Technical Blog

Welcome to John’s Blog. Answers to frequently asked questions are periodically posted here. The objective is to share information about PVC pipe with readers as well as with utilities, design engineers and pipe installers. The blog provides the latest information on PVC pipe design, installation, and application for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

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John Houle: Senior Technical Consultant, PVC Pipe Industry

John Houle holds a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri and an MBA from the University of Oregon. He has more than 25 years of experience in the plastic pipe industry in applications engineering, market development, forensic analysis, technical writing, and standards development.

New Online Hydraulic Calculators for PVC Pipe

Apr 8, 2025  John Houle

Tools to assist engineers with hydraulic design.

Large-Diameter PVC vs. Fiberglass for Sewer Projects

Feb 24, 2025  John Houle

Comparison of PVC and fiberglass large-diameter sewer pipes.

PVC Sewer-Pipe Standards ASTM D3034 and F679 Combined

Feb 12, 2025  John Houle

Revisions to PVC sewer-pipe standards require updates to utility master specs as well as project specs.

Cold Weather Has No Practical Effect on PVC Pipe Installation and Use

Jan 27, 2025  John Houle

PVC pipe has been in service in North America since the 1950s and has proven its ability to function well when exposed to the rigors of cold-temperature installation and operation. PVC is widely used in Canada, Minnesota, and the Dakotas, so cold weather is not a limiting factor for PVC pipe projects.

Correct Assembly of Gasketed PVC Pipe Maximizes Joint Performance

Nov 21, 2024  John Houle

Many pipe installers think that a PVC pipe spigot is correctly installed if its insertion line has disappeared into the pipe bell. They believe that the purpose of the line is to ensure that the spigot has been installed far enough to allow the gasket to seal properly. This is only partly correct.

Sample Specifications for PVC Water and Sewer Pipes

Aug 22, 2024  John Houle

The Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association has recently published sample specifications for water and sewer pipes.

UV Exposure/Sun Fading Has No Practical Effects On PVC Pipe Performance

Jun 25, 2024  John Houle

As with many subjects, there is a germ of truth to the allegation: it is true that UV radiation from sunlight can affect the outermost surface of PVC pipe. However, even after prolonged exposure, there is no practical effect on the pipe’s performance characteristics.

Introduction to Molecularly Oriented Polyvinyl Chloride (PVCO) Pipe

Feb 7, 2024  John Houle

Molecularly Oriented PVC Pipe — PVCO: light-weight, thinner-walled alternative with the same pressure capacity as thicker-walled PVC pipe.

Guide for PVC Pressure Fittings

Nov 6, 2023  John Houle

PVC pressure fittings — guide for design and installation.

Testing Confirms PVC Pipe Hydraulic Coefficients Are Conservative

Sep 26, 2023  John Houle

Recent hydraulic research on new and in-service PVC pipe has confirmed that industry-recommended flow coefficients are conservative for design of pressure and non-pressure pipes.