How to Guide

7
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
ofthesupportsshouldnotexceedthreefeet(3’).
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION