The key factors that affect pipe pressure drop include pipe diameter, length, flow rate, fluid properties (such as density, viscosity, and specific weight), and pipe roughness. These factors interact with each other in complex ways, making it essential to consider them simultaneously when calculating pressure drop. For instance, increasing pipe diameter can reduce pressure drop, but it may also increase the cost of the piping system. Similarly, higher flow rates can increase pressure drop, but they may also improve system efficiency.