Installation Guide

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Chapter 4: Installation Practices
4.1 Installation Practices and Guidelines
1. HOME-FLEX Underground pipe and fittings must be installed in accordance with the In-
stallation Practices & Guidelines outlined in this document as well as all local plumbing,
mechanical, electrical and/or building codes and laws applicable at the locale where
HOME-FLEX Underground is to be installed. If you do not understand all aspects of the
installation requirements and local codes, locate a qualified installer in your area who
does.
2. Only the components provided or specified by IPEX USA LLC as part of the piping
system are to be used in the installation.
3. Never use HOME-FLEX Underground products in above-ground applications.
4. Never use HOME-FLEX Underground products inside buildings.
5. Never install HOME-FLEX Underground pipe or fittings under a building.
6. Never encase HOME-FLEX Underground products in concrete.
7. Do not use HOME-FLEX Underground pipe fittings to connect poly gas pipes other than
the specified size as marked on the fitting.
8. The minimum required depth for buried pipe will be specified by local code. If the local
code does not include trench specifications, then trench and backfill in accordance with
ASTM D2774 “Standard Practice for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pressure
Piping” available at: astm.org/Standard/standards-and-publications.html. Consult Sec-
tion 4.2 (p. 15) for more trenching guidelines.
9. Underground gas piping must be installed with sufficient clearance from any other
underground structure to avoid contact, to allow maintenance, and to protect against
damage from proximity to other structures. In addition, underground plastic piping
shall be installed with sufficient clearance, or shall be insulated from any source of heat
so as to prevent heat from impairing the serviceability and reliability of the pipe.
10. Ensure that correct stiffener is used with the correct sized pipe (size is marked on stiff-
ener).
11. Ensure the sizing on the fitting nut matches the sizing on the pipe being connected.
12. The fitting is supplied assembled and ready to use. If the fitting is disassembled, ensure
all nut components are present and in the correct orientation as pictured in Figure 4.1
(p. 15).
13. When installing
PE pipe care must be taken to avoid inducing excessive stresses to the
pipe and fittings.
14. Excessive bending of plastic piping systems, particularly at joints, can exceed stress
limits and result in failure. Pipe, when joined with fittings, shall be laid as true to line
as possible, while taking into consideration that common PE gas pipe may expand or
contract 1 inch for every 10º F of temperature change per each 100 foot section of pipe.
Grading and backfilling must be carried out carefully to prevent uneven settlement and
therefore excessive bending. Please refer to ASTM D2774 for additional information on
backfilling.
15. The use of damaged pipe where the joint is being made must be avoided. If there is a
cut or groove in the pipe that section should be cut out. Sealing performance can be
affected by scored or damaged pipe, so caution should be taken if present on the pipe.
16. The HOME-FLEX
TM
Underground gas piping system must be pressure tested for leaks in
accordance with all local codes. In the absence of a specific local code that specifies the
pressure test, refer to the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54 which