PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, pipe is one of the most commonly used types of pipe for plumbing, drainage, and waste conveyance. PVC pipe has numerous advantages that have made it a popular choice for residential and commercial plumbing projects.

Material Properties of PVC
PVC pipe is made from polyvinyl chloride resin, which is combined with plasticizers, stabilizers, lubricants, and pigments during an extrusion process. The resulting material is very durable and long-lasting. PVC Pipes is lightweight yet rigid, resisting impact and pressure effectively. It is corrosion resistant and will not rust. PVC pipes do not absorb moisture and are non-porous. Being non-metallic, PVC pipe does not conduct electricity or chemically react with most substances passing through it.

Varieties of PVC Pipe
PVC comes in different forms depending on the application. Common varieties include:

- Schedule 40: Thick-walled piping used for below-ground installation in drainage and waste applications. It has a pressure rating of 160 psi at 73.4°F.

- Schedule 80: Even thicker than standard Schedule 40 for high pressure applications like waterlines under driveways. It has a pressure rating of 640 psi.

- CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride): Similar makeup to standard PVC but more heat-resistant up to 180°F. Used for potable hot and cold water distribution.

- PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene): A flexible PVC tubing used in radiant floor heating systems and residential plumbing. It can expand and contract without risk of bursting.

Installation and Joining Techniques
PVC pipe installation is simple for any DIYer or professional. The main techniques for joining PVC pipes are:

- Solvent Welding: Appling PVC cement between pipe ends and fitting sockets. The solvent glues the pipes together permanently once cured. Commonly used for Schedule 40 and 80 piping.

- Threaded: Schedule 80 pipe can have male or female threading on the ends to accept threaded fittings like couplings, elbows, tees. An alternative to solvent welding.

- Push-Fit/Compressed Fittings: A newer joining method that uses compressed O-ring gaskets instead of primer and cement. Pipes push easily into place without additional tools. Useful for hard to weld areas.

- Flanged and Grooved Joining: For large diameter pressure piping, heavy bolted flanges or rolled grooves are machined onto the pipe ends to accept corresponding hardware.

Applications for PVC Pipe
Given its many benefits, PVC piping finds use in various commercial and residential construction:

- Drain-Waste-Vent (DWV) Systems: PVC is the material of choice for drain lines carrying wastewater out of buildings due to its non-corrosiveness and no-rust advantage. DWV pipes must tolerate variable temperatures.

- Water Distribution: Both potable cold and hot water lines are commonly run in CPVC (for hot water). Standard PVC is also an economical choice where temperatures will remain below the material's ratings.

- Electrical Conduit: Non-metallic PVC conduit protects wiring and cables from physical damage while meeting electrical insulation standards. It is inexpensive and easy to install.

- Agriculture & Irrigation: Used to transport water for irrigation on farms and landscapes due to its resistance to sun exposure and plant chemicals. Durable for outdoor applications.

- Industrial Piping: Places where PVC can save on corrosion prevention, it finds application in chemical plants, pulp/paper mills, food processing. It is FDA approved for direct/indirect food contact.

Benefits and Drawbacks of PVC
In summary, PVC offers distinct benefits for general plumbing and wastewater applications:

Benefits:
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Economical material cost
- Non-corrosive and long-lasting
- Impervious to moisture
- Variety of joining options
- Withstands temperature fluctuations

Drawbacks:
- Subject to damage from sunlight if unprotected
- Rigid and brittle if temperatures fall too low
- Questions around plasticizer leaching and long-term toxicity in rare cases
- May crack under freezing conditions without proper installation

Overall, PVC pipe is an excellent low-cost solution for below-ground drainage applications due to its durable qualities. With proper application and installation, it delivers reliable service for wastewater, industrial, irrigation and electrical needs.

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