PVC Pipe

Blue PVC Water Pipe at Factory and Wholesale Prices

PVC pipe, often called blue water pipe, is the standard choice for potable water, drinking water and sanitary lines in Thailand. Every manufacturer has to produce it to the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) for its use. PVC pipe is graded by wall thickness into pressure classes 5, 8.5 and 13.5 under the current standard, TIS 17-2561, which replaced the older TIS 17-2532. The most popular brands are SCG Elephant, Tiger and Thai Pipe.

PVC pipe size table to TIS 17-2561

Properties of Standard PVC Pipe

• Pressure and load resistant: made from tough, slightly flexible compound to industrial standards, so it handles internal water pressure and external loads on the line well.
• Resistant to acids and alkalis: it does not react with mild acids or alkalis, so there is no rust or corrosion, and it resists bacteria and mold, including when buried. Service life is 50 years or more.
• Safe for drinking water: the material is non-toxic, so water stays free of contaminants with no change in color, smell or taste.
• Electrically insulating: as a non-metal pipe it does not conduct leakage current, and it does not spread flame in a fire.
• UV resistant: the right amount of titanium dioxide protects it from UV, so it does not turn brittle or crack easily.
• Weather resistant: it stands up to sun, rain and outdoor conditions.
• No rust, no leaks, not brittle: PVC does not rust or become brittle with age.
• Certified: produced under the Thai Industrial Standard for PVC pressure pipe.
• Lightweight: about one sixth the weight of steel pipe, one fifth of cast iron and two thirds of asbestos cement pipe, so it is easy to transport and install.

Choosing a PVC Water Pipe by Size

Pipe size is given in inches, hun (1 hun = 1/8 inch) or millimeters. Most homes use three sizes:

• 1/2 inch or 4 hun: the smallest size, used for branch lines from the main to points around the house.
• 3/4 inch or 6 hun: for fixtures with higher flow, such as water heaters and outdoor faucets.
• 1 inch or 8 hun: the house main, from the water meter into the building.

Pressure Rating of PVC Pipe

Pressure is measured in bar. The standard sets three main classes, and manufacturers print the class on the pipe:

• Class 5 PVC pipe: rated for 5 bar.
• Class 8.5 PVC pipe: rated for 8.5 bar, the usual choice for household water systems.
• Class 13.5 PVC pipe: rated for 13.5 bar, for large or multi-story buildings that need high pressure.

Blue PVC Pipe Specifications

PVC Pipe Classes Compared

How do you choose between PVC pipe classes 5, 8.5 and 13.5?

Blue PVC pipe is made to TIS 17-2532. The class number is the pressure rating in kilograms per square centimetre. The standard length is 4 m per piece, joined with solvent cement.

• Classes 8.5 and 13.5 are used for water supply lines under pressure, or with pump systems.
• Class 5 is used for waste and soil drainage lines with no pressure.

What should you know when installing PVC pipe?

• Blue pipe suits indoor or shaded work. Avoid using it outdoors in direct sun, and avoid running it continuously along buildings that may settle easily, as the pipe may crack or pull apart.
• PVC is a thermoplastic that can be installed between -17.8 and 65 degrees Celsius. As temperature drops the pipe gets stiffer but less impact-resistant. As temperature rises it softens and its pressure capacity falls, so take care to avoid bowing during installation.
• It does not rust, does not conduct electricity, does not spread fire, resists weak acids and alkalis, and is 5 times lighter than galvanized steel pipe. It can be buried without extra coating or wrapping.

PVC Pipe Price List

A PVC pipe price list gives the price per length for each size and pressure class. Prices differ by brand, so compare the SCG Elephant, Tiger and Thai Pipe 185.05

SCG Elephant PVC Pipe Prices