About NCPI

The National Clay Pipe Institute (NCPI) is a not-for-profit technical resource for design, installation and operation of vitrified clay pipe (VCP) gravity sewer systems.

Clay

The Permanent Solution

  • Why Clay?

    VCP is the most sustainable pipe available for gravity flow wastewater systems. With unmatched structural integrity, the longest service life available, naturally environmentally friendly raw materials and regional production facilities, clay pipe is enjoying renewed interest among civil engineers.

    For the last 4,000 years clay has been the preferred option for sewer pipe material.  One of the earliest industries to work with ASTM, clay pipe manufacturers were instrumental in establishing manufacturing and installation standards more than 100-years ago.  This rich history provides an unmatched level of expertise.

Find out more about the history of VCP and NCPI through the years here.

  • Why NCPI?

    As an organization NCPI is responsible for the development of leak free, factory applied compression joints and the air pressure test to verify the performance of those joints. Specific installation methods and practices were developed by NCPI over years of research to insure the longest service life of any available material.

    The National Clay Pipe Institute is an unsurpassed technical resource offering educational seminars on a variety of subjects (with PDH’s available depending on local regulations).  We continue our strong tradition of scholarly research by partnering with universities and municipalities in field research projects designed to address specific concerns.