Questions You Should Know about Water Well UPVC Filter Pipe

Feb. 24, 2025

Our FAQ (frequently asked questions) about PVC in pipe systems

PVC-U, PVC-O, and C-PVC pipe systems are completely safe for drinking water applications and have been used in such applications throughout Europe (and elsewhere) for many decades.

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In Europe, the safety of PVC-U, PVC-O, and C-PVC pipe systems for the transportation of drinking water is currently regulated and assessed nationally, although significant effort is ongoing at the European level for the harmonisation of regulations and test methods. Regulations are presently determined by national bodies, and third-party certification is carried out by accredited laboratories and institutes who subsequently also carry out regular audits to ensure continued compliance.

As part of the harmonisation activities, European (EN) standards are under development for a number of test methods designed to assess the suitability of plastics pipe systems for drinking water. These standards include tests for organoleptic assessment (odour and flavour), the migration & leaching of substances into the water, and microbial growth.

Migration: Different methods are used to detect the migration of substances present in PVC-U, PVC-O, and C-PVC formulations. Leaching behaviour is assessed by prolonged direct contact of the potable water with the products in very severe conditions. Then the "migration water" is checked using different techniques, including searches for traces of molecules below the level of a few µg/l. Virtually nothing leaches out: the leachates are very similar to the blanks used when analysing them with techniques such as gas chromatography combined with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS).

Lead is not used anymore in stabilisers, and such stabilisers have never been a source of lead in drinking water, as the stabilisers are immobilised within the PVC pipe structure during the manufacturing process. New stabiliser systems being used as alternatives to lead are fully assessed ("positive listing") and do not affect the drinking water characteristics in any way.

Traces of vinyl chloride monomer, sometimes exceeding the regulatory limit of 0.5 µg of VCM/l of water, have been detected in some cases. It is important to keep in mind that this 0.5 µg/l limit is based on a guideline from the World Health Organisation (WHO), where the value has been set to guarantee an acceptable health risk, even in case of exposure during an entire lifetime.

These cases are related to exceptional circumstances (small diameter pipes in thinly populated regions, hence with intermittent flow). Most importantly, these cases appeared only in pipes installed before the s when the health risks of VCM were identified. PVC resin produced before then, although meeting all standards applicable at that time, contained higher levels of residual monomer than presently. Under usual conditions of use, water transported in PVC pipes produced in those days also complies today with the current drinking water regulation. However, model calculations show that in exceptional circumstances (small diameter pipes, infrequent use) the VCM level reached after a period without flow can exceed the limit. No measurement result above the limit has ever been found in water flowing in pipes made from PVC produced after .

It is important to stress that no vinyl chloride monomer is produced by the degradation or incineration of PVC products.

In any case, VCM concentration can easily be reduced to below the WHO guidance limit by flushing the pipe or by boiling the water. The high volatility of VCM leads to a rapid transfer from water into the atmosphere, where VCM degrades by reaction with photochemically produced substances naturally present in the atmosphere. This limits its half-life in the atmosphere to between a few hours and a few days. VCM is therefore not persistent in the environment.

Microbial growth: PVC-U, PVC-O, and C-PVC pipes are known to perform very well according to the different methods used in Europe for the assessment of microbial growth of products in contact with drinking water (Germany, United Kingdom, and The Netherlands). Many field studies confirm this good behaviour, which is linked to the absence of migration and the very good surface properties of these piping systems.

Odour & Flavour: Owing to the absence of migration and low bacterial growth in PVC-U, PVC-O, and C-PVC, the organoleptic properties of pipes made from these materials are generally very good, as confirmed by regular testing by different European institutes.

As part of the EU harmonisation process, EN standards include EN and EN for the assessment of organoleptic properties and water quality; CEN-TR for the prediction of migration using mathematical modelling; EN for assessing microbial growth; and EN for the GC-MS identification of water-leachable organic substances. Additionally, EN -1 is used for the organoleptic assessment of water in storage systems.

Apart from these standardisation initiatives, a European positive list for substances used in plastics materials in contact with drinking water is also under development. This harmonised EU positive list will eventually replace several existing national drinking water positive lists. Further guidance can be found in ISO TR .

References

European Commission. (). Commission Implementing Decision (EU) /367 of 23 January laying down rules for the application of Directive (EU) / of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the European positive lists of starting substances, compositions and constituents authorised for use in the manufacture of materials or products that come into contact with water intended for human consumption. EUR-Lex. Link

Zhang, L., & Liu, S. (). Investigation of organic compounds migration from polymeric pipes into drinking water under long retention times. Procedia Engineering, 70, &#;. Link

Van der Kooij, D., & Veenendaal, H. R. (). Assessment of the microbial growth potential of materials in contact with treated water intended for human consumption. Kiwa Water Research. Link

Mercea, P. V., Losher, C., Benz, H., Petrasch, M., Costa, C., Stone, V. W., & Toșa, V. (). Migration of substances from unplasticized polyvinylchloride into drinking water: Estimation of conservative diffusion coefficients. Polymer Testing, 107, . Link

International Organization for Standardization. (). ISO/TR : Plastics pipes and fittings &#; Combined chemical-resistance classification table. ISO.

European Committee for Standardization. (). CEN/TR : Prediction of migration from plastics using mathematical modelling. CEN.

European Committee for Standardization. (). EN : Influence of materials on water for human consumption &#; Enhancement of microbial growth (EMG) test. CEN.

European Committee for Standardization. (). EN : Water quality &#; Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of water leachable organic substances (GC-MS). CEN.

European Committee for Standardization. (). EN -1: Influence of materials on water intended for human consumption &#; Organoleptic assessment of water in storage systems &#; Part 1: Test method. CEN.

European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (). Directive (EU) / of 16 December on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast). EUR-Lex. Link

Danish Environmental Protection Agency. (). Field study of plastic pipes in water supplies (Environmental Project No. ). Link

European Commission. (). Commission Delegated Decision (EU) / of 11 March supplementing Directive (EU) / by laying down a methodology to measure microplastics in water intended for human consumption. EUR-Lex. Link

PVC pipes, including PVC-U, PVC-O, and C-PVC, are approved for use in potable water systems in many countries around the world. These pipes undergo rigorous standards and testing to ensure they do not contaminate the water they transport.

Migration & Leaching: PVC is utilised below its glass transition temperature (80°C). This acts as a functional barrier preventing any low molecular weight substances from migrating into drinking water. Migration tests have shown that migration levels are far below the detection limit of modern analytical techniques. Different methods assess the migration of substances present in PVC formulations. Leaching behaviour is evaluated by prolonged direct contact of potable water with the products under severe conditions. The "migration water" is then analysed using techniques like gas chromatography combined with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The results show that virtually nothing leaches out, and the leachates are very similar to the blanks used in the analysis.

Safety in Europe: PVC-U, PVC-O, and C-PVC pipe systems have been used safely for drinking water applications throughout Europe for many decades. The safety of these systems is currently regulated and assessed at the national level, although there's an ongoing effort at the European level for harmonisation of regulations and test methods. Accredited laboratories and institutes carry out third-party certification and regular audits to ensure continued compliance.

Stabilisers: Lead is no longer used in stabilisers, and such stabilisers have never been a source of lead in drinking water. The stabilisers are immobilised within the PVC pipe structure during manufacturing. New stabiliser systems being used as alternatives to lead do not affect drinking water characteristics.

Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM): Traces of VCM, sometimes exceeding the regulatory limit of 0.5 µg of VCM/l of water, have been detected in some cases. However, these cases are related to exceptional circumstances and only in pipes installed before the s. PVC pipes produced after have never shown measurements above the limit. It's important to note that no VCM is produced by the degradation or incineration of PVC products. VCM concentration can easily be reduced by flushing the pipe or boiling the water. VCM is not persistent in the environment.

Microbial Growth: PVC pipes perform exceptionally well in terms of microbial growth. This is due to the absence of migration and the excellent surface properties of these piping systems.

Odour & Flavour: Due to the absence of migration and low bacterial growth in PVC pipes, the organoleptic properties (related to taste and smell) of water transported in these pipes are generally very good.

European Standards: As part of the EU harmonisation process, several EN standards are under development or in use for assessing various properties of PVC pipes, including organoleptic properties, microbial growth, and migration.

Future Developments: A European positive list for substances used in plastics materials in contact with drinking water is under development. This list will eventually replace several existing national drinking water positive lists.

In conclusion, PVC pipes, when used and manufactured according to established standards, are safe for transporting drinking water and do not release carcinogenic substances into the water.

References

Zhang, L., & Liu, S. (). Investigation of organic compounds migration from polymeric pipes into drinking water under long retention times. Procedia Engineering, 70, &#;. https://doi.org/10./j.proeng..02.193

European Committee for Standardization. (). CEN/TR : Prediction of migration from plastics using mathematical modelling. CEN.

European Committee for Standardization. (). EN : Water quality &#; Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of water leachable organic substances (GC-MS). CEN.

European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (). Directive (EU) / of 16 December on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast). EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir///oj

The durability of PVC pipes is related, as it is for all other thermoplastic materials, to the chemical degradation of the polymer used in the pipes. However, unlike other thermoplastic pipes, PVC pipes do not oxidise.

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Stabilisers are used in PVC pipes to prevent degradation of the polymer during the extrusion process and storage before the pipes are buried in the ground. When the pipes are buried, no chemical degradation is expected to occur, and the durability of the PVC material in buried pipes is expected to be significant, possibly exceeding years.

In standardised pipes for potable water (EN ), the expected lifetime of PVC pipes under pressure is extrapolated based on hoop stress testing for up to 20,000 hours. This allows an estimation of the durability by extrapolation to a life expectancy under pressure of 50 to 100 years. In real applications, buried PVC pressure pipes in Germany dug up after 70 years of active use were proven to still be fit for purpose when analysed and are likely to have a further life expectancy of 50 years.

A meta-study commissioned by TEPPFA, conducted by the Austrian Polymer Competence Centre at Montanuniversität Leoben, confirmed that plastic pipes, including PVC-U, can have safe service lifetimes well above 100 years. The study summarised significant independent research from peer-reviewed journals, standards, reports, and studies on pressure and non-pressure applications. The study found no evidence of material degradation in properly manufactured and installed pipes, suggesting that pipes made of PVC-U, polyethylene, and polypropylene can exceed a 100-year lifespan under operational conditions at a maximum of 20°C.

Notably, TEPPFA and PVC4Pipes also published a joint position paper supporting the 100-year design life of PVC-U and PVC-Hi pressure pipe systems buried in the ground for water and natural gas supply. These pipes, designed and tested to withstand long-term stress, are validated to maintain their integrity and performance well beyond 100 years when standard practices are followed during installation and operation.

In addition, to further increase the design life of PVC-U pipes, PVC4Pipes has sponsored a research project in collaboration with CEIS, led by Plastic Pipes Specialist Joaquin Lahoz Castillo. Launched in , this investigation focuses on demonstrating that PVC-U pressure pipes can be serviced for over 100 years. The study correlates processing temperatures with the long-term hydrostatic strength of the pipes, using ISO standards. Preliminary results indicate that an extrusion temperature of 180ºC is sufficient to achieve MRS250 classification. Higher temperatures, up to 195ºC, marginally improve long-term performance but risk material degradation. These findings enable water networks to be designed with a 100+ year lifespan, using standard design coefficients previously applied for 50-year systems.

References

Pinter, G., Travnicek, L., & Arbeiter, F. (). 100 years lifetime of plastic pipes: Meta-study. European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. https://www.teppfa.eu/wp-content/uploads/-04-25-Meta-study-100-years-of-lifetime-of-plastic-pipes.pdf

TEPPFA & PVC4Pipes. (). TEPPFA PVC4Pipes position paper for a 100-year service lifetime. https://pvc4pipes.com/wp-content/uploads//04/TEPPFA_PVC4Pipes-Position-Paper-for-a-100-years-service-lifetime-final.pdf

Lahoz Castillo, J. (). Securing a 100+ year design lifetime for PVC-U pressure pipes. CEIS.

PVC pipes and fittings are generally regarded as superior to other materials like vitrified clay (VC) and concrete (including both standard concrete and fiber-reinforced concrete, FRC) in terms of resistance to root intrusion. This superiority is attributed to the lower surface roughness and porosity of PVC, which significantly reduces the likelihood of roots penetrating through sealing joints. Studies have confirmed that PVC's smoother surfaces and tighter-fitting joints offer better protection against root intrusion compared to the rougher surfaces and more porous nature of VC and concrete pipes.

In comparison to concrete pipes, both standard and FRC, PVC pipes also demonstrate superior performance in preventing root intrusion. Concrete pipes, due to their rigid structure and tendency to crack over time, are more susceptible to root infiltration, especially at joints. Research has shown that concrete pipes experience more frequent root intrusions per joint compared to PVC pipes. Specifically, the mean number of root intrusions per joint for PVC pipes was significantly lower than that for concrete pipes. This makes PVC a preferable choice for minimizing the risk of root-related issues in sewer systems.

Despite PVC's advantages, it is important to recognize that these pipes are not completely immune to root intrusion. The performance of PVC pipes heavily depends on the quality of installation and maintenance. Proper bedding and installation are crucial to prevent vertical deformations and joint failures, which can increase the risk of root intrusion. For instance, improper installation can lead to vertical deformations and changes in pipe diameter, compromising the integrity of the joints and making them more susceptible to root intrusion.

The interfacial pressure at the joints of PVC pipes plays a critical role in preventing root intrusion. Research indicates that lower interfacial pressures (0.04&#;0.20 MPa) are associated with a higher likelihood of root intrusion. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain higher interfacial pressures, as specified by standards, to minimize the risk of roots penetrating the joints. Properly installed and maintained joints with adequate interfacial pressure help ensure the long-term effectiveness of PVC pipes in resisting root intrusion.

External factors such as soil type and environmental conditions also influence the performance of PVC pipes. For example, stiffer soils can help reduce deformations around the pipes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the joints more effectively. Conversely, in areas with softer soils, the pipes may experience more movement and deformation, leading to potential joint failures and increased susceptibility to root intrusion. Therefore, understanding and mitigating these external factors is essential for optimizing the performance of PVC pipes.

Long-term studies and CCTV inspections have shown that while PVC pipes generally perform well, issues such as root intrusion can still occur over time. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to identify and address potential problems early on. This proactive approach ensures the longevity and reliability of PVC sewer systems, helping to maintain their superior resistance to root intrusion.

Further studies, such as the research conducted on sewer pipes in Melbourne, have shown that soil disturbance during installation can create pathways for roots to grow from the surface towards the pipes. This is particularly true for well-drained sandy soils, which are conducive to deeper root growth. The Melbourne study highlighted that the majority of blockages occurred in sandy topsoils, emphasizing the need for proper installation and maintenance to prevent root intrusion.

Innovations in PVC pipe technology have further enhanced their resistance to root intrusion. A new pipe joining technology involves the creation of a lip-ring inside the socket during the manufacturing process. When the male pipe is inserted during installation, the lip-ring is pushed, closing the space between the male and female sewer pipes. This mechanical barrier effectively prevents the infiltration of roots. The new socket design has been certified for tightness by ISO -compliant lab tests and meets EN standards, further ensuring the reliability and durability of PVC pipes in preventing root intrusion.

In conclusion, PVC pipes offer significant advantages in terms of resistance to root intrusion compared to other materials like VC, standard concrete, and FRC. However, maintaining high interfacial pressures at the joints, ensuring proper installation, and conducting regular inspections are crucial to maximize their performance and durability. By addressing these factors, the long-term effectiveness of PVC pipes in preventing root intrusion can be significantly enhanced.

References

Makris, K. F., Langeveld, J., & Clemens, F. H. L. R. (). A review on the durability of PVC sewer pipes: research vs. practice. Structure and Infrastructure Engineering, 16(6), 880-897. https://doi.org/10./..

Östberg, J., Martinsson, M., Ståhl, O., & Fransson, A. M. (). Risk of root intrusion by tree and shrub species into sewer pipes in Swedish urban areas. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 11, 65-71. https://doi.org/10./j.ufug..11.004

Obradović, D. (). The impact of tree root systems on wastewater pipes. Zajednički Temelji '17: zbornik radova, 65-71. https://doi.org/10./-..

Randrup, T. (). Occurrence of tree roots in Danish municipal sewer systems. Arboricultural Journal, 24, 283-306. https://doi.org/10./..

Pohls, O., Bailey, N. G., & May, P. B. (). Study of Root Invasion of Sewer Pipes and Potential Ameliorative Techniques. Acta Horticulturae, 643, 113-121. https://doi.org/10./ActaHortic..643.17

IPM Srl. (, 7 October). Roots intrusion resistance: PVC pipes with patented system to prevent roots&#; intrusion. https://www.ipm-italy.it/news-en/new-innovation/roots-intrusion-resistance

Dioxins are a group of highly toxic chemicals that can be released as unintentional byproducts during various industrial processes. Dioxin emissions primarily occur as unintentional byproducts during certain industrial activities, such as waste incineration, metal smelting, and some chemical manufacturing processes, including the manufacturing of PVC.

While dioxins are a serious matter, the European case shows it is possible to solve this issue. Europe has significantly reduced dioxin emissions over the past few decades due to stricter regulations, improved technologies, and changes in industrial practices. This also applies to PVC, which today accounts for about 0.01% of the dioxins emitted from human activities in Europe.

The formation of very small quantities of dioxins can only occur during ethylene oxychlorination, which is one of the process steps leading to the production of vinyl chloride. These dioxin molecules are absorbed by the catalyst, which intervenes in a different phase from the reactants. This facilitates the removal of the catalyst and the absorbed dioxins by filtration and controlled treatment. Waste catalyst is handled as hazardous waste and disposed of accordingly.

The latest version of the ECVM Charter limits the emissions into the air of dioxin-like components from the vinyl chloride plants to 0.08 ng Toxic Equivalent (TEQ) per cubic meter of air. Emissions in water are limited to 0.3 µg per ton of ethylene dichloride produced. Ethylene dichloride is the intermediate leading to vinyl chloride. The emission limits of dioxins during manufacturing are aligned with the strict requirements in place in Europe and must be considered extremely low. To put this into context, 0.08 ng TEQ is equivalent to 0. grams of dioxin per cubic meter of air, and 0.3 µg is equivalent to 0. grams of dioxin per ton of ethylene dichloride produced in water.

Today, thermal processes in metal mining, metalworking, and other small sources have become the main contributors to dioxin emissions, according to the German Environment Agency.

References

ECVM. (). ECVM Industry Charter for the Production of Vinyl Chloride Monomer & PVC. Brussels, Belgium: The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers. https://pvc.org/wp-content/uploads//04/ECVM-charter-pages.pdf

European Commission, Joint Research Centre. (). Best Available Techniques (BAT) Reference Document for Large Volume Organic Chemicals (LVOC) Production. https://eippcb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/-11/JRC_LVOC_Bref.pdf

Umweltbundesamt [German Environment Agency]. (n.d.). Dioxins. https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/topics/chemicals/dioxins#what-are-dioxins-and-dioxine-like-pcbs

Is Using PVC Pipe for Potable / Drinking Water Safe?

These days, contractors have a number of great options when it comes to residential plumbing pipe. The industry standard is still copper pipe, as it is strong and compatible with a wide range of fittings and pipes. It's also been around over 70 years and known to simply work by most contractors. Another emerging favorite is PEX tubing, a flexible and durable piping option. The main problem with these plumbing materials are their higher price tag. PVC is a cost-effective and durable option for potable water (Drinking Water).

For this reason, many thrifty contractors and home improvement enthusiasts turn to PVC pipe (product) and CPVC pipe (product) for their home plumbing needs. It is also a great insulator, so outside environments will not affect the heat of water inside the pipe. While many people only use PVC for drainage and cleanouts, it can be the sole piping material in a home when used in conjunction with CPVC. In this article, I will address some of the most common questions about using PVC for potable water.

Will PVC Pipe Affect Drinking Water?

PVC and CPVC pipe are both designed to withstand damage from virtually all corrosive chemicals and gases. Because of this, they have no problem transporting water over long distances & periods of time. Some people with new piping report water having a "slightly plastic taste," but this taste is not harmful and usually disappears quickly. Using PVC materials for potable / drinking water is not a health risk!

One possible issue with using PVC or CPVC for potable water is cleanliness. All pipes transporting potable water should be cleaned thoroughly before installation. This is as true with PVC as it is with any other type of pipe. Dust can collect on the inside of pipes while they are in storage or being transported, so a good, thorough clean is necessary if they will be carrying drinking water.

PVC or CPVC?

CPVC is a version of PVC that has gone through an extra chlorination process. This extra treatment gives it a higher temperature tolerance. Where standard PVC can only withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, CPVC will hold strong in temperatures up to 200 degrees. Water heaters are typically set to heat water somewhere between 120 and 140 degrees. Because of this, regular PVC should typically be used just for drainage purposes and not for transporting hot water that could damage it.

CPVC pipe and fittings will have no trouble with hot water. With their higher temperature tolerance, they will not break down unless exposed to an open flame or boiling water. Both PVC and CPVC will insulate from cold weather somewhat effectively, but if water freezes in them, they could crack, so they should not be used for outdoor water lines unless proper exterior insulation is added.

Click here for more information on the differences between PVC and CPVC.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using PVC for Potable Water

Most of the major benefits and drawbacks of using PVC or CPVC for potable water have been mentioned above, but I will restate them briefly. As far as the benefits are concerned, PVC pipe and fittings are far cheaper than copper pipe or even PEX flexible piping, which makes them the cost-effective option. Another useful attribute of PVC and CPVC is that they insulate more effectively on their own than copper, because they are not conductors like copper is. PVC will also not corrode due to water content, unlike copper pipes which must be checked often.

Here are a few drawbacks to using PVC or CPVC for potable water. First, PVC materials are not as strong as copper or as flexible as PEX; they float in a middle ground as far as durability and flexibility go. They are also far more susceptible to damage from freezing water than their competitors. PVC and CPVC can crack if their contents freeze, which can lead to unforeseen damages and repairs in colder climates.

Just like the other options available, PVC and CPVC have their drawbacks when it comes to potable water transportation. However, the money saved on materials can make it worth it when working on a budget!

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