PE100 and MDPE for water and gas distribution. PVC-O for irrigation. ISO 4427, EN 12201, EN 1555 governing.
European water distribution mains are predominantly made from PE100 (high-density polyethylene). PE100 pipes carry potable water at pressures up to 16 bar with a 50-year design life under ISO 4427 and EN 12201. PVC-U is also used for water distribution, particularly in southern Europe, while PVC-O (molecularly oriented PVC) is gaining share for large-diameter irrigation mains.
It depends on the application. PE100 is more flexible, fusion-weldable (which means leak-free joints), and tolerates ground movement and freezing without cracking — strengths in water distribution networks. PVC is stiffer, lighter and cheaper for the same pressure rating, and is preferred for indoor plumbing and certain irrigation systems. Most modern European utilities standardise on PE for new mains.
PE100 and PVC-U pressure pipes are designed for a 50-year service life when installed correctly. Real-world performance often exceeds this — plastic pipes installed in the 1970s are still operating across Europe. The main failure modes are mechanical damage during excavation, joint failures, and slow crack growth in older PE grades that pre-date the PE100 specification.
European utility pipes are colour-coded for safety and identification during excavation. Yellow PE pipe is for natural gas distribution (governed by EN 1555). Blue, or black-with-blue-stripes, PE pipe is for potable water (EN 12201). The colour comes from pigment master-batch added during extrusion. It's part of the regulatory specification — using the wrong colour disqualifies the pipe from utility approval.