Water Pipes

What Are Water Pipes?

Water pipes are pressure-rated pipelines designed to carry cold and hot water from the source to end-users. Depending on the project, they may be designed as underground water pipes, above-ground water lines, potable water pipes or industrial process water pipes.

Materials such as carbon steel water pipes, cold rolled steel pipes, galvanized pipes for water, stainless steel water pipes, PVC, CPVC, PEX and copper are selected according to:

• Working pressure and temperature of the water pipeline
• Water quality (potable, industrial, seawater, demineralized)
• Installation method (buried, tunnel, pipe rack, shaft, shaft-less)
• Required service life and maintenance strategy

HL Metal supports complete water pipe systems with carbon steel and stainless options, combined with cold rolled steel pipes for thin wall, high-precision water lines and galvanized tubes for outdoor networks and fire water rings.

Water Pipes – Technical Specifications by Material

The table below summarises the main water pipe specifications for different materials, including diameter range, pressure rating, working temperature, standards and typical applications.

*Pressure ratings are indicative. Final design must be confirmed according to relevant standards, project specifications, flowing media, temperature and safety factors.

Types of Water Pipes

Water pipe systems are classified according to material, intended use and installation method. HL Metal focuses on high-quality steel-based solutions and integrates them with cold rolled steel pipes , galvanized tubes and stainless steel pipes .

1. Steel Water Pipes

Steel water pipes are known for high strength, durability and the ability to handle high pressure. They are often used in:

• Large-diameter municipal water pipelines
• Irrigation projects and agricultural water supply
• Industrial cooling and process water systems

Both hot-rolled industrial pipes and cold rolled steel water pipes can be used, depending on wall thickness, diameter and required tolerance.

2. Stainless Steel Water Pipes

Stainless steel water pipes offer excellent corrosion resistance and hygiene, making them ideal for:

• Potable water pipes and drinking water distribution
• Food, beverage and pharmaceutical water systems
• Marine and chemical plant water lines

Common grades include 304, 316 and 316L. Learn more on our stainless steel pipes page .

3. Galvanized Water Pipes

Galvanized water pipes are carbon steel pipes coated with zinc to minimise rust and corrosion. They are suitable for:

• Cold water pipes in buildings and industrial facilities
• Outdoor water pipes exposed to weather
• Irrigation and sprinkler networks

See our galvanized tubes product page for more information.

4. PVC & Plastic Water Pipes

PVC, CPVC and PEX are widely used as plastic water pipes due to their flexibility, light weight and corrosion resistance, especially for underground water pipes and domestic plumbing.

5. Copper Water Pipes

Copper water pipes have been a standard choice for hot and cold water in buildings thanks to their corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties, especially in hospitals and residential projects.

Applications of Water Pipes

Water pipes are used in a wide range of applications, from small-diameter domestic lines to large-diameter water transmission pipelines in cities.

Residential Water Pipes

• Supply lines for kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor taps
• Potable water pipes for safe drinking water
• Hot and cold water pipes for domestic use

Industrial Water Pipes

• Process water supply in factories and refineries
• Cooling systems in manufacturing plants and power stations
• High-pressure industrial water pipes and ring mains

Commercial Water Pipes

• Plumbing networks for office buildings and shopping malls
• Hospital and laboratory water distribution systems
• Firefighting and sprinkler water supply

Municipal Water Pipelines

• Transmission lines from treatment plants to storage reservoirs
• Distribution networks and underground water pipes in urban areas
• District water supply pipes for towns and villages

Agricultural Water Pipes

• Irrigation systems and drip irrigation mains
• Livestock water supply and trough networks
• Rural water pipelines in agricultural regions

For mixed projects combining water pipes with structural steel and pipe supports, you can also refer to our industrial pipes and cold rolled steel pipe product families.

Key Features of Quality Water Pipes

When selecting water pipelines, it is critical to evaluate the following features to ensure performance, safety and long service life:

• Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel, galvanized steel and PVC water pipes provide excellent resistance against rust and aggressive water chemistry.
• Pressure rating: High-pressure steel water pipes and industrial water pipes can safely handle elevated pressures in process and fire systems.
• Temperature resistance: Hot water pipes and district heating lines require materials like carbon steel, stainless steel or copper.
• Hygienic standards: Drinking water pipes must comply with international health regulations and avoid contamination.
• Durability: The pipe system must withstand external loads, soil movement and environmental conditions.

For thin-wall, high-precision lines, cold rolled steel pipes are often preferred; for outdoor networks and fire water loops, galvanized tubes provide an effective solution.

Water Pipe Sizes & Standards

Water pipe sizes are selected based on flow rate, allowable pressure loss and system layout. Typical ranges include:

• Diameter range: 6 mm up to 1,200 mm and above for large mains
• Standard lengths: 6 m or 12 m for steel pipes; 5–6 m for PVC; coils for PEX
• Wall thickness: Determined by pressure class (PN rating) or schedule (Sch 10 – Sch 160)

Common standards used in water pipeline design include ASTM, EN, DIN and ISO specifications for both pipes and fittings. HL Metal supplies steel water pipes in accordance with:

• ASTM A53 / A106 for carbon steel piping
• EN 10216 / EN 10217 for pressure pipes
• API and other project-specific standards upon request

For precision and thin-wall sections, see also our cold rolled steel pipe and tube laser cutting services.

Installation of Water Pipes

Proper water pipe installation is essential for leak-free, long-term performance:

• Site preparation: Ensuring the trench or installation area is properly graded, compacted and free of sharp objects.
• Pipe laying: Aligning and supporting pipes according to the design, respecting minimum bending radii and slope.
• Joining methods: Welding, threading, flanging, grooved couplings or compression fittings depending on the pipe material and standard.
• Testing: Hydrostatic pressure tests and leak tests before commissioning the water pipeline.
• Backfilling: Using suitable backfill materials and compaction to protect underground water pipes.

HL Metal can deliver water pipes cut-to-length and prepared for laser-cut branches, holes and connections , reducing onsite installation time and welding work.

Maintenance & Replacement of Water Pipes

Regular water pipe maintenance helps prevent leaks, corrosion, blockages and unplanned shutdowns:

• Periodic inspections for corrosion, coating damage and mechanical deformation
• Cleaning and flushing to remove sediment and biofilm buildup
• Monitoring for pressure drops and leakage indicators
• Timely replacement of damaged sections or aged pipelines

Water pipe replacement is recommended when:

• The pipe material has significantly degraded or corroded
• Frequent leaks or failures occur
• System upgrades require higher flow capacity or pressure class

When upgrading existing lines, HL Metal can provide new industrial water pipes and cold rolled steel pipe solutions compatible with your current network.

Water Pipe Manufacturers, Suppliers & Price Factors

Selecting a reliable water pipe supplier ensures product quality, compliance with standards and trouble-free installation. Reputable suppliers provide:

• Full range of water pipe types and materials for different applications
• Technical support, sizing and material selection assistance
• Compliance certificates for water pipe specifications and standards
• Competitive water pipe prices for project and bulk orders

Water pipe prices depend on:

• Material type (carbon steel, cold rolled steel, stainless steel, galvanized, plastic, copper)
• Diameter, wall thickness and pressure rating
• Coating or lining (galvanized, epoxy-lined, cement-lined, PE-coated, etc.)
• Order quantity, packaging type and delivery location

A detailed water pipe price list and technical offer from HL Metal can be prepared for each project, integrating: industrial pipes , cold rolled steel pipes , galvanized tubes and stainless steel pipes in a single export-ready package.

Request a Water Pipe Quotation

Water pipelines play a critical role in delivering clean, reliable water to homes, industries and agricultural operations. From heated water lines in residential plumbing to high-pressure industrial water pipes, choosing the right material, pressure class and coating is essential. Partnering with a trusted pipe supplier like HL Metal ensures quality, compliance and long-term value.

HL Metal can supply carbon steel, cold rolled steel, galvanized and stainless steel water pipes with EN 10204 3.1 certificates, custom length cutting, internal/external coating and export-ready packaging. We also offer:

• Cold rolled steel pipe for thin wall distribution lines
• Galvanized tubes for outdoor and fire water networks
• Stainless steel pipes for potable and hygienic water systems
• Custom pipe fabrication and laser cutting of tubes for branch connections and special details