1. Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion is one of the most costly problems associated with metal piping systems. It occurs both inside and outside the pipe and affects hydraulic efficiency. Many cities treat their water to help slow rust and pitting that is inevitable with metal pipes. Others choose costly cathodic protection, plastic coating, or sleeving to try and extend the service life of the pipe.Unlike traditional metal infrastructure products, HDPE pipe does not rust, rot or corrode. It is resistant to biological growth. This means an extended service life and long term cost savings.
2. High Strength and Extreme Durability
HDPE pipe is flexible and ductile, not rigid. It has outstanding resistance to fatigue. Unlike other plastic pipes, it is designed and pressure rated to handle the kind of occasional and recurring surge events that are common in water distribution systems. HDPE pipe is a safe and durable product ideal for your piping infrastructure. The service life of HDPE is estimated to be between 50 to 100 years, depending on application, design and installation.
3. Fusion Joints
Heat fusion welded jointing methods create a completely homogeneous joint which is as strong as, or stronger than the pipe itself. This eliminates jointing chemicals (like in PVC pipe) or rubber seals which can fail over time, also solving root intrusion problems, and provides pipeline integrity where installed in unstable ground.
4. Superior Flow
Because high-density polyethylene pipe is smoother than steel, cast iron, ductile iron, or concrete, a smaller diameter HDPE pipe can produce an equivalent volumetric flow rate at the same pressure. It has less drag and a lower tendency for turbulence at high flow rates. HDPE’s superior chemical resistance and non-stick surface characteristics nearly eliminate scaling and pitting, preserving the excellent hydraulic characteristics throughout the pipe system’s service life.
5. Cost Effective
High-density polyethylene pipe installations are cost effective and have long term cost advantages due to its physical properties, leak free joints and vastly reduced maintenance costs. This relates to savings in replacement costs for generations to come. The properties of PE also allow unique installation methods, such as Horizontal Directional Drilling, Pipe Bursting, Slip-lining, Plough and Plant, Submerged or Floating Pipe, etc.
6. Trenchless Installation
Traditional piping systems are installed by open cut (digging a ditch), resulting in traffic and environmental disruption. HDPE can be installed using this traditional open-cut method or by utilizing eco-friendly trenchless technology. For trenchless installation, a horizontal directional machine bores a continuous hole beneath the ground. When the drilling head reaches the end of the bore, the pipe is attached and pulled back through the hole.
It is much easier to handle and install lightweight HDPE pipe vs. the heavier, rigid PVC or metallic pipe segments, allowing for cost advantages in the construction process.