How To Install PVC Pipe

by Alden Smith

Polyvinyl chloride pipe (PVC) has made a tremendous improvement in plumbing.  It replaces cast iron and galvanized pipe in almost all situations.  Light weight and easy to work with, PVC is available in many different sizes.  Fittings and related materials are readily available at all plumbing and hardware stores.  This article discusses PVC pipe, its uses and installation.

What is PVC?

PVC pipe is made from polyvinyl chloride.  It is used in drains, as vents and to handle waste in buildings.  It is rigid, lightweight, and strong. Because of PVC pipe's ease of installation, it is ideal for drain applications under kitchen sinks and bathroom vanities.  The many fittings available for attaching PVC make it universal in all settings except very high temperature applications. It works much better for plumbing than the old standard cast iron pipe because it does not need to be hot soldered, is resistant to almost any alkaline or toxic substance, and is easy to install.  There are two types, which are defined in standards -- type 40 for personal homes and type 80, sed in industrial settings.

Some Advantages

PVC has many advantages, as listed here:

• It is very easy to install.
• It is chemical resistant
• It is strong
• It is fire resistant
• It has a high internal corrosion resistance.
• It is immune to galvanic or electrolytic attack.
• It is free from toxicity, is odorless and tasteless
• It has low friction loss
• It has low thermal conductivity
• There is a low installation cost
• It is virtually maintenance free.
  

Cutting and Fitting

PVC can be cut easily. You can cut it with a hacksaw, but abrasive disks are made for miter saws that work better to get a straight edge.  Remember, a joint that is skewed due to pipe not being cut straight can throw off the entire run of pipe.

Measure twice, cut once. After cutting, clean all shavings out of the pipe and burr the inside edges. When the pipe is cut to the proper length, lay it out on the floor with fittings in place to determine if length is correct. If it is the proper length, proceed to installation.

PVC Cleaners and Cements

PVC is joined with a special type of cement.  First, the pipe must be cleaned with all-purpose pipe cleaner.  The cement sets up very quickly, so you must be ready to go as soon as it is applied. Coat the inner surface of the joint with the cement, insert the PVC pipe, and turn it 1/4 turn to insure that the cement completely covers the pipe. Be certain that the pipe is seated correctly in the joint.

Once the PVC pipe is in place and you have determined that it is of proper length, install pipe hangers to support the pipe. This eases strain on the joints that could lead to possible leakage. Follow recommendations for the distances from hanger to hanger, allowing for movement in expansion and contraction. Be sure to protect the pipe from nails, screws or abrasive materials.

Some FAQ's

What is the design life of PVC pipe?

PVC, because of its composition, will last for the design life of the home in which it is installed.  Because it is rustproof and chemical resistant, a design life of 100 years is typical.

Is PVC pipe recyclable?

Yes. The pipe can be pulverized and returned to the extrusion process to manufacture new pipe.  There are currently no standards for this.  Because of its long life, PVC hasn't had a lot of exposure to recycling.

Is PVC resistant to UV rays?

Because of its inherent design PVC pipe contains stabilizers that protect the pipe against attack by UV rays present in sunlight.  Some discoloration may occur. Several years of exposure may see slight reduction in the impact resistance of the material. By painting the exposed pipe with a latex paint (don't use oil based) this problem is virtually eliminated.

Is PVC pipe fireproof?

Like any plastic, PVC pipe will melt if subjected to high temperatures.  However, it stops that process immediately when the fire source is removed. Studies show that PVC pipe in a typical installation is less than 1% of all combustible materials in a building.

PVC pipe is easy to install.  Its light weight makes it easy for the plumber to handle. When doing any plumbing replacement in a building, give PVC pipe a try.


Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.