Why not PVC?

My main water line is Skd 40 PVC from the curb into the crawlspace to the pressure regulator (about 20 feet inside the crawlspace). This was apparently done by the previous owner. Everything I read says don't use PVC inside the foundation. I'm plannng to change it out, but I wonder what the problem is with PVC. It seems OK to have it run up to the house, but not under or within the house. Toxic fumes or what? Thank. -Tom L

Actually, the only real issue is that PVC is not rated for water temp over 70º,( at pressure) so the codes just outright ban it inside dwellings.

Pvc

PVC has a tendency to get brittle and snap spontaneously when exposed to air. Outside the building it is buried, (and it is not supposed to come up to the surface where it would be exposed).

Brittle pipe

If you have every tried to cut PVC lines after they have been exposed to sunlight, you would see how brittle they become. You have to be careful when using pvc scissors. Many times I use a tubing cutter when I feel it is to brittle.

The upc says that pvc must terminate outside the foundation at a certain distance depending on how deep it is. (45 degree angle from the footing if memory serves me). In my apprentice days, I (like many of you im sure) did a zillion water seervices. Our company used sch 40 pvc primarily. We would switch to type L soft copper to make the penetration through the foundation (or under it).

If you are running a new plastic water service from the meter to the house, don't forget the tracer wire.

The thought of backfilling the trench in a typical Northwest drizzle just caused a full body shiver.