PVC for cold water?

[Mark Nahrgang]

The other day I saw a first (for me). The home had been a rehab (sort of). The guy replaced all the plumbing. For the hot water he used CPVC which was fine. But for the cold he used PVC. I didn't make an issue out of it, but what is the official word on PVC being used for the cold water supply?

For what its worth, this is what I put in the report...

1.Observed the cold water pipes in the home are plumbed with PVC piping. In most cases, CPVC is used on all clean water pipes, and PVC is reserved for waste pipes. While this will likely not cause any serious concerns as this is only used on the cold water side, any future plumbing work should be done in consideration of this. It would be very easy for someone to accidentally connect a waste pipe to this supply piping in ignorance.

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

I would say probably 90% of the homes here have PVC for their main supply line coming in off the meter / street. I see PVC for cold water supply a lot particularly in rehabs. It is cheap, easy to install and will last virtually forever as long as it isn't exposed to UV. Same for sprinklers and Pool equipment; pumps, filters, etc. ALL PVC.

[Rick Maday]

I found this...

Because PVC piping system components can be manufactured in a variety of colors, identification of application is easy. A common color scheme (although not universal) is:

• White for DWV and some low pressure applications.
• White, blue, and dark gray for cold water piping.
• Green for sewer service.
• Dark gray for industrial pressure applications.

This color scheme has an exception in that much of the white PVC pipe is dual rated for DWV and pressure applications.

PVC piping systems should not be used to store and/or convey compressed air or other gases. PVC piping systems should not be tested with compressed air or other gases either. CODE STATUS
PVC piping is recognized as acceptable material for DWV, sewers, and potable water services and distribution in all model plumbing codes. These Codes normally identify acceptable products for specific uses based on the ASTM Standard designation.

Here...
http://www.ppfahome.org/pvc/index.html

[Mark Nahrgang]

Originally Posted by rmaday

I found this...

Here...
http://www.ppfahome.org/pvc/index.html

Thanks Rick

[Mark Nahrgang]

Originally Posted by dedwards

I would say probably 90% of the homes here have PVC for their main supply line coming in off the meter / street. I see PVC for cold water supply a lot particularly in rehabs. It is cheap, easy to install and will last virtually forever as long as it isn't exposed to UV. Same for sprinklers and Pool equipment; pumps, filters, etc. ALL PVC.

Thanks Doug.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

PVC is not allowed for interior distribution.

[Mark Nahrgang]

Originally Posted by jpope

PVC is not allowed for interior distribution.

Is there a reason for that?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Other than the "codes don't allow it?" I'm not sure. . .

[Michael R. Boyett]

2006 IRC P2904.5 says (like Jeff says, PVC not to be seen):

[Mark Nahrgang]

Originally Posted by mboyett

2006 IRC P2904.5 says (like Jeff says, PVC not to be seen):
Attachment 29610 Attachment 29611

Ok, "code" says it's not suitable. Anyone know what the problem is with it?

[Marcel R. Cyr]

This might help;

http://www.nsf.org/consumer/plumbing/index.asp

PVC, CPVC, PEX, and Other Plastic Plumbing Materials

Plastic plumbing has been used for potable and non-potable water applications since the 1950s. Initially, there were many concerns about these products potentially leaching harmful chemicals into the water. To ensure that the public's health was protected, independent standards were quickly developed which established strict guidelines for these products.

Today, plastic plumbing products designed for potable water applications are usually designated with either "NSF-PW" or "NSF-61" to indicate that the product complies with the health effects requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 61 for materials designed for contact with potable water. \

This standard also establishes similar guidelines for other plumbing materials, including copper tubing.
If your pipe is not coded with one of these designations or if it is designated with an alternative code such "NSF-DWV," it is probably not meant for potable water applications and should not be used for such purposes.

[Rick Maday]

OK per IL plumbing code...

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/...ZZ9996aaR.html

About 1/3 of the way down .

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

It's always advisable to check your local codes. . .

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Someone should tell People here they are not allowed to use PVC here . It is every where

[Billy Boerner]

Copper supply is the norm here.