Jump to content

Braided PVC distribution


Tom Raymond

Recommended Posts

Today's house had some really fun plumbing. 800SF ranch built over a crawl in 1950. At some point the copper distribution pipes froze in the crawl and some nincumpoop replumbed the place with food grade 1/4" braided PVC.

The manifold:

Click to Enlarge
tn_2012930175946_DSC00410.jpg

26.76 KB

The tubing:

Click to Enlarge
tn_20129301814_DSC00421.jpg

14.47 KB

The support scheme:

Click to Enlarge
tn_201293018324_DSC00441.jpg

30.76 KB

The flow was as crappy as you can imagine, and fortunately the water softener was sufficiently plugged to keep the pressure low enough to prevent any audible movement in the tubing.

This can't possibly be an approved distribution material, any help with a code cite would be apreciated.

The DWV, no vents at all, was just as much fun. The tub trap included PVC drain connectors, 2 ferncos, an ABS trap with Schedule 40 PVC arms, PB tubing, and galvanized nipples stubbed out of the cast iron main.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Except for right at the manifolds the tubing was very loosely supported at 8-10 foot intervals. The well pump developed 30 PSI before the softener, but opening the taps at the kitchen and bath sinks and the tub dropped the manifold pressure to below 10 PSI. The pressure was better with the softener bypassed, but the flow was still anemic.

Even at those low pressures I would expect the tubing to flop around as the taps were opened, especially with >60% pressure fluctuations.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Water supply and distribution pipe must conform to (National Sanitation Foundation). NSF 61. Reinforced clear PVC tubing isn't on that list. It is likely listed as conforming to NSF 51 for food equipment. It's primarily used for beverage transfer. (I inspect lotsa restaurants)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...