PVC Pipe Association

  Need to calculate pressure losses in PVC or PVCO pressure pipe? Our Hydraulic Calculator does the heavy lifting using the Hazen-Williams formula – all in U.S. Customary units . What It Does: Quickly determines friction head loss based on your input: Flow rate (gpm) Pipe inside diameter (inches) Pipe length (feet) Hazen-Williams flow coefficient (C) ✅ Pro tip: Use C = 150 for PVC and PVCO — backed by lab and field testing. It's a conservative and reliable choice for your designs. Optional: Add Minor Losses Want even more precision? Just check the "Minor Losses" box and include losses due to: Valves and fittings (using loss coefficients) Equivalent lengths Specified minor loss values 📊 Get Results You Can Use Once you calculate total head loss , you can: Add a static elevation value Download a ready-to-use Excel spreadsheet View a full head vs. flow rate chart across a range of conditions 📎 Why Trust the Numbers? Years of testing show that PVC and PVCO maintai...

  The Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association has completed a comprehensive two-part research initiative to evaluate the long-term performance of PVC sewer pipe in deep-bury conditions. The first component used finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate how PVC pipe behaves under various soil and loading conditions. This modeling provided a detailed view of the expected structural response in deep installations. The second component applied laser profiling technology to an in-service PVC sewer interceptor that has been operating for over 45 years, installed at depths reaching 28 feet . This method offered high-resolution data on the actual deflection and shape of the buried pipe. FEA modeling answered the question, “What should it look like?” while laser profiling addressed “What does it look like?” The results from both analyses aligned closely, confirming that PVC pipe performs exceptionally well under deep-bury conditions with minimal deflection or structural degradation. This dual-app...

  Manholes are vital for operating and maintaining gravity sewer systems. They provide essential access for inspection, cleaning, and repairs. Additionally, manholes control hydraulic flow at points of directional change, grade variation, or where flow channels merge. To prevent infiltration or exfiltration, manhole connections must be watertight. Benefits of PVC Manholes Watertightness: PVC manhole structures are made from pipe stock and joined via a thermoforming process, ensuring consistent, watertight seals throughout the body and at outlet stubs. Corrosion Resistance: PVC is resistant to the harsh, corrosive conditions found in sanitary sewers, enhancing durability. Lightweight: PVC manholes are significantly lighter than concrete alternatives, simplifying handling and installation. Purpose and Capabilities PVC manhole systems are designed to: Meet structural requirements for traffic-bearing applications Offer a watertight PVC structure and gasketed pipe connections Accommo...

In the 24- to 60-inch sewer pipe market, PVC and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) are direct competitors. But while both materials are used in underground systems, FRP has a significant weakness—it’s far more sensitive to deflection (ovalization) under soil pressure and traffic loads. However, you wouldn’t know it from FRP manufacturers’ literature. Take pipe stiffness, for example. The entire flexible pipe industry recognizes "PS" as the standard abbreviation for pipe stiffness. FRP, however, opts for "SN," calling it a "stiffness number." The implication? That somehow, changing the letters makes FRP pipes stiffer. But pipe stiffness is pipe stiffness—no matter what acronym is attached to it. The Reality of FRP Performance The PVC Pipe Association recently published a technical report pulling back the curtain on FRP’s real-world performance. The findings are clear: PS and SN are equivalent measurements, meaning there’s no advantage in FRP’s terminolog...

Supporting Green Infrastructure and Sustainability Goals The Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) has introduced North America’s first industry-wide environmental product declaration (EPD) for PVC water and wastewater piping. Verified by NSF Sustainability, a division of the globally recognized NSF International, this EPD plays a crucial role in helping municipalities and businesses meet their green building and infrastructure goals. Developed in compliance with ISO 14025 international environmental standards, the EPD evaluates the environmental impact of seven different PVC pipe products across their entire life cycle. These include PVC pressure pipes for potable water, reclaimed water, and sewer force main systems, as well as PVC non-pressure pipes used in storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems. NSF Sustainability rigorously reviewed and validated the life cycle assessment (LCA), ensuring that all claims adhere to strict verification standards.Unmatched Longevity and Efficiency in...

Over Ten Million Quality Control Tests Ensure Safety For more than 70 years, PVC pipe has been one of the most rigorously tested and trusted materials in North America. Every stage of its production, use, and disposal has been evaluated and certified by both government and independent regulatory bodies, ensuring it meets the highest safety and quality standards. PVC pipe complies with all health and safety regulations under the U.S. and Canadian Safe Drinking Water Acts, alongside other international guidelines. Regulatory agencies such as NSF International and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversee its use through mandatory testing, reinforcing its reliability for public water systems. Moreover, top health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, have confirmed that PVC is safe for a wide range of applications. A Clean and Safe Solution for Water Systems PVC is widely approved for use in water dis...

Developed by the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association, this guide provides field installation instructions for gasketed joint PVC pressure pipes. Relevant standards include AWWA C900, C907, C909, ASTM D2241, and ASTM F1483. For detailed guidance, consult AWWA C605, Manual M23, or Uni-Bell’s Handbook of PVC Pipe: Design and Construction. Uni-Bell, established in 1971, promotes PVC pipe research, technical support, and proper use. Installation advice is provided as guidance, not warranty; warranty inquiries should be directed to manufacturers. Pipe Delivery and Inspection Inspect pipe shipments for damage and verify quantities against the shipping list. Note damages or missing items on the bill of lading and notify the shipper. Damaged items should be set aside. Unloading Unload carefully using a forklift or front-end loader with forks long enough to support bundles. For manual unloading, remove one pipe at a time and block the shipment to prevent rolling. Storage Store unit packages on level g...