What Is The Most Durable Plastic Pipe?

Without question, polyvinyl chloride pipe, more commonly called PVC, is the most durable plastic pipe made. Modern sprinkler systems almost exclusively use PVC. A properly designed irrigation system that uses PVC performs better and lasts longer than pipelines made from steel, cast iron, or copper.

Exceptions to using PVC include sprinkler system designs that use low water pressure, or high altitude installs where freezing conditions happen so quickly, that there is no time to winterize the sprinkler pipeline, or where local HOA or municipality regulations and laws require the installation of another material type, such as polyethylene or copper.

PVC is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and has an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It is also highly durable and resilient. If you use PVC the typical diameter of the pipes is between 3/4 of an inch, up to two inches. All PVC pipe has a uniform outside diameter. This means a pipe of the same size has the same outside diameter. Regardless of what type or rating is used. This allows the fittings that join them together to be Universal in size.

What Size PVC Pipe Should I Use For Irrigation?

The right size pipe depends on the overall capacity of your system. Most PVC pipe is connected together using PVC fittings which are glued in place. The fittings are typically rated as scheduled 40. Sometimes PVC pipe has threaded ends just like steel pipe. A newer fitting type is push fittings. The tube pushes into the fitting and locks in place. The locking feature of these fittings is the result of a set of teeth that bite into the PVC to hold it in place.

In irrigation, the pipes or tubes between the zone control valves and the sprinkler heads are called emitters or laterals. These lateral pipes are not pressurized unless the valve is open and the sprinklers are operating. Lateral pipes are generally subject to less water pressure surges and stress which means a less durable and less expensive pipe material can be used. Another name that you may hear someone use when referring to laterals is a branch.

What Is The Difference Between Class And Schedule PVC?

PVC is most commonly used in warm winter climates. PVC pipe is rated by two different systems the first is the Class system or CI, and the other is the schedule system, SCH. It is not possible to say that one is always better than the other. A scheduled pipe is rated by the pipe’s wall thickness. While the class rating gives the pipes operating pressure.

And remember, Sprinkler Warehouses has everything for your irrigation needs. So that your trees lawns flowerbeds and gardens are lush and beautiful. And if you have any questions about our products, chat with one of our customer service agents on Sprinkler Warehouse.com. They really know their stuff and they’ll get you squared away. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more how-to videos and irrigation tips. For Sprinkler Warehouse. I’m Alfred Castillo. Your Sprinkler Warehouses Pro.