Plastic Pipe Expert Performs Failure Analysis on Failed PVC Pipe Elbow

The PVC pipe expert at Read Consulting was asked to perform a failure analysis of a failed PVC “glue joint” elbow that had failed in service and that had caused a significant amount of water damage. The failed PVC pipe elbow was submitted for failure analysis. Upper left is the as received elbow with a visible crack. This crack went through the entire elbow and had caused the leak. This crack was “opened” up to reveal the fracture surface. This pipe failure initiated on the outside of the elbow. It is a progressive failure that is most likely fatigue. The plumbing expert was unable to view the elbow as it was installed. So, at this point all that can be said of this plastic failure is that it is a plastic fatigue failure.