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.

All Participants Receive a FREE Copy of the Contractor's Guide for Installation of Gasketed PVC Pipe

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 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:

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

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

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

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