Installation Guide

107
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Low Temperature and Cold
Weather Conditions
Low Temperature Recommendation
Like most materials, PVC and CPVC become more brittle at
lowtemperatures,particularlyattemperaturesbelowfreezing
(32°F). Charlotte Pipe and Foundry recommends taking proper
precautions when installing systems at low temperatures
including providing proper insulation. If a system is designed
tooperateattemperaturesbelowfreezing(32ºF),Charlotte
Pipe recommends the following:
1. Reduce water hammer pressure surges to a minimum by:
 a. Usingonlyslow-actingsolenoidvalves,ifany.
b. Reducing pump start-up pressure surges with slow
start-up motors and rubber expansion devices.
 c. Notexceedingmaximumuidvelocityof5-feetper
second for PVC and 8-feet per second for CPVC CTS.
2. Provide more than minimum Charlotte Pipe recommended
support spacing.
3. Thrust blocking at branches, changes in direction and end
of runs.
4. Use expansion/contraction devices when temperature
changes occur in runs.
5. Strictly follow chemical-resistance recommendations.
6. ProtectpipingfromUV,ifapplicable.
Cold Weather Considerations for CPVC
The following precautions are recommended in cold-weather
situations.
1. FreezeIssues
CPVC is a ductile material, which expands and contracts
morethanmetallicplumbingpipe.However,CPVC,like
all other piping materials, needs to be protected from
freezing.Allmodelplumbingcodesrequirethatpiping
exposedtofreezingtemperaturesbeproperlyinsulated.
2. FrozenCPVCWaterLines
Drain the system if overnight temperatures are likely to
drop below 32°F. CPVC may split like other materials
whenwaterfreezesinit.
Immediately take action to eliminate the source of cold
aircausingthefreezingcondition,thenthawthewater
lineifpossible.Ifthefrozensectionofpipeisaccessible,
heatedaircanbeblowndirectlyontothefrozenareaby
usingalowwattageheater/blower.Also,electricalheat
tapescanbeappliedtothefrozenarea.NOTICE: To avoid
damagingthepipewhenthawingafrozenCPVCwater
line, the heat source should not exceed 180°F.
3. Handling
Refrain from unnecessary abuse. Do not drop pipe from
trucks, drag pipe on the ground, step on pipe or drop pipe
on the ends.
Inspect pipe ends for hairline cracks before making a joint.
If any indication of damage or cracking is evident at the
tube end, cut off at least 2 inches beyond any visible crack.
Do not use dull or broken cutting tools. A wheel-type pipe
cutter is recommended.
Store pipe in a heated area whenever possible.
In understanding spray polyurethane foams, there are two
general areas of concern for CPVC pipe and fittings;
(1) chemical compatibility and (2) potential damage to
pipe and fittings due to high temperatures generated as a
result of the exothermic chemical reaction during the
installation and curing process. It is possible to apply
polyurethane foam insulation properly without damage to
CPVC pipe and fittings. However, the use of polyurethane
foam insulation in conjunction with CPVC has resulted in
the failure of CPVC pipe and fittings and property damage.
Therefore, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry does not
recommend the use of polyurethane spray on foam
insulation in conjunction with its CPVC pipe and fittings.