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Specifications for C-900 PVC Pipe

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) set the standards for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pressure pipes predominately used in transporting potable water in section C900. C900 regulations provide a uniform manufacturing standard for PVC suppliers to follow when producing pipe for commercial, residential and industrial use.

  1. Size

    • AWWA C900 sets the guidelines for 4- to 12-inch PVC water pipe. According to AWWA C900 regulations, pipes come in a standard length of 20 feet for all sizes of pipe. Pipe lengths must be within 1 inch of this length. Standard pipe diameters covered under these rules come in 4- 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-inch internal diameters. All manufacturers must make pipe that conforms to the outside diameters of standardized cast iron pipe.

    Thickness

    • AWWA C900 sets the standard thicknesses for different classes of pipe. The three major classes of pipe include Class 100 DR25, Class 150 DR25 and Class 200 DR14. Larger classes of pipe provide increased thickness and improved durability under pressure. For example, a Class 100 4-inch diameter pipe provides .19 inches of wall thickness, while a Class 200 pipe of the same diameter provides .343 inches of wall thickness. Larger diameter pipes feature increased thickness.

    Pressure

    • According to AWWA C900 regulations, every length of pipe, including joints, should be tested at four times the standard operating pressure of the pipe for five seconds. A Class 100 pipe should withstand 400 pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure, while a Class 150 pipe should handle 600 psi of pressure without bursting or leaking. For a Class 150 pipe, this pressure limit increases to 800 psi.

    Testing

    • Manufacturers must randomly test sample pieces of pipe under more rigorous standards than the hydrostatic test to prevent manufacturing defects. This test involves using water pressure to test the pipe for between 60 and 70 seconds. Class 100 pipe should handle 535 psi, while Class 150 pipe should not break under 755 psi. Class 200 should not break at 985 psi of water pressure.

    Safety

    • All AWWA C900 pipe must meet ANSI 61 safety requirements for potable water systems, which ensures that a manufacturer produces PVC products that do not compromise the health of the public. In addition, each PVC pipe created should allow for contraction and expansion to reduce the possibility of joint breakage. All C900 pipe joints should meet American Society for Test and Materials (ASTM International) F477 standards to form a durable joint seal where pipes connect.

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