PVC pipe comes in Schedule 40 and Schedule 80, and the difference is wall thickness. Schedule 80 is thicker and stronger, but that does not always make it the right choice.
The Schedule 40
Schedule 40 is the standard for residential drain and vent pipe, and it is strong enough for most home applications at a lower cost.
The Schedule 80
Schedule 80 has a thicker wall and a smaller inside diameter, and it is used where more strength or pressure rating is needed.
The flow
The thicker wall of Schedule 80 slightly reduces the inside diameter, which can matter for flow in some drains.
The use
For most home drains, Schedule 40 is correct; Schedule 80 shows up in commercial and pressure work. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Mishawaka, the code dictates the choice.
The fit
Schedule 80 is thicker outside but smaller inside, so fittings differ from Schedule 40. Mixing them up is a common, avoidable mistake.
The call
Use the schedule the job calls for. Call 888-217-3585 and Mishawaka Plumbing Pros will match you with a Mishawaka pro.
Plumbing in Mishawaka: what to know
In Mishawaka, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across St. Joseph County — from South Bend, Elkhart and Niles to ZIP codes like 46545, 46615, 46635 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Mishawaka?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Mishawaka Plumbing Pros will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Mishawaka.