While Polyethylene bailers remain the most popular bailer type, PVC bailer sales have grown tremendously in the past five years.  When PVC bailers were first introduced, they were made from standard schedule 40 or 80 PVC,  and were therefore more prone to higher absorption rates.  However clear virgin PVC bailers introduced the market to a superior product with absorption rates that are as low, or lower, than Polyethelene bailers. 

Some bailer users have the misconception that Polyethylene bailers have lower absorption rates. To set the record straight we contracted EMSL Analytical labs to perform absorption tests on our clear PVC bailers and Polyethylene bailers.  Variations of the analytical results are within the normal Quality Control limits for Method 8260B, and show there is no discernible difference in absorption rates between these two materials.  Click here to see EMSL's report.

So now that we've put that issue to bed which type of bailer is for you?  Environmental Test Products offer's its EcoBailer in both PVC and Polyethylene to meet user preference.  We do however believe that PVC is a better material for bailers for the following reasons:

• PVC has a higher density in water than Polyethylene which enables it to sink rapidly without requiring the additional cost of adding weights to the bailer.  This results in a product that offers better value for the money and is less damaging to the environment when disposed of.

• Unlike Polyethylene, the clear virgin PVC we use to make EcoBailers enables visual inspection of the well sample before sending it to the lab. 

• Clear PVC bailers are more rigid and less likely to bend than Polyethylene bailers.  Bent bailers can oscillate while traveling through the water column and more easily get stuck in well casings.

So why do hydro-geologists continue using Polyethylene bailers?  We attribute this to the fact that disposable bailers were first made of Polyethylene and clear PVC was only introduced as an alternative many years later.  It's just taking folks longer to catch on to the advantages of using disposable clear PVC bailers.  Is a Polyethylene bailer adequate?  Sure but why pay more when you can get a better, faster sinking and more eco-friendly bailer made from clear PVC!