Plumbing Africa August 2026 | Page 19

FEATURE 17

Selecting the correct PVC pipe for the job

By
Megan O’ Connor, with technical input from Steyn van Zyl( Steyn’ s Plumbing), Patrick Gordon( Splashworks) and Coenie van der Merwe( Standard Hidraulica)
In this article, we look at the different types of PVC pipes used in plumbing and their specific applications, as well as their advantages, disadvantages and relevant SANS standards.
Supplied by Steyn van Zyl
PVC pipes are a popular choice in plumbing for water supply, sewer, drainage, stormwater, soil, waste and vent installations. Although PVC pipe is widely available and simple to install, it must never be selected only according to price, colour or diameter. Every pipe installation must be based on the correct SANS standard, pipe class, pressure rating, diameter, wall thickness and the specific purpose for which the pipe will be used.
Types of PVC and their applications
Type Name Main uses
uPVC / PVC-U
PVC-M
PVC-O
CPVC
Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride
Modified Polyvinyl Chloride
Oriented Polyvinyl Chloride
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
Sewer and waste water lines
Pressure piping
Situations requiring high chemical resistance, such as mining applications
Hot and cold water piping( has largely been replaced by PEX piping)
PP
Polypropylene
Sewer and waste
water lines
Relevant SANS standards The SANS standard confirms that the pipe has been manufactured and tested for a specific application and performance requirement. SANS standards provide minimum requirements for the manufacturing, quality and use of plumbing materials and systems.
Wall thickness of a 50mm vent pipe.
Common SANS Standard
SANS 966( Parts 1 and 2 relate to UPVC and MPVC)
SANS 791
SANS 967
SANS 1601
Application and examples
PVC pressure pipe applications, including:
• cold-water supply lines
• pumped water systems
• irrigation systems
• municipal water reticulation
• certain industrial water systems
Sewer and drainpipe applications, including:
• underground sewer lines
• underground drainage lines
• stormwater systems
• inspection chambers
• building drainage connections
Soil, waste and vent pipe applications, including:
• basin waste pipes
• sink waste pipes
• bath waste pipes
• shower waste pipes
• toilet soil pipes
• vent stacks
• branch waste connections
Structured-wall sewer pipe
Typical use
Cold-water pressure lines, water supply and reticulation
Underground sewer and drainage systems
Building waste, soil and vent systems
Civil sewer, stormwater and larger underground drainage systems
Background by Magnific. com
August 2026 Volume 32 I Number 06 www. plumbingafrica. co. za