Construction Pipes Prices And Types In Kenya

The price of construction pipes is Sh.500-Sh.6,000 per 5m on average, depending on the radius of the pipe. Besides the radius of a pipe, other factors affect the cost of a construction pipe, as we will show you. The quality of a pipe contributes greatly to the cost of the pipe. We will also show you how to know a good quality pipe. The cheapest type of pipe is PVC pipes, and we will tell you why. The price of construction pipe will also vary with the purpose of the pipe. There are pipes made for heavy-duty carriage like pipelines. We will explain the materials favorable for heavy-duty pipes like this.

The material of construction classifies various types of construction types. Some materials, like steel, are further classified into subsidiary steel materials used in pipe construction. As we take you through the types of construction pipe, we will also explain which materials are used and the advantages and disadvantages of the material. We have prepared a list of these types of pipes, a detailed explanation of how the pipe is used, and the price of each type.

Types Of Construction Pipes In Kenya

1. PVC pipes prices

On average, the cost of PVC pipes in Kenya is Sh.800-Sh.1,000 per inch. It is readily available on the online and physical market. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a synthetically produced plastic polymer. PVC is used in the construction of plumbing pipes. It is preferred for water passage due to its corrosion resistance. Therefore, using PVC for plumbing makes water safe for drinking and skin. This feature has revolutionized piping from the age of metal piping. The biggest disadvantage of PVC pipes is their lack of strength compared to metal pipes. Apart from plumbing, PVC pipes are used in the following ways:

• Irrigation connections.
• Insulation for electric cables.
• Connects fire sprinklers. PVC is resistant to fire.
• Ventilation for toilets.
• Used to handle corrosive chemicals. PVC is resistant to corrossion.

2. Heavy-Duty Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes prices

The cost of heavy-duty polyethylene pipes is Sh.900-Sh.1,000 per 5m on average, depending on the radius of the pipe. Polyethylene pipes are made from polyethylene material, the most common type of plastic produced worldwide. PE pipes are famous for their strong nature. It is made from high-density polyethylene with an extremely strong molecular bond. These pipes hardly budge when pressure is applied. They are known to bend but hardly break even with heavy loads. The pipe remains strong even in extreme changes in weather conditions. In addition to the pipe’s strength, it is also corrosion-resistant. These unique features are why the pipe is considered very useful in construction.

PE pipes are the best piping option for outdoor use. Their strength lowers the chances of vandalism greatly. Polyethylene pipes are used in the following ways:

• Transfer of biogas.
• Transfer of public water.
• Transfer of waste e.g. sewage.
• Provision of electrical protective conduit for long periods

3. Steel pipes prices

The cost of steel pipes is Sh.1,000-Sh.2,500 per 5m and 11mm radius on average. Steel pipes are naturally strong and are, therefore, used for various industrial purposes. Transference of large amounts of liquids is the most common use of steel pipes. The following are some of the uses of steel pipes in Kenya:

• Used to supply water on a large scale.
• Transfer of oil and oil products.
• Used in irrigation systems.
• Used to transfer sewage to the treatment center.
• Transfer of natural gas.

It is important to know that steel pipes are categorized into other types of pipes. The following are types of steel pipes:

• Carbon steel pipes. Carbon steel pipes are the weakest among other steel pipes. The steel material is not purely steel but has carbon elements. It is susceptible to corrosion, giving it a short life span. Despite all that, Carbon steel pipes are widely used for construction and can last for a while if well-maintained
• Galvanized steel pipes. These pipes are zinc-coated as a protective measure from corrosion. Galvanized steel pipes, therefore, can resist red rust. It is, however, disadvantaged because, with time, it can still be affected by white rust. Its resistance abilities are, however, better than Carbon steel pipes. It is, therefore, a more expensive option for steel pipes.
• Stainless steel pipe. Stainless steel pipes are the strongest steel pipes. They have the best resistance feature to all kinds of corrosion, making them very durable. Stainless steel pipes are the most expensive due to these unique features.

4. Concrete pipes prices

The cost of concrete pipes is Sh.1,500-Sh.2,500 per 5m, depending on the pipe’s radius. Concrete pipes are made from concrete material. It is usually for heavy use, therefore, large. Transportating concrete pipes is highly expensive due to its density. Big industries usually use this type of pipe to run their waste out of the industry. Another instance is for government projects. These are some of the uses of concrete pipes:

• Used for culverts.
• Used as a passage for sewer lines.
• Used in different drainage systems.

5. Iron pipes prices

The cost of iron pipes is Sh.500-700 per 5m and 32mm radius on average. Iron pipes have been used for the longest time in the building industry before other materials. Iron has, however, gone down in popularity due to its susceptibility to rust. Iron pipes were the main option for plumbing in houses. This, however, is not the case at the moment. Using Iron pipes became a health hazard because of the rust particles. Iron pipes also wear off quickly and, when used for plumbing, can cause more dire leakage problems. The safest way that iron has been put to use is by galvanization. Galvanized iron pipes are still used to this day, together with pipe fittings. This reduces rusting reaction, and when done properly, it may prevent rusting for a good period.

6. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipe prices

The price of ABS pipe is Sh.1600-Sh.2,000 per 5m and a 40mm radius on average. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipe is known to be very strong. Due to its tough nature, it is used for plumbing, especially outdoor plumbing. It is durable due to its resistance to high temperatures and external pressures. These features are the reason for the pipe’s wide usage in the construction industry. The following are the uses for ABS pipes:

• Electrical cable insulation.
• Used for sewer pipes in sewerage systems.
• Indoor and outdoor plumbing. It is mostly outdoor due to its ability to resist high temperatures and strength when applied to pressure.

7. Stoneware pipes prices

The cost of stoneware pipes is Sh.1,500-Sh.2,000 per 5m on average, depending on the radius of the pipe. Stoneware pipes are made from heated clay. This makes the clay water-resistant so it can be used as a pipe. Heated clay is also very strong and, therefore, very durable. These pipes are usually used for drainage in the following areas:

• Toilet waste drainage system.
• Sink and kitchen drainage system.
• Bathroom wastewater drainage system.

8. Copper pipes prices

The cost of copper pipes is Sh.9,500-Sh.10,000 per 15 meters and 1mm radius on average. Copper pipes are used mostly for plumbing. They are a much safer option to deliver water in for consumption compared to iron. Copper is considered very durable due to its strength and resistance to corrosion. Indoor plumbing depends on copper for the supply of clean water for drinking. It is, therefore, always on demand, which explains why it is set at a very high price.

Construction Pipes & Prices In Kenya

Construction Pipe	Price
PVC pipe	Sh.800-Sh.1,000 per inch
Heavy-Duty Polyethylene pipe (HDPE)	Sh.2,000-Sh.3,000 per 5m
Steel pipe	Sh.1,000-Sh.2,500 per 5m
Concrete pipe	Sh.1,500-Sh.2,500 per 5m
Iron pipe	Sh.500-700 per 5m
Stoneware pipe	Sh.1,500-Sh.2,000 per 5m
ABS pipe	Sh.1600-Sh.2,000 per 5m
Copper pipes	Sh.9,500-Sh.10,000 per 15m

Factors That Affect The Price Of A Construction Pipe

1. Size

The size of a pipe is measured in terms of height and radius. A pipe with a large radius costs more to build and transport. Large factories use most heavy-duty pipes for their drainage systems, and by governments for community projects. They are only constructed to be used by large masses. The smaller pipes e.g. plumbing and wiring pipes, are far much affordable. They do not take a lot of material to construct and are also cheap to transport due to their low weight.

2. Transportation costs

The cost of transporting construction pipe will depend on the size of the pipe. A heavy-duty pipe costs a significantly high amount of money to transport. Depending on your county of residence, you will be charged extra taxes if you transport huge pipes. The distance in which you are transporting your pipes should be considered. Heavy-duty pipes will cost you a lot of money to have them transported for long distances. You should buy them locally or ship in builders to construct them closer to the site. Small pipes can be shipped from far away counties because it won’t cost much. Concrete pipes are very fragile. Try to avoid moving it for long distances to avoid losses. They should be constructed on-site if possible. If you transport concrete pipes, ensure it’s done with utter care.

3. Material

Different materials are used to construct different pipes. Each material has unique features that determine the cost of the pipe made from it. The most expensive materials are due to their durability levels, corrosion resistance, and unfavorable climatic conditions. When choosing a pipe, its material will determine how well it will serve you. Ensure you choose a pipe that lasts long, is strong, and cannot fold or break when pressure is applied. This will be more expensive. The price of the construction pipe will depend on your budget. The higher the quality of the material, the more expensive it will cost.

4. Demand

Some constructors buy pipes when the demand is a bit or very low. This is a major way to save money, especially when working with a minimal budget. When the demand is low, suppliers must lower their selling costs. You must study your market and know how you can benefit from this. You should, however, not be in a hurry. When the demand is high, buy time by engaging yourself elsewhere. A high demand will mean there is a low supply. The prices of pipes will shoot really high when the demand is too high. The suppliers already know that it is the “season” of construction. You do not have to build during these seasons. Take advantage of the demand and supply chain effect.

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