HDPE pipe is Butt fused together using a "fusion welder". The pipe pieces are held by a clamping device, the pipe ends are "faced" with a machining tool to establish a clean mating surface, a heating element or heating plate is inserted in between the faced ends, and the pipe is drawn together against the heating plate. A melt pattern is formed around both pipe ends. Once the correct temperature is reached, the heating plate is quickly removed, and the melt ends are drawn together with a precise force. The end result is a fusion joint that is as strong as or stronger than the pipe itself, and this creates a leak-free joint of HDPE pipe.