Polyvinyl chloride is most commonly known as PVC. PVC pipe is the most commonly requested form of plumbing pipes, varying in size, style and color depending on what your business needs. PVC plastic is lightweight and durable, making the transporting of PVC to work sites easier than traditional metal pipes.

PVC pipe is available in sizes that range from 1/2 inch to 9 inches in diameter. There are three basic types of PVC pipes: PVC plumbing, flexible PVC and PVC conduit. PVC pipes are the most common forms of PVC. Flexible PVC pipes are used in plumbing and ventilation systems. PVC conduit is a less expensive version of metal conduit of electrical wires.

1. Review the size of PVC pipes and PVC fittings your company uses most.

2. Consider buying the most common types of bulk PVC for large jobs.

3. Read PVC information to find multiple uses for your company's PVC pipes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find PVC pipes in the sizes your business needs

PVC pipes are available in 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/4 inch, 1-1/2inch, 2 inch, 2-1/2 inch, 3-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, 7-inch, 8-inch and 9-inch diameters. These sizes can be used for both plumbing and electrical jobs.

I recommend: Browse the offerings from The North American Pipe Corporation to buy PVC pipes in various sizes and styles. Purchase PVC pipes in all sizes that withstand high water or air pressure from the Rocky Mountain Colby Pipe Company. Visit Uni-Tech to buy larger diameter PVC pipe that range from 4 inches to 9 inches in diameter.

Get PVC fittings and cement for the PVC pipes

PVC fittings connect PVC pipes together. There are numerous types of PVC fittings including elbow, 3-way, 4-way, valves, sockets and couples for electrical and plumbing needs. All PVC fittings are available in every diameter of PVC pipe to make installation quick and easy.

I recommend: Find a variety of PVC fittings including valves and bulk head fittings at PVC Fittings. Order electrical PVC conduit fittings from Allied Tube and Conduit, a division of the Allied Electrical Group. Purchase bulk PVC cement, bushings, caps and flanges at Plumbing Fittings Direct.

Locate specialty PVC products for specific jobs

PVC specialty products include flexible PVC, clear PVC and high grade for PVC furniture. Each of these types of PVC pipe requires its own type of PVC fittings.

I recommend: Purchase clear PVC pipes for chemical installations, hospitals, food and pharmaceutical plants and laboratories. Buy clear PVC pipes and fittings at The United States Plastic Corporation. Find flexible PVC and clamps in bulk at FlexPVC. Find high grade PVC for PVC furniture at Circo Innovations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use industrial-life strength PVC cement on all connections to avoid future leaks around the PVC fittings.