How to Measure PVC Pipe Size

By: Gaurav Batra In: Business Last Updated: 2024-08-30

When you are using PVC pipes, whether it is in the drainage system or water supply line in your kitchen, or for transporting water to crops for irrigation purpose, then a common problem always comes up in it which is leakage i.e. water is leaking from somewhere. In such a situation, you think of changing the pipe and then get confused about its size and how to install which one.

But the question comes that what is the need to measure the pipe size correctly? When we measure the pipe correctly it leads to its proper installation and functionality because when proper measurement of size is done then leakage is prevented which is a common concern for many homes. So if the pipe is measured correctly then it leads to efficient flow. Accurate sizing also leads to proper fitting which automatically reduces friction, reduces pressure loss and prevents blockages. So here are the benefits of measuring it accurately.

Tools For Measure PVC Pipe Size

But many people don't have proper knowledge about what tools are required for this, so to measure the size properly we can use mainly three tools:

Caliper: This instrument is used for precision measurement if you want to measure the inner and outer diameter of the object next,
Micrometer: This is for more precise measurement mainly used to measure small distances lastly,
Measuring tape: This is a flexible tape that is usually used to measure linear distances.

These are the tools that are discussed above that are used to measure the size of the pipe. The pipe size is usually measured in terms of its outer wall and thickness of the pipe and the common units of measurements are in inches and millimeters.

The thickness of the pipe wall is based on a schedule system. So, there two common standard sizes that are based on the scheduling system that is:

1. Schedule 40: Schedule 40 is the most commonly used for PVC pipe to provide great balance and is designed to withstand specific pressure ratings as well.

For example, If there is any problem in the kitchen or you want to use pipes in the water supply line then these pipes are great as they are highly durable, prevent leakage, and give long-lasting performance that you expect.

2. Schedule 80:If you are looking for pipes that have thicker walls than pipes which come under schedule 40, then opt for schedule 80 pipes as they offer higher pressure resistance and work well in industrial settings.

Method To Measure The Pvc Pipe Size

Lets discuss further how these tools can be used in proper steps to measure the size accurately:

Method 1: Measuring With Caliper

For Measuring the Outer Diameter (Using Caliper)

The pipe that you want to measure should be clean from any kind of accumulation be it dirt and debris then only it should give accurate measurement.
Position the Caliper and place the pipe between the caliper's jaw and make sure the caliper is perpendicular to the pipes axis.
The caliper should be adjusted in such a way that by adjusting its jaws it can get close and by doing this it gently touches the outer surface of the pipe which you have to measure.
The measurement or reading is reflected in the scale of the caliper. You can note the accurate measurement from there.

For Measuring the Inner Diameter (Using a Caliper)

Just like you measure the outer diameter. Very similarly you have to measure for the inner diameter, you have to clean the pipe to ensure that it is free from any kind of dirt and debris. Then the placement of the caliper is done in such a way that the caliper should be inserted inside the pipe. Then gently close the jaws of the caliper to ensure that it should touch the inner surface of the pipe then the accurate measurement is reflected on the scale of the caliper.

Method 2: Measuring Size With Micrometer

If you want a little more precision in measurement for measuring the pipe size then a micrometer can be used, The steps that are used for correctly doing the measurement with micrometer are as follows:

To avoid inaccuracy in the readings, it is likely to adjust the micrometer to zero. By doing this accurate readings also come and this will create a reference point and this would be done before you measure the pipe.
Then the pipe should be placed in such a way that it should come in between the anvil and spindle of the micrometer.
You have to just rotate the thimble until the spindle of the micrometer touches the pipe surface in a way that closes the jaw.
Then lastly you just have to do the measurement from the main scale and the thimble to get the idea of the reading so that you can accurately measure the pipe size.
Lastly, after taking the measurements it is necessary to ensure that it should be accurate so that the leakage or blockage problem does not appear again.

Tips For Double Checking the Accurate Measurements

The following are the tips that you should follow to ensure these measurements are accurate:

Take multiple readings or measurements to add precision to the readings. Measurements should be done at different points along the pipe.
Consider the pipe schedule, as PVC pipe comes in different schedules be it schedule 40 and schedule 80 which is critical for the thickness factor. So for accurate measurement always look at the schedule.
A measuring tape or ruler would do wonders if you want to measure the length of the pipe as this tool accurately gives the length of the pipe.
For the accurate size of the pipe, if you got the readings in any measurement but for accuracy it is advisable to convert these readings in inches and millimeters. The accurate size of the pipe is only measured in inches and millimeters.

So, by following this guide you can accurately measure the PVP Pipe size by using these steps that have been elaborately given with the help of the appropriate tools that are mentioned above, you can ensure that your PVC pipe fittings are correct would avoid any problems that are likely to occur if the Pipe size is not correctly measured.

If you just spend a little more time measuring the size accurately, you can save a lot of hustle-bustle. In addition to this, you can also save your expenses in the long run. What would you need more? For more such helpful guides keep exploring exportersindia.