How Does PE Pipe Compare

HDPE PVC Ductile Iron
JOINT LEAKS*
Installed leakage allowance		 Zero gallons per day, per mile 113 gallons per day, per mile* 125 gallons per day, per mile*
TRENCHLESS The preferred choice
Saves money, completes work on time
Little to no disruption to roads and highways		 None in the past
Requires special joining		 None in the past
Requires special joining
CORROSION None None After a few years ductile iron will corrode.
INFILTRATION None: No contaminants entering the pipe system. Wekened joints and shifting soils do not allow for a tight seal. Wekened joints and corrosion can lead to a leakage.
FLEXIBLE/ LIGHTWEIGHT FLEXIBLE: Saves time and money transporting and installing. Not flexible - more difficult to transport and install. Inflexible and heavy more difficult to transport and install.

* Based on 12-inch AWWA C906(for PE), C900(for PVC) and C110(for DI) pipe at 100 psi.