IS 13592:1992 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for unplasticized pvc (upvc) pipes for non-pressure drainage and sewerage systems. This standard lays down the specifications for unplasticized PVC (uPVC) pipes intended for non-pressure drainage and sewerage systems. It categorizes pipes into Type A (for rainwater and ventilation) and Type B (for soil and waste discharge), defining their material composition, dimensions, and performance requirements such as heat resistance and impact strength. The code ensures quality and interchangeability for pipes used in building and civil drainage infrastructure.
Specifies requirements for unplasticized PVC pipes and fittings for non-pressure drainage and sewerage applications.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
IS 13592 (1992) specifies Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) Pipes for Non-Pressure Drainage and Sewerage Systems. The cost-effective + corrosion-resistant alternative to traditional cast iron / concrete / DI for gravity sewerage + drainage.
Use when: building drainage, sewerage networks, storm-water, agricultural drainage, low-pressure water supply (less common).
Material: Unplasticized PVC (rigid plastic; not flexible) per IS 13592 - Color: typically white or grey - Length: standard 3-6 m sections - Wall thickness: per pressure rating + size
Sizes: 40-630 mm OD typical for sewerage
Pressure ratings: Not high-pressure; for gravity flow primarily
Advantages: - Lightweight (1/5 of cast iron) - Corrosion-resistant - Smooth interior (low friction) - Easy installation - Lower cost than DI / cast iron - 50+ year service life
Disadvantages: - Lower pressure capacity - Not for pressure pipelines (use IS 4985 PVC pressure pipe) - UV degradation if exposed - Brittle at very low temperatures - Joint integrity dependent on installation
Installation: - Trench width: pipe OD + 200-300 mm - Bedding: 100 mm sand - Slope: per design (1:200 minimum for sewerage) - Joints: solvent cement or rubber gasket - Backfill: compacted layers
Common sizes: - 110 mm (4 inch): drains, soil pipes - 160 mm (6 inch): branch sewers - 200 mm (8 inch): main sewers - 300+ mm: large sewer mains
Joint types: - Solvent cement: cementing pipe + fitting - Push-on (rubber gasket): for larger sizes - Threaded: for connections to fixtures
Slope (gravity flow): - Minimum 1:200 for sewerage (per CPHEEO) - 1:100 preferred for self-cleaning - Max slope 1:50 (to avoid scour)
Quality acceptance: - Sample testing per IS 13592 - Pressure test for pressure applications - Hydraulic / smoke test for sewer leaks - Visual inspection of joints
Service life: - 50-100 years (depending on exposure + usage) - Buried + protected: longer - Exposed: UV degradation; typically 20-30 years
1. Solvent cement applied wet → joint failure. 2. Sun exposure for too long → UV degradation. 3. Heavy vehicle traffic above shallow pipe → cracking. 4. Wrong slope → no flow / scour. 5. Joints not tested → leaks emerge in service. 6. uPVC for pressure → use pressure-rated PVC instead. 7. Inadequate bedding → pipe distortion. 8. Compaction too high → pipe collapse.
1. Design per CPHEEO + IS 13592. 2. Procurement: certified pipes + fittings. 3. Trench + bedding preparation. 4. Pipe laying + joint making. 5. Pressure / leak test. 6. Backfill + compaction. 7. Commissioning. 8. Annual visual + flow inspection. 9. Long service life with proper installation.
IS 13592 is the uPVC drainage pipe reference for India's building drainage + sewerage — widely used in urban + suburban areas.
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vicat Softening Temperature (VST) | ≥ 79 °C | ≥ 79 °C | EN 1401-1:2019 |
| Longitudinal Reversion (at 150°C) | ≤ 5 % | ≤ 5 % | EN 1401-1:2019 |
| Ring Stiffness Classes (for buried pipes) | SN2, SN4, SN8 (in kN/m²) | SN2, SN4, SN8, SN16 (in kN/m²) | EN 1401-1:2019 |
| Pipe Color (Typical) | Dark grey | Orange-brown (for underground) | EN 1401-1:2019 |
| Impact Strength Requirement (at 0°C) | True Impact Rate (TIR) ≤ 10% | Defined H50 value or pass/fail based on a set number of strikes at a given energy | EN 1401-1:2019 |
| Resistance to Dichloromethane (DCM) | No attack when tested at 15°C for 30 min | No attack when tested at 15°C for 30 min | EN 1401-1:2019 |