Over the past several decades, urban planning in Watertown (and throughout NY) has been facing new challenges on a virtually daily basis. Water distribution, as one of the most important services, finds itself in a uniquely peculiar situation.

As the demands of the modern municipalities increase, engineers and builders must find new ways to make water delivery infrastructure increasingly efficient, while simultaneously keeping it more reliable and sustainable.

The solution presented itself in the form of high-quality water main tools Watertown distributors provide, with pipes and various other elements of the water grid being constructed from contemporary materials.

Today, we’ll be exploring some of these components, focusing specifically on water mains as integral and indispensable elements of urban infrastructure.

What should I use for main water line?

Your choice of pipe materials is a critical decision that can have far-reaching implications. As such, it should be approached from multiple perspectives, considering factors such as:

• Specific requirements of the project;
• Local environmental conditions;
• Current industry standards;
• Local building regulations;
• Budget constraints.

With these criteria in mind, several options emerge as viable solutions.

Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP)

A modern version of cast iron, DIP earned its name (and reputation) from the ability to deform without breaking, making it a phenomenal choice for even the harshest conditions. Additional reasons to opt for this option include:

• Strength & durability: Highly resistant to external and internal pressure, as well as its variations;
• Corrosion resistance: Typically coated in materials that protect against rusting;
• Long service life: Lifespan often exceeds 50 years (with proper maintenance).

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipe

This (relatively) new material finds its application in a diverse range of sectors, mainly due to its incredible versatility and flexibility. PVC carries a range of other benefits, the most notable being:

• Ease of installation: Light weight makes handling easier, thereby reducing labor costs;
• Corrosion resistance: Inherently resistant to corrosion and chemical degradation;
• Cost-effective: More affordable than other materials on this list.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Pipe

HDPE is a petroleum-based thermoplastic, known for its flexibility and chemical resistance. It is also environmentally friendly due to its high recyclability, which is a massive bonus, among others such as:

• Flexible: Can withstand soil shifting without breakage;
• Corrosion resistance: Plastic doesn’t rust and is highly resilient against chemical degradation;
• Lifespan: The service life of HDPE pipes in municipal water mains is estimated to be up to 100 years.

Steel pipe

A true “old-reliable”, steel is among the most used pipe materials today, and it’s being continuously improved with modern solutions. Reasons to consider steel piping are many, but the primary ones are:

• Resilience: Strong, durable, and can withstand high pressures (internal and external);
• Fire resistance: Steel is a fire-resistant material by nature;
• Longevity: With proper treatment (i.e. coating, galvanization) steel pipes become rust-resistant and can last anywhere from 80-100 years.

Can I use PEX for main water line?

While PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) pipes are commonly used for plumbing within buildings, their utilization in water mains is generally not advisable. Compared to other materials on this list, PEX is more vulnerable to damage from external conditions (e.g. soil shifting, excessive pressure, potential impacts, etc.), making it ill-suited for high-stress applications.

Who sells top-quality water main tools near me in Watertown?

As veterans of the plumbing industry, Blair Supply Corp. is the most trusted provider of cutting-edge water main materials in Jefferson County and across the NY State. For 65 years, we’ve been an indispensable element of water infrastructure improvement efforts throughout the region.

Our knowledge of specific project demands and delivery of quality materials empowered municipalities and contractors to develop high-integrity systems with reliability and longevity as two main factors. 

Whether you’re looking for essential water main supplies, need the exact-size piping for your project, or wish to enhance the effectiveness of your waterworks, rely on us to provide you with the tools you need. Reach out to us today!