DWV for Potable Water?

jamieswingle

I had someone repair my 3" PVC water line and they installed a small piece of NS-DWV pipe. The line is holding pressure (35 psi), but I am wondering if DWV rated PVC poses any danger to drinking water? Can anyone tell me if there is any danger from chemicals leaching from the pipe?

md2lgyk

I've never heard of a 3" water supply line. That would be serious overkill. Are you sure that's what you have??

jamieswingle

Yes. I am sure and yes, it is overkill. I actually designed the water system, and I learned my lesson. Next time it won't be 3".

md2lgyk

OK. Back to your original question, I don't believe DWV pipe is rated for pressure. No clue about leaching of chemicals. Why not simply replace it with PVC?

COLDIRON

D rain

W aste

V ent

That's it not water supply under pressure.

No. no, no.

ben's plumbing

I would have it repaired right....dwv is not intened for pressure useage...reguardless if it harmful or not dosen't change that fact....replace it..

jamieswingle

Thank You. You have confirmed my thoughts. It is frustrating, because I didn't get what I asked for, and the temptation is to just let it go because it is holding pressure. But I know I am going to regret it if I do.

md2lgyk

Was the "someone" who installed that stuff a licensed plumber? But even if they're not, call them back to do it right.

jamieswingle

No. They are not licensed. I live out in the country and I am limited on local plumbing resources. They used the DWV pipe because it was readily available. One must drive 40 miles one way to find a supply of NW-PW 3" pipe. I have called them and they are coming next week to repair it correctly.

Daniel Holzman

Typically water supply pipe is rated for potable use by NSF. DWV is typically NOT rated for potable use, both because of the pressure issue but also because NSF requires pipe that does not leach toxic chemicals. Best to use appropriately rated pipe for potable application. In three inch, you should be able to get NSF rate PVC or polyethylene, though how you came up with such a big service is still a bit murky to me.

jamieswingle

The leaching of chemicals was my first concern and that is motivation enough to get this fixed right. However; after calling Charlotte Pipe and speaking with one of their engineers, I learned that DWV pipe will eventually fail even under nominal pressures if the edge of the foam core in the pipe segment is exposed to pressurized water (which it will be). The engineer advised that the DWV pipe is manufactured from the same material and therefore poses no safety hazard, but it is not manufactured to the same standard and therefore it will eventually fail. Moral of the story is "fix it right the first time" and verify that your hired help is working with the right pipe before you let them leave the job site.

ben's plumbing

yep only one way the right way....

Alan

I don't think you're going to find an answer to the potability of a DWV pipe, because as it's rated for DWV, there's no point in it being tested as an accepted or certified material for potable water piping.


That said, i'd probably tear it out and re-do it, and flatten the tires of the dork who did that to you.

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Journeyman Plumber