I agree that the life expectancy of PVC is greater than it is for steel.

My question is about how difficult it is to seal the connections in large diameter PVC?

I know my confidence on perfect seals for pressure applications goes down when I am working with 4" PVC. Can an experienced dirt contractor easily work with 12" or larger PVC by utilizing specialty tools, using experience, etc.? Are tiny leaks acceptable since it is not a pressure application or a siphon pipe?