Piping is an important, functional part of most buildings. Although seldom seen, it is needed to deliver clean water for drinking and other purposes. It is also needed to convey waste water away from buildings for treatment and subsequent reuse. A variety of piping materials is available today. Foremost among them is polyvinyl chloride or PVC.

The choice of piping system materials should be based on overall long-term value – including long-term costs, reliability, versatility, environmental impact and impact on drinking water safety and public health. PVC piping systems deliver value because of their high quality, corrosion-resistant, durable and environmentally sound characteristics.

PVC pipe can be used in residential, commercial and industrial water service systems. Pipe and fittings are joined by gaskets or solvent cementing. A full complement of PVC fittings and valves is available for potable water applications. Connections between PVC pipe and other piping materials are accomplished by the use of adapter fittings. Adapter fittings connect by threaded joints or compression connections.

PVC piping is attractive from a cost standpoint not only because its initial cost can be less than the cost of other materials but also because its light weight means reduced shipping costs as well as faster, safer and easier handling, cutting and installation. The system's ease of assembly means reduced equipment and labour requirements and reduced injuries and accidents for installation crews. Additionally, since PVC pipe won't rust, scale, pit or corrode, it lasts longer and requires less maintenance than competitive materials, thus reducing repair and replacement costs and providing a lifetime of dependable service free of costly and damaging water leaks.

Because of its corrosion resistance, PVC pipe won't introduce contaminants to the water or sewage it carries. And because it resists leaks, it won't release pollutants to the ground or into the various building environments through which it passes.