According to non-profit North American trade association Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), the updated AWWA C904-22 contains information for proper installation of underground PEX potable water service lines to replace lead pipes.
Named crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pressure tube, it is the ANSI-approved standard for PEX tubing intended to deliver potable water into homes and buildings.
“The bipartisan infrastructure law contains US$15bn for lead service line replacement (LSLR), and PEX is the piping material for that work,” said Lance MacNevin, director of engineering for PPI building and construction division.
The AWWA standard, originally published in 2006, is for PEX tubing used in potable water service line in the construction of underground water systems, and applies to reclaimed water and wastewater. PEX tubing certified to AWWA C904-22 help installers meet the need to replace lead pipes, as well as other metallic service lines for new construction.
“PEX is a strong material with resistance to chlorine and chloramines,” he added. “PEX tubing has been used for water service lines in North America for more than 25 years, providing safe delivery of potable water. AWWA C904-22 is the controlling industry standard specification for this application that should be followed by system designers and installers.”
Updates to the standard include rearranged content for clarity, the addition of four types of approved PEX fitting systems, new definitions for design factor, potable water, reclaimed water, and wastewater, clarification of the requirements for a manufacturer’s quality-control programme.
