What are PVC Pipe Sizes? | What are PVC Pipe Dimensions? | The Complete Guide

What are PVC Pipe Sizes and PVC Pipe Dimensions? 

PVC pipes have many uses – Water mains, irrigation, sewage pipes; you name it, pipes made from PVC can be found at many places around us. They possess long-lasting properties and are easy to install, strong, durable, lightweight, cost-efficient, and sustainable. However, when you need a PVC pipe for any application, knowledge about its sizes and dimensions is essential.

PVC Pipes vary in size and are classified into three types – schedule 40, schedule 80, and schedule 120.

To avoid cost overruns, misuse, plumbing malfunctions, and project delays, it’s essential and helpful for you to do thorough research and find the right product fit.

PVC pipes are measures in a nominal system. Meaning, all the measurements are based on the types of structures rather than specific measurements. For example, 0.84 measured from one pipe’s end to another is categorized as a one-inch pipe.

How to Measure PVC Pipe Sizes?

A size measurement table for Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC pipes.

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Pipe measurements are calculated on a nominal scale. Meaning, measurements are characterized by structures at hand rather than actual scale measurements. I have shared a step-by-step explanation to help you select the correct size of pipes you need.

1. Keep the pipe on a hard surface with one end facing you
2. Take a measurement tape or rule to measure your pipe’s right outer edge to its left outer edge. Maintain your ruler-straight and level to get an accurate measurement.
3. Now compare “your measurement” with the “Average OD” referring to the above chart.
4. Choose the pipes based on the Average OD your measurement was paired with.

Take note; these measurements are concerned with the outer edge of the pipe, not the inner. Therefore, your outer edge may change depending on the schedule of pipe you require.

Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Dimensions and More –

Schedule 40 pipes are generally white or silver in color but can be found in different colors. The specialty of these pipes is that they are thinner than the 80s and 120s, making the liquid pass through faster than other pipes. These pipes can also withstand great pressure, and as far as the heat resistant capacity is concerned, all three schedules are able to resist up to 140 degrees.

The most common application of Schedule 40 PVC pipes can be found as drainage around buildings, golf course construction,  potable water lines, pools, spas, and gas lines. The pressure withstanding capacity of those pipes is 120 to 810 pounds per second inch (PSI).

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Schedule 80 PVC Pipe Dimensions and More –

Schedule 80 pipes are thicker than the 40s, but still not the thickest. It is manufactured to be stronger and thicker than the Schedule 40 pipes and posses a higher pressure withstanding capacity of 210 to 1230 PSI. These pipes are generally, dark grey in color, but may vary. The most common applications of them can be found as industrial plating, chemical processing, wastewater treatment management, deionized water lines.

Schedule 120 PVC Pipe Dimensions and More – 

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Schedule 120 pipes are the strongest and thickest pipes in the market and strength suitable to be utilized in the Automotive and Construction industry. Schedule 120 pipe’s thickness and durability help in slowing down mild to high-pressure systems with an impressive withstanding capacity of 380 to 1,010 PSI.

Take a note, a thicker pipe doesn’t mean it will provide maximum security. It all boils down to the solution you are transporting and your chosen flow rate; mishaps are bound to happen if you choose the wrong size and fit. For example, if you use a heavy pipe for general solution purposes, your flow rate can slow down significantly.

Depending on the construction site you’re working in always first try to contact the local government office for building code regulations. It is vital to use pipe schedules that are not just meeting your requirements but also the local requirements.

Once you figure the pipe sizes, the next step is to order pipe valves. A great way to keep the pipe flow in control is to figure which size of valves you need. When you are ready to install pipes and valves, make sure, you do extensive research about them to avoid any mishaps.

What is Wall Thickness and Why it is Important?

As the PVC pipe’s thickness increases in diameter, the walls must also be thicker. If the walls were too thin, the pipe would lack structural durability. We’ve already established that it is not easy to figure out PVC pipe ID sizes, and you cannot add a specific size on the label; it is way trickier than that. As we’ve seen in the table, the OD for 1/2″ PVC pipe is 0.840,” and the OD for 3″ PVC pipe is 3.500.”

If the nominal size is the ID, then that means 1/2″ PVC pipe walls are .170″ thick and 3″ PVC pipe walls are 0.250″ thick. Thus, the wall thickness of the pipe continues to increase as the pipe gets bigger.

Keep in mind that all the data shared in the above tables came from reliable sources and are trustworthy. However, they are only for general information purposes. We’re not recommending anything to be used directly. To get the current and accurate information, kindly refer to manufacturer instructions and the technical product manual.

FAQs – 

1. Is PVC piping better than copper?

Ans. Contrary to copper pipes, PVC pipes can resist corrosion as it is a plastic, and as it is thicker than a copper pipe, it can also withstand a good amount pressure and impact. In addition, PVC pipes are better placed in high-traffic areas as it’s not a good heat conductor like copper.

2. How much weight can PVC pipe hold?

Ans. Most PVC pipes will be able to hold at least 28 pounds of weight before they start bending. However, sometimes longer PVC pipes begin to bend under their weight. A prime rule of thumb is never to use PVC pipes to hold larger quantities of weight, especially if you don’t want them to become stiff.

3. What is the lifespan of any PVC pipe?

Ans. The lifespan of a general PVC pipe is about 50 to 80 years.

4. Which is the largest PVC manufacturing company in the world?

Ans. Shintech, based in Houston, Texas, United States, is the target PVC manufacturer in the world.

5. Which is the largest PVC pipe manufacturing company in the world?

Ans. JM Eagle Inc. (JM Eagle) is the world’s largest plastic pipe manufacturer and is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States.

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Final Thoughts –

That was all I had to say about PVC sizes and PVC Dimensions. Refer to the chart for appropriate information depending on your application. However, consulting the supplier is the best option for accurately procuring the best products. That will save you not only a significant amount of time, money, and effort but also exceptional production results that will bring much-needed customer satisfaction to your business.

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