Buy the Right PVC Pipe: Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80

If you've been shopping around for PVC you may have heard the term “schedule”. Despite its deceiving title, schedule doesn't have anything to do with time. A PVC pipe’s schedule has to do with the thickness of its walls. Maybe you've seen that schedule 80 pipe is slightly more costly than schedule 40.

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Though the outside diameter of a schedule 80 pipe and a schedule 40 pipe are the same, 80 pipe has thicker walls. This standard of measuring pipe came from a need to have a universal system for referring to PVC. Since different wall thicknesses are beneficial in different situations, the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) came up with the schedule 40 and 80 system for classifying the two common types.

The main differences between Schedule 40 (Sch 40) and Schedule 80 (Sch 80) are:

• Water Pressure Rating
• Sizing & Diameter (Wall Thickness)
• Color
• Application & Use

Purchase the Right Piping

CIS offers schedule 40 and schedule 80 PVC piping as well as fittings and other accessories at extremely competitive prices.

Get A Competitive Quote on Sch 40 / Sch 80 Pipe or Fittings Today!

Dimensions and Pressure Ratings

Below are some downloadable reference sheets that give you more information about the different dimensions and pressure ratings for Schedule 40 PVC and Schedule 80 PVC:

• Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Dimensions (White)
• Schedule 80 PVC Pipe Dimensions (White)

Water Pressure for Sch 40 vs Sch 80

Both schedule 40 and 80 PVC are used widely around the world. Each one has its benefits in different applications. Schedule 40 pipe has thinner walls, so it is best for applications involving relatively low water pressure.

Schedule 80 pipe has thicker walls and is able to withstand higher PSI (pounds per square inch). This makes it ideal for industrial and chemical applications. To give you an idea of the size difference, 1” schedule 40 PVC pipe has a .133” minimum wall and 450 PSI, while schedule 80 has a .179” minimum wall and 630 PSI.

Sizing & Diameter

As mentioned earlier, both schedule 80 and schedule 40 PVC pipe have the exact same outside diameter. This is possible because schedule 80’s extra wall thickness is on the inside of the pipe. This means schedule 80 pipe will have a slightly more restricted flow – even though it may be the same pipe diameter as an equivalent schedule 40 pipe. This means schedule 40 and 80 pipe do fit together and can be used together if necessary.

The only thing to be careful of is that the lower pressure handling schedule 40 parts meet the pressure requirements of your application. Your pipe line is only as strong as your weakest part or joint, so even one schedule 40 part used in a higher pressure schedule 80 line can cause severe damage.

Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 Color

Generally, schedule 40 pipe is white in color, while schedule 80 is often gray to distinguish it from 40. PVC is available in many colors though, so be sure to check labels when purchasing.

Which Schedule PVC do I Need?

So what schedule PVC do you need? If you plan to take on a home repair or irrigation project, schedule 40 PVC is probably the way to go. Even schedule 40 PVC is capable of handling impressive pressure, and it is likely more than adequate for any home application.

You’ll also save yourself a little money sticking with schedule 40, especially if you plan on using large diameter parts. If your job will be industrial or chemical in nature, you probably want to use schedule 80. These are applications that will likely cause higher pressure and stress on the material, so thicker walls are imperative.

CIS specializes in the following types of Schedule 40 & Schedule 80 products: sch 40 piping, sch 80 piping, sch 40 fittings, sch 80 fittings and more. You can also view our entire line of pvc fittings and pvc piping.

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If you've ever worked with PVC pipe, you will know that it fits together quite snugly on its own. The PVC sizing system is designed in a way that prevents most slipping from occurring, but this does not mean the seal between a pipe and fitting is air (or even water) tight. Whether you are making a plumbing/irrigation system or simply building a structure out of PVC pipe, adhesives can help! There are many types of PVC pipe adhesives, but how do you decide which to use?

When choosing which adhesive to use, there are a few things to consider:

1. What kind of material are you using (PVC, CPVC, CPVC, CTS)?
2. Is the connection a slip or threaded end?
3. Are there any code requirements?
4. What are you hoping to achieve?

The most important thing to remember is that applying PVC adhesives is simple and will save you money if you do it before you encounter a problem! In this blog post we will talk about the different types of PVC adhesives, when to use them, and how to apply them correctly.

What kind of material are you using?

The first step to ensuring you use the correct adhesive is to correctly identify your pipe and fittings material. PVC is generally white, whereas CPVC is usually light gray or cream colored, and CPVC CTS is a tanish/yellow color. If you are still not certain after looking at the color of the pipes, PVC, CPVC, and CPVC CTS pipes all come with the technical specifications printed on them.

Is the connection a slip or threaded end?

One of the biggest factors to consider before buying PVC pipe adhesives is end type. With slip ends, the pipe pushes into a slip or socket fitting and the connection is made. A threaded connections has male and female threads (commonly referred to as MPT and FPT) that screw together. These end types require different adhesives. You cannot use thread tape on a socket fitting, as it would take up too much space. You cannot use PVC cement on threaded connections, as it chemically bonds PVC together, destroying the threads.

Slip connections are easy to make, as all you need is a simple push to make a connection! These types of connections can be made permanent by using PVC primer and cement, two substances that go hand-in-hand. Threaded connections are made with sealant tape or thread sealant ("pipe dope") which create a tight seal between threads. PVC pipe adhesives for threaded connections allow the user to unscrew the connection if desired. It is important to pick the right adhesive for the job.

Are there any code requirements?

Depending on the application, there may be some code involved, particularly in plumbing, when choosing a piping adhesive. It is important to know any codes you might be working under to ensure you pass inspection. For instance, some codes require you use a colored primer, so that they can have visual evidence that primer was used.

What are you hoping to achieve?

Finally, you need to know what you are hoping to achieve. Are you building a sprinkler for your kids that you would like to take down at the end of the summer? PVC primer and cement would not be the choice for you, as it’s permanent.

Types of Adhesives

Once you have answered the four questions above, you are ready to start finding the adhesive that is best for your application. PVC, CPVC, and CPVC CTS all use similar adhesives, but each one is used for a particular job. Below are the three most common adhesives: primer and cement, pipe joint compound, and pipe thread sealant tape.

PVC Primer and Cement

As mentioned before, PVC primer and cement are used on slip connections. These substances are completely different, but should be used together for maximum effect. These are some of the strongest PVC pipe adhesives. Primer acts as a cleaner, preparing the pipe by softening it's surface and removing any glaze that may be present. People often buy colored primer, as plumbing code sometimes requires visual proof of primer use. PVC cement is often referred to as "glue," but it works in a very different way. This substance actually breaks down and chemically bonds two PVC parts together. In effect, PVC cement makes two PVC parts inseparable.

PVC primer and cement are easy to apply and will set in minutes! Most primers and solvent cements include an applicator brush attached to the lid. Apply primer to the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting evenly, with no clumps. Immediately after, when the primer is still wet, apply cement to the same surfaces. Be generous with the cement, as the primary reason for joint failure is insufficient cement coverage. The video below (via Christy Enterprises) shows, in greater detail, how to apply PVC primer and cement.

Joint Compound and Thread Tape

Threaded connections require different types of adhesives. The main advantage of threaded ends is that they can be unscrewed and re-screwed, so any adhesives or sealants have to allow for that as well. Most DIY-ers use thread seal tape, which is usually made from PTFE (Teflon), due to how easy and clean it is. All you need to do is wrap it around the male threads. A stronger yet messier option is joint compound, also called pipe dope. Joint compound is a liquid solution that fills up any gaps in threads to totally prevent leakage. It never fully dries, so the joint can be unscrewed at any time.

Joint compound and thread tape do not just work with PVC. They are compatible with many different types of piping, including several metals. This makes them widely used by professionals in many industries. Thread seal tape must be wrapped multiple times around the threads so that it covers every thread. Joint compound must be brushed on over all the male threads so that no spots are dry, as this could leave room for leakage. The video below from This Old House shows when and how to use these different types of PVC adhesives.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of PVC Lay Flat Hose. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.