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.

Transitioning Between Ductile Iron and PVC Pipes

Posted By John Houle on Dec 10, 2014

Transitioning Between Ductile Iron and PVC Pressure PipesWhen it is necessary to transition between PVC and DI pipe, there are several considerations to keep in mind.

First, although both products are made to the same Cast-Iron outside diameter (CIOD) regimen, ductile iron pipe tolerances are much looser than those for PVC pipe. This has an effect on some joining situations.

Second, the geometry of the two products’ spigot ends is very different. This means that inserting PVC spigots into DI bells is easily accomplished, while inserting DI spigots into PVC bells is more problematic.

To find out more, click here to read the Tech Brief.