Is the PE pipe durable for open-air installation?

many people will be torn when considering outdoor pipe installation - is PE pipe installed in the open air durable? After all, the outdoor environment is exposed to the wind and the sun, and if the pipe is easy to break, the follow-up maintenance will be a hassle. Today we will explain this matter from the material characteristics of PE pipe, the challenges of open-air environment, and how to improve durability. First of all, we must make it clear that the "foundation" of PE pipe is actually very good. PE pipe is the full name of polyethylene plastic pipe. This material itself has the characteristics of strong corrosion resistance, good flexibility and light weight. Unlike metal pipe, which is easy to rust, and not as brittle as PVC pipe, under normal circumstances, the service life of PE pipe can reach more than 50 years - of course, this is under the right use environment. What are the challenges that the open-air environment will bring to PE pipes? There are three main ones: ultraviolet rays, temperature changes and mechanical damage. Let's talk about ultraviolet rays first. Ultraviolet rays in the sun are the "invisible killer" of plastic pipes. Long-term exposure will damage the molecular structure of PE pipes, causing the surface of the pipe to become brittle and cracked. Especially ordinary white or light-colored PE pipes, the anti-ultraviolet ability is weaker. But don't worry, many manufacturers now add anti-ultraviolet stabilizers (such as carbon black) to the raw materials of PE pipes, or directly produce black PE pipes. Carbon black can effectively absorb ultraviolet rays and greatly improve the anti-aging ability of pipes. For example, the common PE100 grade pipes have better anti-ultraviolet properties and are suitable for outdoor use. Then there are temperature changes. Although the PE pipe is flexible, it is also afraid of extreme temperatures. In summer, the PE pipe in the open air may be exposed to more than 60 ° C, which will soften the pipe and reduce the pressure bearing capacity. In winter, if it reaches below -20 ° C, the pipe will become brittle and easily damaged by collision. However, in most parts of our country, extreme temperatures do not occur for a long time. As long as you choose the PE pipe grade suitable for the local climate (for example, the model with good low temperature impact resistance in the north), this problem is not difficult to solve. There are also mechanical damage. The PE pipe in the open air is not as protected by soil as the buried one, and it is easy to be hit by heavy objects, scratched by sharp objects, or run over by passing vehicles. For example, if the outdoor pipes in the community are installed next to the sidewalk and accidentally touched by electric vehicles, they may leave cracks. This requires good protection during installation, such as fixing the pipes at a high place or wrapping them with protective sleeves to avoid direct exposure to the position that is prone to collision. So what can we do to make the PE pipe more durable in the open air? In fact, there are three points: choose the right pipe, do a good job of protection, and check regularly. Choosing the right pipe is the foundation. Prefer black PE pipe (because it contains carbon black anti-ultraviolet), or clearly marked "anti-ultraviolet" "outdoor special" PE pipe, the grade should be at least PE80 or above, preferably PE100 - the higher the grade, the better the performance. Good protection is the key. If conditions permit, you can add an awning to the PE pipe, or wrap it in a sunscreen cloth; if it is installed overhead, it should be firmly fixed to avoid pipe shaking and friction; if it is installed on the ground, it is best to use a concrete cushion or protective casing to prevent heavy objects from rolling. Regular inspections cannot be less. Every six months or a year, check the surface of the pipe for cracks, deformation, and water leakage at the interface. If problems are found and repaired in time, small problems can be avoided from turning into big troubles. Finally, to summarize: PE pipe can be durable when installed in the open air, but the premise is to choose the right pipe material and take protective measures. As long as these two points are achieved, PE pipe can be used in the open air for 20 or 30 years without any problem, and even reach the design life. So if you're thinking about outdoor plumbing, PE pipes are actually a good choice - as long as you use the right method, it can "carry" you through the wind and sun.