Wheatland Tube Company became the first galvanized pipe manufacturer to be certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for its hot dip galvanized pipe. Galvanized pipes are still common in older homes and many commercial buildings. Galvanized pipes will corrode over time.