Regular PVC vs Schedule 40?
I recently re-plumbed a side-by-side 4-plex. I'm refering to the main lines under the bldg. I built a diverter out of Schedule 40 with 4 seperate shut-offs & a main shut-off valve. I mistakenly bought regular pvc (200 psi) instead of Schedule 40 for the lines... which I didn't realize until I'd already started running my lines & glueing them together. So my question is... is the 200 psi stuff adequate? I don't want to have to re-do the job 5 yrs. from now! The lines currently have 50 - 60 lbs. of pressure inside from the pressure tank. The crawl space is well insulated & the lines run on the ground (dirt floor) so I'm not real concerned about freezing. I guess it's more of a durability concern here than anything else. Opinions?
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This is not an opinion, it's the real deal. Class 200 pipe is not rated 200psi in a static role---the 200psi is the top dynamic pressure that it should be subjected to. In other words, being pressurized all the time is not its intended purpose.
Schedule pipe is made to withstand static pressure. Sch 40, 80, 120 is what you should use under static conditions.
PVC is polyvinyl chloride. It is the material that PVC pipe is made form. The "schedule" is the wall thickness of the pipe. It also is the designation of how much internal pressure and temperature extremes the pipe can withstand. Schedule 40 PVC is the "standard". Schedule 80 PVC has thicker walls and can withstand higher internal pressures. Schedule 20 is opposite. If the pipe has no schedule designation and the wall is thin (about 1/16") then it's schedule 20 PVC. PVC cement is PVC cement. It joins PVC pipe of any size and diameter that you would encounter. PVC joints are either threaded or solvent welded. Slip joints using rubber seals require some method of keeping the ends from blowing out while under pressure. These slip joint connections are better suited for zero pressure drain connections between PVC and ABS. PVC pipe is white in color. ABS is black (usually used for sewer drains).
For water application should be no problem;
The rating fall within your pressure application.
Non metallic material has been use for better rust resistance in place of metal pipe and last longer due to it corrosion resistance.