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Polypipe vs. PVC
Ok.. here is my question, I do live in a freezing area (around Chicago), so I was leaning toward using polypipe, but then I also read somewhere (I think it was the Rainbird installation stuff) that the polypipe will have about 2-3 GPM less in flow for 1" then the 1" pvc. can anyone confirm this? My house has about 70 PSI and the flow I tried doing the 5 gal bucket test came out to be a little under 30 GPM. Will using poly really hurt me at all?
Thanks
Use poly in freezing climates, and you won't suffer pipe breakage from soil shifting during winter freezes.
what size servive line and water meter do you have?
if you truly have 30 gpm you'll need to upsize to 1.5" pipe
1 inch feed and meter. I was really surprised the get that type of GPM.
I'd go with 18 gpm for your design
poly is better- easier to work with and doesnt crack- I install some systems with all poly- just because it is easier to handle. Poly flows the same as pvc because the inside diameters compare the same.
Kasper's Landscape & Design Inc.
poly can crack due to freeze but is less likely to due to the fact that it is "softer" than PVC and can expand. poly is also 1000 times easier to work with than pvc since no glue is involved and it is flexible. jazzer is right by saying that there is no difference in flow. go with poly all the way unless your local code prohibits it.