Advantages of using polyethylene pipes (HDPE) VS other Pipes

In the world of construction and the creation of new residential developments, we will have a project to execute...

We talk specifically about the conduction lines, we know that each residential development is made up of some distribution lines, mentioning the main ones such as: electrical wiring, drainage system, potable water, internet line, storm drainage, etc.

If we talk especially about the drinking water line, how do we know what kind of pipes we should use? Well, surely in our floor plan is already established a type of pipe to be used, but will it be the right material? For that we must know the main properties of each material.

At present one of the most used pipes for conduction lines and distribution of drinking water is the High Density Polyethylene pipe (HDPE), this pipe has several characteristics that benefit the installations, if we compare it with other pipes we have that in the HDPE there is no corrosion, there is no incrustations, it is flexible against a PVC pipe and it is lighter than the steel pipe.

For small diameters, the presentations are in rolls of 100 or 150, this means that the joints will be in smaller quantity, however, we must take into account that this union must be of quality, otherwise, the benefit obtained by minimizing joints, we lose it when we have a leak in these. To achieve a quality and safe joint we have 3 main methods: Thermofusion Jointing, consists of heating the pipe ends to the melting point and applying a certain pressure according to the diameter and wall thickness, for a certain time, this method is very effective as long as it is done with the proper equipment and applying the established parameters. The second one is the Electrofusion Union that is made by means of a HDPE fitting that will be fused to the pipe by means of a resistance through a current processor, this method has a larger fusion area compared to the Thermofusion; using the adequate tools for the installation of Electrofusion fittings we guarantee the unions. And finally, the Mechanical Union that consists of using the hermeticity by means of a seal integrated in the body of the fitting, this method is very practical as it is totally mechanical and does not require any source of energy.

Taking into account these joining methods for HDPE pipes we can choose the most suitable for our projects as they can be as efficient as we use them in the situations that we are presented.

Knowing the characteristics of each joint gives us the complete picture to make a better decision, always contemplating that the investment in these accessories will make you get in each project the highest QUALITY contemplating a long term investment.