HDPE Pipes: Flexible And Strong

You use different sorts of pipes every day, but, like most people, you probably do not think about them much unless you have a construction project that requires their installation. Pipes are an integral part of modern life, carrying liquids (mostly water and sewage in an urban milieu) or gasses safely and conveniently to or away from us. There are all kinds of pipes in terms of size and material that have come into use over the years, and, while there is overlap, they tend to have specific applications.

Of the various materials available, the most common are metal and plastic, although concrete, ceramic, and fibreglass are also used. Metal pipe is ordinarily made of steel or copper. Copper pipe is normally used for household water transfer, whereas steel is typically reserved for instances where industrial strength is required.

Pipes made from plastics are extremely common (as is the reach of the plastics industry in general) because plastics are typically very strong in relation to their weight. This makes it easier to install plastic pipes vs. other types. Plastic is also very resistant to scuffing and incidental impacts, corrosion, biological growth, and UV degradation. Cost is often quite reasonable. The environmental impact of manufacturing certain types, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe, is a worry to some, though.

Concrete is a common choice for high-volume drainage situations, such as sewer systems and flood-control runoffs. Concrete (particularly reinforced concrete) is a good strong choice that can be easy to install if precast concrete pieces are used. Concrete is also highly resistant to corrosion.

But there is some competition to concrete for large pipe needs. For instance, corrugated metal is sometimes used. But another firm contender is HDPE pipe. High-density polyethylene pipes are gravity flow pipes that are very strong and very resilient. They can also be installed in longer lengths, meaning there are fewer joints (typically a weak spot with pipes) – although the ability to use heat to form connections nearly as strong as the pipe is another HDPE advantage.

HDPE pipe can handle many chemicals, including strong acids and bases, without degrading. Better still, HDPE is flexible, meaning it can be installed more cheaply and much more simply than similar concrete pipe, because it deals with obstacles and slopes much more easily. HDPE pipe can gain increased strength through the use of a dual-walled design: a smooth interior and a tough, ribbed exterior. HDPE has an estimated life of 50 to 100 years.

Knowing Where to get HDPE pipes can be tricky, because you want the right type and size for your particular project. This means you should conduct a careful search (probably starting through the Net) for local suppliers (or efficient national ones).

One thing to keep in mind when assessing a supplier is not only their ability to get you the types and size of pipe that you require, but also a depth of stock that allows for quick supply and replacement, should that be required. An experienced supplier will also be able to advise you as to which of the various models best suits your particular needs.

Adam Prince is a freelance online researcher who specializes in the construction industry and related areas. He has a special interest in the different types of pipes, such as Where to get HDPE pipes.

HDPE Pipes: Flexible And Strong



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