Overview

The installation of plastic pipe above ground is similar to the installation of other types of pipe. There are, however, differences, and these differences must be taken into account when planning and installing a system of plastic pipe to deliver material from one point to another. Not all designers and installers have an extensive understanding of the requirements for working with plastic pipe. In the scheme of things, plastic pipe is fairly new to the piping industry. Yes, the pipe has been available for many years, but it s use was slow to catch on in some regions.

When we talk of plastic pipe it might seem as though we are referring to one type of pipe. In one sense, we are, but there are many types of plastic pipe, and the various types of materials can require different installation guidelines. Whenever you are working with plastic pipe it is wise to obtain specifications and instructions directly from the manufacturer of the product. There is no substitute for the authority of recommendations provided by a product manufacturer.

There are critics of plastic pipe. Some people feel that the material is not up to the rigors which can be withstood by other types of materials.

In fact, manufacturers have insisted on exacting quality-control procedures to produce products that are dependable for their intended uses. Table 5.1 shows the application ranges of plastic pipe. In addition to the manufacturers, many testing agencies have been involved in the evolution of plastic piping. For...