Easy Steps to Install PLB Duct Pipe Underground 

Installing a PLB duct pipe underground may sound technical, but if done step by step, it is actually quite straightforward. Whether it is for telecom, fiber optics or utility networks, proper installation ensures long life, smooth cable pulling and trouble-free performance. Following are the easy steps to install PLB duct pipe underground.

• Plan the Route Properly

Before any digging starts, plan the exact route where the PLB duct pipe will be laid. Check drawings, avoid existing utilities and mark the trench line clearly. Proper planning saves time, prevents rework and reduces the risk of damaging other underground services.

• Dig the Trench

Now, you should excavate the trench as per the required depth and width. The trench bottom should be even and free from sharp stones or debris that may damage the PLB duct pipe. In rocky surfaces, laying a thin sand bed at the bottom helps protect the duct and ensures better alignment.

• Prepare the PLB Duct Pipe

Arrange the PLB duct pipe along the trench before installation. Inspect the pipe for any visible damage, cracks or blockages. Since PLB duct pipes come with a permanently lubricated inner surface, no additional lubrication is needed, which makes the next steps easier.

• Lay The Duct Pipe

Place the PLB duct pipe gently into the trench, ensuring it follows the planned route without sharp bends. Maintain the recommended bending radius to avoid stress on the pipe. For longer stretches, ensure proper alignment so the duct remains straight and stable.

• Join The Ducts Securely

Use approved connectors to join PLB duct pipes. Make sure the joints are clean, tight and properly sealed. Poor joints can cause misalignment or allow dirt to enter, which can affect cable insertion later.

• Check Alignment and Clearance

Once the PLB duct pipe is laid, check for uniform alignment and sufficient clearance. Ensure there are no twists or crushed sections. This step is important for smooth cable pulling and long-term performance.

• Backfilling

Now, start backfilling the trench with soft soil or sand around the PLB duct pipe. Avoid using stones or hard debris near the duct. Compact the soil gently in layers to provide proper support without damaging the pipe.

• Insert the Cable

After backfilling, optical fiber or communication cables can be easily inserted through the PLB duct pipe.  Due to the permanently lubricated inner surface, cables slide smoothly with minimal friction, reducing installation time and effort.

• Final Inspection

At last, do a final inspection to ensure the PLB duct pipe is properly installed, joints are secure and the route is clearly marked for future reference. It helps avoid accidental damage during future excavation work.

APL Apollo’s PLB Duct Pipes

APL Apollo’s PLB duct pipes are made from high-density polyethylene. These pipes offer excellent resistance to environmental stress, UV rays and chemical exposure which ensure reliable and long-term performance. These HDPE PLB (Permanent Lubricated) duct pipes are commonly used in telecom and utility networks to safely carry optical fiber cables underground. These act as protective pathways for cables which help support fast and reliable data transmission. These pipes are suitable for both rural and urban areas and can be installed under roads, footpaths, sidewalks and busy streets.

HDPE PLB duct pipes help connect communication hubs, cities and local network branches while protecting cables from moisture, soil pressure and other environmental factors. Their strong and flexible design ensures long-lasting performance, even in challenging conditions.

By offering a smooth and low-friction inner surface, these ducts make it easy to insert optical fiber to ensure smooth installation and uninterrupted network performance.

The manufacturing of HDPE PLB duct pipes is a precise and carefully controlled process. APL Apollo uses high-quality virgin raw materials to produce ducts that deliver consistent strength, durability and performance. These duct pipes can also be customised to suit specific project and client requirements.

One of the key features of PLB Duct Pipes is the permanently lubricated inner surface, which is created during the manufacturing process itself. A special lubricating compound is blended into the HDPE material and evenly distributed along the inner bore. It reduces friction and allows smooth, damage-free insertion of optical fiber and communication cables.

These pipes are available in multiple sizes, material grades, colors and lengths to suit diverse installation needs. With these advanced features, APL Apollo HDPE PLB duct pipes are a trusted solution for building efficient, high-quality and long-lasting telecom and utility networks.