How to Know if a Pipe Has Burst -frozen

Which PVC Pipe Should I Buy?

Have you ever found yourself wandering down the home improvement aisles, unsure of exactly what to buy? Good news: you're not alone. But with this quick guide, you'll swagger with the confidence that comes with knowing exactly what type and size of PVC pipe you need.

Benefits of Using PVC Pipes

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes offer optimal performance, durability and versatility for ventilation and plumbing uses. Better yet, this modern pipe options also offers an affordable option. Along with the following benefits, this makes PVC pipes the go-to for many engineers and contractors:

• They're lighter weight than iron, steel or copper, making them easier to work with and less expensive to transport.
• They're fracture-resistant with the flexibility needed to withstand heavy loads without breaking. This makes them popular for use in buried systems.
• PVC pipes have watertight joints that typically outperform traditional pipes.
• They're non-toxic, making them a safe option for use in a variety of settings.
• PVC pipes come in longer lengths if needed, which minimizes the number of joints compared to traditional pipe products. This speeds up installation, reduces leakage opportunities and minimizes hydraulic friction.

Types of PVC Pipes

When shopping for PVC pipes, you'll find two main types: schedule 40 and schedule 80. What sets the two pipe types apart is thickness of the walls. Schedule 40 is the most common type of PVC pipe, according to Formufit. It has a thinner inside wall than schedule 80 PVC pipes. You may see PVC pipes with different schedule numbers too. Keep in mind the higher the schedule number, the thicker the pipe walls.

Does wall thickness matter? You bet it does. The thickness of the walls affects how the pipe handles different amounts of pressure and temperatures. To make sure you're choosing the right PVC pipe for your project, check the pounds per square inch (PSI) rating and schedule, both of which are printed on the side of the pipe.

PVC Pipe Sizes

You'll also find the pipe size printed on the side of the PVC pipe. This number tells you the inside diameter, which is essential for making sure you pick the pipe with just the right fit. It's also important to note the pipe size when choosing fittings to ensure you choose compatible parts. In general, pipes with higher schedules have higher outside diameters since the walls are thicker, but the inside diameter could be identical to pipes with a lower schedule. Pipe sizes ranges from a half-inch to five inches.

How to Measure PVC Pipes

Before measuring PVC pipes, remember that PVC sizes measure the diameter of the inner hole, or what's sometimes referred to as a "bore." If you need to measure your existing pipes to figure out the size you need, follow this quick process. Hold a measuring tape horizontally across the end of the pipe. Measure the distance from each side of the inside walls. Do not measure from the outer edges.

PVC Pipe Fittings Sizes

Once you have your pipes, you must consider PVC pipe fittings sizes to choose the fittings best suited for the pipes. Luckily, the fittings will clearly note the size pipes they're compatible with. There's a nominal system in place that makes it easy. All parts that list the same size in their name are compatible. For example, two-inch fittings will be compatible with all two-inch pipes.

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