Well, if you have been reading my tutorials, I guess it’s pretty obvious that I’m not recommending you use 1/2″ pipe. I have a number of reasons for this.
- 1/2″ PVC pipe is generally not available in most areas except in SCH 40 type.
- The water capacity of 1/2″ pipe or tube is very low.
- 1/2″ PVC pipe is hard to glue together without using too much glue. The glue piles up on the inside of the pipe when you insert it into the fitting and blocks the water flow. Too much glue also weakens the wall of the pipe and a leak develops after a few years.
- Using 1/2″ pipe means you have to have another size of spare pipe and fittings on hand for repairs.
- But the biggest reason is that 1/2″ pipe leaves no flexibility for future changes or additions to your sprinkler system. If you ever need to add another sprinkler to the pipe you’re screwed.
My conclusion: The small amount of money saved by using 1/2″ pipe just isn’t worth the hassle and risk.