What are Standard PVC Pipe Sizes in Pakistan?

Knowing about PVC pipe sizes is important for water plumbing success. In this guide, we explain how to read measurements in imperial and metric (PVC pipe sizes in inches and PVC pipe sizes in mm), including the significance of scheduling and PVC pipe thickness, and how these impact performance and price in Pakistan.

Why It’s Important to Choose the Correct Size for PVC Pipe

In construction throughout Pakistan, PVC pipe is by far the most adaptable option for water and drainage pipes. Either way, a poorly sized pipe means lost money when the pipe does not drain correctly or there are leaks at the connections. Having the right size pipe will maximize the flow of water and prevent any pressure loss, and ensure that your PVC pipe fittings will create a tight leak leak-free system.

Nepro’s Local Availability

For local projects, it is good to know the range of products offered. Nepro offers a wide selection of products to choose from for any application across Pakistan, from small house needs to large municipality works:

• Size range of PVC pipes: 3/4″ – 24″
• Size range of fittings: 3/4″ – 8″

Understanding the Measurements: OD vs. ID

PVC pipe size is generally called Nominal Pipe Size (or NPS), which is an approximation and not an exact physical measurement. To be all “in” about the products, you should know:

• Outside Diameter (OD): This is the essential measurement that seals the fittings to make a connection because the fitting slides over the pipe. 
• Inside Diameter (ID): This represents the internal capacity- deciding how much fluid passes through. The ID will vary with the thickness of the PVC pipe.

Imperial and Metric Sizes: PVC Pipe Dimensions in Inches and mm

In Pakistan, pipes are offered according to both Imperial (inches) and Metric (mm) standards. Understanding both Imperial & Metric is helpful in understanding the compatible parts, especially during renovation of older systems.

Imperial System: PVC Pipe Sizes in Inches

The imperial system is the primary standard for most home plumbing work. PVC pipe sizes in inches are commonly used along with plans for a standard house.

Nominal Size (Inches)	Approx. OD	Common Application
3/4 inch	1.050 in	Water pvc pipe sizes for fixtures and appliance lines.
1 inch	1.315 in	Main supply line in small to medium-sized homes.
4 inch	4.5 in	Pvc drain pipe sizes for main sewer lines.
6 inch	6.625 in	Large industrial or commercial pvc pipe supplies.

Metric Measurements: PVC Pipe Sizes in millimeters

Metric measurements are the more typical dimensions for large-sized, commercial, or municipal projects. The dimensions of PVC pipe in mm nearly always correspond to the outer diameter of the pipe.

• Common Metric Measurements: 20mm, 25mm, 32mm, 50mm, 75mm, & 110mm.
• Conversion: Understanding the PVC pipe size conversion from mm to inches is helpful when combining different types of materials or when ordering special PVC pipe materials.

Function of Schedule in PVC Pipe Thickness

PVC pipe thickness is a crucial specification, as it determines the pipe’s pressure rating.  This wall thickness is identified as a “Schedule.”

Schedule 40 vs. Schedule 80

The sizes of PVC pipes are divided primarily into two types that are distinguished mainly by the thickness of the wall.

• Schedule 40: This has thinner walls and is okay for low-pressure cold water lines or sanitary PVC pipe sizes. It should be considered the standard requirement for PVC electrical conduit pipe sizes.
• Schedule 80: This has a much thicker wall, the same nominal size, and is often used in high-pressure systems where maximum strength is critical.

Recognizing the difference in wall thickness is important to avoid pipe failure due to knowledge of rupturing pipes under high pressure, and is important in Pakistan’s urban areas, where high pressure is the norm.

Cost-effective Selection: Matching the PVC pipe with Your Application

There are different specifications of PVC pipe for different applications.

Water Service and Pressure Pipe

To ensure you have a continuous flow, you must select water PVC pipe sizes that function under pressure. Always confirm the product is for potable water use and meets one of the specified standard PVC pipe sizes.

Drainage pipes (Sanitary PVC pipe sizes)

Drainage (DWV) systems use gravity and not pressure. PVC drain pipe sizes are generally bigger (4 inches being common), and the sizes are measured by the ID to be efficient in waste removal and reduce blockage.

Conduit for Electrical and Communication

PVC conduit pipes act to protect electrical wiring. They are usually a lighter standard, and as such, the proper PVC electrical conduit pipe sizes must be chosen to adequately allow the wiring bundle to safely pass in and out of the conduit and not damage the wiring.

Tips for Installing PVC Pipe Fittings and Measurement

Measuring and installing correctly is critical for a long lifespan: 

• Measuring: When measuring the pipe size for PVC, always take the OD measurement and the wall thickness, and then reference a PVC pipe size chart. Do not solely use the ID measurement.
• Fittings: The sizes of the correct PVC pipe fittings are not up for discussion. Fit the pipe and fittings together with proper solvent cement for chemical welding and a permanent seal. 
• Caps: Use the proper sizes of PVC pipe caps when planning to close the pipe system for either temporary or permanent line closures.

Regional Market Attributes: Sizes of PVC Pipes in Pakistan

Suppliers and plumbers generally observe both British and ASTM standards in Pakistan. Always specify the standard when purchasing, and, in addition, (1) the size (2-inch Schedule 40, for instance), and (2) the application (pressure or drainage) to appropriate to receive the proper pipe PVC. It is advisable at the point of sale to refer to a PVC pipe size chart.

Considerations that affect PVC pipe dimensions and costs:

• Thickness: A thicker pipe (Schedule 80) will cost more than a thinner pipe (Schedule 40).
• Length: A PVC pipe length size will affect logistics for transportation and waste on the job site. It is a good idea to calculate your needs in the standard length of a PVC pipe in meters. This will help you to order your material efficiently.

Summary

The first factor that leads toward a successful and permanent plumbing system in Pakistan is the understanding of PVC pipe sizes. Homeowners and builders will guarantee a leak-proof and durable installation if you select the correct nominal pipe size and choose the right schedule (40 or 80) of thickness of PVC pipe. It does not matter if you select PVC pipe sizes in inches to install in a home line, or you are calculating needs in PVC pipe sizes in mm to do a larger project, you should still find what a PVC pipe sizes chart shows, and also get expert advice local to you to get the best possible PVC pipe sizes and price for your investment.

FAQ

What is the typical size of lead to a singular home water supply in PVC?

Typically, this ranges; however, PVC pipe sizes in nominal sizes of 1 inch or 1.5 inches are most used for main entry points into residential properties in Pakistan.

Why are the PVC drain pipe sizes typically larger than the supply pipe sizes?

Drain pipes use gravity, rather than pressure, to push the waste down a pipe. Waste pipes require a larger bore pipe to limit clogs, while providing a higher volume of air and waste at the same time.

How can I determine how to read PVC pipe sizing?

You can always ask for the Nominal Size (NPS) and the Schedule (40 or 80). The pipe will be marked with both.

Why is the thickness of PVC pipe important?

Thickness relates directly to the pipe’s pressure rating. When using thicker-walled (higher schedule) pipe, it will be more difficult to burst the pipe in a high-pressure system.