PVC - a strong performer
PVC - a strong performer - Vinyl Council Australia
| PVC pipes significantly reduce water losses arising from pipe failure. The Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization (CSIRO) conducted trials comparing the resistance of clay, concrete and PVC pipe joints to tree root penetration, under accelerated conditions over a 32 month period (Polymer Engineering Arid Science, October 2000, Vol. 40, No. 10). Whereas PVC showed no attack by tree roots, there was severe attack on the other pipes, both through the joints and the pipe wall, with joints actually being broken. Tree root penetration of pipeline systems causes blockages and cracking and can result in seepage into pipelines, flooding of sewage treatment plants and sewage leakage out of pipeline systems. PVC pipes prevent this. PVC is now used in 95% of the domestic house drain market in Australia. In order to increase the longevity of damaged concrete or clay pipes, PVC liners can be inserted into them. PVC pipe is long lasting. CSRIO tests on exhumed pipes that had been buried soils for 35 years, showed no deterioration. The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Sewer Drain Code gives PVC a Category A rating, signifying a life expectancy of over 100 years. WSAA also gives PVC a Category A rating for water reticulation. All the major building and construction applications for PVC pipe can be sourced from locally made product. Pipe makers in Australia use post-industrial PVC waste and some post-consumer PVC waste to replace virgin PVC in some new pipe products, such as stormwater pipe and fittings, conduit and plumbing DWV pipe. For more information on PVC and plastic pipes, visit the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA). |
