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Frequently Asked Questions about PVC
There are no governing bodies that require specific color coding; therefore, the PVC pipe industry has
self-standardized color coding of PVC pipe. Below is the typical industry color coding standard of PVC
pipe:
Blue | Pressurized potable water |
Green | Sewer, both gravity and force main |
Purple | Reclaimed (non-potable) water |
White | General use – (plumbing, Drain/Waste/Vent, or Water well) |
Gray | General use – (typically plumbing and electrical) |
Note:
The following physical properties of the pipe must be regularly tested in order to be certified to
AWWA C900: Sustained pressure, Burst pressure, Hydrostatic pressure integrity, Flattening, Extrusion
quality (Acetone Testing) and Ring-tensile test. The testing of these physical properties assures the
product quality of the finished products has not deviated from the design specifications.
For information about the testing required by AWWA for certification of PVC pipe and fittings, refer to
Uni-Bell's Technical Brief: AWWA Standards for PVC Pipe: Product Testing
Note: similar testing is required for ASTM D2241 PVC Pipe.
Please contact Technical Services at 855-624-7473, Option 3 or technical@napcopipe.com for more
information.
Our PVC pipe is produced in the United States of America and in Canada.
PVC pipe sold in the USA is manufactured at facilities located only in the U.S. PVC Pipe sold in Canada
is manufactured at facilities located in the U.S. and Canada. All of NAPCO’s locations can be found here.
Also, find our "Made in USA Certification" letter, located here.
The PVC Pipe Association, A.K.A. Uni-Bell, estimates a design life expectancy of 100 years but in reality that estimate could be far exceeded. The 100 year estimate is primarily based upon engineering analysis of fatigue in PVC pipe wall, which is highlighted in numerous reports and independent studies, which are listed below. Also, Uni-Bell has various technical papers and articles that discuss PVC service life expectancy for water and sewer systems. These articles and papers are available, publicly and free of charge, on Uni-Bell's website.
The direct links to a few of Uni-Bell's resources and reports are located below:
Dimension Ratio (DR) and Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) both refer to the same ratio, (Outside
Diameter [OD] / Wall Thickness) – Refer to Figure 1 below.
Figure 1 - OD/t Ratio
For more information refer to the following link: Dimension Ratio (DR) Explained for PVC Pipe
The only difference between Schedule 40 & Schedule 80 is the wall thickness. The wall thickness also directly correlates with the pipe’s pressure rating. Schedule 40 (usually white) has a thinner wall thickness and therefore a lower pressure rating than Schedule 80 pipe (usually grey). Schedule 40 and 80 PVC pipe does not use the Outside Diameter / wall thickness ratio that DR and SDR use; therefore, the Schedule 40 and 80 pressure ratings are different for each pipe diameter size and must be looked up for every diameter and Schedule combination. NAPCO’s PVC Plumbing pipe (ASTM D1785) is available in both Schedule 40 and Schedule 80.
Refer to the applicable Technical Product Specification for more details on wall thickness and
pressure ratings for our PVC plumbing pipe. Technical Product Specification link here.
CIOD stands for Cast Iron Outside Diameter and is the diameter standard used for AWWA C900 PVC pipe (e.g., blue potable water pipe). IPS is Iron Pipe Size, also known as DIPS or Ductile Iron Pipe Size, and is the diameter standard used for ASTM D2241 PVC pipe. (Note, other diameter standards do exist, such as, PSM – Sewer, PIP – Irrigation, Schedule 40/80/120 – Plumbing & Water Well)
Also, consider the following:
No. According to AWWA M23: PVC Pipe - Design and Installation Manual of Water Supply Practices,
there is a zero leakage allowance. There is a make-up water allowance designated during acceptance
testing of PVC pipe, as detailed in AWWA M23; however, that is NOT to be misinterpreted as
“allowable leakage” of in-service PVC pipe.
The make-up water allowance during testing is in place to allow for the following:
Refer to Uni-Bell’s Technical Brief for more details on AWWA’s stance on zero leakage in PVC pipe here.
NAPCO provides a separate limited warranty for different product lines. The warranties can be found
at the following link:
The NSF 61 listing establishes the health effects requirements for the chemical contaminants
and impurities that are indirectly imparted to drinking water from products, components and
materials used in drinking water systems.
The NSF 14 listing pertains to the minimum physical, performance health effect, quality
assurance, marking and recordkeeping requirements for plastic pipe components. These
requirements are determined acceptable by various tests performed by NSF on PVC pipe
samples from the manufacturer.
Common engineering practice suggests a maximum flow velocity of 5 ft./s during normal (steady state) operating conditions for pressure pipe application. During surge conditions the recommended maximum allowable flow rate is 10 ft./s. Exceeding the recommended maximum flow velocity, for an extended period of time, could result in excessive internal pressures in the PVC pipe system, possibly leading to a joint or pipe wall failure.
For gravity sewer lines, which are not pressurized, the recommended maximum flow velocity is 10 ft./s before special considerations need to be taken for energy dissipation and internal erosion prevention.
Source: PVC Pipe Association: Handbook for PVC Pipe Design and Construction, 5th Ed.
Consider the following concepts when designing and installing PVC pipe in cold-weather environments:
For more information, refer to Uni-Bell's Technical Brief: Cold Weather: No Practical Effect on PVC Pipe Installation and Use
PVC pipe works great for conveying water and sewage. PVC pipe may be exposed to various chemicals via direct contact with soil contamination or via chemicals in the fluids inside the pipe. The concentration of the chemical is important when considering chemical resistance.
General Resistivity of Typical Gasket Materials
Common Name |
Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) & IR (Isporene Rubber)/SBR Blend |
Nitrile Buadiene Rubber (NBR) |
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Rubber |
---|---|---|---|
General Properties |
Resistance to water absorption. Excellent elongation. Standard material used for all products. |
Resistant to Petroleum- based fluids. Good mechanical performance. |
Resistant against Ozone, aging, and most chemicals. Poor resistance to mineral and petroleum-based fluids. |
Resistant To |
- Alcohol |
-Silicone Greases / Oils |
-Animal and |
Attacked By |
-Most Solvents & Oils -Concentrated Acids |
-Ketones (I.E., Acetone) |
-Mineral oils |
*Note: NAPCO does not offer Neoprene gaskets as of 12/2019
There is also a detailed Chemical Resistivity chart available in Chapter 3 of the Handbook of PVC Pipe Design and Construction by Uni-Bell. Three chapters are available for free download.
If you have a specific question about chemical compatibility, please contact Technical Services at 855-624-7473, Option 3 or technical@napcopipe.com.
Exposure to sunlight can cause slight fading of PVC pipe surfaces. PVC pipe has not shown degradation of performance when exposed to sunlight for periods of time, up to two years. Physically blocking the UV energy from reaching the pipe surface prevents the fading. Methods of covering the pipe could include: permanently covering (‘wrapping’) the pipe, or painting with a light-colored paint that is chemically compatible with PVC (I.e., water based acrylic or latex).
NAPCO's Yelomine product line provides superior long-term UV protection and can be used outdoors. Yelomine contains an increased amount of high-purity TiO2 that is specially formulated to resist the effects of UV exposure.
Refer to NAPCO's Technical Bulletin: Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Exposure of PVC Pipe Products
The length of PVC pipe expands and contracts with temperature change. The change in length is based
upon material properties and amount of temperature change.
The change in length of pipe per 10°F ΔT PVC pipe is reflected below:
Pipe LengthFt (m) |
Length ChangeIn. (mm) |
100 (30.48) |
0.36 (9.15) |
20 (6.1) |
0.072 (1.83) |
14 (4.3) |
0.050 (1.27) |
10 (3.0) |
0.036 (0.91) |
For example, a length of 1,760 ft of PVC pipe with an initial installed temperature of 73°F and an operating
temperature of the pipe will be 83°F. The change of length over the entire length of pipe at operating
temperatures will be ~6.34”.
Source: PVC Pipe Association. Handbook of PVC Pipe Design and Construction, 5th Ed. New York: Industrial
Press, 2013. Print.
Note: Some pipe systems may require additional accommodation of thermal expansion and contraction
movement, than the standard integral bell joint can provide. In these cases, NAPCO offers expansion joints
up to 6” diameter.
The maximum operating temperature of PVC pipe is 140°F. The pipe’s pressure rating, and other
performance characteristics, must be de-rated for all temperatures above 73.4°F (23°C); refer to the table
below for the appropriate de-rating factors (Source: Handbook of PVC Pipe Design and Construction, Fifth
Edition; Published by PVC Pipe Association).
Maximum Service Temp °F (°C) |
Multiply pressure class at 73.4°F (23°C) by factor shown |
80 (27) |
0.88 |
90 (32) |
0.75 |
100 (38) |
0.62 |
110 (43) |
0.50 |
120 (49) |
0.40 |
130 (54) |
0.30 |
140 (60) |
0.20 |
Notes:
The maximum burial depth is the maximum depth the pipe can be buried without the pipe deflecting
more than 7.5% for gravity sewer or 5% for pressure pipe. Some municipalities require a maximum pipe
deflection of 5% regardless of pipe type. Maximum burial depth depends on multiple factors such as
pipe stiffness, bedding material and compaction (Soil Modulus - E'), and the presence of any additional
above ground live loads.
Please refer to the following Technical Bulletin: Burial Depth Guidance for Gravity Sewer PVC Pipe
According to ASTM D2321, Standard Practice for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe for
Sewer and Other Gravity-Flow Applications:
“The minimum depth of cover should be established by the engineer, based on an evaluation of
specific project conditions.”
“In the absence of an engineering evaluation, the following minimum cover requirements should be
used. For embedment materials installed in accordance with Table 3, provide cover (that is, depth of
backfill above top of pipe) of at least 24 in. or one pipe diameter (whichever is larger) for Class I
embedment, and a cover of at least 36 in. or one pipe diameter (whichever is larger) for Class II, III, and
IV embedment, before allowing vehicles or construction equipment to traffic the trench surface, and at
least 48 in. of cover before using a hydro-hammer for compaction.”
Also, the Uni-bell PVC Association Handbook of PVC pipe states:
“A minimum cover height of 12 in. is recommended for PVC (SDR35) pipe subjected to highway loads of
up to 18 kip axle. To prevent cracking of the road surface, special attention should be given to the
selection, placement, and compaction of backfill material around shallow buried flexible pipe (such as
PVC pipe)”
Please refer to the following Technical Bulletin: Burial Depth Guidance for Gravity Sewer PVC Pipe
In regards to PVC pressure pipe the minimum burial depth is typically driven by the depth of the frost line.
Where there is no frost line, the minimum burial depth for PVC pressure pipe is 12”.
Source: PVC Pipe Association. Handbook of PVC Pipe Design and Construction, 5th Ed.
New York: Industrial Press, 2013. Print.
We recommend that the bell end be stationary and the spigot (Male End) be inserted into the bell
end, as seen below. This reduces the risk of debris entering the bell prior to installation.
Typically it is recommended that the bell direction is installed such that the fluid flows from the spigot
end into the bell end, as seen below; however, the direction of the bell is not critical and the joint will
seal regardless of flow direction.
Allowable angular joint deflection of NAPCO's pipe is as follows:
Joint Type |
Max. Angular Joint Deflection |
Integral Bell (IB) | 1° |
Certa-Lok RJ Coupling |
0.5° per side 1° Total per joint |
Certa-Lok RJIB | 0.5° |
Solvent Weld (SW) | None |
For more information on joint deflection and details about longitudinal bending of PVC pipe refer
NAPCO's Technical Bulletin: Changing Direction of PVC Pipelines
Allowable angular joint deflection for NAPCO Royal pipe:
Joint Type |
Max. Angular Joint Deflection |
Pressure Pipe – Integral Bell (IB) |
1° (100mm to 300mm [4” to 12”]) 2° (350mm to 600mm [14” to 24”]) |
Gasketed Sewer – Integral Bell (IB) |
5° (100mm to 300mm [4” to 12”]) 3° (375mm to 600mm [15” to 24”]) 1.5° (600mm [27”]) |
Kor-Flo® |
5° (200mm to 450mm [8” to 18”]) 3° (525mm to 600mm [21” to 24”]) 1° (750mm to 900mm [30” to 36”]) |
Cobra Lock RJ Coupling | N/A – Refer to Max. Bending Limits |
For more information on longitudinal bending of Cobra Lock® refer to the product’s Technical Specification
For more information on changing direction of NAPCO Royal’s Gasketed Sewer Pipe and Kor-Flo® refer to the
Gasketed Sewer Pipe and Fittings Installation Guide (Page 19 and 20)
CCTV inspection of PVC pipelines can reveal small longitudinal gaps between the spigot end and the
end of the bell of gasketed joints. These gaps are designed to accommodate expansion, deflection,
and slight over-insertion. This gap does not affect the hydraulic performance of the pipe.
Note: Pictures and videos from CCTV inspections cannot be used to determine exact measurements of
joint gaps due to viewing angles and camera lighting.
Example of typical gap in joint:
For more information, refer to Uni-Bell's Technical Brief about Expansion Gaps
PVC Pipe should not be air tested at high pressures!
A. PVC Pressure pipe requires pressure testing at high psi. A failure of a high pressure air testing
would result in high velocity and likely fatal projectile objects; therefore, air testing of PVC
pressure pipe is expressly prohibited. Water pressure testing is the only pressure testing
allowed to be performed on PVC pressure pipe.
B. Gravity Sewer PVC pipe (ASTM D3034/F679) can be air tested up to a maximum of 9 psig
(typical testing pressures are lower) according to ASTM F1417 "Standard Test Method for
Installation Acceptance of Plastic Gravity Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air.” Even though 9
psig is low pressure, the resulting thrust forces on a pipeline, end plugs and caps can result in
projectile objects during a test failure; therefore, the following safety risks from Section 6 of
ASTM F1417 (the ASTM Air Testing Standard) should be considered:
For more information, refer to Uni-Bell's Technical Briefs: Air Testing of Installed PVC Pipelines and Considerations for Air Testing of PVC Sewer Pipes
Water tight joints – When installed correctly, gasketed joints are leak-free, allowing for
successful post-installation testing and a leak-free piping system.
Ease of Installation – Gasketed joints require minimal time to install, especially compared to
solvent weld, flanged, or welded joints. The gasketed joints can be easily pushed together and
are ready for use immediately following assembly.
Pipeline System Robustness – Gasketed joints allow for additional movement, within the joint,
due to joint deflection, minor surge pressures, and thermal expansion/contraction. Note:
restrained joints may be required when excess force is expected to occur at the joints.
NAPCO offers the following gasket materials:
If you have a specific question about available gasket materials, please contact Technical Services at
855-624-7473, Option 3 or technical@napcopipe.com.
Note: gasket types are specific to product types
NAPCO’s Certa-Lok® self-restraining pipe system provides a restrained joint by utilizing precision-
machined grooves on the pipe spigot and inside the pipe bell or coupling. When assembled, a spline is manually
inserted or imbedded in the pipe bell, or coupling, engages a grove in the spigot resulting in a
continuous circumferential restrained joint that locks the segments of pipe together. A flexible
elastomeric gasket located in a groove in the pipe bell, or coupling, provides a hydraulic pressure seal.
Certa-Lok® is available with a Restrained Joint (RJ) coupling or with a Restrained Joint Integral Bell
(RJIB).
The advantages of the Certa-Lok joints are:
The Certa-Lok self-restraining joint is used in the following Product lines:
Product Line |
Joint Type Available |
C900 Pressure Pipe | RJIB and RJ Couplings |
D2241 Pressure Pipe | RJ Couplings Only |
Certa-Flo® - Sewer | RJIB Only |
Certa-Com® - Electrical | RJIB Only |
Certa-Set® - Agriculture & Irrigation | RJ Couplings Only |
D2241- Yelomine® | RJIB and RJ Couplings |
Certa-Lok® Well Casing | RJIB and RJ Couplings |
Certa-Lok® Drop Pipe | RJ Couplings Only |
NOTE: RJ Coupling = Restrained Joint Coupling; RJIB = Restrained Joint Integral Bell
RJIB:
RJ:
All tensile force ratings can be found in the Technical Product Specification of the applicable product
line (Yelomine, C900, 2241, Well Casing, Certa-Flo, Certa-Com, Etc.). For more information on
NAPCO's process of Tensile Testing our products, refer to the following Technical Bulletin: Certa-Lok® Joint Tensile Strength Testing
In most cases RJ couplings and pipe can be used with RJIB pipe, but there are circumstances where
they are not compatible. Refer to following Technical Bulletins for connecting different style joints for
more specific scenarios.
For our C900 product line refer to: Connecting Different Joint Styles of AWWA C900 PVC Pipe
For our ASTM D2241 product line refer to: Connecting Different Joint Styles of ASTM D2241 PVC Pipe
NAPCO's Yelomine® products use a specially modified PVC compound* that contains impact modifiers
that allow for higher impact strength and ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors that allow the pipe to be used
continuously in exposed above-ground applications. Yelomine® PVC is certified to the specifications of
ASTM D2241.
*Minimum cell classification of 12454, as defined in ASTM D1784.
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