Home  

→ Resource Center  → The Longevity of PVC Piping - Making it Last

The Basics PVC Projects / Plans Calculators Product Specific Application Specific

Around PVCFO

The Longevity of PVC Piping - Making WELCOME

it Last Welcome to our resource

center! Here you will find a

wide range of content that
This entry was posted on January 9, 2020 by Korey Kashmer.
includes DIY projects,
video tutorials, contractor
         
Like 1  
and DIY terms, plans and
As one of the most-used plumbing materials, PVC pipe is known for being much more.
very durable and long-lasting. In fact, PVC pipes last approximately 100 We have information
years. Of course, there are various factors that determine just how long on just about any PVC
specific PVC pipes will survive, including what it’s exposed to and how it’s Question, DIY Project
installed. The good news is, there are some things you can do to protect or Contractor Spec.
your PVC pipes and prevent their deterioration. If you can't find what
you need, visit our
How Long Does PVC Last? customer support
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes were introduced in the section.
1960s as alternatives to other plumbing materials Resource Center
available at the time. These new inexpensive and Home
durable pipes quickly became popular and are still
SEARCH OUR RC
the type of piping that are most-used for water POSTS
supply lines. While it’s estimated that PVC pipes will
last about 100 years, the exact lifespan isn’t known because PVC piping
Search Posts
hasn’t been around that long yet.
Search
Of course, the natural lifespan of PVC pipes (such as ours) depends on the
specific uses and other factors. In this post, we’ll take a look at how PVC
can become weakened or damaged, as well as how you can help prevent
RECENT POSTS
deterioration and increase the lifespan of the PVC in your home.
Steve in Pequea, Pennsylvania purchased 1-
DIY Ring Toss Game
1/2" Schedule 80 PVC Sweep
Shop Schedule 40 806-015S
90 Elbow Pipe Using PVC
about 2 hours ago
Sun Exposure Harms PVC Piping How to Clean the
Inside of a PVC Pipe
One of the most harmful things for PVC pipes is sun exposure. PVC that is
run above ground and exposed to sunlight can break down faster than it Is Bleach Safe to Use
normally would. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can actually break down on PVC Piping?
the structure of PVC material and make it brittle and breakable.
How to Glue PVC Pipe
There are some ways that you can protect PVC piping systems – even those / Fittings
that have to be run above ground. The best ways to do so are by painting
How to Paint PVC
the pipes or providing a covering for exposed pipes. PVC manufacturers
Pipe / Fittings
recommend that a thin coat of a light-colored latex-based paint be applied
to protect any exposed piping. This will keep the pipes from showing any How to Build a DIY
discoloration from the sunlight and help keep them strong and durable. It’s Polish Horseshoe Set
also recommended that when you buy PVC pipe, you do so from a supplier,
Tips For Soldering
such as PVC Fittings Online, that stores the piping in a covered warehouse,
Brass Ball Valves
so it’s not exposed to damaging sun rays before you even buy it.
DIY Instructions for
Debris and Weather Damage to Underground PVC Building A PVC Bike
Repair Stand
For PVC piping systems that are buried underground, sunlight won’t be a
problem, but debris, soil movement, and freezing temperatures may be.
The debris and rocks that are underground with your pipes can lead to CATEGORIES
friction, which can cause damage to PVC pipes. Additionally, in climates
where freezing temperatures occur, PVC pipes may be at risk. When the
Application Specific
ground freezes and thaws, it can cause soil to shift, contract, and expand,
» Filtration
which can all damage a plumbing system. While PVC is more flexible than
other materials, it does still have a breaking point, and it’s often soil » Pools
movement that can cause it to fail.
» Gardening

Fortunately, there are some best practices that will mitigate the risks of
» Plumbing
damage for underground PVC pipes and piping systems. First, it’s important
that as much debris and rock is removed from the soil where a piping » Breweries

system will be going. Whether it’s a contractor who is doing the work, or » Wells
you as a homeowner, it’s essential that the soil is as rock- and debris-free
as possible. That may mean removing rocky soil and replacing it with sand. Around PVCFO
Another best practice to remember is that PVC piping lines should be » Community Topics
installed at least one to two feet below ground to prevent damage from
» Supporting
freezing and thawing cycles.
Education
Improper Installation and Use Causes PVC Failure General
If PVC piping systems are not planned and installed properly, it can result in Industry Buzz
Steve in Pequea, Pennsylvania purchased 1-
the system failing. Obviously, this is true of any type of plumbing system.
1/2" Schedule 80 PVC Sweep Product Specific
One of the most 90 common
Elbow 806-015Smistakes that is made when PVC piping systems
are installed isabout
using too much or too little PVC cement (here) to bond
2 hours ago
» Valves
pipes to fittings. Because PVC is a very porous » Fittings
material, too much cement can cause it to
» Piping
break down. Conversely, when too little
cement is used, it can create weakened bonds » Supplies
that may leak or break.
PVC Projects / Plans
Another issue that may occur when PVC
» Seasonal
piping systems are not installed properly is
called a “short insertion.” When this error is » Kids

made, it’s because someone fails to push a » Furniture

pipe all the way into a fitting. This causes a gap which can lead to leaking
» Outdoor
water as well as an accumulation of contaminants being able to enter the
water flow. » Garage

To prevent installation issues from happening, it’s important that all debris, » Sports

burrs, or anything else that may cause residue to accumulate, is removed

» Maintenance
prior to installation. The edges of the PVC pipe should be as smooth as
possible, allowing connections to be made completely and the cement to » Office

bond properly. Additionally, it’s important that the water velocity that the
The Basics
system will operate with must be considered – especially in irrigation
systems. Using the proper pipe diameter size for the expected water flow
will help prevent deterioration from occurring. MY CART

PVC Pipe Strength You have no items in

your shopping cart.
PVC pipe is a perfect material for many home projects including plumbing
and irrigation, and it’s known for its rigidity, strength, durability, reliability,
and affordability. However, like any other plumbing material, it has to be NEWSLETTER
properly installed and cared for in order to function properly in both the
short- and long-term. The above information was created to help you Enter your email address

ensure that your PVC piping projects last as long as you need them to.
Subscribe

Shop Schedule 40 Pipe

Steve in Pequea, Pennsylvania purchased 1-

1/2" Schedule 80 PVC Sweep
90 Elbow 806-015S
about 2 hours ago