Everything You Need to Know about PVC Pipe Sizes

For your plumbing, construction, drainage, and ventilation needs, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes offer the simplest in performance, versatility, durability, and affordability.

Once you decide to walk to the best PVC pipes manufacturer, you would possibly feel confused about the varied numbers and sizes. Fortunately, it takes a couple of minutes to know the various types and PVC pipe sizes(dimensions).

PVC pipes are divided into different categories depending on both length and the thickness of their walls. A pipe’s wall thickness is particularly important to understand during construction projects, as a pipe with too thin a wall may burst due to pressure.

PVC Pipes Size(Thickness): Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80

One way of looking at the sizes of the PVC pipes is by analyzing their thickness. Here, the pipes are divided into two major categories. These are schedule 40 and schedule 80 PVC pipes.

The difference lies within the thickness of the pipe wall. Schedule 40 PVC pipes are designed to have thinner walls than their schedule 80 counterparts. If you encounter a particular schedule number than the standard 40 or 80, know that the upper the amount, the thicker the pipe wall.

Thicker walls are available handy for various pressure and temperature applications. To assist you to make the right purchase, PVC pipes have their schedule and pounds per sq in (PSI) rating printed or embroidered on the side.

So, does your application need a thicker PVC pipe, or do you want a relatively thinner PVC?

Calculate the Thickness of PVC Pipes

The formula that is used for calculating the thickness of a pipe’s wall is fairly simple. It is the method for deciding the pipe’s wall measurements.

Step 1

Position your ruler or measuring tape over the opening of the PVC pipe.

Step 2

Measure the diameter of the pipe from the highest of the outer wall to the bottom of the exterior wall. Note this down on a bit of paper.

Step 3

Measure the diameter from the highest inner wall to rock bottom inner wall. Note this number down on a bit of paper.

Step 4

Plug the two numbers into the following formula:

Result: (Diameter of Outer Wall – Diameter of Inner Wall)/2. The resulting number is the thickness of the pipe wall.

PVC Pipe Length

Another key factor that you should consider when it comes to PVC  sizes is the length. What is the nominal length of the  PVC pipes?

The nominal length of any PVC pipe is 30 feet. This is the ideal length for most applications.

It is up to you to start cutting or trimming the PVC pipes so that they perfectly fit into your desired application.

Class Rated PVC Pipes or PVC SDR

PVC pipe types labeled “Class” (abbreviated “CL “) are supported the pipe’s pressure rating. So Class 200 PVC pipe is rated for 200 PSI of water pressure. Class 315 PVC pipe is rated for 315 PSI of water pressure. The strength of the CL labeled PVC pipe is directly associated with the pressure rating. The quality “Cl” pipes are Cl 125, Cl 160, Cl 200, and Cl 315.

Of these Cl 200 and Cl 315 are the most popular. Cl 125 is sold as a low-cost pipe to be used in sprinkler laterals for those for whom low price is everything. It has a really thin wall and breaks easily if not handled carefully or nicked with a digging tool.

In all the scenarios, 1/2″ PVC size pipe is only available in SCH 40. this is often due to the thinner wall of 1/2″. However, it is not advisable to use 1/2″ PVC pipe unless if you have to, you ought to use SCH 40. Sometimes you’ll find 1/2″ Cl 125 PVC pipe at discount stores thanks to the very low price.

The Class system is evidently more logical for labeling pipe as you recognize immediately how strong the pipe is indicated on the label. Unfortunately, the more confusing “SCH” system became entrenched within the industry and it is more preferred to date.

PVC Pipe Weight

Another key parameter that you should consider is the weight of the PVC  pipe. How heavy or light the pipe is will determine whether it is suitable for your application.

The easiest way of knowing the weight of the pipe is by using a PVC weight chart. From the chart, you will be able to find the approximated weight of your PVC pipe.

Another method is by using the online PVC pipe weight calculator.

The PVC Pipe Dimensions as follow:

CPVC and PVC Pipe Sizes Chart- Schedule 40

CPVC and PVC Pipe Sizes Chart- Schedule 80

Conclusion

You always need to buy the right size of the PVC  for whichever application. For instance, an oversized PVC may nor fit perfectly into your building structure. Read on as we guide you on everything that entails PVC pipe sizes and dimensions.

Schedule 40 PVC vs Schedule 80 PVC: What are the Differences?

Resourcing Download As Below

PVC PIPE SIZES PDF

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