Water pipe

A system of water pipes used in a radiator heating system
(larger version)

'Water pipes' are tubes, frequently made of polyvinyl chloride or copper, that carry pressurized fresh water to buildings. For many centuries, lead was the favored material for water pipes, due to its malleability (this use was so common that the word "plumbing" derives from the Latin word for lead). This was a source of many health problems in the years before the health hazards of ingesting lead were fully understood; among these were stillbirth and high rates of infant mortality. [1] Lead water pipes were still in common use in the early 20th century.

See also: plumbing and pipeline transport.

A man holding a water pipe
(larger version)

A water pipe is a smoking pipe designed to filter and cool smoke by passing it through water. It can be used for any type of inhaled smoke, but is perhaps best known for its use in the consumption of intoxicating drugs, such as opium and cannabis. Various designs include hookahs and bongs.

For many other uses of the word, see pipe.