HDPE Pipes

Types

• HDPE water supply pipes — PE 80 and PE 100 grades in pressure classes for drinking water lines and distribution.
• Irrigation and sprinkler pipes — for farms, gardens and campuses, in lower pressure classes and coils.
• HDPE coils — lengths up to 100 metres or more in smaller diameters, which reduce joints on long runs.
• HDPE ducts for cables — smooth or corrugated pipes for protecting electrical and telecom cables underground.
• HDPE sewer and drainage pipes — larger diameters, often double-wall corrugated, for gravity drains.

What to check before buying

• Material grade (PE 63, PE 80 or PE 100) and the pressure rating in kgf per square centimetre or PN class.
• BIS certification; IS 4984 covers HDPE pipes for water supply.
• Outer diameter, wall thickness and standard dimension ratio, quoted per metre or per coil.
• Jointing method: butt fusion, electrofusion or compression fittings, and availability of matching fittings.
• Manufacturer test reports and batch marking on the pipe.
• Delivery of long lengths, whether the supplier or contractor handles jointing, and a GST invoice.

Who buys them

Contractors, factories, housing societies, farms, schools, hospitals, NGOs and government offices.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the pressure class?

Select a class that is above the working pressure of the line plus allowance for surges. A higher class means a thicker wall and more cost.

Why is HDPE preferred over metal pipes?

It does not rust, is flexible and has few joints when supplied in coils. It needs correct jointing, which should be done by trained crews.

Can HDPE pipes be laid above ground?

Black pipes with carbon black are UV-resistant and can be laid in the sun. Common brands include Jain, Finolex, Supreme, Astral and Kisan.