In Arizona, your irrigation system faces one of the harshest environments in the country: extreme temperatures, dry soil, intense sun exposure, and hard water conditions. Choosing the wrong type of piping material can lead to cracks, ruptures, low water pressure, and unnecessary repairs—especially during the summer when your system is working the hardest.
At Conserva Irrigation of Greater Scottsdale, we help homeowners make informed decisions about PVC and polyethylene piping, ensuring every installation is tailored to your landscape’s needs and Arizona’s climate.
If you’re installing a new system or replacing failing components, understanding your options can make all the difference in performance, durability, and cost.
What’s the Difference Between PVC and Polyethylene Irrigation Pipes?
Both PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and polyethylene (PE) are commonly used in irrigation systems—but their characteristics vary widely:
| Feature | PVC | Polyethylene (Poly) |
| Rigidity | Rigid and straight | Flexible and coilable |
| Pressure Rating | High PSI tolerance | Moderate PSI tolerance |
| UV Resistance | Requires burial for protection | Excellent UV resistance |
| Installation | Glued connections | Barbed fittings and clamps |
| Best For | Main lines, large systems | Drip zones, tight spaces, temporary lines |
Let’s break these down in practical terms.
PVC: Ideal for Mainlines and High-Pressure Performance
PVC pipes are rigid, durable and cost-effective, making them the go-to option for main lines and lateral lines in most residential irrigation systems.
Advantages of PVC:
- Holds higher pressure — perfect for pressurized valve-to-valve runs.
- Reliable glue fittings create permanent, leak-resistant joints.
- Works well underground, particularly in flat or open areas.
Considerations:
- Must be buried to protect from UV damage and thermal expansion.
- Can crack if soil shifts or roots push against it.
- Not suitable for areas with many directional turns or elevation changes.
📌 Best used for: mainlines and zone laterals in structured, open landscapes.
Polyethylene: Flexible, Adaptable and Perfect for Drip Zones
Polyethylene tubing is highly flexible, making it the best choice for drip irrigation systems, tight installations, or areas with complex shapes.
Advantages of Polyethylene:
- Easy to route around obstacles or through flower beds.
- Great for above-ground or shallow-buried drip applications.
- Withstands minor ground movement without cracking.
- Highly UV-resistant — safe for exposed use in shaded areas.
Considerations:
- Not ideal for high-pressure zones or long-distance runs.
- Barbed fittings may leak if not properly clamped or installed.
- Can kink or bend under heat if not properly supported.
📌 Best used for: drip irrigation, garden beds, shrubs, and zones with changing plant layouts.
How Conserva Helps You Choose the Right Pipe for the Right Job
Every landscape is different. At Conserva Irrigation, we design systems with the right combination of materials to maximize:
- Water pressure distribution
- Leak resistance
- System longevity
- Adaptability to your landscape layout
Our licensed team evaluates:
- Soil type and compaction
- Slope and terrain
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Water source pressure
- Local code requirements
We use premium-grade pipe, pressure-tested fittings, and professional trenching or above-ground support, depending on your configuration.
Is It Time to Replace Your Irrigation Pipes?
If your system is older than 10 years or shows signs of these issues, a pipe upgrade is recommended:
- Frequent pipe repairs or leaks
- Uneven water delivery across zones
- Water hammer or vibration noises
- Signs of mineral buildup or root intrusion
- Low pressure even after head and valve checks
Summer is the ideal time to upgrade before extreme heat makes minor flaws worse.
Let Conserva Irrigation Build a System That Lasts
Our technicians install and upgrade systems using both PVC and polyethylene where they perform best—ensuring long-term reliability in Arizona’s climate.
We offer:
✔ Pipe replacements and repairs
✔ System retrofits and zone upgrades
✔ Drip conversions
✔ Smart controller integration
✔ Code-compliant backflow and valve setups
Schedule your on-site consultation with Conserva Irrigation of Greater Scottsdale today and make sure your irrigation system is built for Arizona’s heat.
