uPVC PRESSURE PIPE INSTALLATION TIPS

Pipes & fittings should be examined before installation for the presence of visual imperfections.

Brackets

Customized or standard metal pipe brackets should be used for anchoring the pipes. However, care should be taken to make sure that there are no sharp edges and the brackets are of maximum possible width. For extra protection, plastic coated brackets are preferable but if they are not readily available, it is adequate to use rubber, felt or similar non-abrasive material to act as a buffer between the brackets and pipes

 

Anchors for suspended pipes supports should not grip or distort the pipe but should allow repeated longitudinal movement due to temperature changes to take place freely without risk of abrasion

 

Supports should be of adequate area, line or point of contact should be avoided and the pipes should be located and protected to avoid damage.

Pipe Supports

uPVC pipes should be properly supported and greater supports are necessary if the pipes are installed vertically especially where wind loadings may have to be considered.

 

The material used for backfill must have a particle size not exceeding 75mm and it must be laid in layers of 100mm. As with the bedding material, backfill material should be free from stones and other debris that may cause damage to the pipeline system and heavy mechanical compaction must be avoided until there is a minimum of 300 mm buffer between the surface and the pipes. 

 

Pipes should not be painted in such a way to disguise their character, for e.g if after some years after installation painted system is assumed to be metal and used as a load bearing support.

 

If pipes are to be installed in proximity of pipes carrying hot fluids care should be taken to ensure adequate spacing or insulation between hot surfaces and the pipe.

 

Pipes and fittings are less robust than metal counterparts and care should be taken during installation at low temperature conditions.

 

Even though plastic pipe and fittings maybe prefabricated and if not accurately manufactured twisting or forcing out of its normal shape should be avoided as it can cause severe stresses.