HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE TESTING

Plastic pipe is not designed to provide structural strength Even though no leaks are found during the initial inspection,
beyond sustaining internal pressures up to its designed however, it is recommended that the pressure be maintained
hydrostatic pressure rating and normal soil loads. Anchors, for a reasonable length of time. Checking the gauge several
valves, and other connections must be independently times during this period will reveal any slow developing
supported to prevent added shearing and bending stresses on leaks.
the pipe.
LOCATE ALL LEAKS
RISERS Even though a leak has been found and the pipe or joint has
The above piping design rule applies also where pipe is been repaired, the low-pressure test should be continued
brought out of the ground. Above-ground valves or other until there is a reasonable certainty that no other leaks are
connections must be supported independently. If pipe is present. Locating and repairing leaks is very much more
exposed to external damage, it should be protected with a difficult and expensive after the piping system has been
separate, rigidly supported metal pipe sleeve at the danger buried. Joints should be exposed during testing.
areas. Thermoplastic pipe should not be brought above
HIGH-PRESSURE TESTING
ground where it is exposed to high temperatures. Elevated
Following the successful completion of the low-pressure
temperatures can lower the pipes pressure rating below
test, the system should be high-pressure tested for at least
design levels.
12 hours. The run of pipe should be more heavily backfilled
LOCATING BURIED PIPE to prevent movement of the line under pressure. Since any
The location of plastic pipelines should be accurately recorded leaks that may develop probably will occur at the fitting
at the time of installation. Since pipe is a non-conductor, it joints, these should be left uncovered.
does not respond to the electronic devices normally used to
Solvent-cemented piping systems must be fully cured before
locate metal pipelines. However, a copper or galvanized wire
pressure testing. For cure times, refer to the solvent cement-
can be spiraled around, taped to, or laid alongside or just
ing instruction tables on page 43.
above the pipe during installation to permit the use of a
locating device, or use marker tape. TEST PRESSURE
NOTE: For additional information see ASTM D-2774, “Underground
The test pressure applied should not exceed: (a) the
Installation of Thermoplastic Pressure Piping.” designed maximum operating pressure, (b) the designed
pressure rating of the pipe, (c) the designed pressure rating
TESTING THERMOPLASTIC PIPING SYSTEMS of any system component, whichever is lowest.
We strongly recommend that all plastic piping systems be
hydrostatically tested as described below before being put SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
into service. Water is normally used as the test medium. (1) Do not test with fluid velocities exceeding 5 ft./sec. since
Note: Do not pressure test with compressed air or gas! excessive water hammer could damage the system. (2) Do
Severe damage or bodily injury can result. not allow any personnel not actually working on the high-
The water is introduced through a pipe of 1-inch diameter or pressure test in the area, in case of a pipe or joint rupture.
smaller at the lowest point in the system. An air relief valve (3) Do not test with air or gas.
should be provided at the highest point in the system to bleed TRANSITION FROM PLASTIC TO OTHER MATERIALS
off any air that is present. Transitions from plastic piping to metal piping may be made
The piping system should gradually be brought up to the with flanges, threaded fittings, or unions. Flanged connec-
desired pressure rating using a pressure bypass valve to tions are limited to 150 psi, and threaded connections are
assure against over pressurization. The test pressure should limited to 50% of the rated pressure of the pipe.
in no event exceed the rated operating pressure of the lowest NOTE: When tying into a threaded metal piping system, it is recommended
rated component in the system such as a 150-pound that a plastic male thread be joined to a metal female thread. Since the two
materials have different coefficients of expansion, the male plastic fitting will
flange. actually become tighter within the female metal fitting when expansion
INITIAL LOW-PRESSURE TEST occurs.
The initial low-pressure hydrostatic test should be applied
to the system after shallow back-filling which leaves joints
exposed. Shallow back-filling eliminates expansion/
contraction problems. The test should last long enough to
deter mine that there are no minute leaks anywhere in the
system.
PRESSURE GAUGE METHOD
Where time is not a critical factor, the reading of a regular
pressure gauge over a period of several hours will reveal
any small leaks. If the gauge indicates leakage, that entire
run of piping must then be visually inspected - paying
special attention to the joints - to locate the source of the
leak.
VISUAL INSPECTION METHOD
After the line is pressurized, it can be visually inspected
for leaks without waiting for the pressure gauge to reveal DO NOT TEST WITH AIR OR COMPRESSED GAS.
the presence or absence of a pressure drop.

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 40

 INSTALLATION OF THERMOPLASTIC PIPING SYSTEMS
HANDLING & STORAGE OF PLASTIC PIPE
PVC and CPVC are strong, lightweight materials, about Since the soundness of any joint depends on the
one fifth the weight of steel or cast iron. Piping made of condition of the pipe end, care should be taken in transit,
this material is easily handled and, as a result, there is a handling and storage to avoid damage to these ends.
tendency for them to be thrown about on the job site.
Care should be taken in handling and storage to prevent The impact resistance and flexibility of PVC and
damage to the pipe. especially CPVC pipe are reduced by lower temperature
conditions. The impact strength for both types of piping
PVC and CPVC pipe should be given adequate support materials will decrease as temperatures approach 32°F
at all times. It should not be stacked in large piles, (0°C) and below. Care should be taken when unloading
especially in warm temperature conditions, as bottom pipe and handling pipe in cold weather. Dropping pipe from a
may become distorted and joining will become difficult. truck or forklift will cause damage. Methods and
techniques normally used in warm weather may not be
For long-term storage, pipe racks should be used, acceptable at the lower temperature range.
providing continuous support along the length. If this is
not possible, timber supports of at least 3" bearing width, When loading pipe onto vehicles, care should be taken
at spacings not greater than 3’ centers, should be placed to avoid contact with any sharp corners (i.e. angle irons,
beneath the piping. If the stacks are rectangular, twice nail heads, etc.), as the pipe may be damaged.
the spacing at the sides is required. Pipe should not be
stored more than seven layers high in racks. If different While in transit, pipe should be well secured and
classes of pipe are kept in the same rack, pipe with the supported over the entire length and should never project
thickest walls should always be at the bottom. Sharp unsecured from the back of a trailer.
corners on metal racks should be avoided.
Pipe may be off-loaded from vehicles by rolling them
For temporary storage in the field when racks are not gently down timbers, ensuring that they do not fall onto
provided, care should be taken that the ground is level one another or onto a hard, uneven surface.
and free of sharp objects (i.e. loose stones, etc.). Pipe
should be stacked to reduce movement, but should not INSPECTION
exceed three to four layers high. Before installation, all lengths of pipe and fittings
should be thoroughly inspected for cuts, scratches,
The above recommendations are for a temperature of gouges, buckling, and any other imperfections which
approximately 80°F. Stack heights should be reduced if may have been imparted to the pipe during shipping,
higher temperatures are encountered, or if pipe is nested unloading, storing, and stringing.
(i.e. pipe stored inside pipe of a larger diameter).
Reduction in height should be proportional to the total
weight of the nested pipe, compared with the weight of
pipe normally contained in such racks.

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 41

 INSTALLATION OF THERMOPLASTIC PIPING SYSTEMS
JOINING TECHNIQUES
There are six recommended methods of joining thermoplastic BUTT FUSION
pipe and fittings, each with its own advantages and This technique us used to connect all sizes of Poly-
limitations: propylene (Proline), PVDF (Super Proline) and large
diameter Fuseal. Butt fusion is an easy, efficient fusion
SOLVENT CEMENTING method especially in larger diameters.
The most widely used method in Schedule 40 PVC, Schedule
80 PVC and CPVC piping systems as described in ASTM D- SOCKET FUSION
2855- 93. The O.D. of the pipe and the I.D. of the fitting are This technique is used to assemble PVDF and poly-
primed, coated with special cement and joined together, as propylene pipe and fittings for high-temperature,
described in detail below. Knowledge of the principles of corrosive-service applications. (See each material Design
solvent cementing is essential to a good job. These are Data section for recommended joining technique.)
discussed in the Solvent Welding Instructions Section.
NOTE: The single most significant cause of improperly or FUSEAL HEAT FUSION
failed solvent cement joints is lack of solvent penetration or R & G Sloane’s Fuseal is a patented method of elec-
inadequate primer application. trically fusing pipe and fitting into a single homo-genous
unit. This advanced technique is used for GF Fuseal
THREADING polypropylene and PVDF corrosive waste-handling
Schedule 80 PVC, CPVC, PVDF, and PP can be threaded systems.
with special pipe dyes for mating with Schedule 80 fittings
provided with threaded connections. Since this method FUSEAL MECHANICAL JOINT
makes the piping system easy to disassemble, repair, and Mechanical Joint polypropylene drainage system is used
test, it is often employed on temporary or take-down piping extensively for accessible smaller sized piping areas. The
systems, as well as systems joining dissimilar materials. system, as the name implies, is a mechanical sealed joint
However, threaded pipe must be derated by 50 percent from that consists of a seal-ring, grab-ring, and nut. It is quick
solvent-cemented systems. (Threaded joints are not and easy to install and can be disconnected just as easily.
recommended for PP pressure applications.) You will find it most suitable for under sink and under
counter piping.
FLANGES
Flanges are available for joining all thermoplastic piping
systems. They can be joined to the piping either with solvent-
cemented or threaded connections. Flanging offers the same
general advantages as threading and consequently is often
employed in piping systems that must frequently be
dismantled. The technique is limited to 150 psi working
pressure.

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 42

 INSTALLATION OF THERMOPLASTIC PIPING SYSTEMS
SOLVENT CEMENTING PVC AND CPVC PIPE AND FITTINGS
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF SOLVENT CEMENTING Solvent cements are formulated to be used “as
received” in original containers. Adding of thinners to
To make consistently good joints the following should change viscosity is not recommended. If the cement is
be clearly understood: found to be jelly-like and is not free-flowing, it should
not be used. Containers should be kept covered when
I. The joining surfaces must be softened and made not in actual use.
semi-fluid.
Solvent cements should be stored at temperatures
2.Sufficient cement must be applied to fill the gap between 40° F and 110° F and away from heat or open
between pipe and fitting. flame. The cements should be used within one year of
the date stamped on the container. Stocks should be
3.Assembly of pipe and fittings must be made while the constantly rotated to prevent buildup of old cement
surfaces are still wet and fluid. inventories, If new cement is subjected to freezing it
may become extremely thick or gelled. This cement
4.Joint strength develops as the cement dries. In the can be placed in a warm area where, after a period of
tight part of the joint the surfaces will tend to fuse time, it will return to its original, usable condition. But
together, in the loose part the cement will bond to such is not the case when gellation has taken place
both surfaces. because of actual solvent loss; for example, when
container was left open too long during use or not
Penetrating and softening can be achieved by the use sealed properly after use. Cement in this condition has
of both primer and cement. A suitable primer will lost its formulation and should be discarded,
usually penetrate and soften the surfaces more quickly
than the cement alone. Additionally, the use of a primer Solvent cements and primers are extremely flammable
can provide a safety factor for the installer, for he can and should not be used or stored near heat or open
know, under various temperature conditions, when he flame. They should be used only with adequate
has achieved sufficient softening. For example, in cold ventilation. In confined or partially enclosed areas, a
weather more time and additional applications are ventilating device should be used to remove vapors
required. and minimize their inhalation. Containers should be
kept tightly closed when not in use and covered as
PRIMERS AND CEMENTS much as possible when in use. Avoid frequent contact
with the skin. In case of eye contact, flush repeatedly
Primer with water. Keep out of reach of children.
It is recommended that a high quality primer be used to
prepare the surfaces of pipe and fittings for solvent Applicators
welding. Do not use water, rags, gasoline, or any other To properly apply the primer and cement, the correct
substitutes for cleaning PVC or CPVC surfaces. A size and type of applicator must be used. There are
chemical cleaner such as MEK may be used. three basic types of applicators:

Cement Daubers — should only be used on pipe sizes 2" and

Make sure the solvent cement used is suitable for the below, and should have a width equal to
type and size of the pipes being installed. PVC cement 1/2 the diameter of the pipe.
must be used with PVC pipe and fittings. CPVC cement
must be used with CPVC pipe and fittings. Also, Brushes — can be used on any diameter pipe, should
cement with the proper viscosity for the type and size always have natural bristles and should
of pipe, must be used. Contact the supplier of the have a width equal to at least 1/2 the
cement if there are any questions of the suitability of diameter of tile pipe.
the cement for the intended application.
Rollers — can be used on 4" and larger diameter pipe
and should have a length equal to at least
1/2 the diameter of the pipe.

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 43

 INSTALLATION OF THERMOPLASTIC PIPING SYSTEMS
SOLVENT CEMENTING PVC AND CPVC PIPE AND FITTINGS
The table below shows the recommended applicator sizes
Table 1

MAKING THE JOINTS 3. Deburring and Chamfering

Remove all burrs from end of pipe with a knife, file, or
1. Preparation plastic pipe
Before starting to make any joints, the pipe and fittings deburring tool.
should be visually inspected for any damage or defects. Chamfer
The fittings should be exposed to the same tempera- (bevel) the end
ture conditions as the pipe, for at least one hour prior to of the pipe 10°-
installation, so that the pipe and fittings are basically at 15° as shown
the same temperature when joined. to the right.

2. Cutting
Cut pipe square using a miter box or a plastic pipe
cutting tool which DOES NOT flare up diameter at end
of pipe. 4. Cleaning
Remove any dirt, moisture, or grease from pipe end
and fitting
sockets with a
clean dry rag.
A chemical
cleaner must
be used if the
wiping fails to
clean the
surfaces.

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 44

 INSTALLATION OF THERMOPLASTIC PIPING SYSTEMS
SOLVENT CEMENTING PVC AND CPVC PIPE AND FITTINGS
5. Dry Fitting 7. Cementing
Check dry fit of pipe and fitting by inserting pipe into While the surfaces of the pipe and fitting are still wet
fitting. With light pressure, pipe should easily go at with primer, immediately apply a full even layer of
least 1/3 of cement to the
the way in. If it pipe using the
bottoms, it proper size
should be snug. applicator shown
in chart) equal to
the depth of the
socket.

Apply a medium layer of cement to the fitting socket.

6. Priming Do not let the cement puddle. Also, when joining
Using the correct applicator (as shown in chart), apply belled-end pipe,
primer freely to fitting socket, keeping the surface and do not coat
applicator wet until the surface has been softened. This beyond the bell
will usually require 5-15 seconds. More time is needed depth or allow
for hard surfaces and in cold weather conditions. Redip the cement to
the applicator in primer as required. When the surface run down the
is primed, inside of the
remove any pipe.
puddles of primer
from the socket.

A second
application in the
socket is
recommended if
it has unusually
hard sur- Apply a second full even layer of cement to the pipe.
faces. These Assemble parts QUICKLY! Parts must be assembled while
hard surfaces are cement is still fluid. If assembly is interrupted, recoat parts
often found in and assemble. Push pipe FULLY into fitting, using a turning
bellied-ends and in fittings made from pipe stock. motion, if possible,
of 1/8 to 1/4 turn,
Apply the primer to the end of the pipe equal to the until it bottoms.
depth of the fitting socket. Application should be made Hold them
in the same manner as was done on the fitting socket. together for 15 -
30 seconds to
offset tendency of
pipe to move out
of fittings. With a
rag, wipe off
excess bead of
cement from
juncture of pipe
and fitting.

Note: For pipe sizes 6" and larger, two people will be
required, a mechanical forcing device should be used, and
the joint should be held together for up to 3 minutes.

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 45

 INSTALLATION OF THERMOPLASTIC PIPING SYSTEMS
SOLVENT CEMENTING PVC AND CPVC PIPE AND FITTINGS
JOINT CURING
The joint should not be disturbed until it has initially set. The table below shows the recommended initial set times.

Table 2

The joint should not be pressure tested until it has cured. The exact curing time varies with
temperature, humidity, and pipe size. The following table shows suggested curing times.
Table 3

*For relative humidity above 60%, allow 50% more cure time.
The above data are based on laboratory tests and are intended as guidelines.
For more specific information, contact should be made with the cement manufacturer.

Pressure Testing 5. All trapped air must be slowly released. Vents must be
provided at all high points of the piping system. All
1. Prior to testing, safety precautions should be instituted valves and air relief mechanisms should be opened
to protect personnel and property in case of test failure, so that the air can be vented while the system is being
filled. Trapped air is extremely dangerous and it must
2. Conduct pressure testing with water. DO NOT USE be slowly and completely vented prior to testing.
AIR OR OTHER GASES for pressure testing.
6. The piping system can be pressurized to 125% of its
3. The piping system should be adequately anchored to designed working pressure. However, care must be
limit movement. The system may require thrust taken to ensure the pressure does not exceed the
blocking at changes of direction. working pressure of the lowest rated component in the
system (valves, unions, flanges, threaded parts, etc.)
4. The piping system should be slowly filled with water,
taking care to prevent surge and air entrapment. The 7. The pressure test should not exceed one hour. Any
flow velocity should not exceed 1 foot per second leaking joints or pipe must be cut out and replaced
(see charts on pages 24-29). and the line recharged and retested using the same
procedure.

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 46

 INSTALLATION OF THERMOPLASTIC PIPING SYSTEMS
SOLVENT CEMENTING PVC AND CPVC PIPE AND FITTINGS
TIPS TO FOLLOW IN SOLVENT CEMENTING DURING COLD
WEATHER:
1. Prefabricate as much of the system as is possible in a heated
working area.
2. Store cements and primers in a warmer area when not in use and
make sure they remain fluid.
3. Take special care to remove moisture, including ice and snow.
4. Use extra primer to soften the joining surfaces before applying
cement.
5. Allow a longer initial set and cure period before the joint is moved
or the system is tested.
6. Read and follow all of our directions carefully before installation.
Regular cements are formulated to have well-balanced drying
characteristics and to have good stability in sub-freezing
temperatures. Some manufacturers offer special cements
for cold weather because their regular cements do not have
that same stability.
For all practical purposes, good solvent cemented joints can be
made in very cold conditions with our existing products, providing
proper care and a little common sense are used.

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 47

 THREADING INSTRUCTIONS
PVC AND CPVC PIPE

Only Schedule 80 Pvc and CPVC pipe can be safely 3. Installation

threaded. Schedule 40 PVC and CPVC pipe and PVC Brush the threads clean and wrap PTFE thread tape
SDR pipe should not be threaded. around the entire length of the threads.(1) Start with the
second full thread and wrap in the direction of the
Due to the reduction in wall thickness at the point of threads to prevent unraveling when the fitting is
threading, the pressure rating of the pipe is reduced by tightened onto the pipe. Overlap each
50%. Therefore, threaded connections are not wrap by one half
recommended for high pressure applications. the width of the
tape.
THREADING PROCEDURE (1)
Pipe joint
1. Cutting compounds,
The pipe must be cut square using a power saw, a miter pastes, or
box, or a plastic pipe cutter. Burrs should be removed using other thread
a knife or deburring tool. lubricants are not
recommended for
2. Threading use with PVC and
Threads can be cut using either hand held or power CPVC pipe.
threading equipment. The cutting dies should be clean,
sharp, and in good condition. Special dies for cutting plastic
pipe are available and are recommended.

When using a hand threader, the dies should have a 5° to

10° negative front rake. When using a power threader, the
dies should have a 5° negative front rake and the die Thread the fitting onto the pipe and hand tighten.
heads should be self-opening. A slight chamfer to lead the Further tighten the fitting (one to two turns past hand
dies will speed production. However, the dies should not be tight) by using a
driven at high speeds or with heavy pressure. strap wrench only.
Avoid over
When using a hand held threader, the pipe should be held tightening as this
in a pipe vise. To prevent crushing or scoring of the pipe, a may cause thread
protective wrap such as emery paper, canvas, rubber, or a or fitting damage.
light metal sleeve should be used. When combining
plastic and
Insert a tapered plug into the end of the pipe to be metallic threaded
threaded. This plug will provide additional support and systems, it is
prevent distortion of the pipe in the threading area. recommended
that plastic male
It is recommended that a cutting lubricant, such as a threads be
soap and water solution or a water soluble machine oil, screwed into
be used during the threading operation. Also, clearing metallic female
the cuttings from the die is highly recommended.
threads rather
than metallic male
Do not over-thread the pipe. The diagram and table on
the following page show the ASTM F 1498 dimensions threads
for American Standard Taper Pipe Threads. Periodically into plastic female
check the threads with a ring gauge to ensure that the threads.
threads are accurate. The tolerance is ±11/2 turns.

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 48

 THREADING INSTRUCTIONS
PVC - CPVC - PP - PVDF
SCOPE
The procedure presented herein covers threading of all
IPS Schedule 80 or heavier thermoplastic pipe. The
threads are National Pipe Threads (NPT) which are cut
to the dimensions outlined in ANSI B2.1 and presented
below:
DO NOT THREAD SCHEDULE 40 PIPE

Taper Pipe Thread Dimensions Diagram

Table 4

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 49

 FLANGING
PVC AND CPVC PIPE

For systems where dismantling is required, flanging is a 5. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the torque
convenient joining method. It is also an easy way to join values shown below.
plastic and metallic
systems.

INSTALLATION RECOMMENDED TORQUE

Table 5
1. Join the flange to the pipe using the procedures
shown in the solvent cementing or threading sections
(see pages 43-49).

2. Use a full faced elastomeric gasket which is resistant

to the chemicals being conveyed in the piping system.
A gasket 1/8" thick with a Durometer, scale “A”,
hardness of 55 -80 is normally satisfactory.

3. Align the flanges and gasket by inserting all of the

bolts through the mating flange bolt holes. Be sure
to use properly sized flat washers under all bolt heads
and nuts.

4. Sequentially tighten the bolts corresponding to the

patterns shown below.

FLANGE BOLT TIGHTENING PATTERNS

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 50

 FLANGED JOINTS
PRESSURE RATING
Maximum pressure for any flanged system is 150 psi. At
elevated temperatures the pressure capability of a flanged
system must be derated as follows:
Table 6

NR -Not Recommended
* PVC and CPVC flanges sizes 2-1/2, 3 and 4-inch threaded must be back
welded for the above pressure capability to be applicable.
** Threaded PP flanges size 1/2 through 4" as well as the 6" back weld
socket flange are not recommended for pressure applications (drainage
only).

© 2002 Corr Tech, Inc 51