water pipe repair with sch 40 conduit

tkeoki · Oct 16, 2009

I had to do a semi-emergency repair of a broken sch40 pvc water line. The only thing I had available was some of the grey sch 40 electrical conduit; so I used it.

It's about a 6 foot section of 1 1/4"; I assume I now need to get the proper pvc pipe and reinstall it. But would like to know the reason. What exactly is the difference between the two?

Thanks

JohnjH2o1 · Oct 16, 2009

It's the same pipe. Just gray instead of white. It should be OK as long as it's SCH 40.

John

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

SteveW · Oct 20, 2009

I don't think electrical conduit is rated for potable water.

Doherty Plumbing · Oct 20, 2009

Electrical conduit won't have any pressure ratings on it what-so-ever. I would replace it with proper PVC so that you don't have a little emergency in the future.

D'Brie · Oct 20, 2009

Sched 40

I asked a manufacturers rep the same question a while ago, his explanation is (paraphrase here). electrical conduit is made to not let water in and plumbing pipe is made to not let water out. It's the coatings on the PVC (outside or inside) that make the difference.

hj · Oct 21, 2009

pipe

That is like saying you need different doors to keep dogs in and cats out. The "Coating" on the pipe is from the pipe itself during the extrusion process.

water pipe repair with sch 40 conduit

tkeoki

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JohnjH2o1

Plumbing Contractor for 49 years

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SteveW

DIY Senior Member

Doherty Plumbing

Journeyman & Gas Fitter

D'Brie

Apprentice Plumber

hj

Master Plumber

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