PE pipe (which stands for polyethylene pipe) is a broader term that refers to any thermoplastic pipe

made from ethylene gas. PE pipe comes in numerous styles including low-density, cross-linked, ultra-
low-molecular-weight, high-molecular-weight, medium-density, ultrahigh molecular weight, chlorinated,
and linear low-density.

HDPE pipe is a type of plastic pipe that’s used to transfer fluids and gases or to replace ageing concrete
or steel mains pipelines. HDPE pipe (which stands for high-density polyethylene pipe) is flexible, highly
impermeable, and suitable for high pressure pipelines. Most commonly, HDPE pipe can be seen in use
for water mains, gas mains, sewer mains, slurry transfer lines, rural irrigation, fire system supply lines,
electrical conduits, communication conduits and drainage pipes

PVC pipes are widely used for various applications, including water mains, irrigation, and sewage pipes.
They have many beneficial properties: long-lasting, easy to install, strong, durable, lightweight, cost-
efficient, and sustainable.

HDPE & PE is a better option for a pipe working with lower pressure. HDPE pipes are more bendable and
have a tight bending radius. However, HDPE is a good choice for both pressure and non-pressure
applications. HDPE is known for its chemical stability, flexibility, and high strength-to-density ratio. As
discussed above, it offers a leak-free system via heat fusion joints.

On the other hand, PVC is also strong and stiff; it is more compatible with direct burial and trenchless
applications. PVC is allowed to join with mechanical joints and valves, creating a problem of background
leakage, which means that water leaks out from the joints. It is estimated that 14% of drinking water is
lost daily

https://www.eiffeltrading.com/blog/post/whats-the-difference-between-hdpe-pipe-and-pe-pipe

https://plasticranger.com/hdpe-vs-pvc/
HDPE PE (ORDINARY) PVC
 SIZE PRICE/METER SIZE PRICE METER SIZE PRICE/METER
1/2 in 1/2 in 1/2 in
SIZES 3/4 in 3/4 in 3/4 in
1 in 1 in 1 in
2 in 2 in 2 in

2 years under sunlight 2 years under sunlight 3 years under sunlight

AVERAGE LIFESPAN
& uv rays & uv rays & uv rays
LIFE SPAN 50 years underground 50 years underground 10 years
High Strength – Limited
QUALITY Strength + Flexibility Strength + Flexibility
Ductility
RECOMMENDED
- 40 ° to 45 ° C - 40 ° to 45 ° C 0 ° to 45 ° C
TEMPERATURE
More Resistant to Resistant to sand, salt, Resistant to sand, salt,
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE sand, salt, dust, and dust, and corrosive dust, and corrosive
corrosive materials materials materials
DURABLITY More Durable Durable Durable
PVC pipes are more
robust and stiffer,
More squishy and making them easily
Squishy and bendable
bendable HDPE pipes joinable to valves and
PE pipes have leak-free
LEAKAGE have leak-free joints other mechanical
joints that prevent
that prevent water fittings. A significant
water leakage
leakage. drawback is potential
water leakage through
these joints.
HDPE pipe can be PE pipe can be joined
When joining or
joined by butt welding, by butt welding,
connecting, a PVC
JOINT electro fusion welding, electro fusion welding,
gasket or glue must be
socket welding or socket welding or
used.
extrusion welding extrusion welding
PVC pipes are more
More on Expansion & More on Expansion & deformation-resistant
EXPANSION & Contraction may cause Contraction may cause and can better
CONTRACTION stress to pipe joints & stress to pipe joints & withstand high-
fittings fittings temperature
applications.