Description
Stormwater PVC-U Pipe (SN2, SWJ)
Stormwater PVC-U pipe (SN2) is a lightweight, non-pressure system for gravity drainage of roof, yard and site run-off. Compared with traditional materials, PVC-U delivers corrosion resistance, smooth-bore hydraulics and rapid solvent-weld jointing (SWJ). As a result, projects install faster and ongoing maintenance remains low. The pipe is manufactured to the Australian stormwater standard for PVC-U (AS/NZS 1254).
In simple terms: a smooth plastic pipe that moves rainwater underground — easy to handle, glue and specify for stormwater drainage.
Key features & benefits
- Standards-based: designed for non-pressure, gravity service to AS/NZS 1254.
- Stiffness-rated: specified by ring stiffness (kN/m²). This page covers SN2 for light-duty locations; however, designers may nominate other classes.
- Smooth-bore hydraulics: the low-friction bore supports high flow and helps limit internal build-up.
- Corrosion resistance: PVC-U withstands typical soils and ground-water, so service life is dependable.
- Solvent-weld joint (SWJ): compatible with PVC-U primers and cements for secure, watertight connections.
- Low weight, fast handling: long, light lengths reduce lifting effort and speed site progress.
Applications
- Above- or below-ground drains taking run-off from roofs, driveways and paved areas.
- Discharge to pits, soakwells, swales or the legal point of discharge (as required by the authority).
- Sub-soil drainage using slotted variants where the designer or authority specifies them.
Design note: SN2 suits light-duty, non-traffic locations. For trafficable areas, higher fills or reactive soils, the designer/authority may require a different class or system.
Range & options
- Solid-wall (conveyance): commonly DN 75–DN 375 in straight 6 m lengths (availability can vary).
- Slotted (sub-soil): selected sizes — often DN 90–DN 300 — for infiltration trenches and sub-surface drainage.
- Ends & joints: plain end (PE) and one-end socket (OES) for SWJ assembly.
- Identification: typically white; pipes carry AS/NZS 1254 markings for DN, class and traceability.
Specifications
| Standard |
AS/NZS 1254 (PVC-U stormwater), non-pressure, gravity drainage |
| Material |
PVC-U (unplasticised PVC) |
| Stiffness class |
SN2 (other classes by design/authority) |
| Typical size range |
DN 75–DN 375 solid-wall; slotted options commonly DN 90–DN 300 |
| Typical length |
6 m straight lengths |
| Jointing |
Solvent-weld (SWJ) using compatible PVC-U primer & cement |
| Service |
Stormwater, non-pressure (gravity) |
Wall thickness varies by DN and stiffness class. Stormwater pipes are specified by stiffness rather than a fixed wall.
Selection & sizing (general)
- Choose DN according to design flow, gradients and the authority’s criteria for the site.
- Choose stiffness (SN): match loads, cover and ground conditions. SN2 is common for light-duty, non-traffic locations.
- Slotted or solid: use slotted variants for sub-soil drainage where permitted by the designer/authority.
- Interfaces: confirm connections to pits/LPODs so the correct adaptors and seals arrive together.
Compatibility & transitions
- Fittings: bends, tees/junctions, couplings, reducers, caps and inspection fittings for stormwater systems.
- Adaptors: downpipe and pit adaptors, plus transitions to related systems where specified.
- Ancillaries: PVC-U primers/solvent cements, pit lids/grates, warning tape; filter sock for slotted lines where required.
Standards & approvals (summary)
- Manufactured to AS/NZS 1254 for non-pressure stormwater drainage.
- Specified by ring stiffness (kN/m²); this page covers SN2. Designers or authorities may nominate other classes.
- Solvent-weld jointing (SWJ): primers and cements should comply with AS/NZS 3879.
- Pipes include durable markings for DN, class and traceability as required by the standard.
- Some stormwater PVC-U lines are tested to AS/NZS 4020 (contact with drinking water) — confirm for the supplied line.
Operating conditions & material performance
- Continuous service temperature: typically up to 60 °C in stormwater duty.
- Mechanical (typical PVC-U @ ~20 °C): density ~1.47 g/cm³; ultimate tensile ~52 MPa; modulus ~2.75 GPa; Shore D ~85.
- Thermal: expansion ≈ 7×10−5/°C; conductivity ≈ 0.138 W/m·K; Vicat softening ≈ 75 °C.
- Fire behaviour: PVC-U does not support sustained combustion and shows low flame-spread indices.
Figures are indicative for PVC-U and may vary by line. Use the current datasheet for design decisions.
Sustainability & documentation
- Certain stormwater PVC-U lines are available as BEP PVC with independent EPD coverage.
- Where applicable, BEP PVC and EPD documentation can support Green Star and IS rating credits.
- SDS and material declarations are available on request for project submissions.
See the Dimensions tab for sizing and freight, and the FAQs tab for lead times and approvals. Request a quote.
