PVC pipes are part of the hidden infrastructure that is essential to our daily lives.

When you turn on the tap, safe PVC pipes make sure you have clean water for drinking, cooking, bathing and other routines in your daily life. And when you are done with the water, durable PVC pipes make sure the waste water is transported to the treatment plant. Learn more about the benefits of PVC plastic pipes and the different PVC piping categories. Or get technical insights, access Plastic Pipes conference papers or browse our FAQ.

Why use PVC pipes?

Durability is a key advantage of PVC pipes. The first PVC pipes were installed in the 1930s. Some of them were dug up many decades and showed no sign of detoriation. Due to improved formulations and production technologies, today’s PVC pipes are even better: Underground PVC pipes have an expected lifespan of 100 years or more. Besides durability, there are several other reasons to use PVC pipes – discover them here.

PVC piping categories

PVC pipes are generally categorised into three: PVC-U unplasticised PVC), C-PVC (chlorinated PVC), and PVC-O (molecular oriented PVC). Besides sharing many of the same properties such as safety, durability, sustainability and recyclability, each type of PVC has its own advantages for different applications. Learn more about the different PVC pipe categories.

PVC pipe standards

Get an updated overview of all relevant PVC pipe standards.

C-PVC pipe standards

Get an updated overview of all relevant C-PVC pipe standards.

Technical documentation on PVC pipes

Need detailed technical information on PVC piping applications? Check out our extensive library of technical documents, written by experts.

FAQ about PVC pipes

What is a flexible pipe? How does a PVC pipe behave in temperatures below zero? What effect does exposure to ultraviolet radiation have on PVC plastic pipes? Get the answers to these and many other frequently asked questions in our FAQ.

PVC – the building plastic

Polyvinyl chloride is found in a wide range of applications – from safe and reliable blood bags over tarpaulins to credit cards. But the majority of the plastic is used for pipes, windows, flooring, and other durable and recyclable building & construction products. Find here key facts about the PVC and piping industry in Europe and learn about the VinylPlus® programme, which unites the entire value chain for sustainable development.