Irrigation projects are time-intensive jobs that can quickly become expensive. A great way to save money on an irrigation project is to use PVC pipe for the laterals, or the pipe between the valves on the main water line and the sprinkler heads. Although PVC pipe works great as a lateral material, the kind of PVC pipe needed varies from job-to-job. When choosing what kind of pipe to use on a job, it is important to make sure that you take external factors, like water pressure and sunlight, into account. Choosing the wrong type will lead to a lot of extra, unnecessary maintenance. This week's blog post covers common types of PVC irrigation pipe. Get ready to save time, water, and money!
Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC Pipe
When it comes to selecting PVC irrigation pipe, both Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 pipe are common types of irrigation PVC pipes. They handle pressure roughly the same, so you won't have to worry about more frequent breaks if you opt for Schedule 40. Schedule 80 pipe has thicker walls and is subsequently more structurally sound, so you might want to go with Schedule 80 pipe if you are building an above-ground system.
Regardless of the type of PVC pipe you choose, it is important to expose the pipe to as little sunlight as possible. While some PVC types have more resistance to sunlight than others, any PVC pipe that is exposed to sunlight for long periods of time will quickly become brittle. To sun-proof your irrigation system, there are several options. 3-4 coats of exterior latex paint offers a sufficient amount of sunlight protection. You can also use foam pipe insulation. Below-ground systems do not need sunlight protection. Finally, water pressure is not a huge issue when it comes to laterals. Most pressure surges in irrigation systems occur in the main line. Subsequently, you will only need PVC pipe that has a PSI rating equal to the pressure in your system.
