Replies

1. 
   jd03 | Aug 21, 2005 03:20am | #1

   I have a similar situation. I am running a water line to a new accessory building that I am building. I will use the roll type. I can look it up for you as to the exact type of material that it is made of, but I did check with the plumbing code here and it is approved.

   For my installation,I like the roll as Ican't make a straight enough line to the new building using schedule 40 PVC. . At the building:however I am changing to copper.

   Schedule 40 would certaintly be okay as well, except the local codes will not allow it in or under a concrete slab.

2. 
   Dave45 | Aug 21, 2005 04:24am | #2

   I believe that the rolled stuff is HDPE and it's way tougher than PVC.

3. 
   lineman | Aug 21, 2005 04:47am | #3

   I use to work for a municipal water company,  we would use the black poly that comes in a continuous roll like you are talking about. Seemed like pretty tough stuff, just make sure you use the good brass compression fittings with the stainless steel inserts.

4. 
   inperfectionist | Aug 21, 2005 02:38pm | #4

   I don't want to knock your plumber, and I don't know what code requires in your area. That said, you can drive a truck over HDPE and not break it, and you can make the install w minimum joints. The downside to HDPE is that it cannot be solvent welded, but you can by great fittings to join it.

   PVC has a rigidity,chemical resistance, and joinability that make it popular in various process industries. 

5. 
   WayneL5 | Aug 21, 2005 08:39pm | #5

   For direct burial PVC would work, but the polyethylene black roll material is much tougher stuff, resistant to physical abuse.  With PVC as the ground settles and shifts there is more risk of rupturing the pipe.  It's faster and cheaper to lay, too.

   With the polyethylene, don't use steel hose nipples.  Use brass or stainless steel.  It's a good idea for the hose clamps to be all stainless steel (sometimes called "marine grade").  Less expensive hose clamps have a stainless steel band, but the worm is plain steel.

6. 
   lisakk | Aug 21, 2005 09:31pm | #6

   Thanks everyone!  This sounds like a no-brainer to me.  HDPE is easier to install and longer lasting.  I just wonder why our plumber wanted to use PVC in the first place.  Especially since we're ordering the materials and our excavator is installing the water line.