What are two common pipe materials for irrigation mains and how are they joined?

• A. PVC (solvent-weld/jointed) and copper (soldered joints).
• B. PVC (solvent-weld/jointed) and polyethylene (PE) (barbed fittings or fusion).
• C. PVC mains joined by mechanical threaded joints only.
• D. PVC cannot be joined.

Answer: (C)

Two common irrigation main materials are PVC and polyethylene (PE). PVC is typically joined with solvent-weld joints, where cement is applied to both the pipe and fitting and they are pressed together, creating a strong, leak-proof bond. PE is joined by either fusion welding two ends or by using barbed fittings with clamps, which provide a secure connection for the flexible material. Copper exists in some systems but is less common for mains today and is joined by soldering, not the same method as PVC or PE. The standard practice is not that PVC mains are joined only with mechanical threaded joints; solvent-weld joints are the usual method for PVC, while PE uses fusion or barbed/clamp connections.