PVC pipe sizes and types: Exploring varieties for different uses

Radhika Shetty
2 min readDec 3, 2023

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PVC (polyvinyl chloride) happens to be a rather versatile material and one that is used in a wide range of industries presumably for this particular reason. As far as piping is concerned, PVC pipes are available in a wide range of types and sizes to satisfy the diverse requirements of the various applications where they are used.

PVC pipe sizes: Diameter matters

PVC pipes come in various sizes and diameter measurements play an important role in this particular context. The size of such a pipe is its nominal size and this is usually the diameter of the pipe. The commonest sizes in this case may be enumerated as below:

  • ½ inch
  • ¾ inch
  • 1 inch
  • 2 inch
  • 3 inch
  • 4 inch
  • 6 inch
  • 8 inch

Schedule ratings: Strength and pressure capacity

A PVC pipe is characterized by schedule ratings and this indicates factors such as the wall thickness and the pressure capacity of the same. The two commonest ratings in this case are Schedule 80 and Schedule 40. Schedule 80 pipes are thicker than Schedule 40 pipes, and designed to bear applications with higher pressure. The latter are suitable for a wide range of applications including irrigation and drainage.

Types of PVC pipes: An overview

Following are the different kinds of PVC pipes and fittings:

  • PVC Pressure pipes
  • PVC Drainage pipes
  • PVC Electrical conduit pipes
  • PVC Sewer pipes
  • PVC DWV (drain, waste, and vent) pipes
  • PVC Industrial pipes

The pressure pipes are the commonest among the different kinds of PVC pipes. The drainage pipes are ideal for achieving an efficient water flow since they have such smooth interior surfaces. Since PVC is an exceptional insulator it is also used in electrical conduit applications.

Application of PVC Pipe Types

Following are the various areas where PVC pipes are used:

  • Water supply
  • Irrigation
  • Construction
  • Electrical conduit
  • Chemical handling

PVC pipes are used a lot in water supply systems because they are durable, non-corrosive, and can be installed with ease! They can also be used easily in irrigation systems as they can deal well with both chemical fertilizers and water without getting corroded.

PVC pipes are available in different types and sizes so that they can cater to the diverse needs of the various applications where they are needed and used. Just make sure that you are getting them from the best brands such as Ashirvad Pipes as not all of them are made to be equals.

pvc drainage pipes

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