PVC Large Diameter Pipe

PVC piping is a more sustainable product than other piping materials, making it ideal for long-term term use in underground infrastructure.

A study by Utah State University’s Buried Structures Laboratory supports a PVC pipe design life of 100+ years or greater.

It requires less energy and fewer resources to manufacture than old-technology materials, and its production creates virtually no waste.

It is produced with sustainable and abundant resources: chlorine, which is derived from salt, and domestically produced natural gas.

Municipalities using PVC piping have experienced life cycle costs at 30% to 70% less than those of metallic pipe.

PVC’s corrosion resistance also helps reduce water main breaks.

Utah State University’s Buried Structures Laboratory found PVC pipes have the lowest break rates compared to other pipe materials including ductile iron, cement and cast iron.

The European Plastic Pipes and Fitting Association found PVC sewer pipe could be installed 30% faster than conventional pipes.

Water Infrastructure

Vast networks of aging underground iron and cement pipes are nearing or past their useful lives

7 billion gallons of water are leaking out of aging iron and cement pipes each year

American Society of Civil Engineers’ gave the nation’s water infrastructure a “D+” grade, reveals that there are an estimated 240,000 water main breaks per year in the U.S.

S. cities with the worst leakage problems between 2000 and 2010: Atlanta came up on top, with 31.4% of water lost, followed by Cleveland at 28.7%, Philadelphia at 26.5%, Pittsburgh at 26%, Detroit at 15.9% and New York City at 14.2%.

AWWA reports: “Restoring existing water systems as they reach the end of their useful lives and expanding them to serve a growing population will cost at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years.”

For more information on PVC pipes, including a PVC pipe EPD and other studies and reports, visit PVC Pipe Association at www.uni-bell.org, or download their PVC pipe standards app—found in both the App Store and Google Play.