Water Services copper or HDPE? 1

[mflam]

It's been a while since the last thread on this subject. I'm interested in the latest thoughts from water distribution operators or designers. Is there any reason we should not allow HDPE tubing for water services? We are in the northeast US. What about the service from the main to the curb stop?

 

[CarlB]

Don't expect a change from copper to HDPE anytime soon by the local water purveyor-

when a service line freezees, they hook up the welder (high current) to the key box & thaw wire (attached to the corp stop at the main) and thaw it out.

 

[kepharda]

The problem is this, copper tubing is ridiculously expensive at the moment, so everyone wants to use something else.

I design Industrial systems so my point of view may be differing a bit what what you where interested in.

Their are many things to consider, size of pipe, pressure, and type of installation. Some of my clients have suggested using stainless tubing, the problem here is that the installation cost is very high, (ie a butt welded connection is more time consuming than sweated fittings.)

HDPE is o.k. for low pressure stuff, but is in no way as durable, you sort of have to weigh the alternatives.

I would think for a buried water service less than 50 psi HDPE would be a fine application. Although you might need to think about how you would tie into the Main.

 

[bimr]

Don't see any reason not to use alternative materials. A lot of places allow PVC.

Service connection lines are usually a diameter of 1" or less and can be made of various materials: polyethylene, PVC, iron or copper pipe. (Env. Canada)

6-2 . Service connection materials .

a . Copper . Copper has been the most widely used material for service piping due to its flexibility, ease of installation, is somewhat corrosion-resistant, and its capability to withstand high pressures . Although the cost of copper pipe has risen rapidly in recent years, it is still well suited for service connection use.

b . Plastic. Plastic pipe is frequently selected because-of its relatively low cost and easy installation . The capabilities of plastic pipe to withstand maximum internal and external loadings and temperatures should be carefully examined before use.

http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em1110-3-164/c-6.pdf

 

[stanier]

ABS from Australia and Malaysia is ued extensively. In fact in Malaysia they mandate its use.

It is not the same material grade of ABS that they had all the problems with in the USA. Google Eurapipe plastics

Geoffrey D Stone FIMechE C.Eng;FIEAust CP Eng

http://www.waterhammer.bigblog.com.au