September
2006
PVC Pipe
PVC (poly vinyl chloride) pipe is commonly used for residential irrigation systems in the more southern states of the US where the climate is generally warmer. In the northern states where the ground freezes solid and moves, this pipe would crack and break. In the northern colder states, a flexible poly pipe would be more appropriate.
Commonly a schedule 40 PVC pipe is used, is white in color and usually comes in 20 or 40 foot lengths. Usually I would use the 1″ diameter pipe, but occasionally the 3/4″ PVC pipe might be more appropriate for your spinkler system, depending on the flow and pressure you have or need.
When using any threaded pieces to connect the PVC pipe, always be sure to use teflon tape, and when connecting any fittings such as elbows and couplers be sure to use the appropriate glue and primer to avoid leaks.