Polyethylene pipe is a flexible plastic tubing made from petroleum by-products. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and useful in different applications. The degree of flexibility varies among grades, with LDPE being the most flexible and HDPE being more heat resistant. While it holds up well in moderate climates, long-term exposure to UV light can weaken its integrity. It is available at hardware and home stores and is ideal for use in areas not exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Polyethylene pipe is tubing made from a flexible plastic created with the use of petroleum by-products. The flexibility of the pipe is one of the main advantages of polyethylene piping, as this allows the piping to be installed in spaces and configurations that would never be possible with metal piping. While polyethylene tubing tends to hold up well in cold temperatures, long-term exposure to UV light and other environmental factors can weaken the integrity of the tubing over time.
The type of polyethylene used to create the pipes is slightly different from other polyethylene based products. Polyethylene comes in several grades, each of which is useful in different applications. Many of the polymer or plastic items people use today are made from this type of plastic. For example, polyethylene can be used to make simple plastic grocery bags, camera film, plastic sheeting, and even squeeze bottles.
The degree of flexibility found in the different grades of polyethylene helps determine the end use of the plastic. Low-density polyethylene, known as LDPE, is among the most flexible of all grades. Within the LDPE family, linear low density polyethylene is considered the most durable and also the least expensive plastic of this grade. High-density polyethylene, known as HDPE, has a stiffer structure, but tends to be more heat resistant. HDPE is often a good option when polyethylene pipe will be used as part of a simple plumbing system.
Along with the flexible nature of plastic piping, polyethylene pipe is also a cost-effective option in many cases. The material used to make the pipes is less expensive than the processes used to manufacture different types of metal pipes. When coupled with its relative flexibility and ease of installation, polyethylene pipe becomes an obvious choice for use in the home, especially in areas not exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Purchasing polyethylene home piping products is relatively easy. Hardware and home stores are likely to carry polyethylene tubing along with other options. Discount retail stores also often carry a line of inexpensive poly pipe products that are ideal for use under a sink or to replace a section of pipe running along a basement ceiling. While there is a possibility of cracking in cold weather, especially if the water in the line should freeze, the pipes hold up very well in moderate climates and require nothing more than basic care to remain functional for a number of years.
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