Pressure Sensitive Pipe Identification

Identification

• Identify the type of pipe that you are using. A copper pipe is brown in color and nonmagnetic. Steel pipe is shiny and magnetic. Plastic pipe can be white or black.

Markings

• Pressure ratings are written on some pipe. This identifies the pressure per square inch; it is usually in the form of a number followed by the letters "psi." The specified psi is the maximum pressure rating for that pipe.

Reference Pipe Ratings

• Some pipes do not display psi information. In this case, check a reference guide, such as the Rehau pressure index, which shows the standard pressure ratings for multiple types of pipe. For example, Schedule 40 PVC, one of the most common types of irrigation pipes, has a maximum pressure rating of 450 psi at 1 inch.