Two main types of pipes are Galvanised-iron (GI) pipes and unplasticised Poly-vinyl chloride (UPVC) pipes.
If the quality of water running through the pipe is good, and the pipes are buried GI pipes are excellent. These pipes are available in three grades, viz., A, B and C. Class C is the pipe meant for heavy duty and is cosliest of all. Grade B pipes are generally used for water supply in buildings. In order to identify the type of pipes different colours are used, viz., yellow for grade A, blue for grade B and red for grade C.
UPVC pipes are now-a-days preferred for water supply in buildings. They do not function well when exposed to sunlight. Further the coefficient of expansion of UPVC pipes is about eight times greater than that of GI pipes. UPVC pipes require supports at closer intervals.
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