What Are the Dangers of PVC Pipe for Plumbing?

Exposure to Elements

• Improper installation of PVC pipes can lead to plumbing problems in areas with extreme heat or cold. According to Plastic Failure Labs, with freeze protection surrounding the plumbing, PVC pipes can achieve extremely low temperatures during winter months. This causes water inside the pipes to freeze. Frozen water inside PVC pipes can put extra strain on home plumbing in addition to a lack of flowing water inside the house. The added stress on the pipes can lead to cracking or weakening at plumbing joint locations.

Leaching Heavy Metals

• PVC piping can encourage leaching of heavy metals -- including lead -- into a home's drinking water. According to the American Chemical Society's website, PVC piping promotes leaching of heavy metals, especially when home plumbing uses brass fittings and fixtures. This occurs more frequently in a home using a public water source that incorporates chloramine to kill dangerous bacteria in its central water supply. This chemical produces ammonia when it contacts brass and causes corrosion throughout the plumbing system. A 2008 study conducted by the American Chemical Society found that water running through PVC piping was the lowest quality water of any type tested, including water running through copper and brass plumbing.

PVC Manufacturing Defects

• Manufacturing defects in PVC piping can make the polyvinyl material weaker where concentrations of the compound are not completely uniform. This can increase the risks of cracking or leaking when the piping is in service. This is especially true of PVC water piping, which endures frequent use and operates at higher sustained pressures than drainage piping. Water temperatures exceeding 140 degrees Fahrenheit can also damage PVC piping and cause further weakening of areas where the piping is thin due to manufacturing error.

Risk of Sun Damage

• Ultraviolet light can degrade standard PVC piping if the material sits out in the sun on a daily basis. Improperly installed PVC piping sitting above ground can pose a danger to a home's plumbing system. Heat and ultraviolet light can weaken the walls of PVC piping causing leaks, promote warping and can cause harmful chemicals, including lead and cadmium, to leach into the water supply. Coating PVC piping with an ultraviolet stabilizer is necessary to prevent sun exposure from ruining the material over time.