Bigrhamr
Well-known member
Does anybody know the reason PVC waterline is not allowed inside a building? It seems like it's the waterline of choice for underground but local code says it can't come inside the foundation.
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Why no PVC pipe inside?
- Thread starter Bigrhamr
- Start date
rjspitz
Well-known member
If you're talking the main supply line, I'd assume it has to do with foundation settling, but that's just a guess.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
Industrial or residential?
I would imagine that it all has to do with joints coming loose, pipes being damaged accidentially, and possibly freezing and thawing. As far as using it underground, I don't think it is acceptable for a supply line. Most I have seen is one continuous piece of vinyl line for supply line and PVC is used for irrigation only. IIRC I remember reading the mobile homes in some areas are doing away with PVC because of freezing and thawing problems. And combined with a lot of homeowners not properly cleaning and glueing the PVC correctly may dictate as to why it can't be used.
I would imagine that it all has to do with joints coming loose, pipes being damaged accidentially, and possibly freezing and thawing. As far as using it underground, I don't think it is acceptable for a supply line. Most I have seen is one continuous piece of vinyl line for supply line and PVC is used for irrigation only. IIRC I remember reading the mobile homes in some areas are doing away with PVC because of freezing and thawing problems. And combined with a lot of homeowners not properly cleaning and glueing the PVC correctly may dictate as to why it can't be used.
larry4406
Well-known member
Can't explain your local codes. In northern VA, for residential construction the underslab groundworks and domestic waste and vent (interior) can all be PVC - this is routine.
In commerical construction, the domestic waste and vent (DMV) may or may not be PVC. If the heating system uses a ducted return, then PVC can be used. If a plenum ceiling is used, then all materials in the plenum must be rated for this, and PVC is not - so plenum ceiling applications will use iron or copper DMV. PVC can be used in partitions that a drywalled both sides but must transition to plenum rated materials in the plenum. This has to do with smoke being generated during a fire and being distributed by the HVAC.
In commerical construction, the domestic waste and vent (DMV) may or may not be PVC. If the heating system uses a ducted return, then PVC can be used. If a plenum ceiling is used, then all materials in the plenum must be rated for this, and PVC is not - so plenum ceiling applications will use iron or copper DMV. PVC can be used in partitions that a drywalled both sides but must transition to plenum rated materials in the plenum. This has to do with smoke being generated during a fire and being distributed by the HVAC.
Are you talking waste or supply?
In either case, there is no technical reason not to use plastic inside.
It is just an out of date code.
Building codes are the most conservative, old fashioned around.
This is because most inspectors are old, semi-retired construction people and they like to see what they know.
In either case, there is no technical reason not to use plastic inside.
It is just an out of date code.
Building codes are the most conservative, old fashioned around.
This is because most inspectors are old, semi-retired construction people and they like to see what they know.
Tscott
Well-known member
PVC is all over the place in Florida. All my past houses have been PVC plumbed completely. The last house I remember being built with copper was my moms in the mid 80's it had to be re-plumbed in the mid 90's due to pinhole leaks developing in the copper. Florida water can be tough on copper pipes.
Tom
Tom
If it is supply, you're supposed to use CPVC, which has some kind of coating on it that prevents chemicals in the plastic from leaching into your drinking water. Many codes prohibit PVC for supply, but permit CPVC.
I used CPVC for years at my old house on plumbing projects...until I found PEX. Now, I'll never go back.
I used CPVC for years at my old house on plumbing projects...until I found PEX. Now, I'll never go back.
This is for supply and the CPVC is code approved. What doesn't make sense is that you can use regular PVC up to the foundation but have to switch to CPVC inside. Seems like if chemicals leaching from the plastic was the issue it wouldn't matter if it was inside or out. In this case the pipe will be buried underground all the way to where it comes up through the slab. I know there's no arguing with the inspector but just wondered if there is any rationale behind this particular code.