Stainless Steel Pipe

Stain and corrosion resistant
Corrosion is the main enemy of metal piping. The outer surface of steel, iron and concrete piping can degrade from soil and UV light. Interior walls of piping made from other materials will tend to rust, are damaged through abrasion, or accumulate debris. But thanks to the corrosion resistance properties of stainless steel, this is far less common. This gives stainless steel the edge when it comes to applications like sanitary water delivery or hospital applications.

Value
When you use stainless steel pipes, you are buying a durable product that will last your business for decades. It is a reliable material that is easy to maintain and install. Stainless steel is low-maintenance, and due to its corrosion-resistant properties, it is unlikely they will need to be replaced for decades.

Strength and versatility
Different materials such as nickel, molybdenum, or nitrogen can be added to stainless steel to enhance its corrosion-resistant properties. Stainless steel can handle extreme temperatures. By adding different materials to stainless steel allows for thinner pipe walls and less material which means less added weight to the finished product making it ideal for many commercial and industrial uses.

Appearance
Exposed stainless steel pipe and fittings are an excellent choice for commercial establishments as the material has a naturally shiny and elegant look.

Environment-friendly
Stainless steel is not a petroleum product. In fact, it doesn't need to be coated or lined with any materials at all, unlike other piping materials. When you need to replace or dispose of stainless steel piping, it is 100% recyclable, reducing the environmental impact. As much as 50% of all new stainless steel that is produced in the United States is made from recycled scrap metal.
Thanks to its versatility and durability, stainless steel is known for being a “miracle metal” that is used for countless commercial and industrial applications.

Conduct Regular Inspections
The first way to prevent damages from getting bigger is to conduct regular and scheduled inspections in your building. Many owners skip this step and see themselves in a pinch when leaks, corrosion, and breakage happens. This can lead to accidents and costly replacement of parts when it could have been prevented.
To avoid these emergencies, we recommend you to conduct scheduled inspections. The timing will depend on what application you're using a steel pipe for. Consulting with your supplier may be the best way to know this. You should look for any signs of cracks and holes in the stainless steel pipe. This will make it easier for the environment to accelerate corrosion which can eat away at the pipe.

Prevent Metal to Metal Contact
When you're first installing your pipes, make a strategic plan on how to place each one to ensure that contact with other types of metals is minimized. Contact with other metals can lead to damages such as scratches and deformation if it occurs for a long time. Metal to metal contact can also lead to corrosion. You can do this by adding materials that do this specific job.

Minimize Pipe Movement
To reduce the damage to your stainless steel pipe, it is a good idea to keep them fixed using the proper restraints such as clamps and bolts. This will keep it in place and reduce the impact of pressurized elements such as water. It also keeps your pipes from crashing into each other. Other types of materials can do this while still allowing some movement.

Clean and Polish Pipes
It is important to make it a priority to maintain cleanliness in your building. If you can prevent the buildup of dirt and grime to the pipes, that is even better. Train your people to be mindful of their surroundings and always keep the place clean and hygienic.
To properly clean your pipes, you can consult with your supplier on what tools and chemicals are safe to use inside and outside it. This will prevent accidental damage to your stainless steel pipe. For example, steel wool is an abrasive tool that can scratch the surface.
Do not forget to lubricate your stainless steel pipe after cleaning. Most people recommend using olive oil but confirm this with your supplier too.

Make Minor Repairs
If you see minor damages early, there are some first-aid repairs you can do to your pipes. You can seal holes and cracks with plumber putty or specialized bandages and clamps. This can serve as short-term repairs while you wait to schedule a professional consultation, but it can serve you for the long term if you only have minor damages.

Know Your Pipes' Life Expectancy
If you have old pipes in your building that are already severely damaged, it may be a good time to have them replaced. Damaged pipes can pose risks such as water poisoning and injury. Severely corroded pipes can contaminate the water and can also break apart easily. If neglected up to this point, other metal parts may be also already severely damaged.
When you're first installing pipes in your building, it is recommended to ask your supplier about the expected life span. If you take care of your pipes, you can slow down this progress. But a time will come when you will need to upgrade or replace them. Generally, galvanized pipes have a life expectancy of 30-50 years. These are used as supply lines. Cast iron, which is more commonly used in drainage, can last 70 to 100 years.