Acid Neutralizer Installation Questions

• I have a call in to my local code enforcement office (SE PA - uses IPC 2003), but, in the meanwhile, can anyone confirm that it is/is not against code to use PVC in the aforementioned application?
• If PVC is against code, is there anything else that's okay to use (other than CPVC, PEX, and Cu)? Flex PE (black)? Others?
• Any pipe preferred over the others?
• If PVC is against code, why is the acid neutralizer adapter (to house plumbing) sized with a female 3/4" PVC?
• Are there special 3/4" CPVC adapters that have the same OD as the 3/4" PVC?
• If not, how would you all recommended attaching the acid neutralizer to my in house plumbing (probably going to use 3/4" CPVC)
• I haven't run the numbers, but in real world applications (40-65psi) would there be any noticeable flow loss from the 3/4" CPVC v. PVC? I'm assuming the IDs are different...
• There is currently a pressure gauge after the water treatment; it looks like there is a 3/4" PVC "saddle" (glued overtop pipe) with 1/4" female NPT that the gauge is screwed in to. Do they make these similar "saddles" for CPVC? Or, am I better off finding a T fitting with the same specs? I didn't see any saddles at McMaster Carr.

ACEschborn said:

Hello All,

I recently purchased an acid neutralizer for my house and had a couple questions regarding the installation. A lot of my questions have to do with recent reading - it appears PVC pipe (not CPVC) is NOT allowed IN the house for cold water applications. This has me worried as the previous owner plumbed in a softener with PVC piping (it does say "drinking water" on it)...

• I have a call in to my local code enforcement office (SE PA - uses IPC 2003), but, in the meanwhile, can anyone confirm that it is/is not against code to use PVC in the aforementioned application?
  
  Neither IPC nor UPC allows the use of PVC for distribution piping within the structure. (table 605.5)
  
  
• If PVC is against code, is there anything else that's okay to use (other than CPVC, PEX, and Cu)? Flex PE (black)? Others?
  
  The above listed are approved with the exception of PE
  
• Any pipe preferred over the others?
  
  It is a matter of personal preference
  
• If PVC is against code, why is the acid neutralizer adapter (to house plumbing) sized with a female 3/4" PVC?
  
  It isn't. It has a 3/4 ips thread that will adapt to most anything
  
• Are there special 3/4" CPVC adapters that have the same OD as the 3/4" PVC?
  
  Yes
  
• If not, how would you all recommended attaching the acid neutralizer to my in house plumbing (probably going to use 3/4" CPVC)
  
  Get 3/4 threaded coupleings and 3/4" cpvc male adaptors
  
• I haven't run the numbers, but in real world applications (40-65psi) would there be any noticeable flow loss from the 3/4" CPVC v. PVC? I'm assuming the IDs are different...
  
  so minimal as to be of no concern
  
• There is currently a pressure gauge after the water treatment; it looks like there is a 3/4" PVC "saddle" (glued overtop pipe) with 1/4" female NPT that the gauge is screwed in to. Do they make these similar "saddles" for CPVC? Or, am I better off finding a T fitting with the same specs? I didn't see any saddles at McMaster Carr.

That is an illegal hack job, you can get the proper adaptors. Saddle valves are illegal for all uses

Thanks in advance!

Best,
Alex[/QUO


As always, check with local code authority

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hj said:

What kind of connection is the female PVC? If it is a thread, you NEVER want to screw a metal male thread into it. Even a male PVC/plastic adapter can create enough stress to crack the attachment. PVC has a history of spontaneous failure, usually in the joints but also in the fittings, (I replaced a PVC tee last week which had cracked through the backside of it, but have had it happen to elbows and 45's over the years.).

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