Safety Information

Piping system made of PVC & CPVC will give an excellent, maintenance-free performance over many years of use, as long as the application and system design is correct and properly installed. It is important to know the properties and limitations of PVC and CPVC thermoplastic pipe when selecting these materials.

Always start with reading and following installation indications first. It is very important to know the reputation and abilities of your installation crew or contractor. Professional engineering design of the system and close supervision of the installation process is highly recommended.

Any questions about the installation procedure and applications of PVC and CPVC piping products should be directed to your supplier, manufacturer or consultant.

1. Avoid contact with hard and/or pointed objects to protect plastic pipe.
   Impact resistance is lower than metal pipes.


2. Keep pipe away from extreme heat and cold.
   Extreme heat and/or cold can cause failure. If liquids freeze inside PVC/CPVC and/or metallic piping, this can cause the pipe and/or the joints to crack.
   Freeze protection should be designed into the system. Heat beyond designed limits can also cause failures.


3. Protect pipe from sunlight.
   PVC and CPVC pipe compounds normally do not provide extended protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Therefore, unless the material has been specially formulated to sustain in this environment, the product must be protected from sunlight or it may reduce product’s durability.


4. Avoid bending pipe.
   Pipe should not be bent in trenches or in above ground installations. Pipe and joints that are stressed reduce pressure rating and can cause failures.

1. PVC and CPVC piping systems are not made for transporting compressed air or gases.
   Compressed air or gases can surge to high pressures and cause explosive failures that could seriously injure personnel. PVC and CPVC pipe and fittings are excellent products in transporting water and corrosive chemicals.


2. Only use chemicals that are proven to be safe to transport with PVC/CPVC pipes.
   Certain chemicals, especially petroleum distillates and derivatives, can cause damage to the system. Every chemical should be verified and approved in the manufacturer's chemical resistance chart.

1. Allow for flexibility in the design of the system.
   Expansion and contraction is greater than metals.This can cause cracks and leaking points if the system is not designed flexible enough to absorb movement. When laying smaller diameters of pipe below ground, the pipe should be "snaked" in the trench to allow for expansion and contraction. If solvent cement welding is used for the method of joining, snaking, pressure testing, and pipe movement should not be done until after the joints have been given sufficient time to set.


2. Design safeguards into the system to prevent excessive surge pressures.
   Water hammer (surge) in a PVC and CPVC system can cause pipe, fittings, and valves to burst. Liquid velocities should not exceed the maximum speed of S ft/s.

1. Carefully follow solvent cement welding instructions.
   Failure to follow application indications can reduce the strength and integrity of joints and cause joint failures. By far, the majority of failures in PVC and CPVC systems are the result of shortcuts and/or improper joining techniques.


2. Remove rocks and other debris that may damage pipe before burying pipe in trenches.
   Precaution should be taken to remove all rocks, boards, empty primer and cement cans, brushes, bottles and other debris from the trench when laying PVC and CPVC pipe below the ground. Backfilling and top loading should be supervised.
   


3. Follow recommended support spacing for PVC and CPVC piping systems.
   The modulus of elasticity of PVC and CPVC pipe is smaller than metals. Maximum working temperature and room temperature should be considered when determining the required support spacing.

1. NEVER use compressed air or gas or air-overwater boosters to pressure test PVC or CPVC piping systems.
   ONLY hydrostatic pressure testing should be conducted on PVC and CPVC piping systems. Compressed air or gases can surge to high pressures and cause explosive failures that could seriously injure personnel.


2. Carefully follow all instructions for hydrostatic pressure testing.
   Failure to follow these instructions can result in a system failure.
   


3. Always remove all entrapped air from system before water-testing a system.
   Entrapped air is a major cause of surge and burst failure in thermoplastic piping systems.

warning: Failure to follow the safety precautions below may result in misapplication or improper installation and testing which can cause severe personal injury and/or property damage.