PVC Pipe Failure Analysis

Written by Dr. Bhargav Raval | Updated: September 23, 2025

The process of investigating and determining the causes of PVC pipe failures is known as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pipe failure analysis. PVC pipes are widely utilized in many different applications, such as plumbing, drainage, irrigation, and water distribution. A PVC pipe malfunction may cause leaks, bursts, or pipe damage, resulting in water loss, property damage, and service interruption.
Pump failure analysis is a crucial process that involves collecting information about a pump, its type, service history, operational data, maintenance records, and the conditions leading to the failure. It involves a multi-step process that requires technical knowledge in fluid dynamics, material science, mechanical engineering, and more. The steps for conducting a pump failure analysis include preliminary investigation, visual inspection, non-destructive testing (NDT), teardown inspection, material analysis, mechanical testing, failure mode and root cause analysis, operational and maintenance practices analysis, and report writing. The steps vary depending on the specific pump type and the nature of the failure. The analysis should be conducted by or under the supervision of a qualified expert. By identifying the causes of pump failures, companies can improve reliability, reduce downtime, and save costs. PVC pipe failure analysis is a systematic procedure that may include preliminary investigation, visual examination, non-destructive testing, material
identification and characterization, microscopic examination, chemical analysis, failure mode and root cause analysis, and report writing. Properly identifying the cause of a PVC pipe failure can help improve the material selection, design, manufacturing, and installation processes, reducing the likelihood of similar failures in the future.
Infinita Lab provides PVC pipe failure analysis for customers in diverse industries, including construction, water distribution, electrical, and more. Our skilled team of specialists can utilize various tools from our cutting-edge metallurgy and materials testing lab to swiftly and precisely identify the root cause of failure in your PVC piping system.
PVC piping is a thermoplastic material with excellent strength, rigidity, and hardness. PVC piping systems, however, are not impervious to the emergence of defects such as softening, degradation, erosion, and cracking. PVC pipes may burst due to abnormalities over time, costing your business time and money.
Manufacturing flaws, poor installation, or harsh climatic conditions can all lead to ruptures.

Failure types include:

  • Stunning Failure
  • Design Error
  • cracking due to environmental stress
  • exhaustion failure
  • Stress-Related Failure
  • Oxidative Error

Fortunately, metallurgy specialists can offer some thorough insight into the precise reasons for failures in plastic piping. We follow relevant industry standards, including applicable specialist processes like ASTM D2665, Standard Specification for PVC Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe and Fittings, and carry out in-depth studies. Our services also provide thorough reports.

Our methods for failure analysis are:

  • Analysis of Contaminant, Scale, and Corrosion Deposits (FTIR, EDS, and XRD)
  • optical, scanning electron, and fracture tomography (SEM)
  • Blended Analysis (Acetone Immersion)
  • Testing of Mechanical Properties (crush, impact, and burst resistance)

Additional pipe failure analysis services 

  • ABS Pipe Defect
  • Failure of cast iron pipes
  • CPVC Pipe Defect
  • HDPE Pipe Defect
  • KITEC Pipe Defect
  • Study of Pipeline Failures
  • Failure of Polyethylene Pipe
  • Steel Pipe Defect
  • Water Pipe Breakdown

Video 01:  Pipeline Failure Analysis


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