Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
HDPE Pipe
Yes. HDPE pipes certified for potable water applications are made from pressure-rated polyethylene compounds approved by NSF for public drinking water service.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe is a flexible plastic pipe used for water mains, sewer mains, gas lines, stormwater systems, irrigation, and more. It’s valued for its low permeability, strength, and suitability for high-pressure applications.
The maximum rating depends on material type, pipe dimension ratio (DR), and operating temperature. Refer to AWWA C901-08 for PE4710 pipe at 80°F for typical ratings.
Black HDPE pipe contains carbon black for UV protection and can last for decades outdoors. Non-black pipe is less resistant and should be specified for shorter-term use.
- 2" and smaller: coils up to 1,000+ feet
- 3"–6": coils, reels, or 40–50' straight lengths
- Larger diameters: typically 40'–53' straight lengths
- DR (Dimension Ratio): Pipe outside diameter ÷ minimum wall thickness
- SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio): A set of standardized DRs (e.g., 9, 11, 13.5, 17, 21, 26, 32.5).
Drain Tile & Ag Drainage
Pros:
- Increases crop yields by improving root growth and nutrient uptake
- Reduces soil erosion
- Extends the growing season
- Improves soil quality and reduces compaction
- Lowers nutrient loss from soil
Cons:
- Installation cost
- Ongoing maintenance
- Environmental impacts (wetlands, runoff)
- Installation challenges in rocky soils
Potential legal issues with drainage easements
- Increase crop yield and productivity
- Reduce soil erosion
- Extend the growing season
- Improve soil quality
- Reduce nutrient loss and fertilizer costs
ADS HDPE pipe is generally cheaper than concrete (RCP) and comparable or cheaper than corrugated metal (CMP). Installed cost savings run 10–30% due to lighter weight, longer lengths, and easier handling.
Installation & Location
Yes. Trenchless methods often lower costs through faster installs, reduced permitting time, fewer disruptions, and less surface restoration.
A tracer wire should be buried above the pipe during installation. If not, ground-penetrating radar or acoustical resonance methods may be used later.
Pipe Fusion & Joints
Fusion creates a continuous pipeline without joints, eliminating many leak risks associated with gaskets (improper install, grit, ground movement, thermal changes, etc.).
Water Management Solutions rents socket fusion, butt fusion, and large-diameter fusion machines.
No. Threads aren’t recommended. Use saddle fusion tees, electrofusion tees, or mechanical clamps instead.
Rubber Tire Tanks
They’re nearly indestructible, safe for livestock, easy to install, and well-insulated for cold months. Steel plate bottoms allow for easy movement with a hook, and sizes range from 5' to 13'.
- 8' tank: about 650–750 gallons
- 10' tank: about 1,000 gallons
Cost & Savings
It offers the lowest life-cycle cost by reducing leaks, minimizing breaks, requiring fewer treatment plants and crews, and maintaining flow capacity long-term.
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