When we think of pipes, our childhood memories of playing Clue may lead us to imagine a threaded lead pipe. Like so many of its legacy piping material brethren such as concrete, copper, clay, ductile iron and PVC, lead pipe is a furiously rigid object that requires a weld or coupling to make even the slightest turn. <\/p>\n\n
That is not the case with high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe.<\/p>\n\n
In fact – just the opposite holds true.<\/p>\n\n
In the world of yoga, if legacy pipe is the mountain pose, HDPE must be the handstand scorpion.<\/p>\n\n
Namaste.<\/p>\n\n
HDPE pipe can be bent to a radius 20 to 25 times the diameter of the pipe.<\/p>\n\n
At face value, that may not elicit a response of astonishment and amazement, but it is quite easy to illustrate the numerous advantages. Especially when you compare it to a bend radius of zero. <\/p>\n\n
We can begin with the simple fact that the bend radius of an HDPE pipe eliminates the need for fittings that accommodate subtle changes in direction. In other words, if you need to make a slight turn in your path, HDPE pipe will flex into the turn without altering the pipe. Traditional pipes like ductile iron and PVC require additional fittings, couplings and labor in order to execute the simplest of changes in direction. <\/p>\n\n
You have a path for your piping system that requires veering in one direction – even a simple three-degree lilt to the left? Legacy pipe says – “hold on while we fasten this joint, we’re going to be here for a bit.” HDPE lilts<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n If you had to make four three-degree turns over a 60-foot stretch of pipe using legacy piping, imagine the time investment and equipment stress? HDPE doesn’t have to.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n In some areas, the soil composition is conducive to shifting. Due to the flexibility and durability of HDPE pipe, shifting soils is not a concern, as it will absorb stresses caused by the movement. <\/p>\n\n In some legacy pipe cases, the piping system is not conducive to the shifting soils. HDPE is.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n There are numerous areas in the world that are prone to seismic activity. There are numerous piping systems that do not adapt well to movement that triggers the Richter scale. HDPE does.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n In fact – it is entirely possible that the potential catastrophic results of an earthquake can be minimized simply by installing HDPE piping as opposed to other options.<\/p>\n\n Under cold weather conditions, or when impacted – some legacy materials are prone to crack. HDPE isn’t.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Let’s pretend in a fantasy world you want to install your piping system under rivers and lakes, or pull it through existing pipe, and limit surface disruption and installation costs with trenchless installation?<\/p>\n\n It’s not a fantasy world. Other piping systems can’t accommodate those money and time-saving ventures. HDPE can.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Next time someone tells you to conjure an image of pipe in your head – open your mind and be flexible.<\/p>\n\n Picture a versatile, durable, cost effective, long lasting solution.<\/p>\n\n HDPE is it.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Learn about the advantages of using high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe for your piping system, including its ability to bend to a radius 20-25 times the diameter of the pipe, eliminating the need for fittings and reducing labor costs. HDPE is also more durable, flexible and adaptable to changing soil conditions and seismic activity than legacy piping materials. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":6711,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[150],"tags":[],"application":[],"topic":[172],"class_list":["post-6710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-en-ca","topic-hdpe-101-en-ca"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n