In the world of construction, there are a lot of different materials that look the same, but serve completely different purposes. Irrigation and plumbing usually require the use of PE pipe or HDPE pipe. These two types of pipes look similar and sound similar, but they are not the same.
Before you assume these terms are interchangeable, check out what we have to say about these pipe materials. They are similar, but you can’t always use these terms in the same way. Using the wrong one can damage your piping systems before you even finish your project!
What is PE Pipe?
PE pipe stands for polyethylene pipe. It is one of the most common categories of pipes used. There are tons of subcategories, including low density pipe, chlorinated pipe, and high molecular weight PE pipe.
If it was made by polymerizing ethylene gas, then it is a PE pipe. It is a very common term used by almost all pipe manufacturers out there. Saying you use PE pipe is a lot like saying you use wood in a project. You can be much more specific!
Most people like PE pipes because they are corrosion resistant, durable and less likely to crack compared to other pipes. That said, the specific properties of each pipe may vary, as this is an umbrella term. Herein lies the problem that comes with ordering PE pipes.
What is HDPE pipe?
HDPE means «high density polyethylene” and that means this is a category of PE pipe that is made to be denser and heavier. HDPE is used in a very wide range of different projects, including irrigation, gas mains, standard plumbing and even electrical conduits.
The big draw here is that HDPE pipes are made to be affordable, but can last up to 50 to 100 years. In general, it can carry cold fluids quite well and has a high resistance to stress cracking. So it works quite well in trenchless applications as well.
It is worth noting that HDPE is also one of the many PE pipe categories that involve arranging pipes by density. MDPE and LDPE are two other examples of pipes that involve density as a primary marker.
PE vs HDPE piping
Now that we know the main differences, let’s take a look at what you should know when choosing your pipes.
1. Specific definitions
The pipe industry aims to have several pipe categories, including things like PE80, MDPE (ie «medium density PE pipe») and yes, HDPE. If you walk into a shop and ask for PE pipe, there is little guarantee that you will get the right pipe for your job.
If you have a sufficient amount of flexibility in the type of pipes which you are using then you can generally ask where the PE pipes are in a hardware store and choose from pipes in the diameters you need.
If you want a pipe for a specific project, you should check what pipe you should use and find one that is specific to it. HDPE, for example, can be used in most irrigation pipe projects – just to name a common choice.
2. Use
PE pipes in general can be used in a wide range of different projects. There are lots of different uses, from plumbing to electrical work. Even school projects can benefit from PE pipes if they involve building a special science project.
HDPE has more specialized uses, from gas pipes to sewer pipes. A good rule of thumb is that you can use HDPE for any project that involves low to moderate materials flowing through pipes.
Because HDPE is noted to be excellent for purposes involving chemical safety. This is why sewer lines often involve HDPE and why you might see them involved in sludge feed lines. It is rare to hear of anything causing a chemical reaction with HDPE.
Although HDPE has a lot of different uses that it can do, the truth is that most people tend to associate it with trenchless irrigation systems. If you want to get off to a good start on a project involving trenchless technology, this is the material for you.
The waterproof quality of HDPE has made the material a favorite among municipal civil engineers. After all, using it wisely can help prevent water main breaks in areas where joiners would be more traditionally used.
PRO TIP – HDPE, while quite heat resistant, can still melt at high temperatures. If you are unsure whether you should use HDPE in a project that involves high heat exposure, it is best to ask the HDPE pipe manufacturer for the pipe’s maximum temperature resistance.
3. Price
HDPE is one of the more expensive forms of PE pipe on the market, mostly because it has such a high density. Other types of PE pipe can be quite affordable compared to HDPE, including MDPE.
While HDPE is expensive compared to other forms of PE pipe, it’s best to keep things in perspective. Plastic pipes will always be more cost effective than their metal counterparts when used in similar situations.
4. Durability
PE pipes in general are very durable. However, HDPE pipes take it to a whole new level. This one is great choice for people who want to avoid breaks caused by disturbances or «knocks». It’s flexible, which means stepping on it won’t break it.
PVC pipe cannot be used in areas that HDPE pipe can, simply because it will crack so quickly. HDPE has slow crack growth compared to most other PE pipes as well as other competing materials.
5. Weight
As the name suggests, HDPE is denser than many other types of PE pipe. This density is great for plumbing, but it also means it is heavier than other forms of PE pipe on the market. This does not usually cause a problem for projects.
That said, it’s still worth noting that HDPE is still a very light material. This is especially true when comparing HDPE to something like copper or steel. one person’s «heavy» is another person’s «easy».
6. Resistance to welding and heat
In general, PE pipes are easy to joint and unlikely to leak. While some projects tend to do better with joinery, almost any project involving PE pipe will involve heat welding to join two pieces together.
Since heat welding is making a comeback the two pipes in a larger seamless one, there is little or no chance of leakage. This is true for HDPE pipes as well as other forms of PE pipes. This is the reason why these materials are used in areas that cannot have leaks in any form.
That said, there are some differences between HDPE and other forms of PE pipe. HDPE pipes do what welded together. However, it is also one of the more heat-resistant forms of pipe on the market. So it is not as prone to melting as other types of PE.
7. Eco-friendly
Most people rightly assume that plastic pipes of any type will have a negative impact on the environment. This is true, which is why many people are starting to become more and more reluctant to use PE pipes.
Even though plastic is fast becoming a taboo subject, PE pipes will still be popular until engineers want them to be find a more sustainable alternative with low production costs. So while it’s not perfect
Although PE pipes are not exactly environmentally friendly, there is a unique distinction worth mentioning. HDPE pipes are more environmentally friendly than other PE pipes. The environmental impact of HDPE pipe production is noticeably lower than other forms of PE pipe.
The low environmental impact of HDPE pipes is gaining widespread recognition among construction material experts. As this study explains, HDPE is the «greenest» plastic pipe for water delivery and waste management. It’s a nice distinction.
In conclusion
When it comes to building materials, getting the specific name of the material you want to use is vital. This is especially true when you are working on a major plumbing, irrigation, electrical, gas or sewer project. And yes, PE tubing can be the handy tool you need for all of this.
Of course, not all PE pipes are the same. PE pipe is and always will be an umbrella term. If you want some of the most durable materials on the market under the PE umbrella, take a look at HDPE. It is stronger, greener and more durable than most other types of PE on the market.
As with any other type of project you have, materials matter. If you’re not sure if you should use HDPE for a project, ask a material expert for sound advice. This little tip could save you a lot of trouble in the future!
