Vandrør

Vandrør is a Danish term for a pipe that carries potable or non-potable water within a building or water distribution system. The compound is formed from vand meaning water and rør meaning pipe. In practice, vandrør refers to any conduit that transports water from a supply source to fixtures such as taps, toilets, and appliances. In municipal and building services engineering, vandrør are designed to maintain adequate pressure, prevent contamination, and withstand corrosion and pressure fluctuations.

Materials and construction: Common materials today include copper, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and multilayer pipes combining metal and plastic layers. Historical systems used lead or galvanized steel; lead pipes are now prohibited in new installations due to health risks. Joints and fittings vary by material, with soldering, crimp rings, compression, and solvent welding used depending on the pipe type.

Installation and standards: Vandrør routing follows architectural plans and building codes. Key considerations include sizing to meet peak demand, ensuring water quality through proper backflow prevention and isolation valves, insulations for energy efficiency and frost protection, and accessibility for maintenance. Municipal codes prescribe material approvals, pressure limits, and inspection regimes.

Maintenance and lifecycle: Regular leak detection, corrosion monitoring, and replacement of aging segments extend service life. In many regions, water utilities maintain distribution networks and publish guidelines for safe usage and test points in households.