HDPE VS PVC Pipe | A Comprehensive Comparison

Q: How deep can you bury HDPE pipe?

As per industry standards, HDPE pipes with DR's ranging from 7.3 to 21 can be safely buried from a depth of 2 ft to 25 ft where no traffic load is present and from 3 ft to 25 ft where H20 live load is present.

Q: Is HDPE pipes cheaper than PVC pipes?

Talking about cost differences specifically for irrigation application, HDPE and PVC pipes costing can significantly differ depending on which laterals they're being used. Usually, HDPE laterals are 25% more expensive than PVC laterals. That creates a cost overrun of about 2-3 % of overall supplying and installing. 2-3 % might not sound significant, but when a developer is budgeting all expenses, it makes more sense to go with PVC laterals (only if saving cost is a priority)

Q: How much weight can PVC pipe hold?

Most PVC pipes will be able to hold at least 28 pounds of weight before they start bending. However, sometimes longer PVC pipes begin to bend under their weight. A rule of thumb is never to use PVC pipes to hold larger quantities of weight, especially if you don't want them to become stiff.

Greetings everyone! Today, I’m excited to present an informative comparison between HDPE VS PVC. So, without further delay, let’s dive in.

HDPE VS PVC

HDPE is a type of plastic that can stretch a little without breaking, making it strong but also flexible. This quality makes it great for pipes. On the other hand, PVC is a very strong type of plastic but doesn’t stretch much, so it can be more likely to break or crack.

When it comes to piping projects, many questions come to our minds. It’s a confusing topic in general, and it’s justified to be confused and not know what to do next. There is no shortage of debates justifying the usage of one type of pipe over the other. However, focusing on HDPE pipes and PVC pipes, we’ll try to understand which pipe suits your application the best.

PVC VS HDPE: Common Characteristics

Lightweight
Corrosion Resistant
Higher life expectancy than pipes made from Steel, Copper, and iron
Resistant to bacteriological and chemical buildup

Durability

In terms of durability, both plastics perform well. PVC is a vinyl polymer wheres, and HDPE is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. Both fare pretty well in high temperatures. HDPE stands out when comparing failure rates when exposed to stress, rain, wind, heat, or cold. PVC pipes have a rating of one in 48,650 events; HDPE one in 10,000,000 events. However, PVC pipes are more advisable for one-time projects.

Joining

When joining or connecting, a PVC gasket or glue must be used. HDPE must be joined with heat fusion. But, HDPE pipes can resist more shock waves than PVC pipes. Interestingly, PVC can be joined underwater, but the same can’t be said about HDPE.

When covering fiber build, HDPE works amazingly well for a few reasons:

HDPE can handle low-temperature impact-season stress (heat and cold).
HDPE pipes have an average lifespan of 2 years under sunlight or UV rays, whereas PVC pipes will only last for three years in the same condition.
HDPE is more resistant to sand, salt, dust, and corrosive materials.

Interesting Read – PEX Vs PVC | The Definitive Guide

PVC VS HDPE: Thermal Performance

Consistent exposure to hot and cold weather slows the expansion of pipe connections and fittings. HDPE pipes expand four times more than PVC pipes.

HDPE pipes have a lower thermal conductivity than PVC pipes, making them more heat transfer-resistant. The thermal conductivity of HDPE ranges from 0.42 to 0.51 W/m·K, while PVC’s conductivity ranges from 0.14 to 0.28 W/m·K. This means that HDPE pipes have better insulating properties and are more suitable for applications where maintaining the temperature of the fluid is crucial.

On the other hand, PVC pipes have a higher heat deflection temperature (HDT) than HDPE pipes. HDT is the temperature at which a material deforms under a specified load. PVC pipes have an HDT of about 60-80°C, while HDPE pipes have an HDT of about 46-52°C. This implies that PVC pipes are more deformation-resistant and can better withstand high-temperature applications.

Both materials also respond differently to temperature changes. HDPE pipes have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than PVC pipes. The CTE of HDPE ranges from 100 to 220 (x 10^(-6))/°C, while the CTE of PVC ranges from 50 to 110 (x 10^(-6))/°C.

This means that HDPE pipes expand and contract more with temperature changes, which may increase stress on pipe joints and fittings.

Installation

HDPE can be installed using four different methods

Open trench
Drop burial
Directional bore
Horizontal bore

PVC can be installed in two ways

Open trench
Drop burial

Leakage

PVC pipes are more robust and stiffer, making them easily joinable to valves and other mechanical fittings. A significant drawback is potential water leakage through these joints.

The more squishy and bendable HDPE pipes have leak-free joints that prevent water leakage.

Use in Irrigation

For irrigation purposes, PVC pipes are a more common choice. However, people prefer using HDPE pipes when digging is hard or impossible for irrigation systems. For golf course irrigation systems, HDPE pipes are the most dependable choice.

Applications

HDPE Pipe Applications

Water Supply: Used widely for potable water distribution due to their non-toxic nature.

Irrigation Systems: Their flexibility makes them suitable for various agricultural applications.

Sewer Systems: HDPE’s corrosion resistance ensures longevity in waste disposal applications.

Gas Distribution: Used in natural and propane gas distribution lines, thanks to their leak-proof nature.

Mining and Industrial Applications: They can withstand harsh environments, making them suitable for conveying chemicals and slurries.

PVC Pipe Applications

Residential Water Supply: PVC pipes are commonly used for residential water supply lines due to their resistance to corrosion and chemical reactivity. They are suitable for cold and hot water distribution, although CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is typically preferred for hot water due to its higher temperature tolerance.

Plumbing and Ventilation: In buildings, PVC pipes are used for plumbing fixtures, including sink, toilet, and shower drain lines. They are also used in ventilation systems to remove unwanted odors and gases.

Swimming Pools: PVC pipes are often used in swimming pool systems for filtration, circulation, and heating. Their corrosion resistance makes them ideal for chlorinated environments.

Sewerage and Drainage Systems: In municipal and residential sewer systems, PVC pipes are used for wastewater transportation. Their smooth interior surface ensures efficient flow, and their resistance to chemicals prevents them from eroding or decaying over time.

HDPE VS PVC Pipe: Which One Is Better

High-Density Polyethylene, or HDPE, is preferable for pipe systems operating under lower-pressure conditions. This preference arises from HDPE pipes’ distinct ability to be more pliable, exhibited by the tight bending radius that enables them to conform to various shapes. But it is not just restricted to low-pressure situations; HDPE is a viable option for both pressure and non-pressure applications.

The material’s reputation rests on its well-regarded traits, such as chemical stability, flexibility, and a remarkable strength-to-density ratio, which sets it apart from other materials. Furthermore, as previously detailed, HDPE’s construction ensures a leak-free system, achieved through heat fusion joints, preventing material loss within the pipe system.

In contrast, Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, also presents unique characteristics. Renowned for its strength and rigidity, PVC is particularly well-suited to scenarios such as direct burial and trenchless applications, where a robust material is required. Unlike HDPE, PVC’s construction allows for connections with mechanical joints and valves.

While this adds to its versatility, it also introduces a challenge known as background leakage. This is a condition where water continually seeps out from the joints within the pipe system.

In the United States, it is an issue of significant concern, with an estimated 14% of the daily drinking water supply being lost due to such leaks in the pipes. This problem, while reflecting the adaptability of PVC in certain applications, also illustrates a critical weakness in its usage for water distribution, and it has broader implications for water conservation and efficiency in systems where leakage can be a significant hindrance.

Fascinating Read – ABS Vs PVC | The Complete Guide

Why Your Plumbing Might Need to be Replaced?

We often do not notice anything about our plumbing until we see a leak or something else drawing attention to it. At this point, you have to think about the pipes and pay from your wallet for the water damage. This is when you should replace your pipes before they get old, leaky, and void, spending more in the future.

When moving to a new home, you should try to learn a thing or two about plumbing. It would help to understand what pipes are stationed there and how they were installed. Knowing this information will give an idea of their life expectancy. It’s tricky and not easy, but it’s worth all the hassle as it lets you act before something goes haywire with your pipes.

Replacing the old pipes has two benefits – The new pipes installed will make the water flow faster since the old ones contain build-up. Secondly, clearing out the build-up will make your water safer and tastier to drink, and when you’re selling your home, it will boost your selling price.

FAQs

Below are the frequently asked questions for PVC vs HDPE. Let’s dig deep to know more.

How deep can you bury HDPE pipe?

As per industry standards, HDPE pipes with DRs ranging from 7.3 to 21 can be safely buried from 2 ft to 25 ft where no traffic load is present and from 3 ft to 25 ft where H20 live load is present.

Is HDPE pipes cheaper than PVC pipes?

Ans. Regarding cost differences specifically for irrigation applications, HDPE and PVC pipe costing can significantly differ depending on the materials used. Usually, HDPE laterals are 25% more expensive than PVC laterals. That creates a cost overrun of about 2-3 % of overall supply and installation. 2-3 % might not sound significant, but when a developer is budgeting all expenses, it makes more sense to go with PVC laterals (only if saving cost is a priority)

How much weight can PVC pipe hold?

Most PVC pipes can hold at least 28 pounds of weight before they start bending. However, sometimes longer PVC pipes begin to bend under their weight. A rule of thumb is never to use PVC pipes to hold larger quantities of weight, especially if you don’t want them to become stiff.

Which is the best glue for PVC?

Unlike PVC, PEX pipes do not need glue or cement for joining. Instead, they can be combined with push-to-connect fittings, metal inserts, or plastic fittings for a watertight seal.

Which is the best glue for HDPE pipes?

The best glue for use on HDPE pipes is Pro-Poly, which is a high-strength adhesive for coupling HDPE pipes using standard PVC couplings, HDPE couplings, and other non-standard materials. Pro-Poly is also used for bonding polypropylene, LDPE, ABS, polycarbonate, Nylon, fiberglass, steel, and aluminum.

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The Takeaway

In conclusion, when comparing HDPE and PVC pipes, it is crucial to consider each material’s unique properties and suitability for specific applications. HDPE pipes provide strength and flexibility, making them ideal for temperature-sensitive environments.

In contrast, PVC pipes offer higher heat deflection and more excellent dimensional stability, making them more appropriate for high-temperature applications. Careful evaluation of these factors will ensure the optimal piping material selection for a given project.

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Have a wonderful day.