1-1/2 Inch Polyethylene Water Pipe

1. What Is a 1-1/2 Inch Polyethylene Water Pipe?

A 1-1/2 inch polyethylene water pipe refers to a plastic pressure pipe with an outer diameter (OD) of 1.5 inches (approximately 38.1 mm), commonly used for water supply, irrigation, and plumbing applications. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), this type of pipe is known for its flexibility, toughness, and long service life.

Standard specifications include:

Size: 1-1/2 inch (OD: 38.1 mm)

Wall thickness: Varies depending on pressure rating; e.g.,

PN10: ~3.5 mm wall thickness

PN16: ~4.5 mm wall thickness

Length: Typically sold in 1000 ft rolls (305 meters) for large-scale applications. Shorter lengths like 100 ft or 500 ft are also available.

Pressure ratings: Common working pressure levels include PN6, PN10, and PN16, suitable for different flow rates and project demands.

Color coding: Usually black with blue stripes, indicating suitability for potable water supply.

Material grade: Food-grade, UV-resistant HDPE or LDPE

Connection methods:

Compression fittings

Barbed fittings with stainless steel clamps

Heat fusion (butt fusion or electrofusion)

Threaded adapters (for transitions to metal pipes)

Its continuous coil design (1000 ft) reduces the number of joints required, minimizing potential leak points and installation time—ideal for long-distance or large-area installations.

2. 1-1/2” Polyethylene Pipe vs. PVC Pipe: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between polyethylene (PE) pipe and PVC pipe depends on the needs of your project, especially in terms of flexibility, pressure rating, chemical resistance, and installation method. Here's a detailed comparison:

Feature	1-1/2” Polyethylene Pipe	1-1/2” PVC Pipe
Flexibility	High – can bend around corners and obstacles	Rigid – requires fittings for every direction
Installation	Easy to roll out and join with simple tools	Requires cutting, priming, gluing, and more fittings
Jointing Methods	Compression, clamps, heat fusion	Solvent welding (glue)
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent – resistant to rust, acids, salts	Very good – but not suitable for all chemicals
UV Resistance	High (especially with carbon black additives)	Requires UV-resistant coating or burial
Durability in Freezing	Excellent – pipe expands without cracking	Poor – rigid structure may crack under freeze
Water Hammer Tolerance	Good – pipe absorbs pressure surges	Lower – may fail under rapid pressure changes
Typical Lifespan	50+ years (with proper installation)	30-40 years
Cost	Slightly higher initial cost, lower labor cost	Lower material cost, higher fitting/labor cost

3. Common Applications of 1-1/2 Inch Polyethylene Water Pipe

Thanks to its versatility, strength, and long roll design, the 1-1/2 inch polyethylene pipe is widely used in various water-related systems:

Agricultural Irrigation

Main lines for drip irrigation systems

Distribution pipelines in sprinkler setups

Greenhouse watering systems, due to its flexibility and UV resistance

Residential & Rural Water Supply

Potable water delivery from wells or tanks

Garden and yard hose main lines

Off-grid plumbing systems (cabins, farms)

Industrial & Commercial Use

Water transfer pipelines in construction sites

Factory cooling systems

Chemical-resistant transport lines (if HDPE)

Quick Reference: Pipe Size, Wall Thickness, and Pressure Rating

HDPE vs. LDPE in 1-1/2" Pipes: What’s the Difference?

When choosing a 1-1/2 inch polyethylene pipe, understanding the difference between HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is critical. Both are types of polyethylene but vary significantly in performance, strength, and ideal use cases.

Material Structure Comparison

Property	HDPE (High-Density)	LDPE (Low-Density)
Density	~0.941–0.965 g/cm³	~0.910–0.940 g/cm³
Tensile Strength	High (20–37 MPa)	Low to Medium (8–15 MPa)
Flexibility	Moderate	Very High
Maximum Pressure Rating	Up to 16 bar (PN16)	Typically low, non-rated
Temperature Range	-40℃ to +60℃	0℃ to +50℃ (not for freezing)