Top 6 Alternatives to Ductile Iron Pipes: Pros and Cons

DI pipes are widely used in different industries and branches of engineering. However, there are some alternatives to ductile iron pipes when they can’t meet your needs. These pipe material alternatives are different in weight, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and cost.

PVC, HDPE, Steel, Copper, Concrete, and GRP pipes are the most popular alternatives to ductile iron pipes. Each type has its advantages; PVC is affordable, HDPE is strong, Steel is durable, Copper resists corrosion, Concrete is sturdy and GRP is lightweight yet strong.

Keep reading to learn more about these material alternatives and how to choose one!

What Are the Most Popular Alternatives to Ductile Iron Pipe?

There is a wide range of DI pipe alternatives offered in different materials and specifications. Once you have enough information regarding this subject, you can pick the most fitting one according to your requirements.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes

They are one of the most used water supply pipe materials. This DI alternative has unique pros and cons, which are explained below.

Pros

• Light Design: PVC pipes are lighter than ductile iron pipes. This lightweight alternative can lower transportation costs and save more money on the project.
• Corrosion Resistance: If being corrosion-resistant matters to you, PVC pipes are incredible. They can last a lifetime, even if the level of corrosion is high in the intended area.
• Cost Efficiency: When you compare ductile iron pipes to PVC pipes, you understand that PVC pipes are more cost-efficient. Therefore, many engineers with tight budgets are eager to utilize this alternative.
• Easy Installation: As mentioned, PVC pipes are ideally lightweight and offered in a wide range of designs and sizes. These features make PVC pipes easier to install than ductile iron pipes.

Cons

• Lower Temperature Resistance: PVC pipes’ maximum operating temperature is lower than DI pipes’. Therefore, professionals can’t use this ductile iron pipe alternative in specific environments.
• Lower Strength: While ductile iron pipes offer amazing strength, PVC pipes aren’t as strong. That’s why you can’t use them where high pressure is applied.

HDPE Pipes

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are another popular alternative to ductile iron. They are one of the most flexible pipe materials and have unique properties.

Pros

• Flexibility: As mentioned, HDPE pipes are more flexible than ductile iron pipes. That’s why they are suitable for projects involving ground movements.
• Trenchless Installation: If you demand trenchless installation methods like pipe bursting or horizontal directional drilling, HDPE pipes can help. HDPE pipes have an amazing benefit over ductile iron: They boost project operation and prevent environmental damage.
• Corrosion Resistance: Like PVC, HDPE pipes are naturally resistant to corrosion. That’s why they’re a great water supply pipe alternative.

Cons

• Risk of UV Damage: If you don’t adequately protect HDPE pipes, ultraviolet radiation can damage them. To prevent this, you can add protective coatings to these pipes.
• Costly Materials: Compared to other ductile iron pipe alternatives, HDPE pipes are made from more costly materials. However, you can consider them an initial investment that pays off over time.

Steel Pipes

Steel pipes have long been a safe choice for piping industries. Professionals usually know these pipes in high-pressure systems. It’s one of the most common pipe materials alternatives to ductile iron.

Pros

• High-Pressure Application: As explained, steel pipes have a unique design to handle high levels of internal pressure. That’s why engineers may use them instead of ductile iron pipes to ensure quality water distribution networking.
• High Strength: You may know steel pipes as the strongest option among all these DI alternatives.

Cons

• Heaviness: Steel pipes are strong for a reason. These ductile iron pipe alternatives are heavier than other options. It can make the transportation process more costly and challenging.
• Low Corrosion Resistance: Steel pipes are more prone to corrosion than other alternatives to ductile iron pipes. Although coatings and linings may make them less prone to corrosion, they can increase the overall project expenses.
• Expensive: Steel pipes are more expensive than other alternatives because they are highly durable and offer long-term value.

Copper Pipes

Another useful but less used option is copper pipes. They are great water and sewer pipe alternatives.

Pros

• Longevity: Copper pipes can last a lifetime. They are highly durable and worth investing in.
• Corrosion Resistance: Similar to most alternatives, copper pipes are also adequately resistant to corrosion.
• Recycling: An important advantage of copper pipes over ductile iron pipes is that they are recyclable. This makes them an eco-friendly option with fewer environmental impacts.

Cons

• Prone to Theft: Copper pipes’ inherent value due to their materials makes them an amazing target for theft.
• Expensive: Copper pipes are more expensive than PVC or HDPE pipes. You should consider their price and see if it matches your project budget.

Concrete Pipes

They are one of the leading and most important staples in water distribution systems. Furthermore, they can be used as an alternative to ductile iron pipes.

Pros

• Large Diameter: This is a useful option when the piping system is very large in diameter. In this case, concrete pipes can provide the network with the needed capacity.
• Durability: Compared to other pipe material alternatives, concrete pipes offer long-lasting operation and last a lifetime.

Cons

• Prone to Cracking: These pipes may crack under specific circumstances. Cracked pipes can disturb a piping system’s overall performance.
• Complex Installation: Concrete pipes are significantly heavy, which makes them a bit more complicated to install. You should follow guidelines carefully to ensure a successful installation.

GRP Pipes

They are a unique option due to their lightweight. The main focus of GRP pipes is on the weight.

Pros

• Light Weight: As explained, they are the lightest alternative to ductile iron pipes. That’s why transporting and installing them is much easier.
• Aggression Resistance: GRP pipes are a suitable option for aggressive environments. They offer safety and reliability where other alternative materials may degrade.

Cons

• Expertise Requirements: Transporting GRP pipes requires having enough knowledge and techniques. You should calculate the money you should pay to an expert because the installation and transportation require expertise.
• Expensive: The initial cost of GRP is higher than that of other alternative materials. However, it can ideally provide long-term value.

Each DI alternative offers unique advantages and disadvantages, meeting different needs. You can consult our experts to make the best decision. Yasmin Trading offers the highest quality of Ductile iron pipe services in the Middle East and Africa. We can help you make the best decision.

 

How to Choose the Best Alternative to Ductile Iron Pipes?

Generally, there are some key features and technical properties to consider. In this way, you can have a comprehensive point of view on this matter and choose the most suitable option. This table provides you with all the information you demand.

Material	Density (g/cm³)	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Corrosion Resistance	Max. Operating Temp. (°C)	Ease of Installation
PVC	1.4	40-80	High	60	Easy
HDPE	0.95	20-35	High	80	Easy
Steel	7.8	200-500	Moderate	400	Moderate
Copper	8.9	200-400	Excellent	200	Moderate
Concrete	2.4	2-5	Low	N/A	Difficult
GRP	1.5-2	80-150	High	80-120	Moderate
Ductile Iron	7.1	400-700	Moderate	120	Moderate

 

Why Do You Need to Consider Alternatives to Ductile Iron Pipe?

Nowadays, the subject of ductile iron pipe alternatives is so trendy among professionals. As you probably know, DI pipes are widely used in water and sewer systems due to their unique specifications. However, many engineers may prefer ductile iron pipe alternatives on some specific occasions. There are many reasons explaining why you may utilize DI pipe alternatives.

Weight

Typically, ductile iron pipes aren’t lightweight, which can increase transpiration expenses. This explains why experts may prefer pipe materials alternatives when they seek a less heavy option.

Flexibility

When you compare ductile iron pipe vs. PVC pipe, you can understand that ductile iron pipes may not be as flexible as you demand. When the location is prone to ground movements or seismic activities, it’s better to consider flexible alternatives to ductile iron pipes.

Cost

Some other pipe material alternatives are more cost-effective, especially when the project has budget limitations. Comparing HDPE vs. ductile iron pipes, you can understand that these alternatives may be able to meet your needs at lower prices. However, you shouldn’t forget about long-term costs regarding maintenance, repair, and lifespan.

Corrosion Resistance

Although ductile iron pipes are corrosion-resistant, some other alternatives, like PVC or GRP, are naturally resistant to corrosion. This can be a great opportunity when this feature matters significantly in specific projects.

Typically, it can be beneficial to learn more about ductile iron pipe alternatives. It helps you to make the wisest choice considering all aspects of your condition.

 

Final Words 

Whether ductile iron or its alternative materials, choosing the right option for your piping system is essential. You can consult our experienced specialists on Yasmin Trading to get more information!