New Meta-Study Reveals 100-Year Durability of PVC Pipes

Vincent Stone, Project Leader at PVC4Pipes, shared insights on the study's impact: “The findings from this comprehensive study affirm that PVC pipes, meticulously designed, manufactured, and installed to meet the highest standards, are capable of exceeding 100 years of service. This not only emphasises the robustness of PVC but also its significant long-term value for infrastructure projects.”

The research, titled 100 Years Lifetime of Plastic Pipes, was conducted by the Polymer Competence Center in Leoben, Austria, and commissioned by TEPPFA, the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. It combines a wide array of independent research and literature to forecast the service lifetimes of both PVC and other plastic pipes.

The study assessed polyethylene, polypropylene, and unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) pipes across applications such as the transport of drinking water, natural gas, and drainage waters. With operational temperatures maintained up to 20°C, the study confirmed compliance with current EN, ISO, and ASTM standards across all phases of production, installation, and usage. The study excluded pipes used in industrial applications or for transporting aggressive substances, as well as pipes made from recycled materials.

Drawing on various sources including scientific journals, technical reports, and conference presentations—with 23 distinct references indicating lifespans of 100 years or longer—the research robustly supports the durability and reliability of both PVC and other plastic pipe systems. It noted that failures were rare and typically associated with deviations from standard practices rather than material aging or flawed design.

For more details, please visit TEPPFA's website.