When looking for a more suitable pipe for lower pressure, HDPE is more efficient. HDPE is softer and more bendable and has a tight bending radius. However, HDPE is a strong choice for both pressure and non-pressure piping application. HDPE is known for its flexibility, chemical stability, and high strength-to-density ratio. HDPE offers a leak-free system via heat fusion joints. While PVC is stronger and stiffer material, it makes it suitable for direct burial and trenchless installation. The stiffness of PVC pipe allows their direct connection to mechanical valves, non-plastic fittings and various other water and wastewater connections. One of the biggest issues with mechanically joined traditional pipes (PVC) is the high incidence of background leakage This is water that leaks out of the pipe through pipe joints. It is estimated that in the United States, about 14% of drinking water is lost each day due to background leakage! This represents more than 12 million gallons of water a year in a city of 100,000. HDPE pipes, and their fittings and connections, offer a distinct advantage in that they can be used to create leak-free joints that can prevent this issue.