The recommended joining method for CPVC installation will depend on the product type, but across-the-board, CPVC offers the following installation advantages:

• Lightweight: Depending on the product manufacturing standard, CPVC can be up to 1/3 lighter than comparably sized steel, which helps to reduce worker strain and injuries, and eliminates the need for heavy equipment.
• Easy to cut: Compound properties make CPVC easier to cut than metals, allowing for more efficient on-site fabrication.
• Simple to install and maintain: CPVC installation requires no complex tools, electricity or highly skilled (and expensive) labor.
• Safer: No open flame or ignition sources are required to join the material.

There are also a variety of seam welding options designed to effectively seal components together while maintaining the structural integrity of the material. Explore the recommended installation methods that vary by product type.

General Installation Guidelines for Corzan^® CPVC

The proper installation of Corzan^® Piping Systems is vital in ensuring the performance of the system. A few simple guidelines should be followed to ensure long service life and safe operation.

Handling

To prevent damage to the materials, proper care and attention should be exercised when transporting, storing or installing Corzan^® CPVC pipe:

• Only store and ship Corzan^® CPVC with other non-metallic piping.
• Do not drop or drag the materials and components during handling.
• Inspect the pipe and fittings thoroughly for cracks, gouges or other signs of damage. Pay attention to the inside surface of the part as improper handling can incur damage only detectable from the inside of the pipe.

Cutting

A few simple guidelines ensure lengths of pipe can be easily and successfully cut:

• Best results are obtained by using fine-toothed saw blades (16 to 18 teeth per inch) with little or no offset (0.025 in. max.).
• Circular power saws (6,000 rpm) or band saws (3,600 ft./min.) are recommended using ordinary hand pressure.
• Miter boxes or other guide devices are strongly recommended for manual operation to ensure square cuts.
• Remove burrs, chips and dust following cutting to prevent contamination of the piping system and to ensure successful joining.

Hanging / Laying of Pipe

There are methods you can leverage to minimize stress on the piping through proper installation and appropriate expansion materials.

System Stress: 

• Minimise expansion stresses with expansion joints or loops.
• Leverage recommended installation techniques.
• Space hangers and supports properly to prevent sagging. Ensure hangers and supports do not have rough or sharp edges that could damage the pipe.
• Do not over tighten the clamps and supports, this will reduce system movement and contribute to stress.
• Do not force system components into place.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction: 

Corzan^® CPVC piping has a low coefficient of thermal expansion among the family of thermoplastic piping materials. However, its thermal expansion is still greater than that of metal piping.

Typically, expansion loops or offsets in the piping are designed to account for any thermal expansion or contraction.

Additionally, expansion joints can also be used, contact Lubrizol or Corzan^® piping manufacturers for more information about expansion joints.

Use the Thermal Expansion Calculator to account for expansion and contraction in your design.

System Testing

After the piping system is installed and any solvent cement joining is fully cured, the system should be pressure tested and checked for leaks using water. We do not recommend using compressed air or inert gas for testing.

1. All entrapped air should be allowed to vent as the system is filled with water. Water filling should occur at a velocity not more than 1 ft./sec.
2. After filling, the system should be pressured to 125% of the maximum design pressure of the lowest rated part of the system.
3. Pressure should then be held for no more than one hour while the system is checked for leaks.