High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe serves as a highly adaptable commodity across a wide range of industries, including communications, oil and gas, electrical utilities, municipal, and water. HDPE is well-known for its lightweight nature, low cost, and resistance to corrosion, but it also stands out for its strength, flexibility, and recycling. While these qualities are obviously appealing, one of the most distinguishing features of HDPE pipe is its higher performance and endurance in extremely low-temperature situations.
Severe cold may be extremely dangerous for conventional rigid pipes made of cast iron and ductile iron. When the temperature drops, certain materials are more prone to fail because of freeze damage. The most common reason for failures is when water inside supply lines freezes, expands by around 9%, and creates hoop stress, which is an external pressure that can rupture pipes.
In addition, earth movement is frequently the cause of pipe breaks. The expansion and contraction of soil caused by ground moisture freezing and thawing puts tremendous strain on underground pipes, particularly at the joints, which are the weakest areas of a pipeline system.
All pipes must be buried lower below the anticipated degree of frost penetration in order to reduce the possibility of freeze damage. But the material selection is just as important. HDPE pipe works very well in these kinds of conditions because of its ductility and flexibility. In contrast to rigid pipes, HDPE is able to tolerate cold temperatures and soil movement’s expansion and contraction without cracking. Its ability to withstand temperatures as low as -94°F (-70°C) guarantees that it will not become brittle in extreme cold.
Furthermore, the almost seamless pipe made of continuous long-length sections and heat-fused connections of HDPE greatly reduces the number of weak spots that are normally prone to failure in other materials.
Winter Storm Uri struck Texas, Alabama, and other states in February 2021, bringing with it bitter cold temperatures that exposed gaps in water infrastructure winterization. Water pipe breaks left households and businesses without water for days in spite of warnings. Texas expedited the issuance of plumbing licenses and mobilized out-of-state plumbers. Houston handled over 5,000 requests for damaged pipes, while Austin lost 325 million gallons of water due to leaks. Fort Worth recorded 600 water main breaches, highlighting cast iron pipe problems.
As authorities across the United States improve and develop water infrastructure, considering HDPE as an option to rigid pipe is critical, particularly in areas that do not endure lengthy cold temperatures. Because of its proven dependability in cold areas, HDPE is an excellent choice for assuring continuous water delivery even under harsh circumstances.
The flexibility and elasticity of poly pipe allow it to withstand freeze-thaw cycles without permanent harm. This flexibility, paired with its long-length sections that reduce connections, makes HDPE an excellent choice for lowering the possibility of water supply outages in cold climates.
Operating with the proper material is critical to maintaining a consistent and dependable water supply during severe weather. Legacy HDPE provides HDPE pipe solutions that are developed for durability, flexibility, and freeze resistance, assuring consistent performance even in the toughest situations. Trust Legacy HDPE for your next project and enjoy the strength and performance that distinguishes our HDPE pipe.
Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you with your plumbing requirements.
