Waterworks is all about making the work of New Zealand pipeline installers easier through fast and easy access to high-quality pipeline products. From our guaranteed same-day dispatch to our support and liaison throughout your project, our team understands that finding and implementing the right piping solution doesn’t need to be a challenge. Our new website embodies this ethos and makes it even simpler for our clients to understand the options available from Waterworks, helping you to find your solution faster and exactly when you need it.

We often get asked if either welded stainless-steel tube or press-fit stainless-steel tube is more cost-effective, but the answer isn’t as simple as some may think. Both pipe joining methods have different cost factors which can increase or decrease the cost of a pipeline project depending on a range of factors and, simply put, some applications favour one over the other. In any piping project, the ultimate aim is to ensure it’s cost-effective, time-efficient, and long-lasting which is why we thought we’d explain the different cost factors for each system type so you can ascertain which is the best fit for your next project and unique requirements.

Steel is an incredibly versatile and useful material for piping solutions in a variety of applications. Steel’s properties including its strength, rigidity and relatively low cost make it a very popular choice for piping solutions across the globe. But not all steel is the same. Each different type of steel has its own unique characteristics, advantages, and applications. Carbon steel is just one type of the broader category of steel and is often preferred over other kinds of steel, but why is this? In this article, we’re going to explain just that. We’ll cover in, a general sense, what exactly carbon steel is and its benefits, then dive down into what key applications carbon steel using the press-fit jointing method is best suited toward. Simply read on to discover some important considerations for carbon steel pipework.

For all pipeline trade professionals, connecting pipes efficiently and to a high standard is a vital component of every project. Traditionally, welding has been a reliable and proven jointing method, however, there have been developments such as press-fit solutions that equally have their place in the market. Both press-fit and welded piping installation methods offer various advantages which we will shed some light on in this article. We will also outline the key differences between press-fit and welded piping, key applications, and the pros and cons of either option.

Across an array of commercial and industrial applications, compressed air systems are an integral service. Compressed air systems can be very complex and intricate so it’s critical to have a full understanding of what piping system will provide you with the best long-term results, both financially and in terms of system operation efficiency and longevity. There are a range of considerations in a compressed air system, from upfront costs, operating and management costs, the efficiency of the system, to the added production value. For these reasons, it’s imperative that you make an informed decision and select the piping solution that will offer the best outcome.

The use of PE pipe has significantly increased across New Zealand over the last 10 years, with quantities increasing sixfold. It’s a high-quality piping solution for your liquid and gas transfer requirements that can be used in both pressure and non-pressure applications. It’s highly popular across agricultural, civil, commercial, and industrial applications - and for good reason. This widely-used material brings with it various benefits, such as reduced installation costs, durability, and proven performance. To dig a little deeper into PE pipe, this article will explain its material composition, favourable properties, common applications, as well as the benefits of using it for your next piping project.

As one of the most universal and versatile types of plastic piping to exist, PVC piping is employed in a multitude of different applications globally, specifically across the agricultural, industrial, commercial, and civil markets. In comparison to their metal piping counterparts, PVC pipes are lighter giving easier installation, offer greater chemical resistance, and in particular when compared to mild steel, offer greater corrosion resistance. However, they do have a risk of succumbing to thermal expansion or contraction. So while PVC will be the perfect solution for many applications, metal will suit others, and it’s important you know when one is more suited than the other. PVC pipes are offered in a variety of sizes with numerous fittings available and are safe for use in cold and warm water (operating temperatures of 4-40°C with temperature spikes up to 60°C) applications.

In today’s market, there are many and varied piping materials to choose from and every material has pros and cons. Waterworks has been distributing the Europress stainless steel press-fit piping, a European manufactured system, for over eight years now and with the increase in stainless steel being used in both health and aged care facilities throughout New Zealand, I wanted to outline some of the key benefits stainless steel pipework offers this sector for both hydraulic and mechanical services. 

Health and Safety is a rapidly changing area, and one which businesses and individuals need to be fully aware of their responsibilities. I would firstly like to preface this discussion paper by saying that the below discussion points are not intended to provide guidelines but rather promote awareness around hazards which impact the pipeline installation industry. Waterworks fully endorses seeking professional advice when reviewing H&S policies.

In today’s dynamic world we frequently hear the statement “the only constant thing at the moment is change” and how true this is. More than ever before we are being confronted with change almost on a daily basis whether it be the way we live, our work, the way we travel, the way buy, the way we communicate, the list is endless. As with any change there are those who jump at the opportunity to try something new and embrace it. There are those who hold back without rejecting the change but would rather wait until it has been proven and learn from the positive or negative impacts of change from others. Then of course there are those who just straight out refuse change saying, “if it ain’t broke why fix it.” The unfortunate reality for the latter is in some way, shape, or form we will have to change.

Europress carbon steel press-fit piping system is becoming increasingly popular for closed circuit heating systems. Engineers, consultants, installers, and asset owners are reaping the benefits of using this high-quality product. The Europress offers significant advantages such as:

PVC first began to be manufactured in the 1940’s used for Drain-Waste-Vent piping during the reconstruction of Germany and Japan following World War Two. Having been around for 80 years PVC has proven itself to be a reliable piping system. As with any piping system, understanding the limitations of the selected piping material and following key design principles can significantly improve the life expectancy of a piping system.

Written by Waterworks Accounts Receivable Co-ordinator Mariana Melo

Bracketing plays an important role in giving you the maximum or even extending the expected life of your pipework. There can be many and varied causes for pipe failure, but one common cause is poor selection and installation of bracketing. Issues such as using brackets of dissimilar metals or placing a bracket too close to a change in direction are common factors which can lead to failure. The following quick guide will give you an insight into correct bracket support, selection, placement, and anchoring.

Written by Waterworks Accounts Receivable Co-ordinator Mariana Melo

Not all copper alloys are created equal - so it’s important to verify their composition when using them in raw water applications.

What is the correct PVC Cementing Process, and Why should I use Primer?

If you haven’t used Europress yet, it’s probably because you’re not sure what it costs or if it has proven benefits, and you really don’t want to talk to a sales rep. You’re not alone. Engineers are often surprised to find that:

A few cows to global powerhouse in 200 years.

Some of us are familiar with situations where stainless-steel pipelines have corroded, or more specifically cracked, on the welds. But we didn’t know it had a name, let alone why it happened or how to avoid it.