PVC Pipe

[DJ]

I just spent some time chasing leaks in my irragation system. It's mostly schedule 40 PVC and is buried.<br /><br />Does this stuff wear out or is the Arizona heat making it brittle?

 

[POINTER94]

Re: PVC Pipe

DJ,<br /><br />Did you locate the leaks? I have not heard of PVC becoming brittle due to heat. Many times an irrigation system with lots of 90 degree bends and few check valves can get smacked around by water hammer and therefor develop leaks. Especially if the pump is oversized.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: PVC Pipe

I have also used it for the same reason and have not had any get brittle.<br />Have had some leaks at joints, but not become brittle.

 

[DJ]

Re: PVC Pipe

Pointer94,<br /><br />Thanks for the reply. Yea, I located them all-I think. <br /><br />They were at seams.<br /><br />Never thought about the "shock" the system takes when the system is turned on.<br /><br />Maybe the installers didn't glue the joints properly?

 

[JB]

Re: PVC Pipe

PVC becomes brittle from excessive exposure to UV.<br /><br />Could have been stored outdoors before use in your system, DJ.<br /><br />Had that problem with some connections to my septic system. had to replace the whole run.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[DJ]

Re: PVC Pipe

Thanks SBN (I think I was posting when you replied) and JB. <br /><br />That may be it-JB. We have plenty of UV here. <br /><br />Man, I'm glad I wasn't working on a septic system.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: PVC Pipe

I think PVC does wear out... I have problems with some brittle pipes, but only above ground... <br /><br />I have some heads in the flower beds that stick up 12-18 inches above ground and the UV rays do a job on the pvc..<br /><br /> I do have a zone with all the pipes burried and it's a total mess which needs to be re-done.. Broke a sprinkler head off just the other day, right at the joint.. Just barely touched it.<br /><br />If the leaks are at joints, might have used too much pvc cement when it was put together..

 

[POINTER94]

Re: PVC Pipe

DJ,<br /><br />It is quite possible that the PVC was exposed for an extended period of time. PVC as a petrolium based plastic is subject to price fluxuations similar to that of gasoline. In addition, emerging countries are beginning to use greater and greater amounts of the pipe and supplies are getting thinner and thinner domestically. Not that there is a shortage but if a manufacturer has a seasonal sale it is probable that the distributor will buy in quantity and have inventory sitting around, and the same goes for the installers.<br /><br />If you have water hammer and you contiunue to have new leaks, try putting a small hydropnumatic tank at the front of the system to act as a shock absorber. You can get one at the Home Depot for under 60 bucks plus 10 bucks for hardware. A fairly inexpensive solution. (band aid)<br /><br />Lots of contractors subscribe to the one size fits all mentality and carry a 1.5hp or 2hp pump when all you really need is a 1/2hp unit. The smaller pump will run for more years, cost less to run, and not rip up your pipes.<br /><br />One other thought did you blow out the system last fall to make sure water couldn't freeze in the pipes over winter, that doesn't apply to you desert dwellers where 50 degrees is cold.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: PVC Pipe

If you bought it from a home depot or a lowes it probably isn't schedule 40.<br />Most schedule 40 that I have delt with is almost a 1/4" thick. that other junk is only about a 1/16"<br />What do I know!!!!

 

[DJ]

Re: PVC Pipe

Thanks All.