Alexei Volkov
Measuring plastic drain pipes is a crucial skill for plumbing and construction projects. The process involves determining the pipe's outer and inner diameters, which can be done using a measuring tape or a caliper. However, it's important to note that PVC pipes use a unique sizing system, with sizes indicated on the pipe or through a pipe size chart. The nominal pipe size is often different from the actual outer diameter, which can be deceiving without a chart. This is because PVC pipes and fittings use a nominal system, where compatible parts have the same name. For instance, a 1 PVC pipe will fit into a 1 fitting, but the wall thickness may vary. Understanding these nuances is essential when working with plastic drain pipes to ensure proper sizing and compatibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Measurement | Outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) |
| Outer diameter measurement | From the outside edge of the pipe to the opposite outside edge |
| Inner diameter measurement | From the top to the bottom of the inside of the pipe |
| Pipe sizing | Nominal pipe size (NPS) |
| Pipe sizing system | Metric and imperial |
| Metric pipe sizing | Sized in millimetres and relates to the outside diameter (OD) of the pipe |
| Imperial pipe sizing | Sized in inches and relates to the nominal bore (NB) or inside diameter (ID) |
| Pipe wall thickness | Increases as the pipe gets larger |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring the outer diameter
Step 1: Understand the Nominal System
Plastic pipes, such as PVC pipes, use a nominal system for sizing. This means that compatible parts are given the same name, so all 1" pipes, for example, will fit into 1" fittings. However, the measurements in pipe names might not exactly match their actual dimensions. This nominal system simplifies part selection.
Step 2: Identify the Widest Point
Look at the end of the plastic drain pipe. Identify the widest point across the opening of the pipe. This is where you will take your measurement.
Step 3: Measure the Outer Diameter
Using a measuring tape, ruler, or caliper, measure the outside edge of the pipe to the outside edge of the opposite side. This measurement is the outer diameter (OD) of the pipe. Ensure you measure at the centre of the pipe to obtain the most accurate result.
Step 4: Compare with a Pipe Sizing Chart
After measuring the outer diameter, refer to a pipe sizing chart to determine the nominal size of your pipe. These charts are readily available online and will help you match your measurement to the corresponding pipe size. Remember that the nominal size may not exactly match the outer diameter measurement.
Step 5: Consider the Measurement System
Keep in mind that pipe diameters can be labelled in different measurement systems: the metric system (millimetres) and the inch/imperial system (inches). Ensure that you are using the correct system for your specific application. The metric system is used in Europe and many other parts of the world, while the inch/imperial system is used in North America, Asia, and sometimes in the UK.
By following these steps, you can accurately measure the outer diameter of a plastic drain pipe and determine its nominal size using a sizing chart. This information will be useful for selecting compatible fittings or ordering additional pipes of the same size.
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Using a sizing chart
When it comes to measuring plastic drain pipes, using a sizing chart can be very helpful. Pipe sizes are named by their nominal size standard, which can be confusing for beginners. The nominal size refers to the approximate inside diameter, and the schedule refers to the wall thickness of the pipe. For example, a 1" pipe will have an inner diameter of 1". However, the pipe walls have thickness, so the outer diameter will be larger. This is why using a sizing chart is important.
PVC pipe sizing charts are readily available online and in print references. These charts include the nominal size of the PVC pipe on the left and the actual outer diameter on the right. The outer diameter is measured from one outside edge of the pipe to the opposite outside edge. This measurement is then matched with the corresponding size on the chart. For instance, a pipe with an outer diameter of 1.660" is actually a 1-1/4" size pipe, not a 1-1/2" size pipe as one might assume without a chart.
It is also important to remember that PVC pipe uses a different sizing system than other types of pipe. For example, the CPVC pipe found in some homes uses Copper Tube Sizing (CTS). A 2" PVC fitting will fit on a 2" nominal size PVC pipe, but not on a 2" copper tube size pipe. This is why understanding sizing charts and the differences between pipe types is crucial when working with plastic drain pipes.
Additionally, different types of pipes have different standard wall thicknesses and overall dimensions based on the material of construction and thickness schedule. Changes in schedule will result in variations in the inner diameter around the nominal size designation. For example, a 1-inch pipe in schedule 40 and schedule 80 will have the same outer diameter but different wall thicknesses. Schedule 40 has a wall thickness of 1/8", while schedule 80 has a wall thickness of 3/16".
By using a sizing chart and understanding the nominal size standard and schedule of the pipe, one can accurately measure and select the correct size and type of plastic drain pipe for their project.
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Converting to nominal pipe size
When it comes to plastic drain pipes, specifically PVC pipes, it's important to understand that their measurements are represented by nominal pipe sizes, which are not necessarily reflective of their actual dimensions. This is because the nominal system ensures that compatible parts are given the same name, making it easier to select the right components. For example, a 2" nominal pipe size does not equate to a 2" diameter.
To convert to nominal pipe size, you must first understand the difference between the outer diameter (OD) and the inner diameter (ID). The outer diameter of a pipe refers to the measurement from one outer edge of the pipe to the opposite outer edge. The inner diameter, on the other hand, measures the distance across the inside of the pipe, excluding the thickness of the pipe walls.
For a regular schedule 40 PVC pipe, the nominal size corresponds to the inner diameter. So, a 1" schedule 40 PVC pipe has an inner diameter of 1" and an outer diameter of 1.315". Schedule 80 PVC pipes have thicker walls, resulting in a slightly smaller inner diameter for the same nominal size.
It's worth noting that the sizing system for pipes can vary depending on the region. In the American industrial market, the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) system is widely used. NPS values are based on inches and represent the approximate external diameter of a pipe. In contrast, the European industrial market often employs the Nominal Diameter (DN) system, which is defined in millimeters and represents the approximate internal diameter.
Additionally, PVC pipes use a distinct sizing system compared to other pipe types. For instance, copper tubes use Copper Tube Sizing (CTS), and their dimensions differ from PVC pipes of the same nominal size. Therefore, it's crucial to be mindful of these sizing differences when purchasing fittings for existing pipes.
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Understanding sizing systems
Plastic drain pipes are measured using a sizing system that can be confusing for those unfamiliar with it. The nominal pipe size is the name given to compatible parts, so all 1" pipe will fit 1" fittings. However, the actual size of a 1" pipe is not 1" exactly. This is because the nominal size refers to the inner diameter of the pipe, which is the measurement from the top to the bottom of the inside of the pipe. The outer diameter is the measurement from the outside edge of the pipe to the opposite outside edge. The outer diameter of a 1" pipe is 1.315". The thickness of the pipe walls will depend on the pipe's schedule. For instance, Schedule 80 PVC pipe has thicker walls than Schedule 40, but both have the same outer diameter.
The nominal pipe size is also known as the nominal bore (NB) or inside diameter (ID). In the imperial system, the nominal bore is used to designate pipe sizes, while the metric system uses the outer diameter (OD). The metric system uses millimetres, while the imperial system uses inches. As the pipe sizes from these two systems do not match up, a special conversion fitting must be used to change from one to the other. For example, a 1½” (NB) imperial pipe is the equivalent of a 50mm (OD) metric pipe size.
It is important to note that PVC pipe uses a different sizing system than other types of pipe. For example, the cream-coloured CPVC pipe found in some homes uses Copper Tube Sizing (CTS). A 2" PVC fitting will not fit a 2" piece of copper tube size pipe, but it will always fit a 2" nominal size PVC pipe. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the sizing system of the pipe you are working with before purchasing fittings.
To measure the size of a plastic drain pipe, you can use a measuring tape or a caliper to measure the outer diameter of the pipe. Then, compare this measurement to a pipe sizing chart to determine the nominal pipe size. Alternatively, you can measure the circumference of the pipe and divide it by pi to calculate the outer diameter.
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Measuring wall thickness
Measuring the wall thickness of plastic pipes is important to ensure that the pipe meets product specifications. If a pipe is too thin, it may fail during use, and if it is too thick, the manufacturer may waste money on excess resin.
Ultrasonic gauging is a quick, reliable, and non-destructive method to measure the wall thickness of plastic pipes. This method does not require access to the inside diameter (ID) or cutting of the pipe. Ultrasonic thickness gauges can also be used to measure the wall thickness of in-service pipes to detect changes during use. The measurement involves a simple pulse/echo detection test, where the round-trip pulse transit time is measured and used, along with the speed of sound in the test material, to calculate the thickness. Various transducers are used, depending on the diameter and wall thickness of the pipe or tube being measured. For instance, the M112 (10 MHz) transducer is used for wall thicknesses of approximately 0.020–1 in. (0.5–25 mm), while the M1036 (2.25 MHz) transducer is used for thicknesses greater than 1 in. or 25 mm.
The 39DL PLUS™ gauge is a reliable tool for ultrasonic thickness inspection, offering precision and seamless workflow. The 72DL PLUS™ gauge is another advanced option, delivering precision thickness measurements at high speed in a portable, easy-to-use device. The 45MG ultrasonic thickness gauge is also a versatile instrument, compatible with a wide range of transducers.
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Frequently asked questions
You can measure the Outside Diameter (OD) and Inside Diameter (ID) of your plastic drain pipe to find out what size it is. Use a measuring tape, ruler, or caliper to measure the pipe's diameter at its centre, from the outside edge to the opposite outside edge. Then, compare this measurement to a pipe sizing chart.
The outside and inside diameters of a plastic drain pipe are important measurements because they determine the pipe's size and compatibility with fittings. The OD and ID can vary between different types of pipes and manufacturers.
The nominal size of a plastic drain pipe is the named size or the pipe size indicated in the store. The actual size refers to the outer and inner diameters of the pipe, which may differ from the nominal size due to the thickness of the pipe walls.
You can use a pipe sizing chart to determine the correct size of your plastic drain pipe for your fittings. Compare the measurements of the pipe's outside and inside diameters to the chart to identify the corresponding pipe size. Ensure that the pipe and fittings have compatible nominal sizes.
Yes, it's important to note that different types of pipes use different sizing systems. For example, PVC pipes use a nominal system, while copper tubes use Copper Tube Sizing (CTS). When purchasing fittings, ensure that you're selecting the appropriate system to avoid sizing issues.
