India’s urban growth needs a strong plumbing backbone

India is building at a pace unmatched in its history. From the skyscrapers of Mumbai to new industrial corridors in Gujarat, from expanding metros in Bengaluru to tier-2 cities like Indore and Coimbatore, construction cranes dominate the skyline.

But while new buildings, flyovers, and housing societies grab attention, a critical part of this transformation is taking place out of sight — beneath the ground and inside the walls: the plumbing and drainage systems that keep our cities running.

Plumbing: The Hidden Infrastructure
When we think of urban infrastructure, we often picture roads, rail, airports, and power grids. Yet water supply and drainage are equally vital. Without them, no modern city can function.

Poor plumbing can cause far-reaching problems:
Urban flooding due to inadequate or blocked drainage systems
Water shortages from leaking pipelines
Health hazards from contamination of drinking water

Property damage caused by seepage and dampness
According to a report by the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO), nearly 35% of treated water in Indian cities is lost through leaks in distribution systems. While municipal mains are part of the problem, poor-quality internal plumbing in buildings contributes significantly.

The Quality Gap in Indian Plumbing
Over the last three decades, materials such as PVC and CPVC have replaced traditional galvanised iron pipes. They are lighter, corrosion-free, and easier to install. However, as demand has grown, so has the market for low-grade, uncertified products.
Many of these cheaper pipes are made from recycled plastics without proper quality control. They may work fine initially, but under constant water pressure or exposure to heat, they crack, warp, or leak. The cost of replacing them is far higher than the initial savings from buying them.

The Impact on Urban Growth
Urban growth is not just about adding more buildings — it’s about creating infrastructure that will last. When plumbing fails in a high-rise, repairs often require breaking walls or floors, disrupting dozens of families or offices. In commercial complexes, leaks can damage expensive interiors, equipment, and even data centres.

Municipal projects also suffer. Water distribution pipelines for new colonies often fail within a few years if poor materials are used. This leads to wastage of taxpayer money and delays in achieving basic service goals.

The Need for Strong Standards and Trusted Brands
Industry experts agree that stricter enforcement of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) norms is critical. But enforcement alone isn’t enough — builders, contractors, and homeowners must proactively choose tested, certified brands.

One example often cited in industry circles is Ajay Pipes, a brand that has been manufacturing PVC, CPVC, and drainage systems for decades. Known for its in-house testing labs, adherence to both BIS and ASTM standards, and investment in R&D, their products are widely used in municipal water supply, individual homes, housing societies, commercial buildings and industrial facilities.
A senior engineer involved in multiple Smart City projects told me, “We’ve seen a clear difference in performance when we specify Ajay. The systems hold up better under pressure, and after-sales support is responsive. That reduces maintenance headaches for years.”

Case in Point: A High-Rise in Pune
In 2015, a 30-storey residential tower in Pune specified premium CPVC plumbing systems from Ajay. The builder was initially hesitant because the material cost was higher than other brands. But eight years later, the society has yet to face a single major plumbing failure. The builder now uses the same specification in all premium projects, citing reduced complaints, low maintenance costs and improved client satisfaction.

Contrast this with a commercial project in another city that opted for low-cost alternatives. Within four years, several tenants complained of leaks, leading to costly repairs and strained relationships with the builder.

The Way Forward
India’s urban population is expected to reach 600 million by 2036, according to the UN World Urbanization Prospects report. This means our cities will need to double their water supply and drainage capacity in just over a decade.

To achieve this sustainably:
1. Adopt mandatory certified materials for all large-scale projects
2. Educate contractors and plumbers about long-term cost benefits of quality products
3. Incentivise green plumbing — systems that reduce water loss and are recyclable
4. Involve trusted brands in government housing and infrastructure schemes

Why the Backbone Must Be Strong
A city’s skyline might be shaped by its tallest buildings, but its quality of life depends on the systems that no one sees. Pipes may be hidden, but when they fail, the consequences are visible and expensive.

Urban growth without a strong plumbing backbone is like building roads without asphalt — the structure may look complete, but it won’t last. High reliability brands have shown that with consistent quality, rigorous testing, and industry support, India can build cities that not only look modern but work efficiently for decades.

If India is to keep pace with its own ambition, it must ensure that its plumbing systems are as strong as its steel and concrete. Because in the end, a city is only as good as the water that flows through it.