UPVC Pipe Systems - General characteristics

Concerning the admissible working pressure for fixing material made out of UPVC we refer to the PN-data for the accoutrements (20°C and Water). For different temperatures or mediums please make reference to our product management.

Advantages of the UPVC-System

The material UPVC is characterized by its hardness, dimensional stability and exceptional chemical resistance which result from the interaction of the chlorine atoms in the polymer chain. These characteristics predestine the material UPVC to be used in the production of pipe installations under pressure.

Behaviour of UPVC when used outside

UPVC is weather resistant in middle European climate zones north of the Alps even under the influence of the short wave UV-parts of the sunlight. Nonetheless UPVC loses a little bit of its impact-resistance and therefore it is to your advantage to protect the material by using an Isolation system, a cover or a protective coating in case the product is used under extreme conditions.

Chemical resistance

UPVC has an exceptional chemical resistance, even under the influence of high temperatures or medium concentrations. In comparison to a multitude of dilute or concentrated acids and bases , alkalis and aliphatic compounds, UPVC is rated as resistant. It shows weaknesses when confronted with mediums like ester, ketone, chlorinated hydrocarbons and several other solvents. UPVC is not resistant towards strong oxidants.

The chemical resistance depends on multiple factors, for example the operating temperature, the operating pressure, the concentration and other influences. If you have a special request you can look up the resistance in our resistance list or contact our product management.

Temperature- and pressure range of application

UPVC is usable in a temperature range from 0°C up to 60°C. Temperatures higher than 60°C soften the material relatively fast. Under 0°C the impact-resistance decreases, therefore Akatherm FIP doesn’t recommend the use of UPVC in this range of temperature. Concerning the internal pressure capacity of tubes and patterns we refer to the graph under the section Pressure-Temperature-graph. For details regarding the maximum internal pressure capacity of accoutrements please note the additional comments regarding the accoutrement or make reference to our product management.

Electrical property

UPVC is a polar, amorphous thermoplastic with exceptional insulation properties. Because of the possibly resulting static electricity UPVC can’t be used in situations where a danger of inflammation or explosion exists.

Low weight

UPVC systems weigh only half in comparison to copper pipe installations and only 1/5 compared to steel pipe installations. This simplifies the handling and new fields of application are possible, in which UPVC can replace metallic systems because of its special characteristics.


As all thermoplastic plastics UPVC has a relatively high thermic coefficient of expansion (0,08 mm/m °C). This fact has to be taken into consideration during the planning of the tube system. There exist several possibilities: Installation of an expansion arc or compensators as well as clamping them at fixed points. In order to do this, sound knowledge of the use of plastic is necessary and we recommend to calculate the planned system with the help of a computer program.

Easy connection

UPVC tube components are connected to each other with adherence. The production of such glued joints requires expertise, which can be acquired in classes held by Akatherm FIP. Concerning the adherence please take into consideration the special guidelines from the adhesive supplier or the published instructions from the KRV (Kunststoffrohrverband e.V.) as well as the corresponding DVS-explanatory leaflets.

Pipe clamp distances

Pipe clamp distances for tubes made of UPVC (PN 10) in a medium with a density <1 g/cm³

Author: vic (CA)

O-fitting's reply may be somewhat confusing or misleading.

Let's clarify:

You stated:

"PVC water piping throughout. These pipes are used for hot and cold water."

and you wondered if that was ok.


And then O-fitting's reply that

"PVC for water supply is OK no worry."


Let's clarify that:


PVC is NOT allowed INSIDE of the house for hot/cold drinking water.

Period.

In many areas of the U.S. PVC is allowed as the "supply" TO the house.

That is when:

for cold water only, underground (buried), not under the house but outside of the house.

PVC and CPVC can and are confused many times by novices.

If the pipe says PVC on it, then it is NOT legal for hot and cold water "throughout the house."

======

To answer part of the question about health risks with PVC (or CPVC for that matter).

In general, today, most believe it to be safe........ but there is some controversy regarding that (as well as with the solvents/primers).

Some say that all plastics are unhealthy. Most say that they are perfectly fine.

Others say that dioxins are a byproduct of the manufacturing of PVC. and therefor that PVC ought not to be manufactured

PVC is Poly-Vinyl-Chloride and both of those ingredients are somewhat controversial.

We give plumbing advice and frankly don't want to get into debates about plastic health issues as there is no definitive answer currently.

Do recognize that copper in large doses is considered toxic by all, including the EPA, and so when piping very aggressive water through copper pipes the water can leach out large amounts of copper.

What is the "best" piping to use for potable water?

Good question and there is no definitive answer except to never use PVC for hot water or copper piping for very aggressive and low pH water.

All plumbing codes that I am aware of will not allow PVC (no matter how thick or pressure rated) to be used INSIDE of homes for potable water.

Check the pipes, I'm guessing they are CPVC and not PVC.

Vic

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Author: Anonymous User

YOu are right hj, most of my neighbors here in AZ do have that for water service underground. I know because in the 6 weeks I have been working here, I have had to replace 3 of them, all in homes less than 8 years old (one was 3 years old). In Chicago where I lived and worked prior to moving here, an inspector catching a plumber installing that for a water service would crack up laughing, right before he told you to rip it out. In a way I am GLAD they use that here, it has been keeping me busy!

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