How to Choose the Right Poly Pipe for Your Irrigation System
By: Gerad VandenBussche, VP of Vanden Bussche Irrigation
If you’re setting up a new irrigation system or upgrading an older layout, choosing the right irrigation poly pipe is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It affects how your system performs, how easy it is to install, and how long it will last in your field or landscape. At Vanden Bussche Irrigation, we help contractors, farmers, and turf managers across Ontario find the right products for their systems, now including new options from Trinus, our new local pipe supplier.
Whether you’re working on a residential lawn, a golf course fairway, or an agricultural field, your choice of pipe will set the foundation for reliable water delivery and efficient irrigation design.
Why Poly Pipe Selection Matters in Irrigation Projects
Not all irrigation poly pipes are created the same. Different projects need different types of pipe based on water pressure, installation methods, climate, and system design. Using the wrong pipe can lead to breaks, pressure loss, or headaches during repairs.
A well-matched poly pipe:
- Keeps your system running at the right pressure
- Prevents leaks that waste water and money
- Holds up against UV exposure, seasonal changes, and soil conditions
- Makes your installation faster and cleaner
Selecting the right pipe now saves you time and money in the long run, and it helps keep your irrigation system efficient season after season.
Introducing Trinus: VBI’s New Local Pipe Supplier
We’re excited to have added Trinus Pipe to our VBI lineup this year. Trinus is a Canadian manufacturer, producing poly pipes in Ontario for irrigation and water supply needs. Their products are known for consistent quality, durable materials, and reliable supply (all important in today’s planning environment).
By offering Trinus, we give our customers another strong option when sourcing irrigation poly pipes, especially for projects that need prompt delivery within Ontario and Eastern Canada.
Oil Creek vs. Trinus: What’s the Difference?
At VBI, we’ve trusted Oil Creek for years, and it remains a top choice for many contractors and installers. With Trinus now available, you may wonder how the two compare.
Durability and Materials
Both Oil Creek and Trinus pipes are made with high-quality polyethylene materials designed to handle the demands of irrigation. They resist cracking, UV degradation, and abrasion from soil or equipment. Trinus pipes are made locally with rigorous quality control, while Oil Creek pipes have a long-standing reputation in the industry.
Pressure Ratings
You will find similar pressure ratings across both brands, covering standard low-pressure and high-pressure applications. The right rating for your project depends on your pump system, elevation changes, and emitter or sprinkler requirements.
Availability and Supply Chain
Trinus offers the advantage of local manufacturing, which can support faster delivery and more predictable supply within Ontario and Eastern Canada. Oil Creek’s supply chain is well established, with a range of sizes and classes consistently available through our Delhi irrigation supply network.
Having both options means you can choose based on your timeline, project size, and site location.
Ideal Applications: Residential, Commercial, Ag/Turf
Residential Irrigation: Homeowners and landscape contractors often use ½” to 1” poly pipe for drip irrigation, garden beds, and small lawns. Trinus and Oil Creek both offer flexibility and kink resistance, making installation straightforward.
Commercial & Institutional: Larger properties like parks, schools, and business complexes require pipes that can handle higher volumes while maintaining even pressure across zones. The right pipe keeps maintenance needs low while delivering consistent water.
Agriculture & Turf: Farmers and turf managers need poly pipes that withstands long runs, fluctuating pressures, and seasonal temperature swings. Both Trinus and Oil Creek pipes are engineered for durability in row crop irrigation, orchard drip systems, and golf course fairways.
Matching the pipe to your application helps you get the best performance from your system without overspending on unnecessary pipe grades or risking underperformance.
How to Choose the Right Pipe for Your Project
When planning your irrigation system, consider:
Pressure Needs: Know the operating pressure of your system, including peak demands and potential surges.
Pipe Diameter: Sizing your pipe correctly prevents unnecessary friction loss and keeps your system balanced.
UV Exposure: Above-ground installations need pipes that can handle sunlight over time.
Flexibility vs. Rigidity: Some installations benefit from more flexible pipe for maneuvering around obstacles, while others need stiffer pipe for straight runs.
Availability: Project timelines can be tight, so it’s worth considering which products are available quickly to keep your schedule on track.
Our team can walk you through these considerations, ensuring your irrigation poly pipe matches your design and site needs.
Why Buying Through VBI Means Access to the Best of Both
By working with Vanden Bussche Irrigation, you gain access to a wide range of pipe products and the expertise to choose confidently between them. Whether you’re considering Trinus for local supply and strong performance or continuing with Oil Creek for your next phase of expansion, we provide you with:
Expert guidance: We’ll help match the pipe to your system requirements and project goals.
Flexible supply options: We stock and source both brands, supporting your timeline and budget.
Trusted products: We stand behind the products we sell, so you can feel confident your system is built on a solid foundation.
Comprehensive support: Our team assists from design and selection to after-sales service and support, ensuring your system runs as planned.
When your irrigation system is backed by the right irrigation poly pipe, it can handle Ontario’s seasons while delivering the reliable water distribution your site demands.
Take the Next Step
Choosing the right irrigation poly pipe is one of the best ways to protect your irrigation investment, reduce water waste, and maintain system performance across every season. With Trinus now available at VBI, alongside our established Oil Creek options, you have access to flexible, high-quality products that match your specific site needs.
Not sure which poly pipe is right for your system? Talk to the VBI team to compare specs, availability, and the best match for your site needs, including our new locally sourced Trinus options.
FAQ
Q: Why is choosing the right poly pipe important for an irrigation system?
A: Choosing the right poly pipe impacts your system’s pressure balance, water delivery efficiency, and overall durability. The correct pipe helps prevent leaks, withstands UV and seasonal weather changes, and simplifies your installation process. Using the right pipe saves you time and money while keeping your system working reliably.
Q: What’s the difference between Trinus and Oil Creek poly pipes?
A: Trinus offers locally manufactured poly pipes in Ontario, providing consistent quality and faster supply for local projects. Oil Creek has a long-standing reputation for durable, high-quality pipes with a well-established supply chain across various sizes and classes. Both brands deliver reliable options for different irrigation project needs.
Q: How do I know what pipe diameter to choose for my irrigation project?
A: The right pipe diameter depends on your system’s operating pressure, water flow requirements, and the length of your pipe runs. Proper sizing helps prevent friction loss and ensures even water distribution throughout your system. VBI can help you calculate and select the correct diameter based on your system’s design and site needs.
Q: Is UV resistance important for poly pipes in irrigation systems?
A: Yes, UV resistance is essential if your poly pipe will be exposed to sunlight, as it helps prevent cracking and degradation over time. Both Trinus and Oil Creek pipes are designed to handle UV exposure, making them suitable for above-ground installations. Choosing a UV-resistant pipe extends the lifespan of your system and reduces maintenance.
Q: Can I use the same poly pipe for residential, commercial, and agricultural irrigation?
A: While you can use poly pipe across various applications, the size, pressure rating, and flexibility requirements may differ for residential, commercial, and agricultural projects. Residential systems often use smaller, flexible pipes, while commercial and agricultural sites may need larger diameters and higher pressure ratings. VBI can help you match the right pipe to your project for reliable performance.