Water Distribution
DOs and DON'Ts
While not a complete list, the following is intended to highlight many of the "DOs" and "DON'Ts" when installing a FlowGuard Gold® CPVC piping system.
DOs FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION
- Install product according to the manufacturer's
- installation instructions and this manual.
- Follow recommended safe work practices.
- Make certain that thread sealants, gasket lubricants and firestop materials are compatible with CPVC pipe and fittings.
- Use only latex-base paints if painting is desired.
- Keep pipe and fittings in original packaging until needed.
- Cover pipe and fittings with opaque tarp if stored outdoors.
- Follow proper handling procedures.
- Use tools designed for use with plastic pipe and fittings.
- Use proper solvent cement and follow application instructions.
- Cut pipe ends square.
- Deburr and bevel pipe before solvent cementing.
- Rotate the pipe 1/4 to 1/2 turn when bottoming pipe in fitting socket.
- Avoid puddling of solvent cement in fittings and pipe.
- Follow manufacturer's recommended cure times prior to pressure testing.
- Fill lines slowly and bleed the air from the system prior to pressure testing.
- Allow for movement due to expansion and contraction.
- Use plastic pipe straps that fully encircle the tube.
- Drill holes 1/4" larger than the outside diameter of the tube when penetrating wood studs.
- Use protective pipe isolators when penetrating steel studs.
- Use metallic or tear drop hangers when suspending tube from all thread rod.
- Visually inspect all joints for proper cementing at the end of the shift or day. A visual inspection of the complete system and all joints is also recommended during pressure testing.
DOs FOR UNDERSLAB CONSTRUCTION
- If sleeving material is used, verify it is compatible with CPVC.
- If sleeving material is used, securely tape the top of the sleeve to the pipe.
- If sleeving material is used, extend it 12" above and below the slab.
- Backfill and cover underground piping prior to spraying termiticide in preparation for concrete pour.
DON'Ts FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION
- Do not use petroleum or solvent-based paints, sealants, lubricants or firestop materials.
- Do not use edible oils such as Crisco® for a lubricant.
- Do not use solvent cement that exceeds its shelf life or has become discolored or gelled.
- Do not use solvent cement near sources of heat, open flame, or when smoking.
- Do not pressure test until recommended cure times are met.
- Do not use dull or broken cutting tool blades when cutting pipe.
- Do not restrict expansion/contraction.
- Do not install in cold weather without allowing for thermal expansion.
- Do not use tube straps which tend to over tighten the system.
- Do no use wood or plastic wedges that restrain tube as it passes through wood studs.
- Do not bend CPVC tube around DWV stacks causing the two materials to bind against each other.
- Do not terminate a run of tube against an immovable object (e.g., floor joist).
DON'Ts FOR UNDERSLAB CONSTRUCTION
- Do not allow heavy concentrations of termiticides to come into direct and sustained contact with CPVC pipe.
- Do not inject termiticides into the annular space between the pipe wall and sleeving material.
- Do not spray termiticides, when preparing the slab, without first backfilling over underground piping.
- Do not cut sleeving material too short. If sleeving material is used it should extend 12" above and below the slab.
