Plumbing and water supply systems act as the backbone of industrial, commercial, and residential infrastructure. Selecting the right tubing material is necessary to ensure cost efficiency, safety, and longevity. Many options are available, but stainless steel has become a leading choice for modern plumbing solutions. The collection of features makes them perfect for moving fluids, including potable water, wastewater, and more. We’re going to explore the specific reasons why these tubes have revolutionised this area. Then, if you want to work with an ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands, you can rely on us.
Corrosion resistance
Firstly, stainless steel tubes have superior corrosion resistance for long term reliability. Water supply systems always find themselves fighting corrosion. This is particularly true when they have to deal with moisture, shifting temperatures, and chemicals.
Iron or carbon steel tubes can have issues with corrosion if you don’t give them a protective coating. While this can work effectively, using stainless steel instead gives higher resistance to degradation and rust. The secret resides in the chromium content. It forms a passive oxide layer on the exterior. It resists corrosion, protecting the steel. Plus, if it is scratched, the oxide self-repairs. Your tubes will have excellent protection against high humidity, acidic or alkaline settings, and chlorides.
Hygienic and safe for potable water systems
Stainless steel is an inherently smooth, non-porous substance. Thus, the tubes are perfect for drinking water applications. As opposed to plastic, they don’t harbour algae, bacteria, or biofilm growth. Such a hygienic quality is essential for food and beverage processing plants. It’s the same for residential plumbing, and hospitals and laboratories. Also, stainless steel doesn’t leach harmful chemicals like BPA or elements like lead. This ensures compliance with strict health standards. Speak to us if you need the greatest ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands.
Cost effective over their lifecycle
Stainless steel ERW tubes might come with a higher upfront cost than galvanised steel or PVC. However, they come with unrivalled long term savings. For instance, there’s near-zero maintenance. You have no need for linings or coatings. As you might expect, there’s lower downtime too. The tubes resist clogs and corrosion-related issues. Then there’s the recyclability. Stainless steel retains a lot of its value, lowering disposal costs and the impact on the environment.
Adherence to global standards
Finally, stainless steel ERW tubes meet strict requirements for performance and safety. ASTM A312/A358 covers welded and seamless tubes for high temperature service. EN 10312 standards are for welded tubes responsible for liquid transportation. These certifications ensure reliability, traceability, and consistency for contractors and engineers.
Applications
As for the applications in contemporary plumbing, stainless steel ERW tubing adapts to diverse demands so it works for many needs. Residential uses include hot/cold water distribution and underfloor heating. Municipal applications include fire hydrant networks and water treatment plants. For industrial, there’s cooling systems and chemical transport.
Tokyo’s sophisticated wastewater management system is a great example of how good the tubing can be. Using ERW tubes lowered leakage rates by 60% in comparison to classic ductile iron tube.
The top ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands
At Union Steel Tubes, we have a commitment to supplying the highest quality tubing. Our team also works hard to minimise the lead time, ensuring we can deliver orders quickly. Your projects won’t have to wait long until the necessary components arrive. In fact, we can sometimes do same day delivery depending on your specifications.
So, if the finest ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands can help you at all, let us know. We’re happy to offer support too if you need more details about the tubing, including sizing, finishes, and properties.
