How to make a smoking pipe out of brass fittings

Ductile iron or cast iron was often used for larger-diameter water mains before the invention of plastic. Used for water, gas, compressed air, and as a rigid metal conduit (RMC) for housing cables in industrial and commercial applications, ductile iron is much stronger than copper or plastic pipe but not so common in domestic installations. This link outlines other preventative measures to stop damage to PEX tubing.

PEX is susceptible to UV from the sun and fluorescent lighting, and if used outdoors, it needs to be shielded (with insulation or otherwise) to prevent degradation. When running tubing through holes in walls, make the holes sufficiently large so that the tube can slide freely as it expands and contracts and protect against abrasion from contact with rough surfaces. On long runs, a loop of tubing can be included in a line to allow for a lot of contraction. It does expand more than copper so it shouldn't be stretched to reach fittings and should be allowed to drop slightly between fixings to allow for contraction. Just like PVC, PEX is flexible and can be bent over a tight radius and easily routed to fittings. PEX is also less than half the price of copper and doesn't corrode when used in places where the water is acidic. This is a tough, ductile material which can survive temperatures as low as -20вЊ (-4вЏ) without bursting. Plumbing tubing is also made from cross-linked high-density polyethylene (PEX). Chlorinated PVC or CPVC has the same characteristics as standard PVC but has better corrosion resistance at higher water temperatures and is also significantly more bendable. PVC or polyvinyl chloride is the most basic type of plastic pipe used for both drinking water and waste pipe plumbing. Usually, plastic pipe has more 'give' and will stretch more than copper when water freezes and expands inside the pipe, reducing the danger of bursting in sub-zero temperatures. Plastic is a better insulator than metal, so heat loss is reduced. It can also be easily routed through floor and wall spaces. If a really tight bend is required, 90В° elbow joints can be used. Plastic pipe is ductile and can be easily bent, reducing the number of bend fittings required. Pipe made from these plastic polymers has several advantages over copper. Stainless steel is supposed to be more corrosion-resistant than copper and is sometimes used for aesthetic reasons where plumbing must be exposed. It is even more rigid than copper however, so any bending can be difficult. In the 70s during a copper shortage, stainless steel plumbing was popular.

The disadvantage of copper pipe (or 'tube,' as it is known in the plumbing industry) is that it is rigid and either must be bent by using special tools or by using separate lengths of pipe and 45В° or 90В° joints. It is always used for the final connections made to central heating boilers/furnaces where temperatures may exceed 100вЊ (212вЏ). Copper is widely used and can withstand very high temperatures. Fittings are made from brass, plastic, copper, or malleable iron. Plumbing pipe is made from various materials, including copper, galvanized steel and iron, polyvinylchloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC), cross-linked high-density polyethylene (PEX), and polybutylene. What Material and Type of Plumbing Pipe Is Right for the Job?

How to make a smoking pipe out of brass fittings