Medium Density (PE80) Polyethylene Pipe – MDPE Pipe Polyethylene pipe is flexible, elastic and heat insulating, which facilitates laying and installation and minimises the danger of frost damage.
What is the difference between HDPE and MDPE pipe?
The key difference between HDPE and MDPE is that HDPE has a high sensitivity to stress cracking whereas MDPE has better stress cracking resistance when compared to HDPE. The terms HDPE stands for high density polyethylene while the terms MDPE stands for medium density polyethylene.
What is MDPE used for?
MDPE pipe is used for cold water mains into new builds and to replace old lead water supplies into both domestic and commercial properties.
Can MDPE pipe be used underground?
Industrial water/ Sewage pump MDPE
MDPE which is black with two orange lines running along is to be used above or below ground, to carry industrial or sewage pump main water.
What does MDPE stand for in plumbing?
The most common type of pipe and fitting material now used to connect water mains to homes is MDPE. MDPE stands for medium-density polyethylene, and is a robust, heavy duty material. MDPE pipes that are used to connect mains water supplies into homes are typically installed in underground trenches dug in virgin ground.
How long does MDPE pipe last?
modern PE pipes of similar construction are likely to last well beyond design life of 50 years.
Is MDPE heat resistant?
As well as sharing the insulation resistance of most plastic materials, MDPE also has a high resistance to heat, and better stress cracking resistance, or notch sensitivity.
Is MDPE pipe suitable for hot water?
Blue MDPE (plastic)
Plastic piping has high resistance to a range of chemicals and is completely safe to sue for drinking water without contamination. However, this type of pipe cannot carry hot water. Being made from plastic, they can warp when hot water runs through them.
Does MDPE pipe need insulation?
When the new water supply pipe enters the property, it will be within 750mm of the external wall, so hence it needs to be ducted and insulated.
How deep should MDPE pipe be?
According to ‘The Department of the Environment’, they recommend that pipes should be buried at least 600mm (two feet) underground. At this depth, the soil acts as a natural insulator and prevents them freezing.
Can I use blue MDPE above ground?
Blue MDPE plastic pipe is intended for underground use only as it can be damaged by exposure to UV light. Black MDPE pipework is suitable for above ground sections exposed to UV light. Both Blue and Black MDPE should comply with BS EN 12201.
How deep should main water pipe be buried?
Underground piping shall be buried not less than 18 inches below the surface of the ground unless otherwise protected. All underground piping shall be protected from corrosion by coating in compliance with Section 533(b) or equivalent.
What is the difference between black and blue MDPE pipe?
Is There a Difference Between Blue and Black Alkathene Pipe? The blue colour of alkathene (or MDPE) pipe denotes that it has been tested and approved by WRAS for potable (drinking) water use. Black alkathene should only be used for non-drinking water applications.
What is the old black water pipe called?
Black polyethylene, or PE, pipe comes in very long rolls and is used in many areas for the water main between the meter and the house and for sprinkler systems. Just like any other type of pipe, poly pipe does not last forever and can develop leaks with time and with the help of tree roots.
Can HDPE pipe be used for drinking water?
HDPE pipe is the ideal piping solution for public and private potable water systems. HDPE pipe features a service life of over 100 years and has the versatility to perform in a variety of conditions. HDPE pipe provides a logical, low-maintenance investment in municipal and private potable water applications.
What is blue plastic water pipe called?
Also known as “big blue,” due to the blue color of some pipes, polybutylene was a popular choice for plumbing because it was inexpensive and durable. Over time, homeowners, plumbing experts, and scientists discovered that polybutylene pipe was not as durable as they had once believed.
Is MDPE pipe flexible?
MDPE is a light, flexible and durable piping system which is easy to install, it is ideal for carrying water including Potable Water and also a variety of chemicals and can be installed above or below ground as is it not susceptible to corrosion.
Can a water pipe be above ground?
Black PE Water Pipe
Can also be used above or below ground for industrial water/sewage pump mains where the system is not required to conform to BS EN 12201:2003 standards, as well as in hydroelectric, irrigation and marine systems.
What is MDPE made of?
MDPE combines the characteristics of low and high density polyethylene. Bottles are less translucent than LDPE but more flexible than HDPE. MDPE is manufactured by mixing HDPE with LDPE and is available in a variety of combinations, allowing choice of flexibility.
Can MDPE be recycled?
MDPE is recyclable. It can be found under plastic recycling number ‘two’, where it is grouped with HDPE, or high-density polyethylene and LDPE.
What size does MDPE pipe come in?
MDPE pipe is pressure rating to 12 BAR up to 63mm and 10 BAR for 90mm and 110mm. We stock; 20mm, 25mm, 32mm, 50mm and 63mm. The size relates to the outside diameter of the pipe. All sizes come in coils of 25 metre, 50 metre and 100 metre coils.