Home > Products and Applications > HDPE Advantages
![]()
The advantages of Global Poly Systems' HDPE pipe are:
- HDPE pipe can be heat fused together to form a joint that is as strong as or stronger than the pipe itself. This reduces potential leak points every 10-20 feet as found with PVC and Ductile Iron bell and spigot connections.
- The Life Cycle Cost of HDPE pipe differs from other pipe materials because the “allowable water leakage” is greatly reduced rather than typical leakage rates of 10% to 20% for PVC and Ductile Iron.
- HDPE pipe fused joints are self restraining and costly thrust restraints or thrust blocks are not required.
- HDPE pipe’s fused joints eliminate infiltration and exfiltration problems experienced with alternate pipe joints.
- HDPE pipe can be bent to a radius 25 times the nominal pipe diameter (Example: 12 inch HDPE can be cold formed in the field to a 25 foot radius). This can eliminate many fittings required for directional changes in a piping system where fittings and thrust blocks or restraints are required with alternate materials.
- The flexibility of HDPE pressure pipe makes it well suited for dynamic soils including areas prone to earthquake.
- HDPE pressure pipe can accept repetitive pressure surges that significantly exceed the static pressure rating of the pipe.
- The flexibility of the joints allow for unique and cost effective types of installation methods that the rigid PVC and Ductile Iron pipes can’t use with bell and spigot connections. These alternate installation methods (Horizontal Directional Drilling, Pipe Bursting, Slip lining, Plow and Plant, Submerged or Floating Pipe, etc.) can save considerable time and money in most potable water applications.
- Polyethylene pipe is produced in straight lengths up to 60 feet long and coiled or reeled in diameters up through 5 inch diameter. Coiled lengths over 1,000 feet are available depending on size providing low cost installations.
- Polyethylene is about one-eighth the density of steel; it does not require the use of heavy lifting equipment for installation.
- Polyethylene pipe installations are cost effective and have long term cost advantages due to its physical properties and reduced maintenance costs.
- The polyethylene pipe industry estimates a service life for HDPE pipe to conservatively be 50-100 years. This relates to savings in replacement costs for generations to come.
- HDPE pipe resists corrosion or tuberculation and does not support biological growth.
- HDPE pipe has superb chemical resistance and is the material of choice in harsh chemical environments.
- The advantages of corrosion and chemical resistance over traditional metal pipes are shared by many plastic pipes, but HDPE pipe uniquely combines these attributes with the aforementioned advantages of heat fused joints, flexibility and fatigue resistance.
- It is much easier to handle and install HDPE pipe versus the heavier, rigid metallic or concrete pipe segments allowing for huge cost advantages in the construction process.
- Polyethylene pipe is better able to structurally withstand an impact than PVC pipe, especially in cold weather installations when other pipes are more prone to cracks and breaks.
- Hazen Williams C Factor is 150 and doesn’t change over time does.
- HDPE pipe resists corrosion or tuberculation, and maintains its flow capability over time.
Heat Fused Joints
Flexible and Fatigue Resistant
Construction Advantages
Cost Effective, Long Term and Permanent
Corrosion and Chemical Resistant
Handling
Smooth ID

