Technical FAQs
The length of PVC pipe expands and contracts with temperature change. The change in length is based upon material properties and amount of temperature change.
The change in length of pipe per 10°F ΔT PVC pipe is reflected below:
| Pipe Length | Ft (m) | Length Change | In. (mm) |
|---|---|
|
100 (30.48) |
0.36 (9.15) |
|
20 (6.1) |
0.072 (1.83) |
|
14 (4.3) |
0.050 (1.27) |
|
10 (3.0) |
0.036 (0.91) |
For example, a length of 1,760 ft of PVC pipe with an initial installed temperature of 73°F and an operating
temperature of the pipe will be 83°F. The change of length over the entire length of pipe at operating
temperatures will be ~6.34”.
Source: PVC Pipe Association. Handbook of PVC Pipe Design and Construction, 5th Ed. New York: Industrial
Press, 2013. Print.
Note: Some pipe systems may require additional accommodation of thermal expansion and contraction
movement, than the standard integral bell joint can provide. In these cases, NAPCO offers expansion joints
up to 6” diameter.
General PVC
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