Viscoelastic Weaknesses of Plastic Pipes

Engineering studies and forensic reviews show plastic pipe materials have mechanical behaviors very different from metals. These behaviors introduce long-term performance concerns that designers and contractors must account for when designing systems and specifying materials.

Plumbing Sustainability Scorecard, Part 1: Leaching

Leaching stands at a critical intersection of health, materials science, & sustainability. It must be a central consideration in selecting plumbing materials. This scorecard ranks common pipe types on the amount, toxicity, & regulatory uncertainty of chemicals leached into drinking water.

Field-Tested Truths

Piping managers across the U.S. shared their professional observations based on what did and did not work for their systems over the course of years and decades of use.

When Plastic Pipes & Chemical Clash: Risks

Promoted as cost-effective and easy to install, plastic pipes are often used without considering the environments in which they’re installed. Research shows chemical incompatibility poses serious risks to plastic piping systems

Leaching of Microplastics & Chemicals from PEX Pipes

PEX and other plastic piping systems leach plastic particles & chemicals, posing significant concerns for drinking water quality. Until we have more studies and better oversight, architects and others must weigh risks to occupants.

Report: Sprinkler System Piping

This research-based report gives an overview of system components, design considerations, and material options for fire-sprinkler systems.