Anyone worry about using PVC for feeding / watering?

[206ChickenGuy]

Hey all, my girl asked me a question i hadn't thought much about concerning the use of PVC for water systems and feeders.

We wouldn't personally eat or drink from something being stored in PVC piping so i was wondering if my chickens should be either? I did go with food grade #5 buckets to make the feeder/waters out of but there will be some PVC piping involved with finishing them (running to the chicken nipples etc). With the popularity or going organic, sustainable, natural, non GMO etc i thought this might be an interesting topic. Anyone have any alternatives (not too expensive)? Anyone share any worries? What do you guys think - maybe just dont over think it!

Thanx All
Jason - Go Hawks

 

[WhiteLeghorn2]

Hey all, my girl asked me a question i hadn't thought much about concerning the use of PVC for water systems and feeders.

We wouldn't personally eat or drink from something being stored in PVC piping so i was wondering if my chickens should be either? I did go with food grade #5 buckets to make the feeder/waters out of but there will be some PVC piping involved with finishing them (running to the chicken nipples etc). With the popularity or going organic, sustainable, natural, non GMO etc i thought this might be an interesting topic. Anyone have any alternatives (not too expensive)? Anyone share any worries? What do you guys think - maybe just dont over think it!

Thanx All
Jason - Go Hawks

I don't see why it isn't fine. Lots of people use it with no problem. You're fine.

 

[scali1971]

You use it at your residence, for than fine for poultry

 

[OScarlet]

I did make sure the pipe cement I used was suitable for potable water though.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

If you are concerned for your health or for the health of your fowl by all means changeover to good old fashion copper tubing, just don't forget the lead based solder that holds it together and prevents leaks. But if that is not good enough then go real old school, back to when everyone lived forever because less than 100 years ago all the water pipes in all the cities in the whole world were pure lead.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: Millions of people do it every day

 

[206ChickenGuy]

"The manufacture, use and disposal of PVC creates potent environmental toxins. Polyvinyl chloride, the main ingredient of PVC pipe, is classified as a known human carcinogen. Stabilizers and plasticizers used in PVC production may contain lead or other heavy metals."

These are the statements i hear that make me ask the question, im not even saying i wouldn't use it for my chickens but i was curious to see if anyone else had any thoughts about it. Most pipes in houses these days are copper (thats what i have), older galvaized steel, or the newer PEX material. I've read PVC is not to be used for hot water supplies due to leaching more chemicals into the drinking water. Anyways all, thanx for the repsonses, im sure i'll end up with a kick-*** PVC piped food and water system, just throwing the question out there.
The poll - 7 say use it and 0 say anything else. The people are speaking!
Thanx all - have a good one, keep 'em coming
Jason

 

[OScarlet]

PVC pipe is used in our municipal water system.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: Those are the statements the LAWYERS told them to put on the product, sort of like the ones on electric hair dryers that say "Don't use in the shower".

It doesn't mean the products are any more dangerous than your copper with it's LEAD solder, which is what PVC replaced

 

[LoneOak]

Your food grade buckets are most likely made from the same polyvinyl chloride. They have just been kept extra clean since day one to accept food substances.