Colours and Differences of MDPE Pipe
Understanding the uses of MDPE (medium-density polyethylene) pipe is crucial since using the right pipework ensures that your project runs smoothly and efficiently. Compared to traditional materials like copper or lead, MDPE is more cost-effective, safer, and easier to install due to its flexibility. Its durability makes it ideal for underground projects, whether for supplying drinking water or gas from an external source to the desired location.
The colors of MDPE pipes indicate the contents they carry, which is particularly significant when dealing with potable and non-potable water or gas. Below, we will explore the different colors and their respective purposes.
Typically, the relevant twinwall ducting is used to protect the pipe. For instance, if you're laying down a blue water pipe, the corresponding blue water pipe ducting should be utilized.
Key Takeaways
MDPE pipes are cheaper, safer, and easier to install than traditional copper or lead pipes. The color coding of MDPE pipes helps in identifying the service they carry, making maintenance and repairs simpler.
- Blue pipes transport drinking water.
- Black pipes denote non-drinking (non-potable) water.
- Yellow pipes carry gas.
- Barrier pipes are used for water passing through contaminated soil.
Blue MDPE
Blue MDPE pipes are specifically designed for transporting drinking water. At EasyMerchant, we offer sizes ranging from 20mm to 90mm, all of which are WRAS-approved for use in the UK. One major advantage of an MDPE system is its resistance to corrosion, preventing the buildup of unwanted bacteria in the water supply. Unlike some Other materials prone to corrosion and bacterial growth, blue MDPE is non-chemically reactive, ensuring clean water systems. Blue Water MDPE pipes are usually housed within a twinwall water duct pipe, which provides additional strength and protection when laid underground.
Black MDPE
Single-colored black MDPE pipes are commonly used for non-drinking water (non-potable) applications such as irrigation and water features like fountains. Standard compression fittings are typically used to join the pipework. Black HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipes are also employed in industrial water systems and sewage pump mains. Sometimes, black HDPE pipes with brown stripes are used to indicate they are sewage lines.
Yellow MDPE
In new property developments, yellow MDPE pipes are used for gas networks connecting to the meter box. Available in sizes from 20mm to 63mm and lengths from 25m to 150m, they are suitable for both natural gas and LPG. The distinct yellow color with a black interior makes it easier to identify damage, which is critical when handling gas. Additionally, the pipe is inert, meaning it won't react with the gas it carries and is non-corrosive, offering an exceptionally long system life (at least 100 years according to IGN 4-32-18).
It's worth noting that yellow MDPE uses different fittings compared to other pipes. For smaller sizes, gas compression fittings are used, while for larger sizes, electrofusion fittings are employed, where an electrical current melts and welds the pipe and fittings together for a permanent seal, ensuring no leaks.
MDPE gas pipes must be placed within perforated gas duct pipes for protection when buried underground.
Barrier Pipe MDPE
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Barrier pipes prevent soil contaminants from entering the water supply. These pipes consist of a composite structure combining polyethylene with an aluminum barrier that protects the water while remaining corrosion-resistant. This type of pipe is perfect for construction on polluted brownfield sites and is flexible, lightweight, and easy to install. It is frequently purchased for projects in agricultural areas, petrol stations, and landfill sites. In certain situations, blue barrier pipes are essential due to their superior protection against contamination of the water supply.
Should I choose Alkathene pipe or MDPE pipe?
There is often confusion between MDPE pipe and alkathene pipe. Black and blue MDPE pipeline products are sometimes referred to as alkathene. When polyethylene started being used commercially, it was called alkathene, but the modern term is MDPE pipes/piping. Another difference is that an alkathene pipe requires a universal coupling adaptor to work with modern MDPE pipe. Despite this, the material remains the same.
Our pipe is WRAS approved.
What exactly does this mean? WRAS stands for the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme. Approval indicates that products like blue water MDPE can be used to carry or receive water from a public supply in compliance with UK rules. These rules ensure that fittings do not cause waste, misuse, undue consumption, or contamination of the water supply and must be of appropriate quality and standard.
In essence, when you see our WRAS stamp, it assures you that the product complies with relevant rules and regulations. If the material is not regulated, the water might become contaminated due to dissolving metals or bacterial growth, potentially violating local laws and resulting in legal consequences in severe cases.
A Quick Guide to Fitting MDPE Pressure Fittings
- Start by cutting the pipe to the desired length using pipe cutters.
- Insert the pipe liner into the end where the fitting will be applied.
- Loosen one side of the nut on the pressure fitting and push the pipe through until it passes the O-ring.
- Tighten the loosened side of the fitting with a strap wrench.
A Quick Guide to Fitting MDPE Push Fit Fittings
- Begin by cutting the pipe to the required length using pipe cutters.
- Insert the pipe liner into the end where the fitting will be applied.
- Align the pipe with the push fitting and mark the depth using the depth indicator.
- Push the pipe into the fitting until it reaches the marked area.
For a comprehensive guide on joining these pipes, check out our How to Join Different Types of Plastic Pipe blog post here.
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