How to determine the size of PVC pipe for a project

2023 Author: Martin Macey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 06:41

Before starting the project, it is necessary to determine which type of PVC pipe to use. They can be of different diameters, degrees of flexibility and heat resistance. After reading this article, you can confidently choose the right PVC pipe.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Range of PVC Pipes You Can Work With

Step 1. Diameter

• The diameter of PVC pipes varies from 3/8 before 24 inches (9, 53-60, 96 cm).

  

Step 2. Assortment (thickness of the inner wall of the pipe)

• The range of PVC pipes varies from 20 before 80.

  

Step 3. Temperature

• Pipes C900 are used for water lines in which the water pressure can exceed 150 psi (1034, 21 kPa).

  

• CPVC the pipes are designed for higher temperatures (also called hot water pipes).

  

• Pipes with core have the same wall thickness as CPVC, but are lighter and cheaper.

  

• If you will use PVC pipes for drinking water supply, then they must also comply with sanitary standards.

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Step 4. Cost

Thinner pipes are usually cheaper, while thicker pipes are more expensive

Method 2 of 3: Use Small Diameter Pipes for Curved Projects

Step 1 Schedule 20 pipe is the most flexible PVC pipe

• They are suitable for normal or low pressure systems like irrigation systems, sanitary sewers or projects where flexibility is more important than strength.

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Step 2. 1/2 "(1.27 cm) PVC water pipes are also very flexible, but not strong enough to twist when bent

They are used for kites and lightweight structures.

• The actual outside diameter of 1/2 "PVC pipe will not be 1/2" but 0.840 "(2.13 cm).

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Step 3: 3/4”(1.91 cm) PVC water pipes are also very flexible and are great for projects that require flexibility, such as greenhouses, animal training structures, and other curved frames

After bending, these pipes return to their original shape.

The actual outside diameter of the PVC pipe is 3/4 ", not 3/4", but 1.050 "(2.67 cm)

Method 3 of 3: If stiffness and strength is required, use larger pipe diameters

Step 1. Schedule 40 is a standard grade for residential and industrial drinking water supply

• They are capable of withstanding 160 psi (1103.16 kPa) at 22 degrees Celsius and are suitable for rigid structures.

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Step 2. Schedule 80 is the strongest grade of standard PVC pipe

• Schedule 80 pipes are most commonly used for buried conduit. They are very strong and provide rigidity to the structure.

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Step 3. PVC plumbing pipes 1. inch (2.54 cm) bend slightly, but remain quite strong

These pipes are perfect for a solid structure that needs minimal flexibility.

The actual outer diameter of PVC pipe is 1 "not 1", but 1.32 "(3.35 cm)

Step 4: 1-1 / 4 "(3.18 cm) PVC plumbing pipes are great for very rigid but lightweight structures

They are used to create sturdy platforms such as shelves, tables, and walls.

The actual outside diameter of PVC pipe is 1-1 / 4 ", not 1-1 / 4", but 1.66 "(4.22 cm)

Step 5. 1-1 / 2 "(3.81 cm) PVC plumbing pipes are so strong they can be difficult to work with

The actual outer diameter of PVC pipe is 1-1 / 2 "not 1-1 / 2", but 1.90 "(4.83 cm)

Step 6. PVC water pipes 2. inches (5.08 cm) are extremely strong and able to support weight without sagging underneath

• These pipes are very heavy and expensive. But if your project requires a good base, then 2”PVC pipes are a great choice. They work well for can-shaped projects (with a lid) like a trash bag holder.

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• Note: The actual outside diameter of PVC pipe is 2 ", not 2", but 2.38 "(6.05 cm).