FAQs and Technical Briefs

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AIR TESTING OF INSTALLED PVC PIPELINES

AIR TESTING OF INSTALLED PVC PIPELINES

It is common practice to pressure test installed pipelines to ensure that the pipe materials and installation are satisfactory. In fact, it makes sense that every installed pipeline be pressure tested to ensure a leak-free system.

AIR VALVES: IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF PRESSURE PIPELINES

AIR VALVES: IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF PRESSURE PIPELINES

Air valves automatically release or admit air during the filling, operation, or draining of a pipeline. For all pipe materials, efficient and safe pipeline operation is dependent on continuous removal of air from the line.

AN ENGINEERING PRIMER ON AWWA C900 PVC PIPE

AN ENGINEERING PRIMER ON AWWA C900 PVC PIPE

Basic discussion of the attributes of AWWA C900 PVC pressure pipes.

ASTM D2241: MORE THAN FIFTY-FIVE YEARS OF SUCCESS, 1964 - 2021

ASTM D2241: MORE THAN FIFTY-FIVE YEARS OF SUCCESS, 1964 - 2021

The ASTM D2241 standard for PVC pressure pipe, first published in 1964, is marking its 57th anniversary this year. Pipe made to this standard has been widely used in both municipal and rural water markets. The standard offers a wide array of products that enable owners to design their systems for maximum economy.

AWWA C900 AND C905 STANDARDS OVER THE YEARS

AWWA C900 AND C905 STANDARDS OVER THE YEARS

Milestones from the 41-year history of AWWA PVC pipe standards.

AWWA STANDARDS FOR PVC PIPE: PRODUCT TESTING

AWWA STANDARDS FOR PVC PIPE: PRODUCT TESTING

Testing requirements for AWWA PVC pipe and fittings products.

BACKFILL REQUIREMENTS FOR PVC PRESSURE AND GRAVITY PIPES

BACKFILL REQUIREMENTS FOR PVC PRESSURE AND GRAVITY PIPES

PVC pressure pipe can be installed without special backfill, since external loads are not design-limiting. For PVC gravity sewer pipe, on the other hand, backfill material and compaction are key components of design.

BEST PRACTICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION OF WATER AND SEWER PIPES

BEST PRACTICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION OF WATER AND SEWER PIPES

ISO 14000 series standards are used for environmental management, including life-cycle assessment (LCA).

CHANGING DIRECTION: AXIAL JOINT DEFLECTION EXPLAINED

CHANGING DIRECTION: AXIAL JOINT DEFLECTION EXPLAINED

To achieve a change in direction (vertical, horizontal, or a combination of both), one method is axial deflection of the gasketed pipe joints. This is appropriate where gradual changes in direction are planned without bending the pipe barrel.

COLD WEATHER: NO PRACTICAL EFFECT ON PVC PIPE INSTALLATION AND USE

COLD WEATHER: NO PRACTICAL EFFECT ON PVC PIPE INSTALLATION AND USE

Fifty years of field experience confirm that PVC pipe more than measures up to the rigors of cold-weather installation and use. In fact, an easy-to-use product like PVC pipe becomes even more advantageous as temperatures decrease. PVC is widely used in Canada, Minnesota, and the Dakotas, so cold weather is not a limiting factor for PVC pipe projects.

CYCLIC SURGE PRESSURE: PPI’S “PACE” IS NOT FOR PVC PRESSURE PIPE

CYCLIC SURGE PRESSURE: PPI’S “PACE” IS NOT FOR PVC PRESSURE PIPE

PPI has posted a design aid on its website that compares PE and PVC pipe. The tool, called “PACE,” has a fatal flaw, however. By restricting the design inputs to unrealistic values, PPI skews the outputs to unfavorably portray PVC.

DESIGN FACTOR AND SAFETY FACTOR EXPLAINED

DESIGN FACTOR AND SAFETY FACTOR EXPLAINED

Recent changes to AWWA standards have introduced confusion to the concepts of design factor (DF) and safety factor (SF). This document clarifies the relationship between the two terms.

DIESEL EXHAUST AND PVC PIPE

DIESEL EXHAUST AND PVC PIPE

Residue on pipe from diesel-truck exhaust does not justify rejection of the pipe at a jobsite.

DIMENSION RATIO (DR) EXPLAINED FOR PVC PIPE

DIMENSION RATIO (DR) EXPLAINED FOR PVC PIPE

Dimension ratio is an important but often misunderstood concept for PVC pipe. Some of the confusion arises because of the use of both "Dimension Ratio" (DR) and "Standard Dimension Ratio" (SDR) in product standards.

DIPRA STUDY ON WATER PIPE MATERIALS PROVIDES BIASED RESULTS

DIPRA STUDY ON WATER PIPE MATERIALS PROVIDES BIASED RESULTS

An examination of a University of Michigan study comparing DI and PVC pipes.

DUCTILE IRON PIPE'S HAZEN-WILLIAMS FLOW COEFFICIENT DECLINES OVER TIME

DUCTILE IRON PIPE'S HAZEN-WILLIAMS FLOW COEFFICIENT DECLINES OVER TIME

Discussion of the decline in ductile iron pipe’s flow characteristics over time.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD) FOR PVC PIPE

ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD) FOR PVC PIPE

NSF International has certified an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for PVC pipe. 

EXPANSION GAPS FOR GASKETED PVC PIPE: MAXIMIZING JOINT PERFORMANCE

EXPANSION GAPS FOR GASKETED PVC PIPE: MAXIMIZING JOINT PERFORMANCE

Video inspections of PVC sewer pipelines often reveal small longitudinal gaps between the spigot end and the bell shoulder of the gasketed joints. These gaps are not flaws. In fact, gaps are an important design consideration for both pressure and non-pressure PVC pipes.

EXTERNAL JOINT-RESTRAINT DEVICES FOR PVC PIPE

EXTERNAL JOINT-RESTRAINT DEVICES FOR PVC PIPE

The most common thrust-restraint method in use today is external joint-restraint devices. Two types are necessary to restrain a pipe length: pipe-to-fitting restraint (usually MJ) and pipe-to-pipe restraint (bell harness).

FITTINGS FOR PVC GRAVITY SEWER PIPELINES

FITTINGS FOR PVC GRAVITY SEWER PIPELINES

A discussion of PVC fittings used with solid-wall and profile-wall PVC sewer pipes.

FITTINGS FOR PVC PRESSURE PIPELINES

FITTINGS FOR PVC PRESSURE PIPELINES

A discussion of fittings used with PVC pressure pipes.

FLOWABLE FILL AND PVC PIPE

FLOWABLE FILL AND PVC PIPE

Flowable fill — an alternative to traditional methods that have used compacted backfill in pipe trenches.

FOUR THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE SPECIFYING POLYETHYLENE (PE) 4710 PIPE

FOUR THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE SPECIFYING POLYETHYLENE (PE) 4710 PIPE

The polyethylene pipe industry has significantly changed the way their pressure capacities are calculated. The result is thinner-walled pipes that have less pressure-resisting capability. Pipe designers should be aware of the pitfalls of specifying PE pipe.

GASKETED PVC PIPE: THE IMPORTANCE OF INSERTION LINES

GASKETED PVC PIPE: THE IMPORTANCE OF INSERTION LINES

The insertion line found on gasketed PVC pipe – marked around the pipe circumference near the spigot end – indicates the depth of insertion of the pipe spigot into the bell. The line is positioned by the pipe manufacturer based on bell design, allowances for manufacturing tolerances, and anticipated thermal expansion and contraction.

GROUTING PVC PIPE IN CASINGS

GROUTING PVC PIPE IN CASINGS

Grouting of PVC pipe in casings: information about grout as well as some items to consider when grouting around PVC pipe in casings.

GUIDE FOR PVC SEWER FITTINGS AND LATERALS

GUIDE FOR PVC SEWER FITTINGS AND LATERALS

PVC sewer fittings guide – information to maximize system performance and longevity: (1) Products available; (2) Tips to optimize design; (3) Installation considerations.

HISTORY VALIDATES AWWARF’S 1994 FINDINGS ON PVC PIPE PERFORMANCE: A LOOK BACK ALMOST THIRTY YEARS LATER

HISTORY VALIDATES AWWARF’S 1994 FINDINGS ON PVC PIPE PERFORMANCE: A LOOK BACK ALMOST THIRTY YEARS LATER

A look back at AWWARF’s 1994 study on PVC water pipe performance and its findings regarding PVC pipe’s strength over time, tapping, UV exposure, chemical permeation, etc.

INSTALLATION OF PVC PIPE INTO A MECHANICAL JOINT (MJ)

INSTALLATION OF PVC PIPE INTO A MECHANICAL JOINT (MJ)

Installation of PVC pipe into mechanical joint (MJ) appurtenances is a very common occurrence in North American municipal pressure pipelines. Problems with MJ connections can be minimized if proper installation techniques are used.

IRON PIPE CORROSION - LESSONS LEARNED

IRON PIPE CORROSION - LESSONS LEARNED

Review of comprehensive study titled “Lessons Learned from Ductile Iron Pipe”.

IRON PIPE WALL THICKNESS - THINNER AND THINNER

IRON PIPE WALL THICKNESS - THINNER AND THINNER

 A look at iron pipe’s progression to thinner and thinner walls and the subsequent corrosion issues

JOINT RESTRAINT OPTIONS FOR PVC PIPE

JOINT RESTRAINT OPTIONS FOR PVC PIPE

Joint restraint is used to prevent movement of pipe, fittings, or appurtenances in response to pressure-pipe thrust forces. Restrained joints are also necessary for trenchless installation.

LEACHING OF VINYL CHLORIDE MONOMER (VCM): NOT AN ISSUE FOR AWWA PVC WATER PIPE

LEACHING OF VINYL CHLORIDE MONOMER (VCM): NOT AN ISSUE FOR AWWA PVC WATER PIPE

Leaching of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) into drinking water – not an issue for PVC pipe.

MAKING SENSE OF DIAMETER TYPES FOR PVC PIPE

MAKING SENSE OF DIAMETER TYPES FOR PVC PIPE

There are several different outside-diameter (OD) types for PVC pipe. Explanations are provided for OD types, descriptive abbreviations, and end-use applications.

MANNING'S N FOR PVC GRAVITY SEWER PIPE

MANNING'S N FOR PVC GRAVITY SEWER PIPE

Discussion of why Manning’s “n” = 0.009 for hydraulic design of PVC sewer pipe.

MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR PVC WATER AND SEWER PIPE

MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR PVC WATER AND SEWER PIPE

Product standards for PVC pipe require specific information to be continuously printed on each length of pipe. The information provides details about the pipe material, manufacture, and testing, as well as the appropriate logo of any certification agency.

ORGANOTIN (TIN) STABILIZERS: NOT A HEALTH CONCERN FOR PVC PIPE

ORGANOTIN (TIN) STABILIZERS: NOT A HEALTH CONCERN FOR PVC PIPE

PVC pipe’s organotin stabilizers — not a health concern.

PERMEATION OF PVC AND HDPE PIPE - ADVANTAGE PVC

PERMEATION OF PVC AND HDPE PIPE - ADVANTAGE PVC

“Permeation” is defined as the movement of chemicals through a pipe wall or a gasketed joint. In the last 40+ years, there have been many research projects to investigate permeation of potable-water pipes and gasketed joints. A look at the results of some of that research and why permeation is not a problem for PVC and is a major issue for HDPE.

PIPE STIFFNESS EXPLAINED: PVC AND DUCTILE IRON

PIPE STIFFNESS EXPLAINED: PVC AND DUCTILE IRON

Some specifiers choose Ductile Iron pipe due to its “strength” in resisting external loads. This was true in the good old days of thick-walled DI Class pipe, but now the thinned-down walls of DI Pressure Class pipe have made PVC the stronger option.

PVC PIPE ACCOMMODATES DYNAMIC GROUND MOVEMENT

PVC PIPE ACCOMMODATES DYNAMIC GROUND MOVEMENT

PVC pipe — an excellent choice for ground-movement situations

PVC PIPE AND FITTINGS MATERIALS: TESTING REQUIREMENTS

PVC PIPE AND FITTINGS MATERIALS: TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Testing requirements for PVC materials to be used for pipe and fittings products.

PVC PIPE BELL DIRECTION - SOMETIMES IT MATTERS

PVC PIPE BELL DIRECTION - SOMETIMES IT MATTERS

The direction that a bell is positioned makes no difference hydraulically, but is important to prevent problems during pipe installation.

PVC PIPE FIELD TESTING - MAXIMUM TEST PRESSURE

PVC PIPE FIELD TESTING - MAXIMUM TEST PRESSURE

Maximum test pressures for installed PVC pressure pipelines.

PVC PIPE GASKETED JOINTS - PART 1: HISTORY

PVC PIPE GASKETED JOINTS - PART 1: HISTORY

A short history on the adoption of push-on gasketed joints by the PVC pipe industry and the attributes of elastomeric gaskets used for sealing PVC bell-and-spigot joints.

PVC PIPE GASKETED JOINTS - PART 2: TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

PVC PIPE GASKETED JOINTS - PART 2: TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

A look at the technical considerations and strict industry standards for elastomeric gaskets and gasketed pipe joints which have resulted in long-life, leak free joining systems for PVC pipe.

PVC PIPE IN CONTACT WITH CONCRETE

PVC PIPE IN CONTACT WITH CONCRETE

PVC pipe usage in contact with concrete.

PVC PIPE JOINTS – TRENCHLESS OPTIONS

PVC PIPE JOINTS – TRENCHLESS OPTIONS

Four joining options for trenchless installation of PVC pipe: internally restrained gasketed joints, ring-and-pin gasketed joints spline-lock gasketed joints, and butt-fused PVC joints.

PVC PIPE MATERIALS: CELL-CLASS EXPLAINED

PVC PIPE MATERIALS: CELL-CLASS EXPLAINED

Product standards for PVC municipal pipes require that the PVC materials meet ASTM D1784 cell-class requirements. The cell class consists of five numbers – this tech brief discusses the concept of cell class and what the numbers mean.

PVC PIPE WELL-SUITED FOR DEEP-BURY APPLICATIONS

PVC PIPE WELL-SUITED FOR DEEP-BURY APPLICATIONS

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 40 feet.

PVC PRESSURE PIPE – NOT SUBJECT TO COLLAPSE FROM FIRE-FLOW PUMPING

PVC PRESSURE PIPE – NOT SUBJECT TO COLLAPSE FROM FIRE-FLOW PUMPING

Some pipeline designers mistakenly contend that PVC pipe must be DR18 or thicker to resist collapse due to vacuum caused by fire-flow conditions. This technical brief refutes that misconception.

PVC PRESSURE PIPE UNDER ROADS

PVC PRESSURE PIPE UNDER ROADS

Discussion of the suitability of PVC pressure pipe for use under roads.

PVC PRESSURE PIPE: DEFINING "LARGE-DIAMETER"

PVC PRESSURE PIPE: DEFINING "LARGE-DIAMETER"

The term “large-diameter” is not well-defined – in fact, what was considered a large PVC pressure pipe has changed over the years. The attached tech brief provides clarification on the topic.

PVC PRESSURE PIPE: NO "LOSS OF STRENGTH" WITH TIME

PVC PRESSURE PIPE: NO "LOSS OF STRENGTH" WITH TIME

Opponents of plastic pipe materials have alleged that PVC pipe "loses strength with time" or "degrades over time." However, this is not the case – there is no degradation or loss as time passes.

PVC WATER AND SEWER PIPE: LEAD-FREE

PVC WATER AND SEWER PIPE: LEAD-FREE

Lead-poisoning is a topic of critical concern to water utilities. The good news is that lead cannot leach from PVC pipe, because there is no lead in PVC pipe raw materials or processing.

PVC WATER MAINS: NOT A SOURCE OF BENZENE FROM WILDFIRE EVENTS

PVC WATER MAINS: NOT A SOURCE OF BENZENE FROM WILDFIRE EVENTS

Performance of PVC pipe in California’s wildfires — a clean bill of health.

REASONS WHY WATER UTILITIES CHOOSE PVC PIPE

REASONS WHY WATER UTILITIES CHOOSE PVC PIPE

PVC pressure pipe has seen a steady increase in market share over the last 70 years. The reasons why so many water utilities have made the move to PVC pipe are discussed.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR AIR-TESTING OF PVC SEWER PIPES

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR AIR-TESTING OF PVC SEWER PIPES

Safety considerations for low-pressure air-testing of PVC sewer pipe.

SAFETY FACTORS FOR AWWA PLASTIC PIPES: WHAT ENGINEERS SHOULD KNOW

SAFETY FACTORS FOR AWWA PLASTIC PIPES: WHAT ENGINEERS SHOULD KNOW

The 1.6 SF proposed for C906 falls outside the conservative tradition for AWWA standards for transmission/distribution pipe that has served North American utilities well. The PVC Pipe Association recommends that design engineers recognize this disparity and continue to use a SF = 2.0 for their projects.

SIZING OF DEFLECTION MANDRELS FOR AWWA C900 PIPE

SIZING OF DEFLECTION MANDRELS FOR AWWA C900 PIPE

When AWWA C900 pipe is used for gravity applications, one of the field acceptance tests is pulling a deflection mandrel through the installed pipeline. This document provides the method for sizing of deflection mandrels and includes a table for mandrel sizes for all C900 products.

SOLID-WALL PVC GRAVITY SEWER PIPE: DEFINING "LARGE-DIAMETER"

SOLID-WALL PVC GRAVITY SEWER PIPE: DEFINING "LARGE-DIAMETER"

The term “large-diameter” is not well-defined – in fact, what was considered a large PVC sewer pipe has changed over the years. The attached tech brief provides clarification on the topic.

STORM-DRAINAGE JOINTS: WATERTIGHT IS THE BEST LONG-TERM DESIGN

STORM-DRAINAGE JOINTS: WATERTIGHT IS THE BEST LONG-TERM DESIGN

Discussion of different joint types for storm-drainage pipe – soil-tight, silt-tight, and watertight.

SURGE PRESSURE CAPACITY: WHEN “STRENGTH” BECOMES A LIABILITY

SURGE PRESSURE CAPACITY: WHEN “STRENGTH” BECOMES A LIABILITY

"Strength” is usually a positive quality, but sometimes too much strength can cause unforeseen consequences. A case in point: ductile iron pipe’s high modulus can generate very large surge pressures in municipal water systems – pressures that may cause damage to non-pipe components.

TESTING CONFIRMS PVC PIPE HYDRAULIC COEFFICIENTS

TESTING CONFIRMS PVC PIPE HYDRAULIC COEFFICIENTS

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.

THERE IS NO “LEAKAGE” ALLOWED FOR GASKETED PVC PIPE

THERE IS NO “LEAKAGE” ALLOWED FOR GASKETED PVC PIPE

Allegations that AWWA standards permit leaking joints are not correct. The truth is that gasketed PVC pipe joints are watertight.

THRUST FORCES - RESTRAINT LENGTH CALCULATOR

THRUST FORCES - RESTRAINT LENGTH CALCULATOR

Whenever there is a change in flow in a pressure pipeline, thrust forces are developed. Design for restraining these forces is streamlined by using EBAA Iron’s "Restraint Length Calculator" program.

TRANSITIONING BETWEEN DUCTILE IRON AND PVC PRESSURE PIPES

TRANSITIONING BETWEEN DUCTILE IRON AND PVC PRESSURE PIPES

When it is necessary to transition between PVC and DI pipe, there are several considerations to keep in mind. While PVC can be inserted into DI quite easily, insertion of DI into PVC is not recommended.

UPDATE ON ASTM F679 STANDARD FOR LARGE-DIAMETER PVC SEWER PIPE

UPDATE ON ASTM F679 STANDARD FOR LARGE-DIAMETER PVC SEWER PIPE

The ASTM F679 standard has been revised to eliminate the “T1” and “T2” wall-thickness designations, yet many municipal specifications still include the “T” call-outs. The attached tech brief discusses the current standard and how project specifications can be revised to harmonize with the standard.

UV EXPOSURE HAS NO PRACTICAL EFFECTS ON PVC PIPE PERFORMANCE

UV EXPOSURE HAS NO PRACTICAL EFFECTS ON PVC PIPE PERFORMANCE

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can affect the outermost surface of PVC pipe. However, even after prolonged exposure, there are no practical effect on PVC pipe’s performance characteristics.