Black mains water pipe

[defender1007]

Is LDPE pipe the same as Alkathene or are they two different pipes.?

 

[kay-jay]

the black is low density the blue is medium density i think

 

[Craig swindon]

different sizes as well

 

[Ray Stafford]

I always assumed that alkathene was a generic name for the whole range of polyethylene pipe.

Generally speaking, in the UK, modern blue water-main is made from Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE)

In the past black light density polyethylene (LDPE) was common, but it came in several different classes, so Class C LDPE required different fittings, or at least different inserts, to Class D LDPE.

The class was indicated by colour coded writing on the side of the pipe - as I recall they are pale green, dark green, sky blue and a sort of browny red - but there may be more in other areas. Several fittings manufacturers colour code their inserts to match the colour writing on the pipe.

 

[defender1007]

Many thanks. I have worked with mdpe but never come across ldpe. I have to try and unseize the main internal stopcock that has the black (ldpe) pipe on both sides. I am a little nervous about working with the pipe. But before I can do that i am wating for Thames Water to fix the external stopcock.

 

[kay-jay]

Many thanks. I have worked with mdpe but never come across ldpe. I have to try and unseize the main internal stopcock that has the black (ldpe) pipe on both sides. I am a little nervous about working with the pipe. But before I can do that i am wating for Thames Water to fix the external stopcock.

If its not on show just put a new stoptap next to the old. Get a 22mm stoptap chuck away the olives and buy two 3/4 olives and you'll be fine.

Cut with a hacksaw as it can sometimes be brittle

 

[Centralheatking]

Wow well done Ray

I always assumed that alkathene was a generic name for the whole range of polyethylene pipe.

Generally speaking, in the UK, modern blue water-main is made from Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE)

In the past black light density polyethylene (LDPE) was common, but it came in several different classes, so Class C LDPE required different fittings, or at least different inserts, to Class D LDPE.

The class was indicated by colour coded writing on the side of the pipe - as I recall they are pale green, dark green, sky blue and a sort of browny red - but there may be more in other areas. Several fittings manufacturers colour code their inserts to match the colour writing on the pipe.

 

[Centralheatking]

Dead right Kay Jay this stuff is very brittle after a few years and needs care and attention

Centralheatking

If its not on show just put a new stoptap next to the old. Get a 22mm stoptap chuck away the olives and buy two 3/4 olives and you'll be fine.

Cut with a hacksaw as it can sometimes be brittle