HDPE piping is well known as an innovative solution that eases pipe installation and infrastructure operations, but did you know that HDPE can also withstand the rigours of winter?
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are used in a wide range of applications such as water supply, drainage systems, gas distribution and industrial piping. These pipes are made from polyethylene resin, which is a durable and versatile material known for its strength, flexibility and resistance to corrosion and cracking.
Another advantage of HDPE pipes is their ability to withstand extreme temperatures as low as -40°C to -20°C (-40°F to -4°F), Sandale’s HDPE pipes ensure fluids are flowing when winter’s worst is upon us.
We Hate to Break It to You, But Steel Pipes Crack
Unlike rigid materials that are prone to cracking when exposed to hot and cold, HDPE pipes can withstand temperature fluctuations without cracking. This benefit not only minimizes damage but also reduces the need for expensive and inconvenient repairs.
Steel pipes also have an inordinate amount of seams, which means more weak points for temperature fluctuations to wear on their rigid construction.
HDPE’s flexibility and seamless construction using heat-fusion help to greatly resist cold-induced cracks. No one wants to have to repair cracked water pipes any time – especially in the middle of winter – and just choosing HDPE over others helps to reduce the inconveniences, costs and energy required to get things back to normal.
Just recently, many major cities in Canada have been grappling with cold temperatures bursting pipes and causing untold damage to buildings, disturbing lives and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
Lethbridge (Alberta) experienced a significant stretch of cold weather, that resulted in major issues with outdoor pipes. “When ice expands, and melts as a result, it expands at an enormous pressure, around probably 30,000 pounds per square inch of pressure, so that’s an enormous amount of pressure and that’s why pipes are bursting,” said Doug May, an Infrastructure Design teacher at Lethbridge College.
In British Columbia, a broken water line caused damage to BC Cancer’s building and needed to alter or reschedule appointments - negatively delaying crucial work and resulting in potentially irreparable damage.
Temperature Fluctuations Are Only Going to Get Worse
As Earth’s temperatures continue to wreak havoc on our lives and infrastructure, the importance of using strong and long-lasting materials is crucial to future success.
HDPE can handle the frequent hot/cold cycles, is 100% recyclable, lasts decades, reduces ground disturbance and makes for a literal seamless operation.
The Cold Weather Pipe for Canada and Beyond
HDPE pipes are the low-temperature infrastructure solution that is needed now more than ever below.
Sandale Ontario gives you access to a wide range of HDPE pipes for a multitude of applications from British Columbia to Newfoundland. Our team of project managers will work with you to design, source and even install the low-temperature piping solution your project needs to ensure success now and well into the future.