Complete Irrigation pipe guide

Irrigation supply pipe is essential for delivering water efficiently throughout an irrigation system. It comes in multiple sizes and materials, each suited to specific hydraulic and installation requirements. Choosing the correct type of pipe and fittings ensures your system operates effectively and lasts for years.

Irrigation Pipe Types

There are three main types of irrigation pipe used in garden and landscape systems. Each type offers different levels of flexibility, pressure tolerance, and suitability for surface or underground installations.

LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene

LDPE is a flexible, lightweight pipe ideal for surface-mounted micro irrigation systems. It’s commonly used for drip and spray setups in smaller gardens.

• Full name: Low-Density Polyethylene
• Used in: Micro irrigation systems, including drip and spray systems
• Internal sizing: 13mm, 19mm
• Recommended fittings: 13mm barbed or anti-leak style fittings
• Use location: Surface use or very shallow burial
• UV stable: Yes
• Recommended max pressure: 2.5 bar
• Suitable for static water pressure: No

LDPE pipe is easy to work with and ideal for home DIY irrigation systems. However, it’s not suitable for high-pressure or fully buried installations due to its flexibility and pressure limitations.

MDPE – Medium-Density Polyethylene

MDPE pipe offers a balance between flexibility and strength. It’s a popular choice for underground irrigation systems that require higher flow and pressure capacity.

• Full name: Medium-Density Polyethylene
• Used in: Underground irrigation and pop-up sprinkler systems
• Sizing: 20mm, 25mm, 32mm
• Recommended fittings: MDPE compression fittings
• Use location: Underground or beneath hardscape/patios
• UV stable: No
• Recommended max pressure: 12 bar
• Suitable for static water pressure: Yes

MDPE is durable and suitable for long-term installations. As it isn’t UV stable, it must always be buried or protected from direct sunlight.

HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene

HDPE pipe is the most rigid and durable option, designed for high-pressure systems with larger water demands. It’s suitable for commercial or large-scale irrigation projects.

• Full name: High-Density Polyethylene
• Used in: Large underground irrigation systems and pop-up sprinkler systems
• Sizing: 20mm, 25mm, 32mm
• Recommended fittings: MDPE compression fittings
• Use location: Underground or beneath hardscape/patios
• UV stable: No
• Recommended max pressure: 16 bar
• Suitable for static water pressure: Yes

HDPE provides the highest pressure and impact resistance. Its rigidity can make installation more challenging, but it offers superior long-term performance.

What to Consider When Selecting a Pipe

• System Pressure: LDPE is best for low-pressure systems, while HDPE handles higher pressures.
• Installation Type: LDPE is suited for surface installations; MDPE and HDPE are ideal for underground systems.
• UV Exposure: Only LDPE is UV-stable for surface use.
• Water Usage: LDPE is best for lower flow rates, while MDPE/HDPE handles higher flow rates.
• Fittings Compatibility: Always use fittings that match your pipe type and diameter for leak-free connections.

Summary

Each irrigation pipe type serves a specific purpose:

• LDPE: Flexible and ideal for surface-mounted micro irrigation.
• MDPE: Strong and semi-flexible, suitable for most underground systems.
• HDPE: Rigid and durable for large-scale, high-pressure applications.

Selecting the right pipe ensures efficient water delivery and system reliability. If you’re unsure which type best suits your project, our irrigation experts can guide you in choosing the correct pipe and compatible fittings for your system.