Choosing Between HDPE and PVC – A Detailed Guide

Author: Harry

Jul. 29, 2024

Choosing Between HDPE and PVC – A Detailed Guide

HDPE and PVC pipe have several similarities, but there are important differences that you should understand when choosing a product. At Piedmont Plastics, we want you to have the right plastic for your specific application, and that&#;s why we want to point out these differences.

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Both PVC and HDPE are durable and lightweight options for piping in residential and commercial buildings. They carry a low risk of leaks, can carry gas and liquid, and can be used underground and in the water. Both are corrosion-proof and resistant to bacteria and chemical buildup as well. Yet, despite these similarities, distinct differences can dictate which choice is best for your needs.

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Differences Between PVC & HDPE

PVC and HDPE have some distinct differences. In general, HDPE is a flexible, strong, and impermeable plastic. PVC is also strong but less flexible and more prone to cracking and failure.

Both pipes can handle standard water pressure surges common in pipelines. However, with PVC, the pipe can handle 100 psi above its pressure class. With HDPE, the pipe can withstand twice the pressure class. In addition, PVC can handle 5.5 feet per second of flow rate before changing its water pressure rating, while HDPE can handle 14 feet per second. Overall, HDPE is 2,500 more resistant to cracking and failure due to water hammer and fatigue.

PVC has a higher pressure class for static water, but HDPE has a higher working pressure rating. In addition, when creating pipe systems, HDPE has a greater bend radius, so it works well for applications that require a curved or bent design.

These two materials also vary in how they are joined. For example, HDPE is joined with heat fusion, while PFC must have a spigot or bell joint with cement. This means HDPE has less of a risk of leaks at the joints.

Finally, HDPE is more durable under extreme conditions. Unlike PVC, it is completely UV resistant and can be installed in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 to 140 degrees. It also has a service life of over a century.

Different Applications of PVC & HDPE Pipe

While the most common use of HDPE and PVC pipe is plumbing, these products have additional applications:

Common HDPE Applications

  • Water and gas mains

  • Sewage

  • Irrigation

  • Slurry transfers

  • Stormwater and drainage

  • Electrical and communications conduits

  • Mining applications

  • Firewater

  • Brine lines

  • Process chemicals

  • Ocean clean-up

  • Outtfall lines

Common PVC Applications

  • Water mains

  • Chemical transfers

  • Stormwater drainage

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  • Sewage

  • Household plumbing

  • Irrigation

  • Underwater Piping

  • Exhust fumes

Chemical Resistance and Compatability

HDPE and PVC differ in their resistance to certain chemicals. They have the same chemical resistance for the following:

Acetic acid, Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Borax, Calcium hypochlorite, Ferrous sulfate, Hydrochloric acid, Hypochlorous acid, Phosphoric acid, Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium carbonate, Sodium chloride, Sulfur, Urine, Water, and Saltwater.

Some chemicals had distinct differences. These include:

  • Chlorine at 50+ ppm: PVC is more resistant

  • Nitric acid: HDPE is more resistant

  • Lubricating oil: HDPE is more resistant

  • Sodium HypoChlorite: PVC is more resistant

  • Sulfuric Acid: HDPE is more resistant at most concentrations

Which Is More Cost -Effective: HDPE or PVC?

Even though HDPE is more durable and flexible than PVC and lasts longer without degradation, it costs a little more than its competition. However, when considering cost-effectiveness, you must look beyond the purchase price.

With HDPE, you don&#;t have to use cement to join pieces. Because it is joined with heat, the process requires minimal wait time. As a result, you do not have to wait for the cement to cure, and you can use your new pipes more quickly.

HDPE is also more cost-effective to transport. You do not have to protect it from sunlight as you do with PVC because it is UV resistant. This combination of less cost and time to install and less cost for transportation helps counter the higher purchase cost.

Finally, HDPE will last longer than PVC in most applications. Not having to replace and repair pipes as often adds up to major cost savings. In light of these factors, HDPE is typically the more cost-effective option.

Get Expert Guidance

If you are curious about whether to choose PVC or HDPE, the sales professionals at Piedmont Plastics can help. Our knowledgeable team will help you learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each material so that you can choose the best one for your application. Reach out today.

Contact Us Today!

5 Things to Know About HDPE Pipes - Engineering World

5 Things to Know About HDPE Pipes

It isn't just the best HDPE pipe manufacturers in Dubai who know that HDPE pipes are the most excellent option on the market; consumers worldwide are also realising this material's potential.

To learn more, read on for five things you need to know about HDPE pipes.

1. HDPE pipes are well suited for high demand applications.

As a result of their durability and superior temperature, chemical, and impact resistance, HDPE pipes are well suited for high demand projects. For instance, HDPE pipes are the best option for projects involving fire system supply lines, water, sewer and gas mains, and electrical and communications wiring and cabling.

In fact, HDPE pipes have a long history of being utilised in the oil, mining, and gas industries as they can carry chemicals, wastewater, compressed gases, slurries, and hazardous wastes. After all, the pipes are rust-proof, corrosion-, chemical- and UV-resistant, immune to bacteria, and unlikely to leak.

Moreover, in addition to being durable, HDPE is also astonishingly flexible and lightweight, making it more straightforward to transport and install than other materials. Not only does this make it easier (and safer) to use these pipes and fittings, but it also decreases the amount of time and labour required to install them.

2. HDPE pipes are ideal for drainage systems.

No matter what kind of drainage application you need, HDPE drainage systems are ideal. These HDPE pipes and fittings are produced according to the latest industry standards. Additionally, they can be assembled along with electro-fusion, butt-fusion, flanges or rubber ring joints.

When you opt for an HDPE drainage system from a high-quality, reputable plastic manufacturing company, you will find that it can resist chemicals and high temperatures, as well as being flexible and low noise.

Because of these characteristics, these HDPE drainage systems are especially suited for residential and industrial buildings, laboratories, hospitals and hotels.

3. HDPE pipes are the most sustainable option.

In addition to being some of the most practical and robust options on the market, HDPE pipes are also the most sustainable.

Unlike other pipe materials, HDPE is highly biodegradable and easily recyclable, decreasing the material's environmental impact. Moreover, new HDPE pipes are made from recycled materials ranging from 25 percent to 100 percent pre-consumer material.

And, if that wasn't enough, the production process for HDPE pipes only requires a fraction of the energy needed to produce other pipe materials (like steel).

For all of these reasons, HDPE pipes are deemed to be the most eco-friendly options on the market. This is demonstrated by the fact that HDPE is considered a sustainable building material and is required for LEED certification.

4. HDPE fittings are also ideal for a variety of projects.

In many cases, your project may require both pipes and fittings. In both cases, HDPE is the ideal material, as HDPE fittings are also considered to be highly reliable. In fact, for pipelines that transport high-pressure liquids, HDPE fittings are crucial. For this reason, HDPE fittings are usually employed for projects related to mining, irrigation, and municipal drinking water installations.

As they are used in a wide array of projects, there are more than 12 different styles of HDPE fittings. This means that you should be able to find the HDPE fittings that you need whatever your project; however, it is also possible to have fittings custom-made for you.

Some varieties of HDPE fittings that exist are bend-molded applications (plumbing, gas, and drinking water projects), reducer applications (engineering, industrial, and construction projects), long neck applications (structures, gas, and hydraulic projects), and wafer butterfly valve applications (liquid and gas projects)

Similar to HDPE pipes, there is a range of sizes of HDPE fittings available on the market. The size of fitting that you require will depend on the pipeline size to which it will be attached (usually between 20mm to 650mm).

5. HDPE pipes and fittings rarely need to be repaired.

In addition to all the other benefits that this material brings, HDPE pipes and fittings also boast the lowest repair rate per year when compared to other piping materials. This should come as no surprise, as polyethylene is tough, solid, and incredibly durable.

Therefore, whether you prioritize long service, ease of installation, flexibility, chemical resistance, or sustainability, you can be sure that HDPE pipes and fittings will satisfy all your requirements.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your HDPE pipes and fittings is an important decision that will have a lasting impact on your project.

For this reason, it is highly recommended that you only opt to purchase these pipes from a highly reputable plastic manufacturing company that has years of experience and plenty of happy customers. Unfortunately, if you don't choose the highest quality pipes possible, you can't be guaranteed all the benefits high-quality HDPE pipes provide.

If you have questions about selecting suitable HDPE pipes and fittings for your project, reach out to a reputable plastic manufacturing company to inquire about their offerings.

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