How to Guide

7
GENERAL INFORMATION
Testing with or use of compressed air or gas in PVC / ABS
/ CPVC pipe or fittings can result in explosive failures and
cause severe injury or death.
• NEVER test with or transport/store
compressed air or gas in PVC / ABS / CPVC
pipe or fittings.
• NEVER test PVC / ABS / CPVC pipe or
fittings with compressed air or gas, or air
over water boosters.
• ONLY use PVC / ABS / CPVC pipe or
fittings for water or approved chemicals.
• Refer to warnings on PPFA’s website and
ASTM D 1785.
Virtually Maintenance Free
• Once an ABS, PVC or CPVC system is properly selected,
designed, and installed, it is virtually maintenance free.
Therefore, years of trouble-free service can be expected
when using Charlotte Pipe and Foundry ABS, PVC and
CPVC systems.
Handling and Storage of ABS,
PVC and CPVC Pipe
Receiving Pipe
As pipe is received, it must always be thoroughly inspected,
prior to unloading. The person receiving the pipe must look for
any transportation damage caused by over-tightened tie-down
straps, improper treatment, or a shift in the load.
Pipe received in a closed trailer must be inspected as the trailer
is opened. Take extra time to ensure that the pipe has not been
damaged by other materials having been stacked on top of it,
load shift, or rough handling.
Visually examine the pipe ends for any cracks, splits, gouges,
or other forms of damage. Additionally, the pipe should be
inspected for severe deformation which could later cause
joining problems. The entire inside diameter of larger diameter
pipe (4” and above) must be checked for any internal splits or
cracks which could have been caused by loading or transit. The
use of a flashlight may be necessary to perform this inspection.
Any damages must be observed by all parties involved,
including the driver, and should be clearly noted on the bill of
lading and/or delivery ticket. A copy of this document should
be retained by the receiver. In addition, the manufacturer and
carrier should be notified, within 24 hours, of any damages,
shortages, or mis-shipped products.
Handling Pipe
The pipe should be handled with reasonable care. Because
thermoplastic pipe is much lighter in weight than metal pipe,
there is sometimes a tendency to throw it around. This should
be avoided.
The pipe should never be dragged or pushed from a truck bed.
Removing and handling pallets of pipe should be done with a
forklift. Loose pipe lengths require special handling to avoid
damage. Precautions to follow when unloading and handling
loose pieces include not banging lengths together or dropping
lengths, even from low heights, on hard or uneven surfaces.
In all cases, severe contact with any sharp objects (rocks,
angle irons, forks on forklifts, etc.) should be avoided. Also,
the pipe should never be lifted or moved by inserting the forks
of a forklift into the pipe ends.
Handling PVC and particularly CPVC pipe diameters greater
than 4-inch requires extra care as the added pipe weight can
cause cracking from relatively minor impacts. Also, plastic
pipe becomes more brittle as the temperature decreases. The
impact strength and flexibility of PVC and especially CPVC
pipe are reduced. Therefore, take extra care when handling
skids or loose lengths when the temperature drops below 50°F.
Storing Pipe
If possible, pipe should be stored inside. When this is not
possible, the pipe should be stored on level ground which is
dry and free from sharp objects. If different schedules of pipe
are stacked together, the pipe with the thickest walls should
be on the bottom.
If the pipe is in pallets, the pallets should be stacked with the
pallet boards touching, rather than pallet boards being placed
on the pipe. This will prevent damage to or bowing of the pipe.
If the pipe is stored in racks, it should be continuously
supported along its length. If this is not possible, the spacing
supports should be determined based on the pipe diameter. In
general, supports and spacing that would provide for no more
than 1/2” in deflection of the pipe should be acceptable.
The pipe should be protected from the sun and be in an area
with proper ventilation. This will lessen the effects of ultraviolet
rays and help prevent heat build-up.