The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI)'s newest online course, “PEX Tubing for Water Service Line Applications,” is now available on its PPI eLearn channel. This online learning course provides a self-directed learning opportunity for professionals in the plumbing and underground infrastructure industries. CEU credit will be awarded to those completing the ASPE-accredited course. PPI is the non-profit North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry.  

The course is based on requirements of the updated industry standard AWWA C904-22 Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Tube, 1/2 Inch Through 3 Inch for Water Service, the ANSI-approved standard for PEX tubing intended to deliver potable water into homes and buildings. 

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law contains $15 billion for lead service line replacement (LSLR) and PEX tubing is an ideal material for that work,” stated Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI's building and construction division. “PEX tubing certified to AWWA C904-22 can help installers meet the rapidly growing need to replace lead pipes, as well as other metallic service lines. PEX is also ideal for new construction and is widely used for this purpose. PEX tubing has been used for water service lines in North America for more than 25 years, providing safe delivery of potable water and protecting the health of building occupants.”  

This PPI eLearn course is one hour long and is accredited by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE). PPI is an ASPE CEU Provider. The course has quizzes throughout the sections to ensure successful transfer of knowledge and students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion. The course fee is just $19.95 for an introductory period.

The online course has the following seven learning objectives:

1. Discuss how the properties of PEX tubing can protect health, safety, and welfare of building occupants when used as water service lines and building supply lines
2. Describe PEX water service line standards and code compliance 
3. List several joining systems that are approved for use with PEX water service tubing
4. Explain how to size PEX water service line tubing for reliable performance
5. Direct installers on correct installation techniques to ensure long-term safety and performance
6. Identify practical reasons to specify PEX water service line tubing as a replacement for lead and copper
7. Show how to access industry resources for additional material, design, and installation information

The PPI BCD PEX Tubing for Water Service Line Applications eLearn™ course can be found at https://elearn.plasticpipe.org/p/bcdpexforwaterservicelines or https://elearn.plasticpipe.org/  

Additional information and data about the use and installation of PEX tubing is available from the PPI Building and Construction Division at www.plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction