Once the task of identifying the percentage use of plastic DWV (Drain Waste piping) within residential construction market. I began a major search using several key words on the subject and sending emails to nearly all the who’s who of the plumbing industry.
The result was extremely interesting. And after many hours on investigation, the question was altered to following issue. Is there such data exist or if data is available, why so much secrecy on identifying the extend of usage plastic in the Construction residential.
The research ended with number of articles from variety of sources. The only source that responded to the answer was from survey performed by the National Home Builders Association. A sample of this survey is attached. The result of this survey must be purchased for a fee from NHBA web site.
The research also included many conversations with vendors and affiliates or manufacturer’s representatives. It is evident that the plumbing installer is taking the path of least resistance for their decision making process. The use of plastic is extremely less labor intensive and much faster to install.
In all areas with little code enforcement, the plastic is exclusively used in the residential market. And now the code bodies have adopted the plastic nearly throughout the country and almost all one to two story residential units are made with plastic piping. The only exceptions are the use of cast iron in sound sensitive areas (risers), between demising walls, etc..
In apartment complexes of more than two story, the plastic is not permitted based on its fire safety concerns.
The plastic industry in the Drain Waste Vent (DWV) piping has been divided into PVC and the ABS piping. The ABS is the most common application. However, the PVC substitution is rapidly on the horizon. The problem with the PVC is the flame spread distribution and exceeds the code bodies stating for an acceptable material. For all underground applications, both are acceptable. There are number of articles attached in promoting PVC vs. ABS.
What is interesting is that PEX, a plastic substitute for copper, for water distribution is rapidly travelling the same path as the DWV plastic piping in the home market. This is ver evident in the past plumbing conventions.
Based on the above argument, the respond to the original question of the amount of plastic used in residential market, can be indirectly determined by the statistics of the housing industry.
Finally, I was able to determine why so much secrecy about plastic piping. The reason was the daily lawsuits. For one reason or the other, the plastic piping manufacturer’s are being named in law suites on daily bases. Any information published by them can be and will be used against them. Plastic piping is in a good position. They sell their products and they do not need any advertising to sell it. Therefore, no information is published.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.