PVC Pipe Association

Direct tapping involves drilling a hole into the pipe wall, cutting threads, and securely installing a corporation stop. This process is performed using specialized tapping machines designed for PVC pipes. The maximum outlet size for direct tapping is 1 inch. Tapping Machine Requirements Several types of tapping machines can perform direct service taps. When selecting a tapping machine, ensure it meets the following criteria: Adapter Base: Must be properly sized to seal securely against the PVC pipe. Cutting Tool: Should use a shell-design cutting tool suitable for PVC pipes. Compatibility: The machine and the valve used must mate properly. Manufacturer Recommendations: The machine should be approved by its manufacturer for use with PVC pipe, and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed during the tapping process. Features of a Suitable Tapping Machine Adapter Base: Ensures a secure seal against the PVC pipe. Proper sizing is crucial to prevent leaks and ensure a clean...

Asset Management: Using Alternative Materials to Address Replacement Cost and Maintenance Concerns In the 21st century, water util-ity management professionals for both water and sewer systems strive to implement asset management programs in order to better manage their aging wet infrastructure. In 2012, a Black and Veatch survey1 on the US water industry found that the top asset management issues were all financially driven, namely addressing aging water and sewer infrastructure, managing capital costs, funding or availability of capital, and energy costs. In 2013, a McGraw Hill Construction study, conducted in partnership with CH2M Hill,2 confirmed that 75% of utilities implementing asset management programs did so because of their concerns with aging infrastructure. Major studies from the US Mayor’s Water Council,the USEPA,4 the Congressional Budget Office,5 US Government Accountability Office,6 the American Water Works Association7 and others all conclude that the costs associa...

PVC sewer pipe has demonstrated outstanding performance even in Canada's challenging conditions, with over 85% adoption in new installations, making it the preferred material for sanitary sewers. Solid-wall PVC sewer pipe sets the standard against which other pipe types are measured, including profile-wall PVC and PP pipes. The long-term reliability of PVC sewer pipe, spanning almost fifty years, is supported by CSA's PVC sewer pipe standards, such as CSA B182.2 (since 1983), CSA B182.7 (first published in 1997 and merged into B182.2 in 2011), and B182.4 (also since 1983). In contrast, the PP standard B182.13 was introduced only in 2011. Stringent acceptance tests include deflection mandrel testing, where PVC pipe allows no more than 7½% deflection of the pipe diameter, ensuring a high safety factor against buckling. PP pipes lack specific guidance on allowable deflection, necessitating lower deflection specifications for equivalent safety. Air testing standards for PVC and ...

PVCO pipe, short for molecularly oriented polyvinyl chloride pipe, has been utilized in North America for over forty years, boasting an impressive installation span of more than 20,000 miles. This type of pipe shares many similarities with conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, including the ingredients and cell classifications. The journey of PVCO begins with an equivalent PVC compound, which undergoes extrusion to form PVC pipe. However, PVCO is then subjected to a physical modification process that imparts molecular orientation, enhancing its mechanical strength and toughness. Initially, both PVC and PVCO qualify for cell class 12454 per ASTM D1784 and possess a hydrostatic design basis (HDB) of 4,000 psi. However, through the manufacturing process, PVCO's molecular structure undergoes realignment from random to circumferential orientation, resulting in an increased HDB of 7,100 psi. Due to PVCO's distinct HDB values, it is not classified using the dimension ratio (DR...

Welcome to the PVC Pipe Association’s dynamic online  webinar training series ! Our unwavering commitment to education propels us to consistently deliver insightful workshops, empowering the seamless integration of PVC piping in water and wastewater systems. Join us on a journey of learning, where we showcase real-life examples of how PVC pipe has revolutionized utilities across North America. Join us for an informative training webinar hosted by the PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) staff! This webinar is dedicated to providing the latest insights into the installation practices for gasketed PVC water and sewer pipes and fittings, addressing common questions and concerns. Properly installed pipelines are vital for optimal performance and the extended lifespan of underground infrastructure. Exclusive Offer:  FREE Contractor’s Guide! All participants will receive a complimentary copy of the Contractor’s Guide for Installation of Gasketed PVC Pipe. Sponsored by PVCPA, this comprehens...

  Increasing the cyclic life of PVC force mains is essential for ensuring an economical and durable design. Various strategies can be employed by engineers in the design process to enhance cyclic life: Adjust Pressure Class/Pressure Rating: Engineers can opt for a lower Dimension Ratio (DR), which increases the pressure class or pressure rating. Updating maximum and minimum pressure values (Prs(max) and Prs(min)) based on the Joukowsky Equation or transient analysis is crucial in this approach. Optimize Pump Cycles: Reducing the number of pump cycles in lift-station or wet-well design contributes to extending the cyclic life of PVC force mains. Implement Surge-Control Equipment: Minimizing surge-pressure amplitude can be achieved by introducing surge-control equipment. Detailed information on surge-control techniques is available for a more comprehensive understanding. If thicker-walled pipes, such as DR 21, 18, 14, are utilized, the resulting cyclic life may be overly conservative...

  In the past few years, North America has experienced a series of catastrophic wildfires. Some of these fires have severely impacted water infrastructure, destroying above-ground appurtenances like water meters and hydrants as well as shallow-bury water service lines. As a result of wildfires, at least two California utilities have encountered water-quality issues in their water systems. The problems were caused by back-flow of contaminants through damaged service lines into water mains. The City of Santa Rosa published a report shortly after its wildfire event. The paper outlined the water-quality problems but was not complete in its analysis. This left a knowledge gap that opened the door for speculation and misinformation — the result was the publication of several articles that could politely be described as “not very accurate.” In March 2020, AWWA’s Opflow printed an article entitled, “Smoke and Water Don’t Mix,” that described research performed by the U.S. EPA and Califor...