Educational Webinars

PVC Pipe Association Webinar Series

Welcome to the PVC Pipe Association's online webinar training series. Our webinars offer educational and informative workshops on an on-going basis to support the use of PVC piping in water and wastewater systems. Webinars include examples of how PVC pipe has benefited utilities across North America.

We also provide customized webinars on the design, specification and installation of PVC pipe for water and sewer projects. Let us know if you would like us to organize a webinar for your organization by emailing info@unibell.org.

*Note for PVC Pipe Association webinars offering Professional Development Hours (PDHs): Continuing education requirements for professional engineering licenses may differ from state to state. The final authority to approve PDHs, courses and credits and other ways to earn credits rests with each state licensing board. Individuals are advised to contact their respective state licensing boards regarding their continuing education requirements for professional engineering licensure.

Upcoming Webinars

Installation of PVC Water and Sewer Piping Systems – March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025 10:30 AM Enroll


Ideal for Water and Sewer Utility Engineers, Contractors, Inspectors, Engineering Consultants and Developers

This training webinar by PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) staff will provide the most up-to-date information available on installation practices for gasketed PVC water and sewer pipes and fittings as well as answer frequently asked questions. Properly installed pipelines ensure best performance and maximum design life for underground infrastructure.

FREE Contractor's Guide for All Participants

The reference book for this educational seminar is the new Contractor's Guide, which is the most concise, authoritative publication available for the installation of gasketed-joint PVC pipes and fittings. Webinar registrants will be mailed a FREE copy. Written and sponsored by PVCPA, the guide comes complete with practical tables and figures that helps users to be more effective and efficient at installing PVC piping systems, reducing potential pipeline problems and helping to ensure optimum system performance. It can also serve as a reference document prior to undertaking a pipeline project.

Recommended for Local Underground Pipeline Installation Contractors

It is highly recommended that local water and sewer pipe installation contractors participate in this training seminar. Utilities are encouraged to forward this email to their local underground pipeline contractors and have them register. The Contractor's Guide is also useful to utility crews involved in installation or maintenance of PVC water or sewer systems. The easy-to-use, "reversible book" format provides two valuable guides in one and assists readers to quickly access the information they are seeking.

The 60-minute webinar will cover the following topics:

  • Manufacturing and plant testing of PVC pipe
  • Handling and storage
  • Proper joint assembly
  • Alignment deflection options
  • Joint restraint options
  • Fittings for PVC pipe
  • Tapping of PVC pipe
  • Post-installation testing
  • Special installation considerations

To view the background information, please click on the following links:

Group pricing is available for teams of 10 or more. Please reach out to info@unibell.org for more information.

Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 1
Price: $149.00

Enroll

Considerations for Pipe Material Selection: PVC vs. Ductile Iron (DI) Pipe – April 2, 2025

April 02, 2025 10:30 AM Enroll

Ideal for Water Utilities, Engineering, Consultants, Contractors and Government Agencies

PVC PipeToday's marketplace offers North American utilities a wide variety of piping to choose from. Pipe materials can differ significantly in performance capabilities and in the applications for which they are suitable. As a result, making direct comparisons between pipe materials can be challenging for utilities. This webinar will compare PVC and ductile iron (DI) pressure pipe with respect to their properties, design methodologies, installation requirements, and long-term performance in various applications. The information will help utilities that use both piping materials to make better informed decisions for their projects.

This one-hour webinar covers the following topics:

  • History and background of PVC and DI pipe
  • Hydraulics of PVC and DI pipe
  • Design considerations for PVC and DI pipe
  • Installation requirements for PVC and DI pipe
  • Pipe material longevity and performance

DI PipeTo view the background information for this webinar, please review the following links:

Group pricing is available for teams of 10 or more. Please reach out to info@unibell.org for more information.

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 1
Price: $149.00

Enroll

The Health, Safety, and Environmental Performance of PVC Pipe – April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025 10:30 AM Enroll

Ideal for Water Utility Engineers, Engineering Consultants, Senior Municipal Staff, and Elected Officials
 

Water utility engineers and other industry professionals with an interest in the safety and sustainability of drinking water piping are invited to participate in an information session featuring a panel of independent experts who will provide the latest science on the health, safety, and environmental attributes of PVC pipe. Topics include:

  • Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)
  • Wildfires and benzene
  • Phthalates
  • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
  • Microplastics
  • Carbon emissions
  • Recyclability
  • Life cycle assessments (LCAs)
  • Environmental product declarations (EPDs)
  • And more...


Background
The Health, Safety, and Environmental Performance of PVC Pipe
For more than 70 years, PVC pipe’s raw materials, production, and use have been evaluated and approved by governmental and accredited third-party testing and certification agencies, confirming that PVC is a safe material for the delivery of potable water. All ingredients in PVC pipe are publicly listed and approved for use in drinking water systems. Additionally, more than 10 million water-quality tests conducted on water transported through PVC pipes have confirmed its safety, with “non-detect” levels of VCM consistently reported by NSF and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The PVC pipe industry has published a comprehensive, third-party LCA and two EPDs under the stringent guidelines of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14025 and 14040 standards. Compared to alternatives like ductile iron piping, the studies show that PVC has by far the lowest health and environmental impacts, including the smallest carbon footprint. Certified by NSF, the EPDs also confirm that PVC pipes do not release any harmful chemicals into water systems and pose no toxicity risks during use. This rigorous certification underscores the industry’s dedication to both environmental responsibility and public health.

Presenters

Tad Radzinski, PE, SEP, LEED AP, SFP is President and Co-Founder of Sustainable Solutions Corporation and has nearly 40 years of diversified experience providing sustainable manufacturing, building and operations, training, and education services. He has conducted LCAs and developed EPDs for companies across a wide range of industries.

Ronald Brecher, PhD, DABT, C.Chem. has practiced toxicology for more than 35 years, focusing on risk assessment related to human exposure to chemicals in the environment, food, and products. Ron consults for health departments and other agencies for all levels of government in Canada as well as clients throughout North America. He has led multi-stakeholder groups in evaluating scientific information to support regulatory decisions related to toxicological risks and impacts.


Jeremy Brown is Regulatory Affairs Manager, Water Program at NSF and educates regulators on third-party certification and NSF standards pertaining to plumbing, pool and recreational water, drinking water treatment, and wastewater products. Jeremy has served multiple roles at NSF including Business Manager, Technical Manager for Drinking Water Systems and Plastics/Plumbing Groups. He is a member of the Uniform Plumbing Code Technical Committee, AWWA main standards committee, and the Canadian Advisory Council on Plumbing.

Tad Radzinski

Ronald W. Brecher

Jeremy Brown

Information and links:

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 0
Price: $0.00

Enroll

Tapping Small- and Large-Diameter PVC Water Pipe – April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025 10:30 AM Enroll

Ideal for Water and Sewer Utilities, Engineering Consultants and Installers


PVC Pressure Pipe Tapping GuidePVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) staff will review tapping procedures for both small- and large-diameter gasketed PVC pressure pipe. The presentation will include instructional diagrams and photos. “Tapping” involves drilling a hole into a main-line pipe to attach a branch line. It’s often done with the main line under full pressure so specialized techniques have been developed to streamline the installation process.

This 30-minute webinar will discuss proper tapping techniques for gasketed PVC water pipe and include the following topics:

  1. Introduction
  2. Direct tapping
  3. Saddle tapping
  4. Sleeve tapping

To view the background information for this webinar, please review the following documents:

  1. PVC Pressure Pipe Tapping Guide
  2. Saddle Tapping Basics
  3. Handbook of PVC Pipe Design and Construction
  4. Contractor's Guide for Installation of Gasketed PVC Water/Sewer Pipe

Group pricing is available for teams of 10 or more. Please reach out to info@unibell.org for more information.

Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 0.5
Price: $99.00

Enroll

Large-Diameter PVC Gravity Sewer Pipelines – Benefits and Design Considerations – May 14, 2025

May 14, 2025 10:30 AM Enroll

Ideal for Water and Sewer Utilities, Engineering Consultants and Installers

Large Diameter PVC Gravity SewerA presentation by PVC Pipe Association staff on the benefits and design considerations for large-diameter PVC sewer pipe. PVC gravity piping has been the material of choice for North American sewer utilities since the 1970s and concise technical information is available to support its growing acceptance and use in larger sizes. Cities across the U.S. and Canada are increasingly using PVC pipe for large interceptor sewer projects and several case studies will be discussed.

This webinar is useful for designers and managers of large-diameter gravity sewer pipelines. Numerous aspects of PVC sewer pipe design will be covered, including flexible pipe design for deep bury applications, hydraulic analysis, comparison with other pipe materials, as well as the benefits of PVC's material properties. Participants will learn how PVC pipe's strength, proven durability, and performance provides more than 100 years of service life. Additionally, the importance of proper bedding and backfill will be covered. The information will be useful for upcoming projects in municipalities that have previously used PVC and in utilities considering PVC sewer pipe for the first time.

Design information to supplement this webinar is available in the Handbook of PVC Pipe Design and Construction, 5th Edition. Click here for information on how to download chapters 6 and 7 of the Handbook for FREE.

Large-Diameter PVC Gravity SewerThis one-hour webinar covers the following topics:

  • Standards and testing
  • Longevity
  • Material properties
  • Hydraulic design
  • Pipe stiffness selection and deflection evaluation
  • Proper bedding and backfill
  • Design example
  • Case studies

Background information and links:

Group pricing is available for teams of 10 or more. Please reach out to info@unibell.org for more information.

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central Standard Time
PDHs: 1
Price: $149.00

Enroll

 

Topics

General

  • Overview of PVC Pipe
  • Frequently Asked Questions About PVC Pipe

​Design

  • Design of PVC Pressure Pipelines
  • External Load Design for PVC Gravity Sewer Pipe
  • Sewer Force Main Design
  • Hydraulic Design - Friction Factors for PVC Piping Systems

Installation & Operation

  • Installation of PVC Water and Sewer Piping Systems
  • New Guide on Tapping Small and Large Diameter PVC Water Pipe
  • A Look at the Longevity of PVC Water Pipe

Additional Resources

  • Life Cycle Assessment for PVC Water and Sewer Pipe and Comparative Sustainability Analysis of Pipe Materials
  • Review of PVC Standards Sheets
  • Technical Resources for PVC Piping Systems: An Overview
  • Water and Sewer Utilities Considering PVC Pipe for the First Time