The Building & Construction Division, commonly referred to as "BCD" is focused on plastic pressure pipe and tubing systems used within buildings and on building premises for applications such as plumbing, water service, fire protection, hydronic heating and cooling, snow and ice melting and ground source geothermal piping systems.

Our Mission

To advocate for the expanded acceptance and use of high reliability plastic pressure pipe and tubing systems in building and construction environments with a focus on delivering safe and sustainable plastic system solutions that enrich people's lives.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

BCD is focused on plastic pressure pipe and tubing systems used within buildings and on building premises for applications such as plumbing, water service, fire protection, hydronic heating and cooling, snow and ice melting and ground source geothermal piping systems. Additional applications used in commercial construction include pre-insulated pipes for district heating and tubing systems for field heating or turf conditioning.

PPI BCD PLASTIC PIPE DESIGN CALCULATOR

The BCD Plastic Pipe Design Calculator is a software tool that aids in designing plastic pressure pipe and tubing systems using the materials CPVC, HDPE, PEX, PE-RT, PP-R and PP-RCT. It is intended to assist designers using these materials for applications such as plumbing, water service, fire protection, hydronic piping (liquids), radiant heating & cooling, snow & ice melting, geothermal ground loops, district heating, and turf conditioning.

Click here to enter PPI Plastic Pipe Design Calculator

 

 

 

Building & Construction Materials

The types of pipe and tubing systems primarily represented by BCD are:

  • CPVC:

    Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride

    HDPE:

    high density polyethylene

    PEX:

    crosslinked polyethylene

  • PE-RT:

    polyethylene of raised temperature

    PP-R and PP-RCT:

    random copolymerized polypropylene

    PEX-AL-PEX:

    multilayer or composite tubing

Within PPI's Building & Construction Division, HDPE piping systems are used as the ground loops for ground source geothermal applications, also known as earth energy or geoexchange systems.

FEATURES & BENEFITS OF PEX, CPVC, PE-RT, & PP-R/PP-RTC

In general, the features and benefits of these high-performance high-temperature plastic piping systems include:

  • Ease of installation
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Safety of potable water
  • Reliable fitting and joining options
  • Light weight, ease of transportation and handling
  • Long-term reliability proven over decades of use around the world

Note: In these applications, "tubing" refers to products whereby the actual Outside Diameter is 1/8 inch larger than the nominal size, and "pipe" refers to products whereby the actual Outside Diameter matches that of steel pipe of the same nominal size, or products where the actual OD matches the nominal size. In both cases, dimensional tolerances are specified within relevant standards.

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS

PPI has developed this video channel as a service to the industry. The information presented here is offered in good faith and believed to be accurate, but is offered without any warranty, expressed or implied including WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Any reference to particular proprietary product should not be construed as an endorsement by PPI, which does not endorse the proprietary products or processes of any manufacturer. PPI assumes no responsibility for viewer's compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

You can see all the videos HERE.

DESIGN GUIDE - RESIDENTIAL PEX WATER SUPPLY PLUMBING SYSTEMS

Also known as the PEX PLUMBING DESIGN GUIDE, the PEX Plumbing Design Guide provides the information and resources necessary to design and install crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) plumbing distribution systems in residential buildings. Much of the information can also be applied to the use of PEX plumbing in commercial buildings. It includes comprehensive design concepts and installation guidelines to assist with the proper use of PEX.

The document can be downloaded in its entirety or chapter-by-chapter by clicking HERE.

FAQs ABOUT CALIFORNIA PROP 65 LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR PLASTIC PIPE & FITTING SYSTEMS

Proposition 65 is a California law whose goal is to protect residents from chemicals that may cause cancer and birth defects. Within this law are labelling requirements for products sold in the State of California. In some cases, the law applies to the types of plastic pipe and fitting system products produced by PPI members and represented by PPI.

Please check HERE should you have any questions about this proposition.