Why should steel pipes be preferred in water installation?

There are millions of kilometres of pipelines used in drinking water installations worldwide. These pipelines must provide corrosion resistance to the water itself, soil chemistry and treatment chemicals to ensure both hygienic transmission of drinking water quality water and a long service life.

Why is steel water pipe preferred in water installations among water pipe types?

Steel water pipe is known for its excellent corrosion resistance property. These pipes are significantly more resistant to oxidation by water and biocides than carbon steel, cast or flexible iron. These properties provide a longer life for pipelines. In addition to corrosion resistance, corrosion protection is also very important. Steel water pipe does not require internal and external coating feature or cathodic protection. In this way, it is possible to reduce the cost and make stainless steels more compatible with the environment.

Steel water pipe is hygienic, due to their very high passive film stability, these pipes are basically inert in water. The leaching of alloying elements is within safe limits. As a result, they provide a better quality drinking water. The coefficient of friction is another factor in favouring these pipes. It provides the opportunity to minimise and save costs for water pipe diameters. It also minimises sediment adhesion and bacterial colonisation. These pipes are tolerant to high flow rates. Good strength and flexibility is also an important consideration when choosing a water pipe, especially duplex materials have higher mechanical properties compared to pipes such as carbon steel and cast iron water pipes. Flexibility can also be important for safety in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake. Steel pipes, with their good flexibility, allow easy installation and replacement of pipelines as they are easy to form, machine and weld. 

The increase in water treatment costs is also very effective on steel water pipe prices. With high corrosion resistance and easy welding in steel water pipes, water leaks can be greatly reduced, this reduction can be reduced from 25% to less than 5%, which provides further savings in terms of water pipe cost. In addition, although the prices of steel water pipes are high, steel pipes are cost-effective for long-term use because they are resistant to cavitation and corrosion and do not cause environmental pollution.