The Case for Plastic Water Pipes
HDPE pipe is recyclable and reusable, durable and long-lasting and resistant to corrosion. It is estimated that PVC and PE pipes can have a lifetime exceeding 100 years. They are eight times less dense than steel pipes, and therefore there is no need to bring in heavy lifting equipment to shift them while they are being installed. Globally, up to 30% of all piped water is lost through pipe leakages somewhere in a system. The main cause attributed to pipe failure. Plastic process pipes systems are flexible and do not carry the same inherent risk of cracking as metal or concrete alternatives. They are less affected by ground movements and are strong enough to withstand deformation from traffic loading. Their inherent resistance to corrosion also makes them less vulnerable to leaks originating inside the pipe. Plastic pipes also require fewer joints. HDPE pipes, for example, can be produced, transported and installed in longer lengths than metal pipes. This allows plastic pipelines t...