Welcome to John’s Blog. Answers to frequently asked questions are periodically posted here. The objective is to share information about PVC pipe with readers as well as with utilities, design engineers and pipe installers. The blog provides the latest information on PVC pipe design, installation, and application for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
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John Houle: Senior Technical Consultant, PVC Pipe Industry
John Houle holds a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri and an MBA from the University of Oregon. He has more than 25 years of experience in the plastic pipe industry in applications engineering, market development, forensic analysis, technical writing, and standards development.
Recent introduction of PP into the sanitary sewer market should be cause for concern to wastewater utilities. Unsupported claims about performance, lack of rigorous studies and testing, questions regarding joint integrity, reduced safety factor, limited options for fittings and lateral connections, all point to the need for caution when considering PP alternatives over PVC pipe.
Thermoplastic materials have different engineering properties and standards, and it's important for engineers, contractors and sewer departments to recognize them. Otherwise they risk compromising long-term performance.
Uni-Bell's PVC vs. PP comparison sheet (click here) summarizes these differences, ranging from why bell stiffeners are required for PP, to allowable deflection limits and the corresponding safety factor – confirming PVC pipe's superior performance.
Supported by over 40 years of standards and testing, PVC pipe offers exceptional joint integrity, low maintenance and a high safety factor, backed by stringent mandrel and low-pressure air tests. With a broad assortment of fittings for connections, which help avoid compromising system integrity through use of cut-in fittings, PVC pipe is available in a wide array of options suitable for the most difficult applications.
With more than one million miles in service, and manufactured in sizes ranging for 4-60 inches, PVC is the most widely used material for gravity sewer pipe with an estimated market share in excess of 80%.
The quality and performance of PVC have been validated by countless universities, government agencies, engineers, installers and utilities. As well, it was ranked highest in a 2010 buried pipe market survey by Trenchless Technology Magazine and rated as the most commonly specified, easiest to maintain and longest-lasting pipe material. See pages 8-11 of the study by clicking on the following link:
/Portals/0/Blog/2010_Pipe_Materials_Guide.pdf?ver=2018-06-14-042331-480
When compared to PVC, PP just doesn't measure up. For proven performance, sustainability and cost effectiveness, PVC is the material of choice for water and wastewater systems.
If you have any questions about the comparison sheet, please feel free to contact us.
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