HDPE Provides Long-Term Solution for High Pressure Sewer System
With extensive experience supplying complete commercial HDPE piping systems for plumbing projects across Australia and internationally, Advanced Piping Systems is now expanding its offer further to support the long-term capability of the high-pressure sewage market.
Recently, our team supported a commercial plumbing company in the New South Wales Central Tablelands to install a high-pressure sewer system.
“The system needed to move sewage from individual dwellings to a sewerage collection and treatment site, in a remote area with particularly hilly terrain,” Matthew Gooden, Advanced Piping Systems’ Business Development Manager, said.
“So, a standard gravity sewer just wasn’t going to cut the mustard…the terrain meant that they needed to apply a large amount of pressure to the pipe system to pump sewage.”
Advanced Piping Systems provided all required PE100 electrofusion fittings.
“The system that was installed uses sewer grinder pumps in pits and individual pressure sewer rising mains,” Matthew said.
“From there, the sewage is pumped to the central collection point, before making its way in a large sewer rising main to its final destination: the treatment plant.”
Having the required products in stock, involvement in the project from the get-go and regular communication ensured the success of the project.
“Our team, along with the plumbing crew, worked really collaboratively to provide the best solutions and outcomes for the project,” Matthew said.
“We were able to deliver the fittings quickly and easily to the site, thanks to the required materials being in stock and on the shelf at our large warehouse.
“Another success factor was that we were able to provide technical solutions in the initial stages of the project design, which ultimately made the project run smoothly.
“We also worked with the plumber to set timelines for each delivery and ensured open communications throughout the project, so all parties were kept up to date, enabling the project to come in on time and on budget.
“They have now installed a product that will last many more years than PVC would have and will work effectively to do the job really well over a long period of time.”
HDPE: the perfect solution for high-pressure sewage projects
Because of HDPE’s overall durability, pressure ratings and resistance to toxic substances such as uric acid, it was the perfect solution for this project in New South Wales.
When compared to PVC pipe, PE sewer pipe is an ideal solution for many other high-pressure sewage projects too, thanks to its higher-pressure rating, which makes it more resistant to crack and corrosion, and ultimately, more cost-effective.
| Feature | HDPE (PE100) | PVC |
| Pressure rating | High, PN6 to PN25 available | Lower, typically capped at PN18 |
| Crack resistance | Excellent, handles ground movement and surge | Brittle, prone to cracking under stress |
| Corrosion resistance | Immune to corrosion, chemical attack and uric acid | Resists most chemicals but degrades with certain solvents |
| Jointing method | Butt fusion, electrofusion, fully welded, leak-proof | Solvent cement, rubber ring, mechanical joint |
| Service life | 50–100 years | 50–80 years typical |
| Best fit | High-pressure sewer rising mains, pumped systems, hilly terrain | Lower-pressure gravity sewer and standard drainage |
Being Australia’s number one supplier of HDPE pipe and fittings, Advanced Piping Systems stocks a range of products suited to the high-pressure sewage market.
These include FOX electrofusions (EF) and spigot fittings (manufactured by FOX, a European specialist in polyethylene jointing systems), as well as our PE to brass and 316 Stainless Steel transition fittings, which we stock in bulk specifically for these projects:
- PE/316 Stainless Steel Male BSP Threaded Adaptors
- Female BSP Threaded Adaptors PE100/Brass
- Male BSP Threaded Adaptors in PE100/SDR Brass
Since 1990, we have also worked with commercial plumbers to deliver accredited installation training courses, providing large and small contractors alike the confidence and expertise to work with poly pipe systems.
To learn more about how Advanced Piping Systems can enhance the long-term performance of the high-pressure sewage project, contact our experienced team today.
Frequently asked questions
What is a high-pressure sewer system?
A high-pressure sewer system uses grinder pumps to force sewage from individual properties through pressurised rising mains to a central collection point or treatment plant. Unlike conventional gravity sewers, which rely on downhill slope and large-diameter pipes, pressure systems work in flat, hilly or remote terrain where gravity isn’t viable. They use smaller-diameter pipes and don’t need the deep trenches gravity systems require.
What pressure ratings are available for HDPE sewer pipe?
HDPE PE100 sewer pipe is available across a range of pressure classes from PN6 through to PN25, covering low-pressure gravity sewer through to high-pressure rising mains. The right class depends on the static head, pump output, and surge conditions in the system.
Which Australian standards apply to HDPE sewer pipes?
The relevant standards are AS/NZS 4130 (polyethylene pipes for pressure applications), AS/NZS 4129 (fittings for polyethylene pipes), and AS/NZS 2033 (installation of polyethylene pipe systems). For sanitary plumbing and drainage referenced by the Plumbing Code of Australia, AS/NZS 3500.2 is the governing code.
Can HDPE be used for both gravity and pressure sewer applications?
Yes, HDPE is suitable for both. Gravity sewer typically uses lower pressure classes (PN6 or PN8) where structural strength against soil loading matters more than internal pressure. Pressure sewer rising mains use higher PN classes (PN12.5 through PN20) depending on pump duty.
Does HDPE sewer pipe require special installation training?
Yes, fusion jointing of polyethylene pipes is a regulated trade activity in Australia. AS/NZS 2033 specifies that only trained and certified operators may carry out fusion jointing on PE pipe systems. APS has delivered accredited poly welding training courses for commercial plumbers since 1990.
