HDPE vs PVC: What’s the Difference?
There are continuous debates as to which pipe is the best to work with for what type project. The following is an effort to compare the advantages and disadvantages to using HDPE versus PVC pipe. Every effort will be made to be impartial on the pro’s and con’s. That said, we are a manufacturer of HDPE pipe. HDPE pipe has been the material of choice for trenchless installation practices almost since the technology first appeared in the mid-to late 1960s. Durability PVC is a fairly durable vinyl polymer while HDPE is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. They are both considered plastics. When comparing failure ratings, PVC has shown to be higher than HDPE. PVC has a rating of one in 48,650 events compared to HPDE with one in 10,000,000. These failure events included rain stress, wind, heat or cold. HDPE is known to be more durable in these events. PVC is shown to be more useful in one-time projects. HDPE Pipe Joining When joining PVC, gasket or gluing sealant must be used. It can also be