How Pipes Are (and Are Not) Regulated in the U.S.

AEC pros & building owners may assume that if a product is approved by code and carries the required certifications, it has been thoroughly evaluated. In reality, the U.S. regulatory system has gaps that can lead to unfortunate project outcomes.

The Hidden Health Risks of Plastic Pipes

Growing use of plastic piping raises questions about their impact on the health of the people who install them. Because for plumbers, exposure happens nearly every day.

Why Pipe Material Decisions Now Carry Risk

growing body of claims data, forensic investigations, and case law shows that When plumbing systems fail, the consequences extend far beyond repair costs. Architects, engineers, manufacturers, owners, and insurers are all paying closer attention.

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.