Because they’re largely underground and unseen, you’ve probably never really thought twice about the massive webs of pipelines keeping our homes, towns, and cities running. Vital for supplying the most basic resources consistently and conveniently, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of pipelines in daily life. Here’s what you should know about them.
Pipelines at Home
Pipelines are critical for the everyday operations of our homes’ utilities and appliances, from water to energy. Pipelines consistently distribute water and natural gas to our homes so that we can access power and water on demand. Can you recall a time when your water was inaccessible for any reason? Did you suddenly realize how often you use your sinks and other appliances during that time? It’s easy to take for granted the importance of pipelines in daily life, but without them, we wouldn’t have the quality of life we enjoy today.
Pipelines for Travel
When you’re on the road, you can thank pipelines for providing easy and convenient access to fuel at gas stations across the country. Pipelines transport petroleum products from coast to coast, ensuring our vehicles stay fueled. This, in turn, makes pipelines a crucial aspect of our supply chain, as supply vehicles, such as produce trucks, are the backbone of moving goods and products around the country.
Pipelines for Safety
Pipelines are important because of how quickly, reliably, and safely they transport our resources. We conceal them underground to protect them from the environment and other external factors that may potentially damage them. This concealment also helps minimize corrosion since the pipes aren’t experiencing oxidization nearly as much as they would if they were above ground. When pipelines require maintenance, repairs, or replacement, there are tapping methods that allow engineers to reroute the flow of resources. This method safely ensures resources remain available while they isolate and address the problematic pipeline.
