Modernizing Infrastructure with F.W. Webb’s Full-Service Approach

As communities face challenges with aging water and underground infrastructure, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe offers promising solutions. Contractors have used HDPE for over 50 years, yet its applications continue to expand, particularly in water and sewer line upgrades. The HDPE installation process may leave contractors working for municipalities and water utilities with questions, but the F.W. Webb Water Works team has the solutions.

"HDPE is more durable, versatile, leak-free, and easier to install than other piping materials,” says Rory Budds, Director of Water Works for F.W. Webb Company. “While the installation process is different, our team can give you a turnkey solution that will help modernize the critical infrastructure in your community."

Full-Service Approach

Here's how the F.W. Webb Water Works team can help contractors install water and other underground infrastructure:

• Pre-Project Material Assessment: F.W. Webb's HDPE fusion experts can review project needs and determine the appropriate sizes of HDPE pipe, accessories, fittings, and adapters necessary for the project. Contractors can avoid the challenge of trying to convert more traditional piping systems—eliminating the potential for costly delays in the planning process. In an electrical conduit project in Vermont, the F.W. Webb team saved a customer more than $20,000 using HDPE instead of traditional materials. Plus, F.W. Webb can supply all project components from more than 100 convenient locations across the region, saving valuable time for each part of the project.

• Trusted Partners: F.W. Webb is a certified dealer and rental service center for McElroy thermoplastic fusion machines. At F.W. Webb’s main hub for McElroy equipment in Springfield, MA, the company showcases a fleet of McElroy tools. This includes the TracStar series 412, 618, 900i models and a recently acquired 500 model. The 500 model can fuse pipe up to 20" in diameter and has a removable assembly for pipe fusion separate from the vehicle.

• Equipment Training and Repairs: Springfield is also home to the company’s Fusion Training Center, where certified trainers offer complete McElroy manufacturer certifications. Trainers can also provide instruction right at the job site. Additionally, F.W. Webb repairs and maintains McElroy equipment. Because of the F.W. Webb-McElroy partnership, there’s no need to worry about training or finding the right person to repair the machines.

• Rapid Support: The seasoned and knowledgeable F.W. Webb team can help contractors promptly initiate projects, thereby avoiding costly delays stemming from planning or other issues. When the city of Plattsburgh, NY, responded to 13 water main breaks in under 32 hours, the F.W. Webb team not only crafted a plan to deal with a potential short-term crisis but also quickly crafted a long-term solution to update the community’s water system. In addition, F.W. Webb supplied more than four miles of HDPE pipe in less than four weeks.

"Our end-to-end project support means you can save time, money, and effort with HDPE installations," says Budds. "With our full-service approach, you can seamlessly transition from traditional materials like ductile iron to HDPE without worrying about addressing each step on your own."

Contractors can find support for HDPE and Water Works projects across F.W. Webb's nine-state Northeast footprint. F.W. Webb also has 15 locations dedicated to Water Works supplies and services.

To learn how F.W. Webb can help you upgrade your infrastructure to HDPE, visit fwwebb.com/waterworks.

Evan Heidenrich is a Subject Matter Expert for F.W. Webb Company.