1. Problems to be solved in the development of stainless steel pipes and pipe fittings
(1) Prices
The first problem that needs to be solved in the popularization and development of stainless steel pipes and pipe fittings is price. The price of stainless steel pipes and copper pipes is the same, and the price of stainless steel pipes is closely related to their wall thickness, which is the main reason why the current research, development and application of thin-walled stainless steel pipes are paid more attention. The development of thin-walled stainless steel pipes greatly reduces their manufacturing costs, and provides conditions for the further popularization and application of stainless steel pipes in daily life. At present, some people think that the price of stainless steel is in a relatively high state. In fact, the material prices of water pipes and connectors used in home buildings are maintained around 1,500 to 2,000RMB. Compared with the current high-quality aluminum-plastic composite pipes and PP-R plastic pipes, the price of stainless steel pipes is about 10% to 15% higher than that of thin-walled copper pipes. However, it is lower than that of thin-walled copper pipes. This price is completely acceptable measured by the current people's income level and living quality. Also, the proportion of costs of pipes is maintained at 3% to 5% in the entire cost for the home decoration project. Using thin-walled stainless steel pipes can avoid leakages and corrosion that may be caused by other pipes. With the continuous development of material science and technology nowadays, the application of thin-walled stainless steel pipes has solved people's disputes over their prices.
 
(2) Connections
Another problem that needs to be solved in the application and development of stainless steel pipes and pipe fittings is the technical connection, mainly because the connection method of stainless steel pipes has a decisive influence on its economy and reliability. In terms of the current development status of stainless steel pipes and pipe fittings, compressed, compression, and flexible flange connections are the most common connection methods for stainless steel pipes. Their actual scope of use is different due to the differences in the principle of these connection methods, but most of them are more convenient and reliable in installation. The sealing ring materials used in the connection of thin-walled stainless steel pipes are silicone rubber and nitrile rubber, which meet the requirements of the current national standards, and greatly reduce leakage in the pipeline. However, there is one thing that needs to be paid attention to, that is, the current domestic manufacturers of thin-walled stainless steel pipes have great differences in connection methods, resulting in the overall after-sales service level of thin-walled stainless steel pipes not keeping up with the trend of the times. Although the current connecting method of thin-walled stainless steel technology has been greatly developed, the market share is still low.
 
2. The application prospects of stainless steel pipes and pipe fittings in China
Relevant calculation data of the construction industry show that China's annual demand for pipes is maintained at about 500,000 km to 600,000 km, of which the demand for indoor hot and cold water pipes in residential buildings has reached 400,000 km. Stainless steel pipes and pipe fittings are widely used in cold and hot water pipes for construction projects due to their good scouring resistance and corrosion resistance. In the rapid development of urbanization in China in the future, the application of stainless steel pipes and pipe fittings is bound to be further promoted. In addition, direct drinking water through pipelines has begun to be promoted in the current domestic first-tier cities, and stainless steel pipes are undoubtedly the first choice for direct drinking water pipelines, mainly because corrosion and leakage will not occur for stainless steel pipes in the process of transporting water. There will not be any adverse effect on the quality of tap water, which provides a social and environmental foundation for the further popularization, development and application of stainless steel pipes. Although China started relatively late in the research of stainless steel pipes, after decades of development, the quality of China’s stainless steel pipes and pipe fittings has been comparable to that of internationally renowned brands, and stainless steel pipes made in China are chosen for domestic construction engineering pipes. Under the influence of the continuous development of material science and technology in China, the quality and types of thin-walled stainless steel pipes and pipe fittings will gradually be improved.
 
3. Summary
The application of thin-walled stainless steel pipes not only reduces the price of stainless steel products, but also ensures better scouring resistance and corrosion resistance. Compared with pipes made of other materials, stainless steel pipes also have greater advantages in terms of thermal conductivity and weights. They should be widely used in many fields such as construction engineering.