PVC, HDPE, PEX, and Other Pipeline Materials

Piping materials for livestock waterlines include steel, galvanized steel, copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) roll pipe, and more recently, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). Each pipeline material offers benefits and limitations.

Steel pipe is strong and readily available but requires threaded ends and frequently leaks at the joints. It is more difficult to install and repair, has a relatively higher initial cost and will eventually rust.

Copper pipe has a long life, but connections must be soldered, increasing installation time and effort. It is comparatively expensive.

PVC is strong, reasonably priced, easy to install, and sections of pipe and fittings can be quickly joined using solvents and glues. A wide variety of fittings and couplings are readily available for many applications.

HDPE hose has good UV (ultraviolet) resistance and is quite flexible, making it suitable for temporary watering applications when the pipeline is not buried. Rolls of HDPE allow the construction of long pipelines with fewer joints. Joints are made by using fuse welding with a heating unit, or by using barbed metal or plastic hose connectors. If the pipeline is to be buried, use clamps made of all-stainless steel to attach the barb fittings. An HDPE hose, full of water, will float because this material is lighter than water.

The highly flexible PEX material has excellent tolerance for freezing temperatures. It requires specialized installation tools and is often installed by a contractor. “Shark bite” fittings can be used by nonprofessionals where they are appropriate. Due to the cost of the fittings, PEX pipelines are relatively expensive, and they are generally only available in smaller diameter sizes.

2-volt sump pumps). There are a variety of submersible diaphragm, centrifugal and helical pumps available from U.S. and foreign sources online. These pumps are usually reliable but not as well-known as those from more prominent brands.