Can PVC Pipe Be Used in House Walls?

Uses

• PVC pipe is used in a variety of home applications, including water mains, sewer systems, irrigation, conduits and venting. Generally, PVC is available in different colors for different applications. For example, white PVC pipes are for drain, waste, venting and low-pressure situations, white, blue and dark gray PVC pipes are for cold water and green PVC pipes are for sewer applications. Dark gray PVC pipes also are used in industrial pressure situations.

Jurisdiction Codes

• Jurisdictions enforce codes related to installation, size and environmental safety of pipes. Although PVC pipes are recognized and accepted by international organizations such as American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International, each jurisdiction may incorporate specific codes related to the environment, temperatures and housing styles within that jurisdiction.

Installation

• PVC pipes generally are used for an entire application and not used with other kinds of pipes and metal. Specific transition unions and couplings are required to join PVC with pipes made of metal or another material. These types of joints incorporate a metal or plastic end and a PVC end to connect the two types of pipes. PVC pipes are bonded or welded with specific primers and solvent cements that react to the chemical compounds in PVC. Acceptable products used for welding PVC pipes can vary by jurisdiction.

Durability

• PVC pipes can last more than 20 years. In some case studies, PVC pipes continue to provide satisfactory performance after 20 years of use. Like any pipe system, general maintenance and care such as removing blockages extend the life of PVC pipes.