A Review of the Durability in PVC Sewer Pipes-Structural and Performance Factors

Currently, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most valuable products in the petrochemical industry. In general, more than half of the PVC products is used in construction. In recent decades, due to its many advantages, it has become one of the dominant products used in sewage systems. However, as these sewer pipes have been operated in an aggressive environment for decades, concerns about their longevity have recently increased. In this regard, in this article, the main factors and mechanisms affecting the service life of PVC pipe, along with current methods for estimating their service life and their limitations are discussed. Investigation of related case studies shows that material degradation, if present, occurs slowly. However, inspections of some sewer lines in different countries show that severe defects in the pipes are growing at a rapid and unexpected rate. The main reason for this difference between studies and practice is the fact that a comprehensive test of PVC sewer pipe materials is rarely found in sources, although it is necessary to reliably assess the extent of degradation and its sources.