What is the difference between schedule 40 and schedule 80 piping?

The distinguishing feature between schedule 40 and schedule 80 piping is that schedule 80 piping has thicker walls compared to schedule 40. This increased wall thickness allows schedule 80 pipes to withstand higher internal pressures, making them suitable for more demanding applications. The greater strength of schedule 80 piping provides enhanced durability and safety in high-pressure environments, which is critical in various industrial and commercial settings.

In contrast, schedule 40 piping, while widely used and appropriate for many applications, has a lesser pressure rating due to its thinner walls. This makes schedule 40 ideal for standard and lower-pressure piping systems. The thickness of the pipe walls, measured in fractions of an inch, directly impacts the overall pressure capacity of the piping.

Beyond pressure capacity, it's important to acknowledge that pipe schedules do not dictate the usage in terms of heat resistance or flexibility in the context given. Hence, schedule 40 being limited to hot water systems or being described as more flexible do not accurately capture the key differences between the two types of piping.