PPI's new webpage contains answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about polypropylene pressure pipe systems. Published on PPI’s website directly at https://plasticpipe.org/bcd-pp-faqs, the PP FAQs webpage is free of charge and was developed as another tool to help and benefit the industry. PPI is the major trade association representing the plastic pipe industry.

“Polypropylene, or PP, is one of the most common types of plastic materials,” explained Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI's Building & Construction Division, which developed the webpage. “For pressure pipe, there are two types of polypropylene materials — PP-R and PP-RCT — and this new FAQs webpage contains more than twenty frequently asked questions regarding those materials, and the pipe and fitting systems made from them, along with detailed answers.”

The new webpage was developed in consultation with PPI member firms that provide  PP-R and PP-RCT pipe and resins in North America.  The topics covered are relevant to  specifying engineers, distributors, and installers.

Examples include the following:

• What’s the primary difference between PP-R and PP-RCT piping materials?
• Are PP-R and PP-RCT pipes and fittings compatible with each other?
• What are the industry standards for PP-R and PP-RCT?
• What are the pressure-temperature ratings for PP-R and PP-RCT piping systems?
• What are the advantages of PP-R and PP-RCT piping systems over traditional metal piping?
• How is resistance to disinfectants such as chlorine and chloramines assured by manufacturers?
• Can PP piping materials be installed in return air plenums?
• How are PP pipes typically connected to existing steel or copper pipes in existing buildings?
• I have seen some PP pipes that appear to have glass fiber in the pipe wall.  Can you explain that?

This FAQs webpage is one of several PPI resources related to the design and installation of pressure pipe materials which are published as a service to the industry by PPI’s Building & Construction Division. Other resources for PP pressure piping systems include the PP information webpage and the Plastic Pipe Design Calculator. 

Additional information about PPI Building & Construction Division can be found online at https://plasticpipe.org/BuildingConstruction.