Buying Guide

NIBCO INC. WORLD HEADQUARTERS • 1516 MIDDLEBURY ST. • ELKHART, IN 46516-4740 • USA • PH: 1.800.234.0227
TECH SERVICES PH: 1.888.446.4226 • FAX: [phone] • INTERNATIONAL OFFICE PH: +1.574.295.3327 • FAX: [phone]
www.nibco.com
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AHEAD OF THE FLOW
®
Revised 4/26/2019
STORAGE
Thermoplastic piping components are designed and manufac-
tured for use in systems involving the transport of aggressive
liquids as well as potable water. In order to ensure their
integrity, they must be handled with reasonable care prior to
installation.
Pipe
When pipe is received in standard lifts it should remain in
the lift until ready for use. Lifts should not be stacked more
than three high and should always be stacked wood-on-wood.
Loose pipe should be stored on racks with a minimum support
spacing of three feet. Pipe should be shaded but not covered
directly when stored outside in high ambient temperatures.
This will provide for free circulation of air and reduce the heat
build-up due to direct sunlight exposure.
Fittings
Fittings should be stored in their original cartons to keep them
free of dirt and reduce the possibility of damage. If possible,
fittings should be stored indoors.
Solvent Cements and Primers
Solvent cements have a definitive shelf life and each can and
carton is clearly marked with a date of manufacture. Stock
should be rotated to insure that the oldest material is used
first.
HANDLING
Pipe and Fittings
Care should be exercised to avoid rough handling of thermo-
plastic pipe and fittings. They should not be dragged over
sharp projections, dropped, or have objects dropped upon
them. Pipe ends should be inspected for cracks resulting from
such abuse. Transportation by truck or pipe trailer will require
that the pipe be continuously supported and all sharp edges
on the trailer bed that come in contact with the pipe must be
padded.
Solvent Cements and Primers
Keep containers for solvent cements tightly closed except
when in use. Avoid prolonged breathing of solvent vapors, and
when pipe and fittings are being joined in partially enclosed
areas use a ventilating device to attenuate vapor levels. Keep
solvent cements, primers, and cleaners away from all sources
of ignition, heat, sparks, and open flames. Avoid repeated
contact with the skin by wearing proper gloves impervious to
the solvents. Application of the solvents or cements with rags
and bare hands is not recommended; natural fiber brushes and
other suitable applicators can produce satisfactory results.
IMPORTANT FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT ABS, PVC, AND
CPVC SOLVENT CEMENT
1. ABS solvent cement should be used only for joining
ABS pipe and fittings.
2. PVC solvent cement should be used only for joining
PVC Pipe and fittings.
3. CPVC solvent cement should be used only for joining
CPVC pipe and fittings.
4. A good joint is as strong as the pipe, since the solvent
chemically welds the fitting to the pipe.
5. The solvent cement containers should always be cov-
ered when not in use to prevent excessive evaporation.
Do not use thinner. Cement that shows signs of thick-
ening and is lumpy should be discarded.
6. PVC solvent cement and primer can be used for both
PVC pressure and DWV piping systems.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Pipe and Fittings
ABS, PVC, and CPVC products contained within this catalog
are intended for use in the distribution of media that are
chemically compatible with the piping materials. Due to the
inherent hazards associated with testing these compo-
nents and piping systems with compressed air or other
compressed gases, NIBCO does not allow pneumatic
testing or use of these products in compressed air or gas
piping systems.
Note: Pressurized (compressed) air and other compressed
gases contain large amounts of stored energy, which present
serious safety hazards should the system fail for any reason.
General Storage, Handling, and Safety Considerations for
Thermoplastic Piping Components