Heat forming PVC

[Txjole]

I am getting bids on an in ground in Dallas Tx area, and i'm shocked to have had 2 bids that use heat formed PVC pipe. Background, I have been in the plumbing supply biz for the past 24 years. (was a licensed plumber in the state for a time). This goes against my grain, the IPC nor the UPC plumbing codes would never let this fly. Being a man not stuck in my ways, I engage the builder and he has a very good sales pitch that makes sense. 1) Less fitting, most (if not all) leaks are at the fitting, which are normally under a concrete deck. 2) reduced run lengths 3) all plumbing around the pool in one trench 4) less friction loss.

So I called one of my pvc pipe factories (the big one) spoke with an engineer, surprised to find out heat forming is common in other countries and some in the US. "If done right" the stretched side only drops psi rating ~10-15%. (thats not a lot considering PVC pipe is mostly over PSI rated for any job sch 40 is used on)

I know its been discussed on these forums before (years past), has anyone have a problem with heat formed PVC? I can't google up anything.

 

[JamesW]

It really depends on the skill of the installer. If done correctly, it's fine. It not done correctly, it can fail.

 

[JohnT]

At work we make a lot of stands out of PVC pipe to hold radios and antennas. We have a heater that heats it from inside. I wouldn't hesitate to use bent pipe at pool water pressures if it's bent so it doesn't collapse at the bend.