Benefits of PVC Pipes

PVC has an extremely durable nature and lightweight, making it an attractive material for construction, plumbing, and other industrial applications. Additionally, its high chlorine content makes the material fire-resistant, another reason why it has gained such popularity across various industries.

According to Builder’s Websource, PVC pipes are very lightweight which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Because they are so lightweight, PVC pipes are more prone to cracking when they are dropped or stepped on.

• Lightweight. PVC Pipes offer a tremendous weight advantage over alternative piping materials.
• Flexibility. PVC Pipe’s resistance to fracture is an extremely important performance advantage.
• Watertight Joints.
• Coefficient of Friction.
• Safe Material.
• Longer Lengths.
• Flame Resistance.
• Design Versatility.

Even though it can withstand hot water temperatures, it is less flame resistant. That is one of the biggest disadvantages of PVC. Additionally, the pipes usually only comes in ½ inch to 2 inch sizes. This makes them very inflexible.

PVC offers a great deal of flexibility and resistance to fracture. The material has the ability to yield slightly under load, which is particularly important when installing underground drainage. Soil movement, vibrations, and varying water pressure can all take their toll on the structural integrity of the piping.

Schedule 40 is the most common PVC type. Schedule 80 PVC is thicker and stronger, which enables it to handle higher pressures. Usually, PVC is only used for cold water pipes since hot water can eventually break down the plastic material. It can also degrade when exposed to the heat and UV rays of the sun.

The main drawback to PVC pipe is the fact that it cannot be used with hot water applications. When exposed to hot water, PVC will warp. This means it cannot be used to deliver hot water to sinks, tubs and washing machines.

PVC and ABS – There are two types of plastic pipes that are used underground for sewer lines. PVC and ABS are quite similar, though they have different codes and use different adhesives. They also differ by color – PVC is white and ABS is black. In general, PVC is more flexible and ABS is stronger.

PVC and CPVC piping can be installed underground, but the installation must follow all ordinances, regulations, and codes. If you’re planning on installing PVC and CPVC piping, make sure to pay special attention to local pipe installation techniques since it will be installed deep within a wide range of sub soils.

The National Electric Code (NEC) sets the required burial depth of electric wire in rigid, non-metallic conduit, such as PVC, at 18-inches. Cable in any conduit, including PVC, that is buried at this depth is not in danger of being severed or disturbed by normal digging.

A few local building codes allow only PVC (white) or only black ABS. Unlike PVC drain pipe, which requires purple primer and cement, ABS black plumbing pipe is joined with cement only. ABS black plumbing pipe is also easier to cut and a bit more flexible.

Schedule 40 PVC Conduit is used in walls, floors and ceilings in accordance with NEC 352. According to NEC 352 it can also be buried directly into the earth, encased in concrete, and used in areas exposed to direct sunlight. It is not designed for use above ground or in walls, floors or ceilings.

1. Mark out the location of the underground piping.
2. Soften the ground with water for two days before you begin to dig.
3. Calculate the depth of the trench you need to dig for the pipes.
4. Dig the trench.
5. Add two inches of underlayment to the bottom of the trench and pack it down with a shovel.

The trench bottom should be continuous, relatively smooth and free of rocks. Where ledge rock, hardpan or boulders are encountered, it is necessary to pad the trench bottom using a maximum of four (4) inches of tamped earth or sand beneath the pipe as a cushion and for protection of the pipe from damage.

Solid white PVC pipe is a very common type of pipe that is most often used for sewer and plumbing needs. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, pipe is a more cost-effective type of pipe than some others like metal or terra cotta. It’s used for a variety of purposes including yard drainage projects and many DIY craft projects.

The only real difference is that DWV PVC is not made to handle pressurized uses like schedule 40 parts are. Instead, DWV pipe and fittings are made to handle a different class of uses – Drain, Waste, and Vent (hence the name DWV). Another difference between DWV and standard PVC parts is the end types.