In urban water-supply systems, service connections to individual consumer premises are most commonly provided using which pipe material (traditional practice)?

Introduction / Context:
Service connections link distribution mains to individual households or buildings. The material choice is influenced by availability, ease of threading and jointing, pressure ratings, and corrosion resistance. Historically in many regions, GI pipes have been the standard for these short runs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• “Traditional practice” context for exam-style questions.
• Short-diameter, moderate-pressure service laterals.
• Compatibility with fittings and meters.

Concept / Approach:
Galvanised iron (GI) pipes are easily threaded, readily joined to meters and stopcocks, and have adequate strength for typical service pressures. While modern systems increasingly use HDPE/uPVC for corrosion resistance and flexibility, GI remains the classic answer in many syllabi and legacy systems.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Municipal standards historically specified GI for service lines (often with later transitions to plastic piping in contemporary practice).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Copper: durable but costlier and less common in many regions.
• Hume pipes: unsuitable for small-diameter house connections.
• PVC/uPVC: widely used now, but the conventional answer in many exam keys remains GI.

Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring regional updates where HDPE/uPVC dominate; however, for standardized exams referencing classical practice, GI is expected.

Final Answer:
galvanised iron (GI) pipes