PVC Pipe Association

Technical Blog: Cold Weather Has No Practical Effect on PVC Pipe Installation and Use

Claims from competitors suggest PVC pipe is not suitable for cold-weather projects. The evidence tells a different story.

PVC pipe has been in service across North America since the 1950s and has proven performance in cold climates, including Canada, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. Cold weather is not a limiting factor for PVC projects. In many cases, installation can be even more manageable in difficult weather because PVC is easy to cut, handle, and assemble.

The PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) technical brief reviews how PVC performs in cold temperatures, including design considerations, handling and installation practices, and normal operations.

The key takeaway is clear: with proper installation practices and a focus on worker safety, PVC pipe remains a logical and reliable choice for cold-weather projects.

Read the full technical brief to learn more:

www.uni-bell.org

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗩𝗖 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿

Participate in two three-hour online sessions over two days (June 3–4, 2026) and gain a comprehensive evaluation of PVC water and sewer pipe applications. Earn up to 6.0 PDHs. Ideal for both long-time and new users of PVC pipe.

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭: 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗩𝗖 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲
• Internal pressure design for PVC water and force main systems
• External load design of PVC gravity pipe

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮: 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗩𝗖 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲
• Installation best practices for optimum performance of PVC pipe systems
• Longevity, resiliency, sustainability, and real-world case studies

Learn more and register: https://www.uni-bell.org/Events/Virtual-Educational-Seminar

Now Available: Updated Overview of the PVC Pipe Association

PVCPA has released an updated version of PUB-01, a concise overview of the Association’s mission, services, and technical resources for utilities and consulting engineers.

The publication outlines PVCPA’s role in supporting the research, design, and installation of gasketed PVC water, sewer, and force main pipe in sizes 3- through 60-inch.

Click here to view:https://www.uni-bell.org/Portals/0/ResourceFile/uni-bell-pvc-pipe-association-pvcpa.pdf

North Lebanon Township Municipal Authority, PA Replaces Corroded Ductile Iron Pipe Force Mains with PVC Pipe

“The North Lebanon Township Municipal Authority will replace two force mains needed to pump wastewater uphill before gravity takes it to the City of Lebanon Authority’s treatment plant. The ductile pipes are corroding due to hydrogen sulfide present in wastewater, said Amber Royles-Eby, administrative assistant. Both force mains will be replaced with PVC pipe.”

State awards $1.4 million in grants to five municipalities, municipal authorities Three Lebanon County municipal authorities and two boroughs will receive $1.4 million in state funds from the PA Small Water and Sewer program for improvement projects to their water or wastewater systems.

Registration is open for PVCPA’s Spring 2026 educational webinars.

Click the link to learn more and REGISTER: https://www.uni-bell.org/Events/Educational-Webinars

🔹 Installation of PVC Water and Sewer Piping Systems
April 1, 2026 | 10:30 AM CST
This webinar provides the most up-to-date information available on installation practices for gasketed PVC water and sewer pipes and fittings as well as answer frequently asked questions. Properly installed pipelines ensure best performance and maximum design life for underground infrastructure.

🔹 Tapping Small- and Large-Diameter PVC Water Pipe
April 22, 2026 | 10:30 AM CST
This webinar reviews tapping procedures for both small- and large-diameter gasketed PVC pressure pipe. The presentation will include instructional diagrams and photos. “Tapping” involves drilling a hole into a main-line pipe to attach a branch line. It’s often done with the main line under full pressure, so specialized techniques have been developed to streamline the installation process.