Mainlines and submains

Mainlines and submains transport water across the farm.

The mainlines transport from the pump shed to secondary control head, and the submains from the secondary control head to the laterals.

In general, mainlines are buried PVC or PE, whereas submains are usually either PVC pipe, PE hose, standard layflat, or Rivulis H6000 PE/H6500 PE layflat.

PVC

Mainline
Submain in subsurface applications

  • Long life but degrades if exposed to sun
  • More difficult to work with
  • Not easily portable
  • Installed subsurface
 
Layflat (PVC)

Submain

  • Good for on-ground use
  • Portable
  • Larger diameters are heavy
  • Outlets can wear over time and cause leaks
 
HDPE
Mainline
Submain
  • Easy to install
  • Smaller diameters are portable, but larger diameters are difficult
  • Can be installed surface or subsurface
 
Rivulis H6000/H6500 PE
Submain
  • Similar to layflat but built of PE, and therefore much lighter
  • Pre-installed outlet holes – less labor, and significantly reduced risk of leaks
  • Portable
 

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