Selecting the best pipe is essential for supplying potable water. A poor-quality pipe can flake and contaminate the water, which can be harmful to health. Fortunately, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are durable, do not flake or scale and have the best properties to transport water safely.
Before discussing the features and what makes these pipes a safe choice for water transportation, let’s understand what potable water is.
Why Are HDPE Pipes the Best Choice for Supplying Potable Water?
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are approved in NSF 14, AWWA C901, NSF 61, AWWA C906, and ASTM International D3035. It has been in use for supplying drinking water since the 60s.
The following are eleven reasons that make HDPE pipes a popular choice among people for supplying potable water.
- Flexible
These pipes are flexible and can bend upto 25 times a radius. This flexibility makes them ideal for dynamic soils. Therefore, it is suitable for drawing underground water even in earthquake-prone areas.
- Highly Durable
The durability feature of the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is another reason that makes them the ideal choice for supplying potable water. Due to their composition, the pipes have a rigid body and a leak-free structure. Hence, no wastage occurs when the water is transported from one end to the other. Neither does the pipe get affected by outside pressure and temperature.
- Easy to Install
Due to its flexibility and leak-free feature, these pipes can be installed easily without needing other equipment. In addition, they can be carried in a coiled state, stretched, and attached at ease when required.
- Long Service Life
These pipes can stay functional for 50-100 years. Therefore, you can use these pipes for a long-term water supply project.
- Chemical and Corrosion Resistant
These pipes are rust-resistant due to their composition. Besides, it also doesn’t react to chemicals. So, if the chemicals come in contact with the pipe’s exteriors, the pipe doesn’t emit harmful gas or cause hazardous reactions.
- High Surge Tolerance
High-density PE pipes have an excellent surge tolerance. As a result, they can handle occasional and recurring surges without damaging the pipes. Besides, they can tolerate heavy water flow more than any other piping system. Hence, they are a good option for supplying potable water.
- Lightweight
The High-Density PE pipes are lightweight, and hence they are convenient to carry in different locations. Besides taking, this feature makes it easy to install and transport water to the end destination.
- Doesn’t Break From Frozen Water Accumulation
Due to extreme temperature, the water might freeze within the pipe. The pipes are made from durable elements; the freezing doesn’t cause breakage, making the pipe ideal for potable water supply.
- Low Installation Cost
Another key feature of these pipes is that the installation cost is lower than other pipes. Besides, they are also more efficient than conventional piping systems in terms of surge tolerance, chemical and corrosion-resistance, and durability. So, you get efficiency at a low price with these pipes.
- Good Temperature Resistance
These pipes can transport both cold and hot water. They can deliver the water to the other end without affecting the temperature of the water. Their temperature tolerating capacity is between -40°F to 140°F.
11. Zero Flaking or Scaling
Many people are concerned about whether the plumbing pipe will cause water contamination. If you’re using high-density polyethene pipes, the water will not contaminate, as flaking or scaling doesn’t happen on the pipe’s interiors.
Conclusion
HDPE pipes are a good choice for delivering potable water to residences and industries for their corrosion and chemical resistant properties, durability, surge tolerance, long service life and other features. Besides, it is also a cost-effective solution for your piping needs.