Below are some of the frequently asked questions and answers in regards to our products. If you need more product information, or would like to speak to a specialist, please refer to our contact details
Although PVC materials can be made in many colors and there is some pattern to what the industry has done, no established color coding exists. The earliest PVC piping was made in industrial gray, and that product line is still very active. Much of the PVC irrigation piping is white. Most PVC water piping is white, but there have been some manufacturers who use blue as a means to distinguish their product line. Many PVC sewer products are green. Much DWV piping is white, but certain manufacturers have opted for beige or buff colors.
The outside of PVC pipe must be labeled as follows: The manufacturer's name or trademark The standard to which it conforms Pipe size Material designation code DWV if for drainage Pressure rating if for pressure SDR number or schedule number If the pipe is for potable water, a laboratory seal or mark attesting to suitability for potable water For those standards that cover several products, there must be additional markings to indicate the pipe stiffness number, the SDR, the EB or DB number. A certifier's mark may also be on the pipe.
The maximum use temperature for PVC pressure pipe is 140 degrees F. PVC DWV piping readily withstands the hot and cold water discharges that are normally associated with plumbing fixtures.
PVC does not readily degrade when exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) due to natural UV inhibitors present in the material. Short-term exposure to sunlight, such as during construction, is typically not a problem for PVC pipe. PVC piping may be used in outodoor applications when the piping system is painted with a light-colored water based acrylic or latex paint that is chemically compatible with PVC. When painted, the effects of UV exposure are significantly reduced.
No. The noticeable line you are seeing is a more than likely not a crack. If you are unable to open it up by pulling on the part then what you are seeing is most likely a knit-line (other names include weld-line and flow-line). The formation of a knit-line is an intrinsic part of the injection-molding process and is created when hot melted plastic flows under pressure into a mold cavity, around cores and finally “knits” back together on the opposite side of the cavity fill point. Knit-lines will sometimes appear straight or as gently wavy curving lines running the length of the fitting (both inside and outside ). A fitting that displays this type of line is not defective. A knit-line will not impact the integrity of the product or system.
Yes, studies on PVC pipe made in Europe in the 1930’s and been in continuous use suggest a very long useful life for these products of a hundred years or more, which will generally exceed the lifespan of the structures they are installed in
Whenever possible, cut out the leaking joint and start over. A leaking solvent welded joint is an indication that the joint was not made correctly. It may not have been fully bottomed, a component may have been damaged or foreign materials may be trapped inside the joint. For a temporary repair, plastic fillet hot air welding can be used on the outside of the pipe and fitting to stop very minor leaks. This should only be used as a short term measure before the joint can be replaced.
Polyethylene (PE) pipe is an excellent pipe for water distribution. It has leak-free joints and a proven history of performance in water.
Yes, PE is safe and commonly used in potable water systems when the plastic has received approval to NSF International's standards health effects applications by a third party certifying agency. Examples of such standards are NSF 14 and NSF 61. Polyethylene is also commonly used for food containers (milk bottles, plastic food bags, etc.)