Dear Imbayyah, Countries ...

Dear Imbayyah,

Countries that are members of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) may choose to adopt the ISO framework as a minimum standard set for plumbing products and materials. WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality should be used as reference in decisions concerning health-related matters. Several national and international standards and certifying organizations utilize and expand upon those basic principles by identifying specific products that comply. All pipes, valves, taps and other fittings used for the supply of drinking-water or the removal of wastewater must not contain harmful substances above the specified amount that could leach into the water. Lead, cadmium and arsenic are examples of many possible contaminants that could be present. The pipes, valves, taps and other fittings must be capable of conveying water at a nominated pressure within a prescribed environment, and must be of sufficient strength to contain anticipated internal pressures.

Metallic and non-metallic materials used in pipework

There are two families of materials available for water pipework systems: metallic and non-metallic materials.

Metallic - for drinking-water supply piping are galvanized steel or iron, copper, Metal alloys

Non Metallic -polybutylene, unplasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) and polyethylene (PE). PVC is good but can crack if there is any shifting/heaving or physical impact. PVC is also cheap.

  Concrete products - For main header(raw water before treatments) unless high production volumes are anticipated, it is often more economical to import such items. Concrete should not be approved for kitchen or food preparation sinks or benches . Environmental Impact of a concrete pipeline on water supply after some years will be unsustainability of water to the environment.

Regards,

Prem Baboo