PVC pipe is a light, rigid plastic pipe used for drainage, sewer, rainwater and cold water lines. It is easy to cut and glue on site.
Because it does not rust, it keeps a clean bore for years. In addition, it costs less to handle and install than metal pipe.
What is PVC pipe?
PVC pipe is a rigid plastic pipe made from polyvinyl chloride. Most pipe sold as PVC is uPVC, meaning it has no softening additives, so it stays stiff and strong.
PVC pipe comes in drainage grades and pressure grades. Drainage pipe carries waste and rainwater by gravity, while pressure pipe carries water under pump or mains pressure. Joints are made with solvent cement or rubber ring sockets.
Further reading
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): properties and uses (Wikipedia)
- Plastic pipework materials compared (Wikipedia)
- Drainage systems explained (Wikipedia)
Key terms explained
- PVC
- Polyvinyl chloride, a rigid plastic used for pipes. It does not rust and is light to handle.
- uPVC
- Unplasticized PVC. It has no softening additives, so it stays rigid and strong. Most PVC pipe is uPVC.
- Solvent cement
- A PVC glue that softens the pipe and fitting surfaces so they fuse into one piece as it cures.
- Pressure class
- The working pressure a PVC pressure pipe is rated for. Drainage pipe has a lower rating than pressure pipe.
- Socket end
- The widened end of a pipe that another pipe pushes into.
Features and benefits
- Does not rust or scale inside.
- Light, so it is quick to carry and install.
- Smooth bore that keeps flow high.
- Simple solvent cement joints.
- Resists most household and soil chemicals.
- Sizes from small waste lines to large sewers.
Technical specifications
| Product | PVC pipe |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 inch |
| Material | PVC (uPVC) |
| Joint | Solvent cement or rubber ring |
| Supply | Single lengths or bulk |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
Each size has its own page with sizing details. Choose a size above, then request a quote.
Applications of PVC pipe
- Building drainage. Carries waste water from sinks, showers and laundries.
- Soil and sewer lines. Carries toilet waste to septic tanks or sewers.
- Rainwater downpipes. Brings roof water down to drains or storage tanks.
- Storm water drains. Carries surface water from compounds and car parks.
- Cold water mains. Carries mains water where pressure-rated pipe is specified.
- Farm irrigation. Forms buried irrigation mains and sub-mains.
- Borehole casing. Lines boreholes where a suitable casing grade is used.
- Septic and soak pit connections. Links buildings to septic tanks and soak pits.
- Vent pipes. Vents drainage stacks to the roof.
- Cable ducts. Protects underground cables and service lines.
- Fish ponds and aquaculture. Moves water between ponds and tanks.
- Swimming pool lines. Carries return and drain water around pools.
How to choose and install
- Decide first whether the line drains by gravity or carries pressure, then choose the class.
- Match pipe and fittings to the same size and series.
- Lay drainage pipe with a steady fall toward the outlet.
- Bed buried pipe in sand, and keep sharp stones away from it.
- Protect exposed pipe from strong sun.
Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts
- Every common pipe materialGI, PPR, PVC, HDPE, brass and stainless fittings are all stocked, so you can match any existing system.
- Common sizes in stockMost fitting types come in several sizes, from small domestic sizes up to larger mains sizes.
- Pipes, fittings and valves togetherPipes, fittings, valves, clamps and jointing products come in one order.
- Help with thread and size standardsWe help you confirm inch and millimetre sizes before you buy, which avoids return trips.
- Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
- Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
- Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
- Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
- Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
- Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.
Related products and accessories
Browse more: PVC, uPVC & CPVC Pipes & Fittings · Plumbing Accessories & Tools · HDPE Pipes & Fittings · Valves.
Ordering from Sparks Plumbing Experts
We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. You can collect from our store at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, or ask us about delivery to your site. Send your quantities and specifications, and we will reply with prices and availability.
Request a Quote WhatsApp 0726 086 895
Frequently asked questions
How do I cut PVC pipe?
Use a fine-tooth saw or pipe cutter, cut square, then remove burrs with a file or knife.
Can PVC pipe carry drinking water?
Pressure-rated PVC is used for cold water mains. Use pipe of the correct class and follow your project specification.
Which glue joins PVC pipe?
Use PVC solvent cement. We stock it in several tin sizes.
What sizes of PVC pipe do you list?
We list 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 inch.
What details do you need to quote PVC pipes?
Tell us the size, the pressure class or use (drainage or pressure) and the quantity. A photo of the old part, a nameplate or a drawing also helps. Then call or WhatsApp 0726 086 895, or use the quote form on this page.
Do you deliver PVC pipes outside Nairobi?
Yes. We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. Delivery or courier arrangements are agreed when you confirm the order.
How much does a PVC pipe cost in Kenya?
The price depends on the size, the pressure class and the quantity. Therefore, send your list with a quote request and we will reply with current figures.
Can PVC pipes be used outdoors?
Yes, but long exposure to strong sun can make PVC brittle. Bury it, shade it or paint it with a suitable coating where it is exposed.
Are PVC pipes suitable for hot water?
No. Standard PVC is for cold water and drainage. Use PPR or CPVC for hot water lines.
How long should solvent cement joints cure?
Follow the cement maker instructions. As a rule, let joints cure before you pressure test or bury the pipe.
Why do buried PVC pipes crack?
Usually sharp stones, poor bedding or heavy loads. Bed the pipe in sand and give it enough cover.
Can PVC pipe join to GI pipe?
Yes, with a threaded PVC adaptor or a mechanical coupling made for the two materials.
People also search for
drainage vs pressure PVC pipe
Drainage pipe is for gravity flow. Pressure pipe has a thicker wall rated for water pressure.
PVC pipe class meaning
The class shows the rated working pressure. Higher classes have thicker walls.
4 inch PVC pipe for sewer
A 4 inch pipe is the common size for toilet and soil lines in buildings.
PVC pipe price in Kenya
Prices change with size, model and quantity. Request a quote from Sparks Plumbing Experts for current figures.
how deep to bury PVC pipe
Depth depends on traffic and the design. Deeper cover protects pipe under driveways.
PVC vs PPR pipe
PVC suits cold water and drainage. PPR handles hot water and is joined by heat fusion.
PVC vs HDPE pipe
PVC is rigid and glued. HDPE is flexible, comes in coils and suits buried water mains.
how to glue PVC pipe
Cut square, deburr, clean, apply solvent cement to both parts, push fully home and hold for a few seconds.
PVC pipe sizes in mm
PVC is often specified by outside diameter in mm. For example, 4 inch drainage pipe is commonly 110 mm.
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