Photo: Erik Mclean

Will PVC freeze underground?

For PVC piping systems that are buried underground, sunlight won't be a problem, but debris, soil movement, and freezing temperatures may be.

pvcfittingsonline.com - The Longevity of PVC Piping: How Long Does It Last?

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As one of the most-used plumbing materials, PVC pipe is known for being very durable and long-lasting. In fact, PVC pipes last approximately 100 years. Of course, there are various factors that determine just how long specific PVC pipes will survive, including what it’s exposed to and how it’s installed. The good news is, there are some things you can do to protect your PVC pipes and prevent their deterioration.

How Long Does PVC Last?

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes were introduced in the 1960s as alternatives to other plumbing materials available at the time. These new inexpensive and durable pipes quickly became popular and are still the type of piping that are most-used for water supply lines. While it’s estimated that PVC pipes will last about 100 years, the exact lifespan isn’t known because PVC piping hasn’t been around that long yet. 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 deterioration and increase the lifespan of the PVC in your home.

Sun Exposure Harms PVC Piping

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 normally would. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can actually break down the structure of PVC material and make it brittle and breakable. There are some ways that you can protect PVC piping systems – even those that have to be run above ground. The best ways to do so are by painting the pipes or providing a covering for exposed pipes. PVC manufacturers 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 discoloration from the sunlight and help keep them strong and durable. It’s also recommended that when you buy PVC pipe, you do so from a supplier, such as PVC Fittings Online, that stores the piping in a covered warehouse, so it’s not exposed to damaging sun rays before you even buy it.

Debris and Weather Damage to Underground PVC

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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 friction, which can cause damage to PVC pipes. Additionally, in climates where freezing temperatures occur, PVC pipes may be at risk. When the ground freezes and thaws, it can cause soil to shift, contract, and expand, 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 movement that can cause it to fail. Fortunately, there are some best practices that will mitigate the risks of 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 system will be going. Whether it’s a contractor who is doing the work, or 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. Another best practice to remember is that PVC piping lines should be installed at least one to two feet below ground to prevent damage from freezing and thawing cycles.

Improper Installation and Use Causes PVC Failure

If PVC piping systems are not planned and installed properly, it can result in the system failing. Obviously, this is true of any type of plumbing system. One of the most common mistakes that is made when PVC piping systems are installed is using too much or too little PVC cement (here) to bond pipes to fittings. Because PVC is a very porous material, too much cement can cause it to break down. Conversely, when too little cement is used, it can create weakened bonds that may leak or break. Another issue that may occur when PVC piping systems are not installed properly is called a “short insertion.” When this error is made, it’s because someone fails to push a pipe all the way into a fitting. This causes a gap which can lead to leaking water as well as an accumulation of contaminants being able to enter the water flow.

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To prevent installation issues from happening, it’s important that all debris, burrs, or anything else that may cause residue to accumulate, is removed 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 bond properly. Additionally, it’s important that the water velocity that the 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.

PVC Pipe Strength

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

pvcfittingsonline.com - The Longevity of PVC Piping: How Long Does It Last?