Jan. 29, 2024

A Streamlined Solution for the Blumengart Hutterite Colony: Ecoflex® Takes on the Challenge 

by Alex Gross

Nestled 100 miles south of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Blumengart Hutterite Colony faced a critical challenge: delivering heated water efficiently from their central plant to distant livestock barns. Not just any piping system would do. They needed something easy to install, capable of retaining heat, remaining watertight, and withstanding the harsh underground environment. 

The Hutterite Colony chose the Ecoflex® pre-insulated pipe system from Uponor, a champion in all these categories. Its core is durable Uponor PEX pipe, shielded by multilayer PEX-foam insulation and a waterproof corrugated jacket. This formidable armor protected the system from the unforgiving elements and corrosive groundwater present where the pipe would be buried.

Sustainability was paramount for the Blumengart colony. Ecoflex aligned perfectly with their project’s needs. The watertight HDPE outer jacket's long-term thermal efficiency minimized heat loss, while the closed-cell PEX-foam insulation foam retained its insulating prowess throughout the pipe's lifespan. This meant less energy wasted and a reduced environmental footprint – a win-win for both the colony and the planet.

For the Hutterite colony, efficiency wasn't just about the environment; it was about finances too. Ecoflex proved to be a cost-effective choice. The same features that ensured thermal efficiency and longevity also minimized maintenance needs, leading to long-term savings.

With guidance from Uponor’s sales and wholesale representatives, the Blumengart colony faced the installation with confidence. Sam Tschetteer, the colony's electrician and plumber, particularly appreciated the ease of handling and installing Ecoflex. Compared to traditional rigid piping systems, it was a breeze. Lightweight, flexible, and able to bend tightly, it effortlessly navigated compact spaces and obstacles. Because coil lengths reach up to 600 feet, the need for underground joints vanished, saving precious time, and eliminating potential leak points.

“The beauty is, you don't need elbows or joints for changes in direction on your main lines,” Tschetteer remarked. “Just curve your trenches, lay your base, slide the pre-insulated pipe down, and make the connections.”

Time was of the essence for the colony, and Ecoflex rose to the challenge once again. To expedite the installation process, they employed an Uponor pipe uncoiler. Mounted on the back of a half-ton truck, it effortlessly unfurled the pipe alongside the five-foot trench. A gentle nudge from a bulldozer sent the pipe gliding down, ready to be covered with backfill.