This person plumbed a whirlpool tub in a sunroom attached to the back of his house. The pvc runs out of the stucco from the master bath and then around the house at the base of the stucco then to the tub. Is it ok to have pvc outside on the concrete? If it’s ok, I know it should at least be strapped.
That depends on your location.
http://www.nacopvc.com/c/technical-info--forms/the-effects-of-sunlight-exposure-on-pvc-pipe
The Effects of Sunlight Exposure on PVC Pipe
Occasionally we get questions about the effects of sunlight exposure on PVC Pipe and Fittings. We have put together this information to help answer some of those questions.
The sun emits visible and non-visible radiation. One component of non-visible radiation is ultraviolet (UV) light. Like many other substances, PVC plastics are affected by exposure to UV radiation.
The exposure of PVC to the UV component of sunlight causes PVC molecules in the first .001" to .002" of exposed surface to become permanently converted to a complex structure typified by polyene formations. The result is a brownish discoloration, often called “UV discoloration”, “UV degradation”, or more commonly “sunburned”. UV discoloration does not occur where PVC is not exposed to sunlight, and ceases when exposure ends.
The discoloration process is time-dependent, and can be slowed with the addition of UV absorbers in the PVC compound. The most common additive used for this purpose is titanium dioxide, which also functions as a pigment.
Research has been done to determine the effects of long-term (two year) sunlight exposure on PVC pipe (see “UNITR-5: The Effects of Ultraviolet Aging on PVC Pipe”, by the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association.) Other
Southern California
Thank you, I am aware of the sun exposure issue on pvc. What I am concerned about is the mechanical/plumbing aspect of routing pvc pipe down the side of the house on the concrete. Is there a code issue with this? (I am also aware that we do not do code inspections).
From the info I’ve seen, what affects PVC the most with UV exposure is impact resistance, which would be a big factor if laying on the ground and subject to people walking or tripping on it, things being dropped, etc.
I’m not aware of anything prohibiting it, but common sense would prevail.
If you’re still in doubt, ask your local AHJ.
PVC is highly resistant to damage. Most damage I ever see is at or just before the sealed connections. Most of this is do to the wrong glue being used or an improper cut with a hacksaw.
If it is PVC is should not have been used for pressurized water.
CPVC is what should have been used.
http://www.ehow.com/way_5557924_use-pvc-cpvc-plumbing.html
Common Uses for PVC
PVC is best used for **underground cold water piping**. According to Shah Rahman's article, "Thermoplastics at Work," PVC piping accounts for most of the distribution for drinking water and wastewater mains. PVC can be used for most standard plumbing systems but the material has a high sensitivity to cold and heat. If PVC piping is installed in areas with low or colder temperatures the plumbing will need insulation. Caution also needs to be used when installing PVC in areas with extremely high temperatures are too much heat pressure can result in leeching toxins. PVC is generally best suited for industrial applications as it is affordable, safe and easy to install. When withstanding proper temperatures PVC has a low reactivity rate. PVC pipes are light weight making it easier to install and fuse together.
Common Uses for CPVC
CPVC piping is commonly used in industrial applications and in supplying cold and hot potable water. CPVC can withstand corrosive water temperatures up to 90 degrees higher than PVC so CPVC should be installed in areas with high temperatures. CPVC is particularly useful where a high functional temperature and resistance to corrosive chemicals are needed. **CPVC is stronger** than PVC and has much more flexibility so it should definitely be used for more complex plumbing systems. It does require a special solvent for assembly. Due to its flexibility CPVC will need to be **supported every 32 to 36 inches**. CPVC is not as tough as metal piping so during instillation care must be taken to ensure that no puncture or damage occurs to the pipe. CPVC is also commonly used in pumps, valves, filters, tower packing, straining and duct work. Some disadvantages to CPVC use are the pipes subjectivity to cracking and expanding during elemental pressures such as earthquakes or intense periods of drought and heat. Another potential problem is bacterial growth in the pipes. This can typically be resolved by regular water testing and treatment.PVC is highly resistant to damage. Most damage I ever see is at or just before the sealed connections. Most of this is do to the wrong glue being used or an improper cut with a hacksaw.
If it is PVC is should not have been used for pressurized water.
CPVC is what should have been used.
http://www.ehow.com/way_5557924_use-pvc-cpvc-plumbing.html
Common Uses for PVC
PVC is best used for **underground cold water piping**. According to Shah Rahman's article, "Thermoplastics at Work," PVC piping accounts for most of the distribution for drinking water and wastewater mains. PVC can be used for most standard plumbing systems but the material has a high sensitivity to cold and heat. If PVC piping is installed in areas with low or colder temperatures the plumbing will need insulation. Caution also needs to be used when installing PVC in areas with extremely high temperatures are too much heat pressure can result in leeching toxins. PVC is generally best suited for industrial applications as it is affordable, safe and easy to install. When withstanding proper temperatures PVC has a low reactivity rate. PVC pipes are light weight making it easier to install and fuse together.
Common Uses for CPVC
CPVC piping is commonly used in industrial applications and in supplying cold and hot potable water. CPVC can withstand corrosive water temperatures up to 90 degrees higher than PVC so CPVC should be installed in areas with high temperatures. CPVC is particularly useful where a high functional temperature and resistance to corrosive chemicals are needed. **CPVC is stronger** than PVC and has much more flexibility so it should definitely be used for more complex plumbing systems. It does require a special solvent for assembly. Due to its flexibility CPVC will need to be **supported every 32 to 36 inches**. CPVC is not as tough as metal piping so during instillation care must be taken to ensure that no puncture or damage occurs to the pipe. CPVC is also commonly used in pumps, valves, filters, tower packing, straining and duct work. Some disadvantages to CPVC use are the pipes subjectivity to cracking and expanding during elemental pressures such as earthquakes or intense periods of drought and heat. Another potential problem is bacterial growth in the pipes. This can typically be resolved by regular water testing and treatment.What?!
Huh?!
PVC is allowed in SoCal for cold water distribution outside of the structure. PVC is not allowed for use as hot-water distribution.
PVC should be protected from physical damage.
Agreed Jeffrey. In this case because it is running to a Hot Tub would be considered an exclusion of the rules for drinking water and as pointed out CPVC is the stronger choice. I believe for pressure and temperature also but I could be wrong.