Plumbing and mechanical systems are a significant part of our day-to-day modern lives. This industry has been shaped by both necessity and innovation. It is no exception that when plastic piping came on the scene, it not only revolutionized plumbing and heating systems; it transformed infrastructure and daily life. When first introduced in Europe in the 1940s as a temporary placeholder for metal piping, plastic pipes evolved into a reliable, long-lasting choice for water and hydronic distribution. It would not have a large stake in the North American industry without the research and development efforts of the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI). Read on to explore the fascinating history of plastic piping and how it became a significant force in modern piping innovation.
The Early Days of Plastic Piping
Before plastic piping, most plumbing and heating systems were built using iron and copper pipes. This began to change after World War II. Devastated by air raids and land wars, much of the infrastructure in Europe was destroyed, including the factories that produced traditional metal piping. Because of this, engineers turned to plastics, specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE), as temporary solutions for damaged underground and interior piping systems until metalworks were operational. “Plastics were initially used as a short-term solution to get water flowing again,” explains Lance MacNevin, Director of Engineering of PPI’s Building and Construction Division.
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But plumbers and engineers quickly saw the benefits of plastic piping over metal. Installation was less labor-intensive, and plastic systems were not vulnerable to corrosion like metal pipes.
In the 1960s, German inventor Thomas Engel developed a process to improve polyethylene through cross-linking, primarily to increase its temperature resistance. Engel sought to license his innovation to piping manufacturers to promote rapid adoption and further development. Several companies took up the license and refined Engel’s method. In 1972, two of these companies began producing crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) piping for radiant heating applications, marking the beginning of PEX as a viable material for plumbing and mechanical systems.
PPI Set the Standard
Founded in 1950, the Plastics Pipe Institute played a significant role in establishing standards for plastic piping. “PPI was started as an organization to bring harmonization and standardization to the industry,” MacNevin explained. The early pioneers recognized the need for consistent dimensions, testing methods and quality assurance to ensure plastic pipes were safe and effective alternatives to metal pipes. PPI members worked closely with the American Society for Testing and Materials (now ASTM International) to develop standards specifically for plastic piping systems.
A massive milestone for plastic piping came in 1984, when the first ASTM standard for PEX, known as F876, was published, allowing PEX to become an approved product in North American codes or plumbing and heating systems. Since then, PPI has continuously supported the development of standards, codes, and testing methods, keeping plastic a strong competitor against traditional pipe materials.
Decades of Teamwork
Viega has been a proud supporter of PPI’s efforts for nearly 30 years. Viega has been involved with PPI’s Building and Construction Division since its inception in 1998, supporting research and development with industry knowledge and experience. “No matter what committee we have or what type of task group we put together, it’s pretty much guaranteed there’s going to be somebody from Viega involved,” says MacNevin. Viega understands that plastic piping is a durable, cost-effective alternative to metal pipe,
and we back PPI’s efforts to prove that with a commitment to education and innovation.
Jason McKinnon, Viega’s Director of Engineering Services and Chair of PPI’s Education Committee, plays a crucial role in promoting educational initiatives that highlight the benefits of plastic piping. McKinnon and others from Viega work directly with PPI to engage engineers, contractors and specifiers in addressing concerns and expanding the use of plastic piping.
The Next Frontier
Plastic pipes have become the go-to for residential plumbing, with PEX accounting for about two-thirds of the hot- and cold-water distribution piping in new home construction in the U.S. and Canada. However, the commercial sector still largely relies on metal piping, particularly copper. MacNevin notes that the next challenge for the industry is gaining acceptance in commercial applications, where specifiers and engineers are still hesitant. “Our main focus is on education to increase acceptance of plastic pipes in commercial applications,” shared MacNevin. He added that by educating engineers and code officials
