Comparing Different Types of Water Supply Pipes

Nowadays, there are a variety of water supply pipe options available on the market. These products vary in weight, strength, and operating properties. In this article, we will discuss pipes used for sewage and water supply systems, as well as their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

Key Comparisons of Water Supply Pipe Materials

Type of Pipe Key Characteristics Advantages Disadvantages
HDPE Pipes

– Resistant to corrosion and chemicals

– Flexible and lightweight- Long lifespan (up to 50 years)

– Suitable for cold and hot water supply (with reinforcement)

– Environmentally friendly

– Working temperature range:

 -40°C to 60°C

– Pressure rating: up to 16 bar

– Quick and easy installation

– Low maintenance

– Safe for drinking water

– Can handle high pressure (up to 16 atmospheres)

– Excellent impact resistance

– Resistant to biofouling

– Cost-effective

– Significant linear elongation (0.2 mm/m°C)

– Requires reinforcement for heating networks

– Vulnerable to mechanical impact without protective measures

Polypropylene Pipes

– High rigidity

– Excellent tightness of welded seams- Affordable

– Service life: up to 50 years for liquids up to 75°C- Density: 0.91 g/cm³

– Quick installation

– Does not affect water composition

– Long lifespan (up to 50 years)

– Lightweight and easy to handle

– Significant linear expansion (0.15 mm/m°C)

– Vulnerable to UV radiation

– Deforms at high temperatures

Metal-Plastic Pipes

– Combination of plastic and metal

– Color-coded for temperature (blue for cold, white for hot)

– Supplied in coils

– Service life: up to 25 years

– Operating temperature: up to 95°C- Pressure rating: up to 10 bar

– Moderate weight

– Good thermal conductivity

– Flexible

– Reduced risk of scale build-up

– Deforms with temperature changes

– Low fitting tightness

– High maintenance costs

PVC Pipes

– Wide range of pipes and fittings

– Uses standard seals for joints

– No welding required

– Operating temperature: up to 60°C

– Pressure rating: up to 10 bar

– Resistant to temperature changes

– Reliable connections

– Easy to replace and upgrade

– Cost-effective

– Lightweight

– Vulnerable to impact

– Not suitable for hot water applications

Steel Pipes

– Heavy

– Requires welding

– High installation skill required

– Service life: up to 25 years

– Operating pressure: up to 25 bar

– Strong

– Excellent thermal conductivity

– Handles high pressure

– High mechanical strength

– Corrosion prone

– Requires regular maintenance

– Affects water composition

– Needs support structures- Heavy

Galvanized Steel Pipes

– Uses threaded connections

– High mechanical resistance

– High performance

– Service life: up to 50 years

– Operating pressure: up to 25 bar

– Good heat dissipation

– Corrosion-resistant

– Durable

– High mechanical strength

– Expensive

– Heavy

– High joint tightness required

– Difficult to install

Copper Pipes

– Aesthetic appeal

– No painting needed

– Installed by gas welding

– Service life: up to 50 years

– Operating temperature: up to 200°C
– Pressure rating: up to 28 bar

– Corrosion-resistant

– Long lifespan

– Aesthetic appeal

– Good thermal conductivity

– Biostatic properties prevent microbial growth

– Expensive

– Vulnerable to mechanical impact

– Difficult to form tight connections

– Oxide film reduces aesthetics

Takeaway:

With all the advantages and disadvantages, HDPE plastic pipes are a worthy choice for home, office, and industrial production. High-quality materials, compliance with technologies in the manufacturing process, and competent installation will allow these pipes to be used for a long time. That is why you should pay attention to the manufacturer and the warranty that the supplier can offer. In this case, high-density polyethylene pipes will last for many years.

If you are looking for high-quality solutions for the production of plastic pipelines adapted to the requirements of your specific environment, then contact Legacy HDPE. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring the durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of your plumbing infrastructure. For more information about our products and services, please contact us directly. Tel: 307-299-3049

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