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A pipe is a long and hollow cylinder used to convey flowing substances, such as liquids, powders, small masses or gases. Pipes can also be used in structural engineering, since hollow tubes are comparatively more resilient than solid members.

While in common language, the terms pipe and tubes are used interchangeably, they have unique properties and functions and are uniquely defined in engineering. In accordance to its manufacturing standard, a pipe is defined by its nominal diameter with a constant outside diameter, while a tube is defined by its outside diameter and wall thickness. Pipes and tubes are always rigid structures, whereas pipe-hoses imply a certain level of flexibility and portability.


Pipe assemblies are commonly used in constructions, for numerous purposes, including ventilation, heating, plumbing, septic tank drainage, gas delivery and more. Since septic tanks are crucial to households in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes, correctly designed pipe assemblies can make for very easy septic tank maintenance, while some septic systems can work for years without any special maintenance.

For plumbing systems, pipes, tubes, and drains are assembled and installed within buildings to provide water supply and drainage. Plumbing fixtures are often connected to a standard system, and these may include bidets, fountains, humidifiers, urinals or showers. Various fittings are used to join individual pipes together, when modifying or repairing plumbing systems. Tubes are usually already manufactured with a desired shape, or bent for custom configurations. This implies that tubes, while intended to be rigid constructs themselves, are usually made out of more malleable materials than pipes.

Ceramic, fibergalss, concrete, metals, plastic and concrete are all common materials used in the manufacture of pipes. Treated steel and iron are the typical metals for pipe construction, due to their durability and affordable production and maintenance costs. Where no heavy duty pipes are needed, PVC and other enforced plastic materials are used.

Ceramic and concrete pipes are usually used in lo-pressure applications where the force of gravity is used to set the fluids in motion, such as water drainage and sewerage. Pipes with larger diameters are made form reinforced concrete, to prevent them from collapsing.

The term pipe is also used to refer to various smoking devices, including the traditional tobacco smoking pipe, ceremonial pipes, the hookah (or waterpipe), and so on.

Moreover, pipe can also refer to any of a series of flute-like, perforated musical instruments. Sometimes dubbed the shepherd's pipe, this long and narrow blowing instrument is present in numerous world cultures and it is usually associated with an idyllic, pastoral lifestyle.

You'll find bloggers talking about pipes at sites like advanced.edu and blogs.millersville.edu.

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