It is over 100 years since the founding organisations, today owned by and known in the UK market as Geberit pioneered a new approach to drainage systems. A century of ongoing development and acquisition has resulted in a fully proven system for above ground drainage suited for just about any application. Although the principles remain similar, advances in materials and product design ensure that soil and waste systems perform day in, day out with virtually no thought, but where would we be without them!

Around 50 years ago solvent welding became the new jointing technique which, to this day, is generally preferred particularly in commercial applications. As a means of jointing, it ensures secure and permanent joints with no leaks, overcoming localised necking of pipework, which some consider can occur with ring sealed systems especially when subjected to high temperatures. With HDPE systems, soil stacks only require a single seal ring or expansion joint for each floor on the vertical soil stack, reducing fabrication workload. The system is rigid, not free-floating, avoiding the possibility of vibration noises as well as again putting extra stress on ring sealed joint systems. Because it is rigid it also requires less fixings and there is no risk of dislocation of pipe or seal from the welded joints.

Another major benefit of HDPE is that modular construction of soil stacks can be prefabricated off site – especially for use where complex arrangements are required – avoiding any inaccuracies in cutting which can be a problem in unfavourable site conditions. Prefabrication of soil stacks can also lead to considerable material and labour saving.

The specifier has a large range of fittings allowing the design freedom needed for a reliable and efficient performance whilst the installer has the range of soil and waste products to meet an almost infinite variety of installations.

Although the usage of the products changes little, in fact products are continually improved and updated to take into account new industry standards or improvements, often initiated by recommendations from the field. Last year for instance saw the introduction of HDPE four-way manifolds, providing additional versatility for the installer with removable plugs for quicker and easier installations.

An important development in the soil and waste market is the growth of HDPE piping systems. HDPE is specifically suitable for applications where high impact, abrasion, chemical resistance or extreme temperatures are likely to be a requirement. It provides a greater flexibility with a wide range of jointing options including butt-welding, electro-fusion and mechanical jointing.

As a leading supplier of HDPE pipework systems, Geberit has reported sales up 30% in the last half year. HDPE is becoming a preferred specification for many commercial installations such as schools e.g. in science labs where chemicals are involved, because of their durability, strength and versatility. HDPE also particularly lends itself to off site construction either by the manufacturer to detailed drawings or on site in special prefabrication facilities where conditions allow for accurate and quality controlled fabrication prior to onward delivery to the particular area of the site where the assemblies are required.

There really is an awful lot more to today’s drainage systems than meets the eye. Specifiers and installers are well aware of the need for a reliable system, which can be expected to perform without a second thought. It’s a credit to all that this can be fully expected and delivered.