Grade 10 building construction Building Services – Pipework Notes

Subtopic: Pipework

Topic: Building Services — Subject: Building Construction
Suggested age: 15 years (Kenya)

1. Types of pipes and fittings

Common pipes and where they are used in Kenya:

• uPVC / PVC – used for waste, drainage and cold water supply (cheap, light, resists corrosion).
• HDPE – used for rural water mains and boreholes (flexible, durable).
• Galvanized Iron (GI) – older water supply pipes (strong but can corrode inside).
• Copper – used for supply lines (good for hot water, long lasting).
• PEX / Plastic flexible pipes – modern, used for easy routing inside buildings.

Common fittings (simple names):

2. Preparing pipe joints (basic steps)

Tools you will use (simple list):

• Measuring tape, marker, square
• Pipe cutter or hacksaw
• Deburring tool / reamer / file
• Emery cloth or cleaning brush
• Solvent cement (for PVC), PTFE tape (threaded joints), soldering kit (for copper) — only with supervision
• Pipe wrench, spanners, clamps

General steps for a socket (solvent) joint — easy for uPVC:

1. Measure and mark the pipe to the correct length.
2. Cut straight using a pipe cutter or hacksaw.
3. Deburr the inside and outside edges, remove chips.
4. Clean pipe end and fitting socket with cloth or cleaner supplied.
5. Apply solvent cement to pipe outside and fitting inside (follow instructions).
6. Push the pipe into the socket with a 1/4 turn, hold for a few seconds.
7. Wipe excess cement and allow time to cure before testing.

Threaded joint (metal): clean threads, apply PTFE tape or jointing compound, screw together with wrench. For copper, clean, apply flux and solder with adult supervision.

3. Pipe bending (basic methods)

Why bend pipes? To change direction without fittings; fewer joints means fewer leaks.

Common bending methods:

• Use a pipe bender: best for copper and thin-walled steel. Clamp pipe and bend gradually to the angle.
• Spring or insert: use an internal spring or fill with sand for thin pipes to prevent kinking (for copper or soft metal).
• Heat and bend: for some plastics or metals, with correct tools and supervision. Heating plastic evenly and bending around a form can work — do this only when trained.
• Use form / jig: for larger radius bends, secure pipe to a jig and pull or push to shape.

4. Safety when performing pipework

• Always wear PPE: safety goggles, gloves, closed shoes, mask if using solvent or solder fumes, and ear protection if cutting with power tools.
• Work in a well-ventilated area if using solvents or solder.
• Turn off and drain water supply before cutting or joining existing pipes.
• Use the right tool for the job — avoid forcing pipes (can cause cracks).
• Keep a safe distance from hot tools; only trained adults should handle gas torches and soldering equipment.
• Store chemicals (solvents, cement) away from children and open flame; follow manufacturer instructions and Kenyan safety labels.

5. Importance of proper pipework

• Prevents leaks that waste water and can damage buildings (rot, mould, structural damage).
• Protects health — good drainage and sealed joints stop contamination and pests.
• Saves money — fewer repairs and lower water bills.
• Ensures reliable water supply for homes, schools and hospitals.
• Helps Kenya’s water conservation goals — fixing leaks supports sustainable use.

Suggested learning experiences (practical and safe)

1. Class demonstration: Teacher shows measuring, cutting and solvent welding of a uPVC joint. Pupils watch and ask questions.
2. Supervised group practice: In small groups, students measure, cut and join short uPVC pipe sections to make an assembly (teacher checks safety).
3. Visit: Short supervised visit to a local construction site or water project in your area (observe only, follow safety rules).
4. Simple bending exercise: With adult supervision, students try bending a soft copper pipe using a hand pipe bender or spring (one at a time).
5. Safety role-play: Students make a checklist (PPE, turn off water, clear area) and practice preparing a safe workspace.
6. Problem-solving task: Given a simple house plan, students mark where pipes, traps and valves should go and explain why.

Assessment (short)

Short written & practical tasks:

• Write five types of pipes and one place each is used.
• Describe the steps to make a solvent-weld uPVC joint (3–6 sentences).
• Practical: Cut, deburr and join two short pipe pieces under supervision (marking, cutting, cleaning, applying cement).
• Explain two safety rules when working with pipework.

These notes are for classroom learning and supervised practicals. When working on real systems, always follow Kenyan building codes and the guidance of a qualified plumber.