In 2007, AWWA C900 PVC Pressure Standards were changed to reflect experience with PVC pipe products in municipal applications for over 30 years, current research into PVC performance and harmonizing various PVC pressure pipe standards. This article explains the new pressure classes of DR14-305 psi, DR18-235 psi and DR25-165 psi PVC pipe products. Pipe wall thicknesses and dimensions stayed the same with this change.

AwwaRF sponsored a study to examine the long-term performance of PVC water pipes. Key points from the research paper are summarized in "AwwaRF Looks At PVC Pipes Long-Term Performance."

INTERNAL PRESSURE DESIGN CALCULATOR

Assists engineers to determine PVC pipe wall thickness using expected design values for working pressure, surge pressures (both occasional and recurring) and hydrostatic test pressure based on pipe size and OD regimen. 

A fact sheet summarizing PVC Pressure Pipe Standards for Water Mains.

THRUST RESTRAINT CALCULATOR

Thrust restraint is needed to address changes in diameter or direction. The Thrust Restraint Calculator enables engineers and designers to quickly determine the thrust restraint needs for PVC piping systems. The PVC pipe industry offers a full line of thrust restraint products to meet every project need. Please contact one of our Regional Engineers for specific product and design questions.

We thank EBAA Iron, Inc. an Associate Member of the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association, for providing this resource. Clicking the download button will start the opening menu for this software.

Molecularly Oriented PVC Pipe — PVCO: light-weight, thinner-walled alternative with the same pressure capacity as thicker-walled PVC pipe.

Recent hydraulic research on new and in-service PVC pipe has confirmed that industry-recommended flow coefficients are conservative for design of pressure and non-pressure pipes.

This technical report examines head loss and pumping costs over 100-years for PVC and ductile iron pipe.