HDPE vs PVC Schedule 80

After conducting a comprehensive investigation, I reached out to both manufacturers: the PVC Schedule 80 that had already been approved and the HDPE conduit that had been submitted. Here are my findings:

PVC Schedule 80 Manufacturer: "We don't know much about HDPE; we don't really see them as direct competitors. We focus most of our literature on highlighting how PVC is better, lighter, and quicker to install than metallic conduit."

HDPE Manufacturer: "HDPE is a superior product to PVC. A lot of people are updating their specifications and moving towards HDPE. HDPE comes in continuous lengths, requiring fewer couplings and gluing. If coupling is needed, special two-part epoxies must be used to glue special HDPE couplings. HDPE Shurlock couplings, which are UL listed, can transition to almost any other conduit system. When laid in a trench, HDPE is flexible enough to navigate most obstacles.

However, HDPE has more expansion and contraction issues than PVC, but this shouldn't be much of a problem when installed underground. HDPE can be installed at temperatures as low as -40°F, while PVC becomes very brittle at slightly below freezing. The wall thickness is similar between PVC and HDPE; you can get a Schedule 80 HDPE conduit, which is slightly thicker than the PVC Schedule 80 conduit. Not all HDPE is UL listed, though. Only Schedule 40, Schedule 80, and SDR 13.5 HDPE can be UL listed. If you don't ask for it, you won't get the UL-listed version."

Since HDPE can only be installed underground, its issues with expansion and contraction shouldn't pose much of a problem. It appears that there are significant cost benefits to using HDPE duct, and as it becomes more accepted, it will likely surpass PVC for all underground installations.

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By Sharon Bueno

Trenchless Technology magazine explores the benefits of both PVC and HDPE pipes.

PVC and HDPE pipes are two of the most popular choices for underground construction. This article will compare PVC vs HDPE pipes.

In a 2008 Trenchless Technology survey, sewer system operators and consulting engineers from the United States were polled about their pipe preferences. HDPE and PVC came in either #1 or #2 in most categories. Both types of pipes have strengths and weaknesses and are favored by many contractors and project owners due to their extensive range of applications. We contacted their respective pipe associations for more details.

Michael Luckenbill: PVC Pipe

Uni-Bell is a non-profit trade association of major PVC pipe producers and is manned by engineers knowledgeable in buried pipe applications and design. Since their introduction in North America in the 1950s, PVC pipes have steadily grown in use due to their superior performance and lower maintenance, dominating new installations for both water and sewer pipes.

Tony Radoszewski: HDPE Pipe

Founded in 1950, the Plastics Pipe Institute promotes plastics as the premier choice for piping applications. The primary goal of PPI is to provide a forum where member companies can collaboratively work to expand the market for plastic pipe and related products.

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