The Evolution of Pipe

Did you know the first pipes were made of baked clay and straw that date back the Babylonia in 4000BCE? We’ve come a long way since then. As centuries passed, the evolution of pipe began. The Egyptians were the first to create copper alloys for their piping systems that connected to the Nile River. The Greeks were the first to master hot and cold running water and invented the shower after their Olympic games. Unfortunately, their piping evolution halted after the fall of the Roman and Greek empires.

The first piping system in America wasn’t invented until the 1600s in Boston. Flushable toilets didn’t make an appearance until a century later. During the 1800s, wood was a popular choice for piping materials. The pipelines consisted of two logs banded together with a hollowed center. In New York 1830, the first watermain was installed underground. Three years later, the White House got running water on the first floor, which was made of iron pipe.

Along with cast iron, Orangeburg pipe was a popular choice from the 1940s-1970s. It was a fibrous pipe made from wood and sealed with a water-resistance adhesive. Orangeburg pipe was then completely switched out with cast iron due to its short life expectancy.

Copper piping was also introduced in the 1940s and has grown to account for 90% of indoor water piping. Copper was found to be more corrosion resistant compared to cast iron pipes and easier to install.

Ductile iron pipe then replaced cast iron in the 1950s, being a more suitable alternative. A decade later PVC was introduced into the market after finally being developed into a reliable option for piping since its creation stemming back to the late 1800s.

Stainless steel was originally favored to make tools due to its durability and wasn’t used for piping until the 1980s. It’s now a popular choice for underwater oil lines and chemical plants due to its high corrosion resistance. This is why PipingNow.com proudly offers stainless steel. It is durable, shock resistant, ideal for high and low temperatures, and has high strength. We offer 304L & 316L stainless options in both welded and seamless options.

Welded pipe is a great choice for low pressure applications, especially in plumbing. Welded pipe is made from two pieces of steel that are joined together. This makes it easier to repair if the pipe becomes damaged. Some benefits of choosing welded pipe include the price point and its versatility of being shaped in different configurations.

Seamless pipe is ideal for higher pressure systems and is less susceptible to corrosion. Seamless pipe is made from a single piece of steel that is molded into the desired shape. No welding is required, which makes the pipe leakproof. It’s best for power plants and other industrial settings where oil and gas are being used.

No matter your requirements PipingNow has the piping products you need and at a price you’ll love. If you’re unsure which pipe is best for you, contact our PipingNow experts by calling 833-290-3800 or by emailing us at info@pipingnow.com.