Water New Zealand Web Forum

[Eric Cawte]

At Rotorua we have not yet approved the use of PVC-o pipe for watermains, but are considering its approval at present. I'd appreciate a show of hands amongst suppliers as to who has or has not approved it, and any problems encountered with its use.
cheers, Eric.

[Petrina]

Hi Eric
Westland District has used PVC-O for a couple of years now mostly in the ø300mm size range (and some ø100mm) and have had no problems with it. The operators have said that it's good to work with due to the deflection capability.
Petrina

[CluthaDC]

Hi Eric,
We too have been using it for a couple years. Early days, but so far so good - no particular problems. It does have to be handled reasonably gently during installation. At first, it was't approved for glue-jointing pending testing; not sure where this has got to?? cheers
_________________
Hank Stocker
Water Services Manager
Clutha District Council

[Grant Hall]

Similarly at Timaru, we have been using PVC-O in some locations without any problems. One of the initial projects encountered a problem with over-tightening of gibaults due to the installer not being familiar with the product, otherwise ok.

[rabrams]

Using it on a pressure sewer for Apia Samoa. Very impressed with the ease of handling and the speed it can be laid. Seems to be easer than uPVC. Issue is fittings,the Series 2 fittings are a little annoying becuase its another range you have to keep in stock. Otherwise like it.

[Dylan Stuijt]

Hi Eric

We also installed a trial section a year or so ago with no issues to date, but we still haven’t approved it for general use. I'm still hearing a few stories and observed a few issues that are putting me off temporarily.

If you have very good contractors, who follow PVC installation standards to the letter, then you'll probably be ok. However I have come across installation issues, such as pipes splitting when using incorrect drills and filing the edges. As pointed out, fittings have to be installed perfectly, any disproportionate tightening and you may have problems.

I like the theoretical aspects of the product, but I'm not confident with the abilities of our local contractors just yet. Iplex are offering training which I'm sure Frank or Todd would talk to you about.
_________________
Water Supply Manager - Hastings District Council

[JohnS]

Hi Eric - although we have not yet approved the product, we have undertaken various investigations and trials as a part of our approval process and are generally happy with the results. However, we agree with observations by others regarding cautious handling on site and contractor expertise with this product.

[Alister Murray]

Hi Eric,

Just starting to use this pipe in an upgrade of the Port of Bluff's water reticulation system. Using size range 100 - 300mm ,diameters greater than 150mm are to be series 2 - imperial diameter compatible with a/c and cast/ductile pipe.

Need to be careful to use the correct tools as per manufacturers spec in regard to cutting tapping holes for service connections - plus use full encirclement tapping bands ( type F as per AS/NZS 4793:2009). Main isn't as rigid as PVC- u and can deform causing leaks at joints/tapping bands if manufacturers installation spec isn't followed.

[Eric Cawte]

Thanks for all the comments. It appears that the product is performing fine but requires a higher standard of care in installation, which in practice is not always achieved. The question we have asked ourselves is : does the benefit (if any) outweigh this extra risk over the current uPVC which we have had no issues with.
It's fair to say that we haven't come up with the answer although we are using it on one transfer main job where the increased internal diameter has enabled us to drop down one nominal bore size resulting in good material cost savings.