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.

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.

Permeation Explained

Jun 27, 2023  John Houle

In piping systems, “permeation” is the movement of chemicals through a pipe wall or a gasketed joint. For potable water pipe, permeation is important because there may be adverse effects on the fluid inside the pipe.

PVC Pressure Pipe Tapping Guide

Jun 12, 2023  John Houle

The PVC Pipe Association has re-issued its “Tapping Guide.” The new guide includes additional diagrams and photos, as well as expanded text — all in a more logical, readable format.

PVC Gasketed Pipe Reality: “Leakage” Not Allowed

May 1, 2023  John Houle

Rumors have been circulating that AWWA standards allow gasketed pipe to leak. In fact, some websites for fused HDPE pipe include calculators that show huge “allowable” water-loss quantities based on this misperception.

PVC Pipe Well-Suited for Deep-Bury Applications

Apr 17, 2023  John Houle

Some engineers mistakenly contend that PVC pipe is not suitable for deep-bury projects. The misconception is that the pipe will not hold up over time under large earth loads. However, installations throughout North America have shown that PVC pipelines perform well at depths of more than 50 feet.

Special Backfill Not Required for PVC Pressure Pipe

Apr 3, 2023  John Houle

I sometimes hear the statement that PVC pressure pipe requires “special backfill," while ductile iron does not. This is a mind-set that is not based on engineering principles.

Looking Back More Than Thirty Years at AWWARF's 1994 Study on PVC Water Pipe Performance

Mar 13, 2023  John Houle

In 1994 AWWA’s Research Foundation published a report on PVC pipe titled “Evaluation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe Performance.” We have now reached the 29th anniversary of the study – time for a look back to see if the research findings were accurate.

Reasons Why Water Utilities Choose PVC Pipe

Feb 28, 2023  John Houle

Water utilities have the choice of several materials for their pipe systems. For more than 70 years, PVC’s share of the municipal water market has increased steadily at the expense of iron and other pressure-pipe materials.