PVC as Conduit

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dryseals

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Odd ball question here. I have a well at my house, the pump is located inside the house and the well head is located in the back yard. I'm wanting to move the pump outside for space reasons and noise. Its a jet style system so there are two PVC pipe runs, running from the pump to the well head once I move the pump I will only need one of the white PVC runs.

I have already purchased 100' of 12/2 UF, I had planned on digging a trench but I'm also worried about hitting the existing PVC as I do not know where it is burried. And then my little mind got to thinking, why not use the PVC that is now going to be abandoned?

Is there any reason I can not do this?, it would be the perfect solution.

Thanks
 
As a sleeve for a direct-burial cable, and not conduit for individual conductors, there should be no issue.
 
One of the reasons why electrical PVC is gray however is so that when someone in the future digs it up, they would (should) know it's electrical. In your case, they might think it's an old sprinkler and cut through it...
 
It’s also grey to point out that it shouldn’t be used for potable water. The conduit puts out way more VOC than the white stuff. It’s not healthy to drink water ran through grey pvc.


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But on a side note. I used grey pvc for my lawn sprinklers. It cost me way less at my supply house with my discount and it’s stronger pipe.


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Jraef said:
One of the reasons why electrical PVC is gray however is so that when someone in the future digs it up, they would (should) know it's electrical. In your case, they might think it's an old sprinkler and cut through it...
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Problem is in many countries both are white and only difference is the lettering on the side, and the thickness plus, the elbows.... water pvc is not bent by hand but uses narrow fittings.
 
Adamjamma said:
Problem is in many countries both are white and only difference is the lettering on the side, and the thickness plus, the elbows.... water pvc is not bent by hand but uses narrow fittings.
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I wasn’t aware of that. Good to know if I’m ever digging a trench in another county... but most likely that would only happen if I were in prison, so I’ll make sure to let the guards know! :thumbsup:
 
I never understood how both the white and gray pvc where considered schedule 40 but the white stuff is, IMO, more brittle. Seems like it breaks easier in cold weather.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I never understood how both the white and gray pvc where considered schedule 40 but the white stuff is, IMO, more brittle. Seems like it breaks easier in cold weather.
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The schedule identifier is only a specification of dimensions. It doesn't specify the recipe of how the PVC material is made, the material strength/stiffness, or what additives are included to withstand the environment. SCH40 plumbing PVC and SCH40 electrical PVC do not necessarily have the same structural performance.
 
Carultch said:
The schedule identifier is only a specification of dimensions. It doesn't specify the recipe of how the PVC material is made, the material strength/stiffness, or what additives are included to withstand the environment. SCH40 plumbing PVC and SCH40 electrical PVC do not necessarily have the same structural performance.
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Thanks, I was pretty sure they were of different strengths so that explains it.
 
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