D-1 Install Pipe and Tubing Introduction
This section introduces the fundamental concepts and materials used in piping and tubing systems. You will learn key terminology and how to identify different types of pipe and tube, along with their distinct qualities, advantages, and limitations. Building on this foundation, the section explores a range of commonly used materials—including copper, cast iron, carbon and stainless steel, brass, thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, glass (Pyrex), and specialty materials—highlighting their properties and typical applications. By the end of this section, you will have the knowledge needed to recognize, compare, and select appropriate piping and tubing for a variety of practical situations.
Learning Objectives
After completing this section, you will be able to:
- Define pipe and tube terminology.
- Identify types of pipe and tube.
- Describe piping and tubing qualities, advantages and disadvantages.
- Describe piping and tubing materials:
▸ Copper
▸ Cast iron
▸ Carbon and stainless steel
▸ Brass
▸ Thermoplastics
▸ Thermoset plastic
▸ Pyrex/glass
▸ Specialty piping materials - Describe the methods of pipe manufacture for:
- Carbon and stainless steel
- Cast iron pipe
- Copper pipe and tubing
- Thermoplastic pipe and tubing
- Identify the types and colour markings on copper tubing.
- Define the term “temper” as applied to copper tubing.
- Know the three methods used to manufacture cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing.
- Identify hangers and supports.
- Identify pipe support anchors and expansion inserts.
- Select and install hangers and supports.
- Identify and select sway bracing, spring, and variable supports.
- Explain the purpose of seismic restraint.
- Identify seismic restraint components.
- Install seismic piping and equipment components, including cable brace attachments.
- Identify the factors leading to piping damage:
- Corrosion
- Frost
- Ultraviolet
- Physical
- Apply methods used to protect piping during transportation, storage, installation, and use, including:
- Installing pipe in a heated structure
- Installing pipe below the frost line
- Insulating pipe
- Utilizing heat trace
- Winterizing and drainin
- Constant circulation
- Inspect pipe and tubing before installation to locate potential defects.
- Determine environmental effects.
- Apply inspection techniques, including sounding of cast iron pipe and fittings.
- Interpret markings on pipe and tubing and check against specifications.
- Inspect pipe and tubing before installation to locate potential defects.
- Determine environmental effects.
- Apply inspection techniques, including sounding of cast iron pipe and fittings.
- Interpret markings and check against specifications.
- Identify and apply hazard safety procedures and tools used when installing and assembling pipe and tube (refer to Lines A and B).
- Visually identify and name the various pipe and tube jointing methods.
- Identify and apply the procedures for jointing various types of pipe and tube.
- Identify the correct jointing procedures for specific piping and tubing applications.
- Identify and apply measuring procedures, including inside and outside diameters and lengths.
- Calculate measurements and offsets, applying fitting allowances.
Topic areas covered in this publication are in alignment with SkilledTradesBC Harmonized 2018 Program Outlines.
Resources
- You may be required to reference publications and videos available online at the WorkSafeBC website.
- You may wish to have the IPT’s Pipe Trades Training Manual available as it is referred to throughout this section. This resource may also be useful to keep and refer to throughout your apprenticeship and into your career in the trades.
Terminology
The following terms may be used throughout this section. Note that some glossary terms may be in italics throughout the section content but are not included in this list. A complete list of terms can be found in the Glossary.
- ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene): A strong, lightweight plastic used to make pipes and fittings, especially for drainage, waste, and vent systems. (Section D-1.2)
- annealed temper: A soft and flexible type of copper tubing made by heating the metal and slowly cooling it. (Section D-1.2)
- anode: A metal through which current flows. (In an electrochemical reaction, the anode is the metal that corrodes.) (Section D-1.4)
- armour conduit: A protective tube or covering placed around piping or tubing to shield it from damage, such as impacts, abrasion, or punctures. (Section D-1.6)
- authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ): Organizations or officials (such as inspectors) who enforce codes and regulations and approve whether work meets required standards. (Section D-1.1)
- billet: A solid piece of metal that is heated and shaped into pipe or tubing. (Section D-1.2)
- cathode: A metal from which current flows. (Section D-1.4)
- cathodic protection: A method used to prevent corrosion by making a metal act as a cathode in an electrical process. (Section D-1.4)
- cavitation: The formation of air bubbles in a liquid that can damage pipes. (Section D-1.5)
- centrifugal casting process: A method of making pipe by pouring molten metal into a spinning mould so it spreads evenly along the inside surface. (Section D-1.2)
- corrosion: The gradual destruction of material, usually metals, by chemical reaction with its environment. (Section D-1.4)
- corrugated Stainless-Steel Tubing (CSST): A flexible metal pipe used to carry natural gas or propane, designed with ridges so it can bend easily during installation. (Section D-1.6)
- crossover method: A way of tightening bolts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure and a proper seal. (Section D-1.6)
- deburring: The process of removing rough edges from a cut pipe. (Section D-1.5)
- drawn temper: A hard and strong type of copper tubing made by pulling the metal through a die without heating it. (Section D-1.2)
- DWV (drainage, waste, and vent): Pipes and fittings used to remove wastewater and allow air to flow in plumbing systems so drains work properly. (Section D-1.1)
- electrochemical reaction: A reaction caused or accompanied by the flow of electricity and the transfer of electrons between substances. (Section D-1.4)
- ERW (electric resistance weld): A method of making pipe by heating and welding the edges of steel together using electricity. (Section D-1.2)
- expansion anchors (quick-bolts): Fasteners that expand inside a hole to hold objects securely in place. (Section D-1.3)
- extrusion: A process where heated material is pushed through a shaped opening to form pipe. (Section D-1.2)
- friction loss: The reduction of pressure in a pipe due to resistance as fluid flows. (Section D-1.5)
- hose: Portable and flexible pipe made from flexible material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubbers, plastics and composites with metal reinforcing. (Section D-1.1)
- interference fit: A tight connection where a pipe is pressed into a fitting so the surfaces bond together, often using solvent cement that softens the material and allows it to fuse. (Section D-1.1)
- IPS (iron pipe size): Used to identify standard dimensions of a carbon steel pipe which is often referred to as “iron pipe.” (Section D-1.1)
- mandrel: A tool placed inside a pipe during manufacturing to shape and size it. (Section D-1.2)
- mechanical joint (zip coupling): A pipe connection that uses a clamp and gasket tightened with bolts or screws to create a seal. (Section D-1.6)
- NPS (nominal pipe size): This is the approximate inside diameter. (Section D-1.1)
- NPT (national pipe thread): May be referred to as MPT (male pipe thread) for external threads, and FPT (female pipe thread) for internal threads. (Note that FPT and MPT are not authorized designations according to the ANSI standard.) (Section D-1.1)
- o-rings: Round rubber seals placed between pipe parts to prevent leaks. (Section D-1.6)
- out-of-round: When a pipe is no longer perfectly circular in shape. (Section D-1.5)
- PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): A flexible plastic pipe made stronger by a chemical bonding process. (Section D-1.2)
- polyethylene (PE): A type of plastic commonly used to make flexible and durable pipes. (Section D-1.2)
- potable water: Water safe for human consumption. (Section D-1.1)
- pipe: Pipe is generally specified by a nominal inside diameter with a constant outside diameter (OD) and a schedule rating that defines its thickness. Pipe is generally manufactured to one of several international and national industrial standards. In general, “pipe” is the more common term in most of the world, whereas “tube” is more widely used in the United States. (Section D-1.1)
- pipe anchors: Devices used to hold pipes firmly in place and prevent movement. (Section D-1.3)
- print-line: The line of markings printed on a pipe that identifies its size, type, approvals, etc. (Section D-1.1)
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride): A strong plastic material used to make pipes for water and drainage systems. (Section D-1.2)
- reaming: The process of smoothing the inside edge of a pipe after cutting. (Section D-1.5)
- rod hanger: A threaded metal support used to hang pipes from a structure; other common names: hang-up anchors, Sammy super screws, vertigo anchors, hanger mates, and titan anchors. (Section D-1.3)
- sacrificial anode: A metal that is designed to corrode instead of another metal to protect it. (Section D-1.4)
- SDR (standard dimension ratio): A number that compares a pipe’s outside diameter to its wall thickness to show how strong it is and how much pressure it can handle. (Section D-1.1)
- SDR number: SDR number is determined by dividing the outside diameter of the tube or pipe by its minimum wall thickness. (Section D-1.1)
- seamless (SMLS) steel pipe: A type of steel pipe made from a solid piece of metal with no welded seams, making it strong and able to handle high pressure. (Section D-1.2)
- seismic restraint: A system used to keep pipes and equipment secure during an earthquake. (Section D-1.3)
- standard: A body of rules or principles established and agreed upon as valid and fundamental in a certain field or industry. (Section D-1.1)
- stray current: Electrical current that flows along unintended paths and can cause corrosion in pipes and metal components. (Section D-1.4)
- sway brace: A support that prevents pipes from moving side to side. (Section D-1.3)
- thermal expansion: The increase in size of a material when it is heated. (Section D-1.3)
- thermoplastic: A plastic capable of softening or fusing when heated and which hardens once cooled. Can be reheated and melted. Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are examples of a thermoplastic. (Section D-1.1)
- thermo-set: A plastic capable of becoming permanently rigid when heated or cured. It cannot be reheated and re-melted. Fibreglass pipe is an example of a thermo-set plastic pipe. (Section D-1.1)
- torque wrench: A tool used to tighten bolts or nuts to a specific amount of force to ensure a proper and secure connection. (Section D-1.6)
- tube: Most often specified by the outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness, but may be specified by any two of OD, inside diameter (ID), and wall thickness. Although standards exist for tube, it’s often made to custom sizes and a broad range of diameters and tolerances. (Section D-1.1)
- water hammer (hydraulic shock): A pressure surge or high-pressure shockwave that occurs when water in motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly. It produces a distinct banging or hammering sound, caused by the shockwave traveling back through the pipe. This effect can damage pipes, joints, and appliances. (Section D-1.3)
