The pipes are the basic component of all irrigation networks. There are various kinds and types available in many pressure ratings and in different sizes (diameters). The pipes in use for farm-level irrigation systems are mainly in rigid PVC and polyethylene (PE).

Rigid PVC pipes. Extruded from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, also called uPVC for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (or PVC-U), these pipes are ideal for irrigation, (cold) water conveyance and distribution lines as mains and submains. In many cases they can also serve as manifolds and laterals. Very light in weight, they are easy to transport and to handle on site. Their only limitations are that they must always be laid permanently underground, protected from high or very low ambient temperatures and solar radiation.

Rigid PVC pipes are available in nominal diameters (DN), which is the approximate outside diameter, in 20, 32, 40, 50, 63, 75, 90, 110, 125, 140, 160, 200 and 225 mm to 630mm, could be connected to valves and other material pipes by flanges for large diameter, and the threaded joints could be connected to irrigation system for small diameter. The working pressures are 4.0, 6.0, 10.0 and 16.0 bars at 24°C. At higher temperatures, the working pressures decrease accordingly.

Usually, small diameter pipes up to 50 mm and inch-sized pipes have one end plain with a preformed socket at the other end for solvent cement welding. Larger diameter pipes have a tapered spigot at one end while the other end consists of a wall-thickened, preformed grooved socket with a rubber sealing ring for a push-fit integral mechanical joint.

Rigid PVC pipes are made for underground installation, where they are protected