Using PVC pipe for air compressor lines is extremely dangerous and NOT recommended.
Based on information from multiple associations and manufacturers, it is highly advised against using PVC piping in any compressed air application. While PVC piping is commonly used to transport liquids, primarily water, for various purposes, its use with compressed air poses significant safety risks.
Why PVC is Dangerous for Compressed Air Applications
The primary reason why PVC is dangerous for compressed air is that it is not designed to handle the specific conditions present in air compressor systems, such as fluctuating pressures and temperatures. Unlike liquids which are relatively incompressible, compressed air stores energy. When PVC pipe fails under compressed air pressure, it can shatter explosively, sending sharp fragments over a wide area.
- Safety Hazard: The risk of catastrophic failure and fragmentation makes PVC a severe safety hazard in compressed air setups.
- Lack of Suitability: PVC pipe is engineered for low-pressure liquid applications, not for the stored energy and pressures of compressed air systems.
- Expert Consensus: Its use is NOT recommended by multiple associations and manufacturers within the industry due to the inherent dangers.
What PVC Pipe is Typically Used For
As highlighted by industry information, PVC piping is widely and safely used for conveying liquids. Its common applications include:
- Water supply lines
- Drainage systems (DWV - Drain, Waste, Vent)
- Irrigation systems
These applications involve transporting fluids at much lower pressures where the stored energy risk is minimal compared to compressed air.
In summary, despite its common use for liquid transport, PVC is fundamentally unsuitable and dangerous for compressed air systems and should be avoided entirely to prevent potentially severe injuries or property damage.
