Educational Webinars

PVC Pipe Association Webinar Series

Welcome to the PVC Pipe Association's online webinar training series. Our webinars offer educational and informative workshops on an on-going basis to support the use of PVC piping in water and wastewater systems. Webinars include examples of how PVC pipe has benefited utilities across North America.

We also provide customized webinars on the design, specification and installation of PVC pipe for water and sewer projects. Let us know if you would like us to organize a webinar for your organization by emailing info@unibell.org.

*Note for PVC Pipe Association webinars offering Professional Development Hours (PDHs): Continuing education requirements for professional engineering licenses may differ from state to state. The final authority to approve PDHs, courses and credits and other ways to earn credits rests with each state licensing board. Individuals are advised to contact their respective state licensing boards regarding their continuing education requirements for professional engineering licensure.

Upcoming Webinars

Transitioning to PVC Water Pipe, Main Replacement, and External Joint Restraint Options – October 11, 2023

October 11, 2023 10:30 AM Enroll


Ideal for Water Utility Engineers, Installation and Maintenance Staff, Consulting Engineers, and Contractors

Municipal Case Study SeriesWelcome to the PVC Pipe Association’s municipal case study webinar series, featuring leading utility and waterworks experts presenting on important topics. The second webinar in our series covers three important subjects: transitioning to gasketed PVC pipe, main replacement, and external joint restraint options for PVC pipe. Water utility industry expert Mark Shaffer, former Senior Operations Manager with the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC), will lead the discussion with a presentation on MAWC’s transition to PVC pipe and its main replacement program using PVC. Mr. Shaffer will also review common misconceptions about PVC pipe as well as installation and inspection procedures. Dennis Shumard, Product Support Manager, EBAA Iron, Inc., will follow with a review of external joint restraint options for PVC pipe.

Since its first installation of gasketed PVC pipe in 1980, MAWC has become a leader in water transmission and distribution in northeastern United States using PVC pipe. MAWC is the largest municipal authority water provider in the state of Pennsylvania with over 125,000 service connections. The system also has 2,400 miles of main lines, over 8,800 hydrants, more than 80,000 valves and uses PVC water mains up to 36 inches in diameter. 

TransitioningUtility Engineers and maintenance staff will find out how to stretch capital improvement budgets and reduce operations and maintenance costs with corrosion-proof PVC pipe. Attendees will get a complete overview of PVC water pipe applications and joint restraints – useful for long-time as well as new users or installers of PVC water pipe. This webinar is also an opportunity for utilities that do not currently use PVC pipe to learn about the product’s benefits.

This two-part, one-hour webinar will cover the following topics:

Part 1 - Transitioning to Gasketed PVC Water Pipe and Main Replacement with PVC

  • MAWC’s early experiences with PVC pipe
  • Deflection and other early obstacles addressed at MAWC
  • Replacing ductile iron water mains with PVC
  • Use of large diameter PVC piping
  • Common misconceptions in transitioning to PVC pipe
  • Proper installation and inspection

Part 2 - External Joint Restraint Options for PVC Pipe

  • Overview of restraints for gasketed PVC pipe and their specific applications
  • Mechanical joint restraints
  • Bell joint restraints
  • Use of joint-restraint design to eliminate thrust blocks

Mark Shaffer

Mark Shaffer was Senior Operations Manager for MAWC from May 1978 to January 2021 and has almost 43 years of experience in the water distribution sector. During his career, Mark has worked with and installed most types of pipes, valves and distribution materials. While at MAWC, Mr. Shaffer was responsible for maintenance of the distribution system, the vehicle fleet, distribution material stock, bidding and material selection, distribution budgets, construction, and supervision of 140 employees.

Dennis ShumardDennis Shumard, P.E., is Product Support Manager at EBAA Iron, Inc. where he provides technical support on the design and installation of joint restraint products and applications. Dennis has been in the waterworks industry for over 35 years and is a member of AWWA’s PVC Pipe and Fittings Committee. Mr. Shumard previously served for seven years on AWWA’s A21 Ductile Iron Pipe and Fittings Committee.

To view the background information for this webinar, please click on the following links:

Group pricing is available for teams of 10 or more. Please reach out to jbonilla@uni-bell.org for more information.

Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 1
Price: $119.00

Enroll

Dispelling Myths About PVC Water and Sewer Pipe – October 18, 2023

October 18, 2023 10:30 AM Enroll


Ideal for Water and Wastewater Utilities, Engineering Consultants and Government Agencies

Dispelling Myths About PVC Water and Sewer PipeFew water and sewer utilities in North America have not installed PVC pipe but some have limitations on its use, often not including its full-size range. This webinar will address typical questions that both non-users and users alike may have about PVC pipe. PVC water and sewer pipe has been in service for more than 70 years in North America and has been installed in over 50,000 municipalities. This webinar draws on more than half a century of success that cities have had using PVC pipe in their underground piping systems.

This 60-minute introductory webinar covers:

  • Overview of PVC water pipe
  • Typical questions that utilities have when evaluating PVC pipe for the first time
  • PVC pipe longevity
  • Transitioning from ductile iron (DI) to PVC pipe: a seamless process
  • Installing, locating, and tapping PVC pipe
  • Important criteria for comparing PVC and DI pressure pipe
  • Overview of PVC gravity pipe
  • PVC gravity pipe joints and gaskets
  • Imported bedding versus native soil
  • Pipe stiffness and deflection
  • Deep bury application
  • Difference in dimension ratios
  • Case studies

To view the background information for this webinar, please review the following:

Group pricing is available for teams of 10 or more. Please reach out to jbonilla@uni-bell.org for more information.

Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 1
Price: $119.00

Enroll

Resources Available to Determine the Longevity of PVC Water Mains – November 1, 2023

November 01, 2023 11:00 AM Enroll


Ideal for Water & Sewer Utility Engineers and Asset Management Professionals

Longevity ReportsPVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) engineers will review the latest research on the service life of PVC water pipe, including the PVC Pipe Longevity Report: A Comprehensive Study on PVC Pipe Excavations and Testing, published by Utah State University's (USU) Buried Structures Laboratory. The USU study confirms PVC pipe’s longevity through dig-ups and testing of “in service” pipes and by examining research from around the world. Studies from the US, Canada, Europe and Australia and new quality control testing continue to validate the performance of PVC pipe used in water networks.

This webinar also examines the challenges of affordability for utilities that are replacing buried infrastructure which is at the end of its service life. Life cycle cost analysis is presented as a financial decision-making tool for pipe replacement selection by applying the findings of reliability and longevity research and testing. This combination of pipe examination and testing data in conjunction with previous pipe break studies supports PVC as a sustainable pipe material, confirming a 100+ year benchmark as an industry standard.

As well, the importance of accurate pipe life data for asset management of underground infrastructure will be discussed. This can help utilities bring together the concepts, tools, and techniques to manage assets at an acceptable service level at the lowest life-cycle cost. Asset management practices can also help utilities understand the timing and costs associated with replacement activities. Knowing the longevity of a pipe enables utilities to make better infrastructure investment decisions with improved affordability results for customers.

This 30-minute webinar covers the following topics:

  • Historical overview of water pipe materials used in North America
  • Why pipe longevity is critical to water system affordability
  • A review of USU's PVC Pipe Longevity Report, which confirms PVC pipe lasts 100+ years
  • How international PVC pipe dig-ups support North American PVC pipe performance data
  • Life cycle cost analysis as a financial decision-making tool for pipe replacement
  • Examples of prematurely failing pipelines
  • The importance of accurate pipe life data for asset management of underground infrastructure
  • How use of corrosion-proof piping in utility replacement and procurement reduces water main breaks and O&M costs

To view background information for this webinar, please review the following links:

Group pricing is available for teams of 10 or more. Please reach out to jbonilla@uni-bell.org for more information.

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 0.5
Price: $59.00

Enroll

An Overview of PVC Pipe's Sustainability Attributes – November 15, 2023

November 15, 2023 10:30 AM Enroll


Attention: Water and Sewer Utilities, Engineering Consultants, Asset Management and Sustainability Experts

Increasingly, municipalities are evaluating the sustainability of water and sewer piping used in their underground infrastructure. It is critical for design engineers, consultants, asset management professionals, and sustainability experts to be aware of the environmental impacts of different pipe materials. To help localities meet their green infrastructure goals the most transparent, science-based, and accurate information is needed. This webinar will assist utilities with their upcoming projects and in updating their standard specifications. It will be delivered by industry expert Tad Radzinski, President of Sustainable Solutions Corporation (SSC), who will discuss how to use life cycle data in the design of piping systems, which can help to reduce operations, maintenance and repair costs as well as minimize water quality risks.

Receive a FREE Copy of Two World-Renowned Reports

All registrants will be mailed a FREE copy of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of PVC Water and Sewer Pipe and Comparative Sustainability Analysis of Pipe Materials report and Utah State University's (USU) Water Main Break Rates In the USA and Canada: A Comprehensive Study.

The webinar will include an overview of the LCA report, which is the only comprehensive environmental and performance review of underground piping in North America. The study evaluates the cradle-to-grave sustainability of commonly used pipe materials, including PVC, concrete, ductile iron, and HDPE pipes over a 100-year service period. The LCA was conducted according to ISO 14040 series standards and includes the subsequent publication of a PVC pipe Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which complies with ISO 14025 standards and was independently certified by global health organization NSF International.

The LCA was conducted according to ISO 14040 series standards and includes the subsequent publication of a PVC pipe Environmental USU's water main break study will also be discussed since failure rates are a critical metric used in underground infrastructure sustainability assessments, asset management as well as pipe selection, repair, and replacement decision-making. Finally, the new EPD for PVC water and sewer pipe (released March 21, 2023) will be reviewed. New data, analysis, and certification have confirmed once again that PVC pipe is a very sustainable product, with the lowest carbon footprint and environmental impacts of all underground piping materials.

To view the background information for this one-hour webinar, please click on the following links:

Group pricing is available for teams of 10 or more. Please reach out to jbonilla@uni-bell.org for more information.

Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 1
Price: $119.00

Enroll

Instalación de Sistemas de Tubería de PVC para Agua Potable y Alcantarillado Sanitario – December 13, 2023

December 13, 2023 12:30 PM Enroll


Ideal para Ingenieros en Servicios de Agua y Alcantarillado, Contratistas, Inspectores, Consultores de Ingeniería y Desarrolladores

Spanish Translation of Contractor's GuideEste webinar de capacitación presentado por la Asociación de Tubería de PVC (PVCPA), proporcionará información actualizada sobre prácticas de instalación de tubería y conexiones de PVC con empaque para agua y alcantarillado sanitario, así como también para responder preguntas frecuentes. Una tubería instalada apropiadamente asegura su mejor desempeño y maximiza su vida útil en la infraestructura subterránea.

Todos los participantes recibirán una copia GRATIS de Contractor's Guide for Installation of Gasketed PVC Pipe (Guía del Contratista para la Instalación de Tubería de PVC con Empaque)

El libro de referencia para este seminario educativo es el nuevo Contractor's Guide (Guía del Contratista), que es la publicación con autoridad más detallada para la instalación de tubería y conexiones de PVC con juntas de empaque. A quien se registre al Webinar se le enviará una copia GRATUITA por correo. La guía escrita y patrocinada por PVCPA, viene con tablas y figuras prácticas que ayudan a usuarios ser más efectivos y eficientes en la instalación de sistemas de tubería de PVC, reduciendo problemas potenciales en la tubería y ayudando a asegurar el desempeño óptimo del sistema. También puede servir como un documento de referencia previo al inicio de un proyecto de tubería.

Recomendado para Contratistas Locales de Instalación de Tubería Subterránea

Es altamente recomendable que contratistas locales en instalación de tubería para agua y alcantarillado participen en este seminario de capacitación. Se invita a los Servicios Públicos Municipales a reenviar este correo a sus contratistas locales de tubería subterránea para que se registren. Esta guía también es útil para cuadrillas de servicios involucradas en la instalación y/o mantenimiento de sistemas de PVC para agua o alcantarillado. El formato de uso fácil "libro reversible" proporciona dos valiosas guías en una, y dan a los lectores acceso a la información que buscan rápidamente.

Este webinar de 60-minutos cubrirá los siguientes temas:

  • Fabricación y pruebas en planta para tubería de PVC
  • Manejo y almacenamiento
  • Instalación correcta de las uniones
  • Opciones de desviación angular de tubería
  • Opciones en restrictores de movimiento
  • Conexiones para tubería de PVC
  • Derivaciones con tubería de PVC
  • Pruebas post-instalación
  • Consideraciones especiales en la instalación

Para conocer los antecedentes de la información, por favor visite los siguientes enlaces:

Se ofrece precio de grupo para equipos de 10 o más personas. Por favor, comuníquese con jbonilla@uni-bell.org para más información.

Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Time: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 1
Price: $119.00

Enroll

Installation of PVC Water and Sewer Piping Systems - December 13, 2023

December 13, 2023 10:30 AM Enroll


Ideal for Water and Sewer Utility Engineers, Contractors, Inspectors, Engineering Consultants and Developers

This training webinar by PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) staff will provide the most up-to-date information available on installation practices for gasketed PVC water and sewer pipes and fittings as well as answer frequently asked questions. Properly installed pipelines ensure best performance and maximum design life for underground infrastructure.

All Participants Receive a FREE Copy of the Contractor's Guide for Installation of Gasketed PVC Pipe

The reference book for this educational seminar is the new Contractor's Guide, which is the most concise, authoritative publication available for the installation of gasketed-joint PVC pipes and fittings. Webinar registrants will be mailed a FREE copy. Written and sponsored by PVCPA, the guide comes complete with practical tables and figures that helps users to be more effective and efficient at installing PVC piping systems, reducing potential pipeline problems and helping to ensure optimum system performance. It can also serve as a reference document prior to undertaking a pipeline project.

Recommended for Local Underground Pipeline Installation Contractors

It is highly recommended that local water and sewer pipe installation contractors participate in this training seminar. Utilities are encouraged to forward this email to their local underground pipeline contractors and have them register. The guide is also useful to utility crews involved in installation or maintenance of PVC water or sewer systems. The easy-to-use, "reversible book" format provides two valuable guides in one and assists readers to quickly access the information they are seeking.

The 60-minute webinar will cover the following topics:

  • Manufacturing and plant testing of PVC pipe
  • Handling and storage
  • Proper joint assembly
  • Alignment deflection options
  • Joint restraint options
  • Fittings for PVC pipe
  • Tapping of PVC pipe
  • Post-installation testing
  • Special installation considerations

To view the background information, please click on the following links:

Group pricing is available for teams of 10 or more. Please reach out to jbonilla@uni-bell.org for more information.

Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 1
Price: $119.00

Enroll

 

Topics

General

  • Overview of PVC Pipe
  • Frequently Asked Questions About PVC Pipe

​Design

  • Design of PVC Pressure Pipelines
  • External Load Design for PVC Gravity Sewer Pipe
  • Sewer Force Main Design
  • Hydraulic Design - Friction Factors for PVC Piping Systems

Installation & Operation

  • Installation of PVC Water and Sewer Piping Systems
  • New Guide on Tapping Small and Large Diameter PVC Water Pipe
  • A Look at the Longevity of PVC Water Pipe

Additional Resources

  • Life Cycle Assessment for PVC Water and Sewer Pipe and Comparative Sustainability Analysis of Pipe Materials
  • Review of PVC Standards Sheets
  • Technical Resources for PVC Piping Systems: An Overview
  • Water and Sewer Utilities Considering PVC Pipe for the First Time