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.

Fittings for PVC Pressure Pipe

Posted By John Houle on Oct 11, 2017

There are two materials used for fittings for municipal PVC pipelines: PVC and ductile iron (DI). This tech brief examines both product types.

The PVC fittings section describes the three manufacturing methods used for PVC fittings. The appropriate product standards are discussed (including the combining of the AWWA C900-07 and C905-10 standards into one standard – C900-16). Product size ranges are also provided. All fittings are gasketed.

The DI fittings section describes the two joint types used with PVC pipe: mechanical joint (MJ) gasketed and push-on gasketed. Product standards are provided for full-body and compact fittings.

One important consideration is that DIOD/CIPS PVC pipes have the same outside diameter dimensions as DI pipes – this means that the same fittings are used for both pipe materials. Dual inventories of fittings are not necessary.
 

For my Tech Brief on fittings for PVC pressure pipes, click here.