AlllDD TTETflb

NATL INST OF STANDARDS & TECH R.I.C,

A1 11 00992786

/Review of standards and other IntormatI TA435 .U58 V68;1975 C.1 NBS-PUB-C 1975

Q BUILDING SCIENCE SERIES 68

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE / National Bureau of Standards

1

eview of Standards and

Other Information on

hermoplastic Piping

Residential Plumbi
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The National Bureau of Standards' was established by an act of Congress March 3, 1901. The Bureau's overall goal is to strengthen and advance the Nation's science and technology

and facilitate their effective application for public benefit. To this end, the Bureau conducts

research and provides: (I) a basis for the Nation's physical measurement system, (2) scientific and technological services for industry and government, ( 3 ) a technical basis for equity in trade, and (4) technical services to promote public safety. The Bureau consists of the Institute for Basic Standards, the Institute for Materials Research, the Institute for Applied Technology,

the Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology, and the Office for Information Programs.

THE INSTITUTE FOR BASIC STANDARDS provides the central basis within the United

States of a complete and consistent system of physical measurement; coordinates that system

with measurement systems of other nations; and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform physical measurements throughout the Nation's scientific community, industry, and commerce. The Institute consists of a Center for Radiation Research, an Office of Measurement Services and the following divisions: Applied Mathematics — Electricity — Mechanics — Heat — Optical Physics — Nuclear

Sciences " — Applied Radiation " — Quantum Electronics — Electromagnetics " — Time

and Frequency '' — Laboratory Astrophysics " — Cryogenics ". THE INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH conducts materials research leading to improved methods of measurement, standards, and data on the properties of well-characterized

materials needed by industry, commerce, educational institutions, and Government; provides

advisory and research services to other Government agencies; and develops, produces, and

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THE OFFICE FOR INFORMATION PROGRAMS promotes optimum dissemination and

accessibility of scientific information generated within NBS and other agencies of the Federal Government: promotes the development of the National Standard Reference Data System and

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1 Headquarters and Laboratories at Gaithersburg, Washington, D C. 20234.

^ Part of the Center for Radiation Research.

> Located at Boulder, Colorado 80302.

Part of the Center for Building Technology.

Maryland, unless otherwise noted; mailing address
Olr ilTAJ«X>AiLOI

APR 2 9 ,975

Review of Standards and '^'^^ <^>

Other Information on Thermoplastic

Piping in Residential Plumbing

no • Op %

Robert S. Wyly, William J. Parker,

Daniel E. Rorrer, James R, Shaver,

Grover C. Sherlin and Max Tryon

Institute for Applied Technology

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D.C. 20234

Sponsored by

OflSce of Policy Development and Research Department of Housing and Urban Development

Washington, D.C. 20410

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Rogers C. B. Morton, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Richard W. Roberts, D/recfor

/Issued May 1975
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Main entry under title: Review of Standards and Other Information on Thermo-Plastic Piping in Residential Plumbing.

(National Bureau of Standards Building Science Series; 68) "Sponsored by Office of Policy Development and Research,

Department of Housing and Urban DeveJopment."

Bibliography

1. Pipe, Plastic. 2. Plastics in Plumbing. I. Wyly, Robert S.

II. United .States. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

Office of Policy Development and Research. III. Series: United

States. National Bureau of Standards. Building Sciences Series;

68. TA435.U58 No. 68 [TH6330] 690'.08s [696'.21 75-619100

National Bureau of Standards Building Science Series 68

Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Bldg. Sci. Ser. 68, 65 pages (May 1975) CODEN: BSSNBV

Supersedes NBSIR 74-531

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON: 1975

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, B.C. 20402

(Order by SD Catalog No. 013.29:2/68). Price $1.25. (Add 25 percent additional for other than U.S. mailing)
CONTENTS

ABSTRACT 1

1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1

1.2 Objectives and Scope 1| 1.3 Codes and Standards Relating to Thermoplastic Piping 5 1.4 Overview of Program 6

2. Summary of the Use of Thermoplastic Piping for Residential

Plumbing 7 2.1 Application of Various Thermoplastics in Plumbing Systems 7 2.2 Potential Advantages and Disadvantages of Use of Various

Materials 9 2.3 Code Approvals and Restrictions for Use 12

2.4 Unresolved Issues and Open Questions 13

3. Existing Criteria and Performance Data for Thermoplastic Piping

In Plumbing Systems 13

3.1 Toxlcological Considerations 13

3.2 Resistance to Chemical Attack and Stress Cracking 15

3.3 Thermal Characteristics l8

3.4 Structural Strength and Integrity 20

3.5 Noise Control 25

3.6 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Capacities 27

3.7 Fire Safety 32

3.8 Compatibility with Drain-Cleaning Procedures 37

3.9 Weathering and Aging 38

4. An Approach to the Formulation of Criteria for Thermoplastic

Piping as Used in Residential Plumbing Systems 39

4.1 Fundamental Performance Requirements and Measures of

Performance 39

4.2 Some Shortcomings of Existing Methods of Evaluation 40

4.3 The Current Need 40

5. Conclusions 40

5.1 General Statements 40

5.2 Potential for Satisfactory Performance of Thermoplastic

Piping in One- and Two-Story Residences 4l

5.3 Potential for a Broad Application of the Performance

Approach 41

5.4 A Recommended Laboratory Program 41

Acknowledgment 42

6. References 43

7. Definitions and Nomenclature 46

8. Appendix 49

8.1 Model Codes 49

8.2 Specifications and Standards 50

8.3 Bibliography on Design and Installation Detail 58

Units of Measure and S.I. Conversion Factors 59

iii

REVIEW OP STANDARDS AND OTHER INFORMATION ON THERMOPLASTIC

PIPING IN RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING

by

R. S. Wyly, W. J. Parker, D. E. Rorrer,

J. R. Shaver, G. C. Sherlin and Max Tryon

ABSTRACT

The paper is a review of existing information on the physical characteristics of thermoplastic piping that are of particular interest in considering

its potential for use in residential, above-ground plumbing. The presentation

is oriented to considerations of adequacy of functional performance of

plumbing systems from the user's/owner's viewpoint, in contrast with the

typical product-specification oriented format reflected in current standards.

Not only are the physical characteristics emphasized that relate most

directly to the determination of functional performance of installed systems,

but the importance of design and installation detail in this context is

discussed

.

In conclusion, this review Indicates the need for better use of existing

knowledge as well as for some research and test development work particularly

in the areas of thermal properties, response to building fires, and resistance to water hammer.

Key Words: Fire performance of piping; functional performance of piping;

performance characteristics for piping; thermal/structural

performance of piping; thermoplastic piping in plumbing.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Most of the present standards for piping materials describe the physical

properties of specific materials, and are utilized particularly for quality

control in the manufacturing process. Generally such product standards provide

the kind of requirements and tests needed by specifiers and purchasers to determine whether or not a piece of pipe or a pipe fitting does in fact comply

with the standard specification that the manufacturer claims it does. However, these product standards do not define, under conditions of use, direct measures of the probable functional, health/safety, and durability performance of the assemblies of pipes and fittings in relation to the materials

characteristics. This lack of end-use performance criteria is a serious

shortcoming in expeditious determination of acceptance for innovative

materials through application of the performance concept.

The widespread utilization of performance-type standards would not eliminate the necessity for the product standards. The use of such specificationtype standards must continue as a means for assuring uniform quality and for

identification of the product. Also in the perfection of performance tests

the traditional, quality-control type of tests could be useful in determining

some of the general properties of the new materials. In establishing meaningful performance tests it might also be necessary to conduct additional,

special tests to study the properties of the systems that are involved.

1
The traditional metal piping used in the construction of plumbing

systems may no longer provide the most economical and satisfactory long-range

solution for all residential plumbing systems. Reliable skilled labor for

assembling plumbing systems in the field is becoming more difficult to obtain

in the numbers needed to meet the demand, consequently there is a trend to

develop larger components and factory-assembled systems to speed on-site

construction. The plumbing Industry is moving in the direction of utilizing

alternative materials not only for economic reasons, but also in order to conserve resources. Among the considerations involved in this trend are those relating to alternatives for the convenience of manufacture and assembly.

Thermoplastic piping has been demonstrated to be an economic alternative

to metal piping in terms of first cost and convenience of assembly. However,

several technical questions relating to service performance need to be answered. Evaluation programs are needed to determine whether the new materials

will be satisfactory throughout the planned life expectancy of the system and

of the components in which they are used. Because piping systems constructed

of traditional materials have been generally acceptable, there is a strong

tendency to evaluate new materials by a comparison of some of the physical,

properties of the new materials with selected favorable physical properties

of the traditional materials, and to design piping systems around these same selected properties of traditional materials. Such an approach restricts the

scope of the evaluation and may misdirect the point of concern to the extent

that potential exists for the exclusion of innovative materials and methods;

whereas the real concern is whether or not the plumbing system, as installed,

performs satisfactorily and whether or not it provides the durability appropriate to the system and its intended functions.

Performance requirements and performance criteria for satisfactory

systems need to be identified as the first level of concern. Then evaluative

techniques may be developed to determine the adequacy of the performance of

the new materials under typical end-use conditions as parts of a plumbing

system.

During the past several decades, non-metallic materials have progressively replaced metallic materials in many applications. Thermoplastic

materials are being used in_buildl'ng construction for water service and

water distribution piping; for drain, waste and vent piping; for electrical

conduit, and for gas service. Table 1 lists a number of such materials but

only four have been used generally for residential plumbing: (1) Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and (2) Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), both used

where plastics are approved for drain, waste, and vent systems, but PVC to a lesser extent than ABS, (3) Chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) recently

introduced for use in hot and cold water distribution systems, and (4) Polyethylene (PE) for underground and water service piping.

Piping—^ with thermoplastic materials exhibits special characteristics

different from piping constructed of the traditional metallic materials.

Some of these characteristics yield advantages, but others may lead to difficulties under some conditions.

1/

A number of terms have been defined in Section 7.

2
Table 1. Tabulation of Plastic Materials Used in the Manufacture

of Plastic Pipe and/or Fittings for Various Applications.

° Acetal (AP)

° Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)

° Cellulose-acetate-butyrate (CAB)

° Chlorinated Polyether

° Chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC)

° Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy

° Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester

° Polyamide [nylon] (PA)

° Polybutylene (PB)

° Polychlorotrif luoroethylene (PCTFE)

° Polyethylene (PE)

° Polyethylene, Biaxially Oriented (PEO)

° Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)

° Polyolefin (PO)

Polyoxymethylene [polyacetal] (POM)

° Polypheny lene Oxide (POP)

° Polypropylene (PP)

° Polystyrene (PS)

° Polytetraf luoroethylene (FIFE)

° Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)

Poly (vinylidene chloride) [saran] (PVDC)

° Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)

° Polyurethane Elastomer (PUR)

° Poly(styrene acrylonitr ile) (SAN)

° Reinforced Plastic Mortar Pipe (RPMP)

° Styrene Rubber (SR)

Any thermoplastic material, by definition, can be reshaped by raising

its temperature above some characteristic value, a value which is a much lower

temperature than is needed to soften any of the traditional metallic materials. For this reason, the operating temperature (ambient and Internal) is

of critical concern for structural stability. Within the piping structure,

when thermoplastic materials are used, there is a greater movement under

hydraulic and thermal loading and in addition there may be measurable creep

effects. Although plastic piping is highly resistant to corrosion of types

that frequently attack metals, questions have been raised as to the susceptibility of thermoplastics to environmental stress cracking under service

conditions . Because the thermoplastics being used for plumbing are more or less combustible, the presence of toxic combustion products in building fires

and the possible effect on fire spread must be considered. The effects of some ordinary drain-cleaning fluids and household chemicals and solvents may

need to be further evaluated. In general, thermoplastic piping may be less

resistant than metal to abrasive and scraping agents which means that the

selection of devices used for internal cleaning needs to be considered in

this context. An attractive feature of thermoplastic piping is its lightness

which reduces structural loads on a building and makes for convenient fabrication and erection. However, care must be given to supporting the piping and

to providing clearances since compared to metal pipe, the greater movements i5nder

dynamic, hydraulic and thermal loads can create acoustical problems from pipe

impact or from localized contact with the building structure. Concentrated

drain-cleaning agents like powdered sodium hydroxide with aluminum particles

may under some conditions cause a localized exothermic reaction that can overheat the material.

Care in supporting plastic pipe is also required because of the tendency

of the pipe to deflect with increased temperature such as may occur in domestic hot water systems. Some problems may occur with respect to dimensional

stability under intermittent thermal loading over a long period of time, if

an Inappropriate material or an inappropriate application is selected. If

plastic pipe is not adequately supported and adequate provisions are not made

to accomodate the expansion, contraction and long-term dimensional changes

that may occur in response to thermal loading, then functional difficulties

may be encountered.

A considerable technology has evolved since the first poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) compounds were developed by German technologists in the 1930 's and since the advent of the thermoplastic pipe industry in the United States

in 1948. There has been a gradual improvement in the impact strength, durability, and material consistency through quality control and product standards. Improvements in these areas and in design specifications for particular applications have led to an increasing acceptance by designers, contractors, and building code officials.

3
The instances of faulty application of plastics may be related to one or more of several main factors:

(1) Plastics, a generic term, identifies broadly a large number of

materials whose composition or characteristics were neither well

known nor understood by the plumbing and building industry,

(2) In the environment of the plumbing system the temperature range

and its effect were not well known.

(3) The system characteristics of expansion and contraction, deflection

and change in slope and the consequential requirements for jointing

and support were not sufficiently well known.

(4) The degree of fire hazard and the accompanying toxic gas hazard

were little known.

(5) The matching of requirements to material properties could not be

done adequately.

2/ Some examples of complaints reported by the users were [1]— : annoying

acoustical problems from hydraulic flow and uncontrolled movement; loss of

slope, bursting or the development of leaks from the effects of hot water; or disintegration as a result of normal exposure to household chemicals. Such

difficulties could actually reflect inappropriate design and installation,

and misuse by an uninformed community, resulting from one or more of the

factors listed above. To exclude thermoplastic piping from plumbing use because of potential fire hazards would be unreasonable without a consideration

of the relative design situation. For example, much of the thermoplastic

piping is so located in a room or so located in a wall that it would rarely

be involved in a fire in the early stages of its development. Also, design

and installation techniques can be used to reduce the potential fire spread

and transmission of smoke and toxic gas into critical areas.

1.2 Objectives and Scope

As a part of the HUD long-range research program for improving building

standards, a definitive broad task was sponsored by HUD for NBS to develop

performance criteria for piping materials, subassemblies, and systems for

residential plumbing. Because of the pressing nature of prevailing issues,

the scope of this study was limited to the evaluation of non-metallic piping

materials, subassemblies and systems for residential plumbing. The items of

particular concern were: thin-wall PVC drain-waste-vent systems, tube-size

CPVC water-distribution piping, and the single-stack drainage system. The

findings on the latter item, an issue not related to the properties of the

materials, are reported separately [2],

The principal objectives in this study were as follows:

1. To describe the current status of experience with thermoplastic

piping, particularly for residential, above-ground plumbing.

2. To present the rationale for the application of performance concepts

in standards for piping.

2/

Numbers in brackets refer to sequential listing of references in Section 6.

4
3. To identify some of the technological parameters that must be

addressed in the formulation of performance criteria for piping

materials. The scope of the report is limited to the consideration

of some thermoplastic materials, and takes into account a number of

factors thought to be significant in any application of thermoplastic

piping. Included are certain use limitations, some essential criteria that are related to design and installation, and current recom- mendations concerning maintenance and use of plumbing systems.

This report identifies existing model codes and voluntary standards,

reports data gathered by contact with manufacturers and laboratories, includes

a survey of technical literature, and gives information obtained by NBS from

on-site Inspection at the King County Operation BREAKTHROUGH Prototype Site.

Specific recommendations are made concerning parameters that need to be con- sidered in research programs Intended to produce criteria for the design and

evaluation of piping materials as used and installed in plumbing systems.

This report does not present data obtained from experimentation in all recent

test programs. Such data have been or will be reported separately.

1.3 Codes and Standards Relating to Thermoplastic Piping

Standards provide, the basis for mass production and Interchangeabllity

of components of plumbing systems. Codes utilize standards as the basis for

identification of minimum acceptable level of both the quality and performance

of the plumbing components.

As a legal Instrument adopted by a governmental body (generally a city,

county, or state), a code regulates the practice, design, and Installation of

plumbing, predicated on the need for the protection of public health and safety.

A model code Is an aggregation of recommendations concerning the practice,

design, and installation of plumbing, presented in generally accepted format

to facilitate legal adoption by regulatory authorities. The principal model

codes and sponsors in the United States today are:

1. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) of the International Association of

Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (lAPMO).

2. The BOCA Basic Plumbing Code (BPC) of the Building Officials and

Code Administrators International, Incorporated (BOCA).

3. The Southern Standard Plumbing Code (SSPC) of the Southern Building

Code Congress (SBCC)

.

H. National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) of the National Association

of Plumblng-Heatlng-Coollng Contractors (NAPHCC).

The NAPHCC model code now exists as the latest evolvement from the

American Standard National Code, ASA A^O.8 1955. This model code was widely

adopted and used until recently. When extensive effort to produce an updated document failed to produce a consensus as determined by ANSI, A^O.8

1955 was withdrawn by ANSI in 1972. A technically similar, updated document

is considered here to be the fourth model code and the latest revision of this

document, cosponsored by The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)

and NAPHCC, is now accepted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development

as a model code for program purposes under the Workable Programs for Community

Improvement

.

Variations in codes develop at a local level because of abnormal prevailing environmental conditions, such as seismic, hurricane, flooding, or freezing; the durability of materials in different soils and water supplies;

5
and the vagaries of the labor market, inspection follow-through, and professional practices. Thus a plumbing code utilized nationally would logically

have varying regional emphasis on requirements for some performance characteristics .

In order to provide resource material for the use of code administrators

in determining compliance and for the use of designers and installers in the

selection of materials and equipment and in its fabrication and erection, codes

generally reference existing standards . Such standards may cover such details

as composition, dimension, and/or mechanical and physical properties of

piping materials (e.g., pipe and fittings), fixtures, devices, and equipment

used or installed in plumbing systems. The standards referenced in codes

may also include documents promulgated by model codes or governmental bodies

that describe acceptable installation procedures where this is important in

evaluating the overall performance of a plumbing system. Many of the contemporary product standards provide means for identifying and specifying the

product, and for guidance of the manufacturer in establishing quality control.

Generally, these standards are not represented as performance standards, and

do not include tests that can be directly related to the end-use service

environment, although some of the technical parameters involved may be common. When the language of standards specifies dimension, shape, materials,

color, etc., for the production of components, they may be categorized as "design standards". Conversely, if the language identifies those characteristics of a product in the broadest terms available to meet the users' needs,

they may be categorized as "performance-oriented standards".

Most of the existing product standards list minimum or maximum limits on dimension, weights, etc., together with tolerences . Such standards contribute

to interchangeability among the lots of different product manufacturers.

The principal promulgators of standards in the United States are the

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) , and the American National

Standards Institute (ANSI). The U.S. General Services Administration

(Federal Specifications), the Department of Housing and Urban Development

(FHA UM Bulletins), other Federal Agencies, several technical societies, and numerous associations of manufacturers prepare and publish recommended standards which may subsequently be adopted by the larger consensus standards

organizations

.

The standards include material specifications for thermoplastic pipe and

fittings and thermoplastic piping solvent cements, recommended methods of

test, and recommended practices for design and installation. A comprehensive

listing of current standards is given in the Appendix, Section 8.2.

Various organizations have contributed to the development of codes and

standards. Principal contributions have been in the form of test reports,

technical notes, engineering handbooks, specifications, and technical bulletins. An abbreviated compilation of such references is given in the Appendix , Section 8.3.

1.4 Overview of Program

The long-range objective of the program on criteria for piping materials

is to develop performance criteria for piping materials used in subassemblies

and systems for residential plumbing. At the present time, codes emphasize

acceptance of several specific materials such as steel, cast iron, and copper,

and provide a schedule of materials that are acceptable to administrative

authorities for use in cold water, hot water, and DWV transport systems. In

instances where new materials such as thermoplastic piping are recognized by

the plumbing code, such materials are generally required to conform to standards adopted by the industry; and to be identified as acceptable through

6
National Sanitation Foundation certification. Code administrators Invaribly

require of Innovative proposals that design and Installation procedures

follow manufacturer's recommendations and In addition may require test data

from the manufacturers to substantiate the proposals. Since codes depend heavily on a relatively long period of experience with traditional materials

and with on-site construction techniques, some of the code stipulations may be

considered overly restrictive or inappropriate for innovative piping systems.

The guide criteria for plumbing developed by NBS for the Operation BREAKTHROUGH program permitted greater freedom in materials and systems choices

than does a typical code. It was found in that program that because the

systems and the criteria for their evaluation were developed from existing

technology, evaluation of the new piping methods suffered some of the same weaknesses inherent in the codes. Typically there still exists a need to

clearly account for Important aspects of service conditions such as in the

interactions between the fluids transported and the different parts of plumbing

assemblies, the chemicals and tools ordinarily used in maintenance, and the

essential safety consideration relating to building fires.

Among the subjects needing study are (a) maintenance of the essential

properties or functions of piping in response to Internal mechanical or chemical action such as pressure, temperature, corrosion, etc., (b) maintenance of structural stability and strength in response to stress or movement

In the piping induced by the flow of hot and cold water, (c) hydraulic efficiency, (d) acoustical acceptability, (e) aging effects, (f) spread of fire,

smoke, and toxic gaseous products, (g) resistance to bursting and leaking of

assemblies, and (h) the preparation of comprehensive criteria that take into

account not only the performance characteristics of the materials in installed

assemblies under service conditions, but also critical design and installation

parameters that can effect system performance.

Objectives for the long-range NBS program include (a) the provision of

performance criteria for piping materials as used for drain, waste, vent and

water distribution systems In housing, (b) development of test procedures for

the evaluation of piping, with an emphasis on thermoplastics, and (c) a determination under representative service conditions, of selected critical

performance characteristics of a number of the Innovative piping materials used

or suggested for application in residential plumbing systems.

2. SUMMARY OF THE USE OF THERMOPLASTIC PIPING FOR RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING

2.1 Application of Various Thermoplastics in Plumbing Systems

A great variety of thermoplastic materials is theoretically possible depending on the chemical composition of the polymer, and on manufacturing con- ditions. The determinant features for application in plumbing systems are

the transition temperatures where softening occurs, structural strength and

stability, resistance to corrosion or abrasion, resistance to typical household chemicals, and cost to manufacture and to install. Some thermoplastic

materials that are used for piping are listed in table 1. There are a variety

of potential uses for thermoplastic pipe In housing including electrical

conduit, service and distribution piping for fuel gas and water, and drainwaste-vent piping. This report Is limited primarily to a review of information

on uses for water-distribution and DWV piping in residential plumbing. The

most common uses of thermoplastic piping materials in residential plumbing

systems are the following:

ABS: for cold-water distribution within buildings, for exposed coldwater piping, for yard piping and service outside the building,

and for DWV systems.

CPVC : for hot and cold water distribution within buildings, not widely

used to date.

7
PE : for cold water distribution, cold-water for exposed piping, and

for yard piping and service piping outside the building.

PVC : for cold-water distribution within buildings, for exposed coldwater piping, for yard piping and service piping outside the

building, and for DWV systems, constituting in 1972 about 38% of

thermoplastic DWV systems.

The extent of usage of thermoplastic piping is rapidly expanding, as may

be seen from the following values contained in an AID report [3] published in

1969 and supplemented by data from Department of Commerce Current Industrial

Reports M3OF: In 19^8, 0.5 million dollars; in 1957, 50 million; in 1967,

187 million, and in 1972, 5^8 million dollars. Approximately two-thirds of

the thermoplastic piping produced in the United States is used for water

supply and distribution and for DWV piping. Figure 1 Illustrates the proportions for pipe use based on the 1972 production of 1,458 million pounds.

The rapid growth in the use of thermoplastic piping can be attributed

mostly to the improvement in manufacturing techniques which have created materials with progressively greater Impact strength, greater resistance to heat

distortion, and Improved consistency in the product. Continuing standardization and educational programs by manufacturers, and an increasing acceptance by designers, contractors and communities through a greater understanding

of thermoplastic piping technology have also contributed to this growth.

Figure 1. Production in the United States during 1972 of

Thermoplastic Pipe, Tube and Fittings, Identified

by End Use.

8
The generic term "plastic" has led many persons to think of thermoplastics as being a specific material with physical oroperties such as are associated with a particular metal. Users have become generally familiar with

the thermosetting plastics materials, e.g., dlnnerware that can be washed

under boiling water or lighting fittings that can withstand the heat from

lamps. They are often only vaguely aware that markedly different elastics, the

thermoplastic materials, are used for piping In their homes, instead of the

traditional metal piping.

Some guide or some educational program for the dwelling occupants would

be an important step to protect thermoplastic piping from misuse and to provide guidance for proper maintenance. For example, in some cases certain

household chemicals could be damaging if poured into the thermoplastic DWV

system. The prolonged running of very hot water through the system could

cause excessive temperature rise of some of the plastic material, which

could result in permanent defprmatlon of the pipe or fittings.

2.2 Potential Advantages and Disadvantages of Use of Various Materials

In evaluating the problems of thermoplastic piping in plumbing systems

it Is Important to rate the piping by its performance in an operational system rather than to compare the properties of the plastics and metals used in

the piping. It is a familiar advertising means for pipe manufacturers to

extol the virtues of their product by comparing certain properties of their

piping materials with those of other products instead of evaluating them

against meaningful working criteria in a service environment. The point is

that each material can have its own particular set of problems and all of

them need to be resolved if the material is to be used successfully in a working system. With traditional materials, resolution of many problems has

come about gradually with the development of improved techniques and products

.

With thermoplastics piping, the technology is still developing so not all

problems of types traditionally requiring experience in their resolution have

been settled to the collective satisfaction of all concerned groups.

The principal advantages and disadvantages of thermoplastic piping for

plumbing are summarized as follows:

Potential Advantages (thermoplastic)

a) Lightweight material provides for easy handling by individual

workmen and reduces dead-load forces on the structure.

b) Corrosion resistance to water and to the majority of household

chemicals is high.

c) Deposits do not accumulate to the extent associated with some traditional piping materials

.

d) Electrolytic action and electrical conductivity are insignificant

which could reduce the problems of electrolytic corrosion.

e) During construction, fire hazards from torches used for the brazing

or soldering of metal pipe and fittings are eliminated through

the use of other means for Joining thermoplastic pipe.

f) Sound transmission along the length of a thermoplastic pipe is

low, due to its low stiffness, compared to metals.

9
Potential Disadvantages (thermoplastics)

a) There is a maximum service temperature for a particular thermoplastic which sets the upper limit to which the pipe may be

heated without damage. When the pipe material is heated above this

temperature, the pipe material will soften and deform; upon cooling

it will harden to the deformed shape and dimensions. These critical

temperatures for the thermoplastics considered here are near the

temperature of boiling water; hence it is important to determine that

the normal service temperature will be below the maximum service

temperature. In addition, the strength decreases as the temperature

increases, which is of particular importance in pressure piping.

Therefore, both the service pressure and service temperature must be

considered in specifying the appropriate material and the wall thickness of the pipe.

b) Movement of piping resulting from hydraulic loads and thermal

effects is relatively high, compared to metals. This necessitates

that special attention be given to installation details.

c) Mechanical cleaning to remove obstructions in drains and vents with

such conventional equipment that includes power-driven auger,

rodding, or scraping mechanisms may cause damage to the piping if care is not taken to avoid the use of some of the mechanisms used

in cleaning metallic systems.

d) Control of the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases from plumbing

chases or walls containing thermoplastic materials may require

special attention to Installation details

.

e) The grounding of electrical appliances and electrical circuits must

be accomplished via a separate conductor and ground spike, if

thermoplastic water service piping is used instead of metal pipe.

f) If thermoplastics are to be exposed to the sun for long periods,

they may need to be specially stabilized; otherwise ultraviolet

radiation may cause degradation. Thus, the appropriate choice of

material should be made.

g) Due to its light weight, thermoplastic piping offers little acoustical damping to airborne sound, thus special measures may be

required to counteract any unpleasant sounds.

h) Because of the relatively short period of experience with thermoplastic piping for residential plumbing, compared to that with

metals, and because of the unreliability and incompleteness of

statistics on use experience, some degree of uncertainty exists

regarding the long-term durability and the susceptability to

bacteriological and biological attack.

Laboratory tests have produced chemically induced cracking (environmental

stress cracking) of thermoplastics. This phenomenon is not well defined

nor is its relative significance established in relation to thermoplastic

piping systems in service. This is largely because of uncertainty as to the

typical pattern of service exposure in relation to the circumstances under

which stress cracking can be produced in the laboratory.

Many of the potential disadvantages in using thermoplastic piping systems

in plumbing can be resolved with sensible design, assembly and usage. Expenses to overcome the disadvantages are not great if the housing design

incorporates the requirements prior to construction. However, if ignored, the

potential disadvantages can sometimes become real disadvantages.

10
There is considerable predisposition in the plumbing Industry regarding

the choice of piping materials. It is important for government agencies and

for designers and specifiers to maintain a circumspect view over this controversial issue. To aid in reaching fair decisions, the following discussion

is provided regarding the attributes of metal piping systems. These include

cast iron, galvanized iron or steel, copper, brass, bronze, and stainless

steel piping materials.

Potential Advantages (metals)

a) For metal piping, the structural strength is high and the dimensions

change little over the normal range of temperatures for plumbing

service

.

b) Movement of the pipe from hydraulic loads and thermal effects Is

small which. means that clearances need only be nominal and control

of thermal expansion or contraction can readily be accomplished with

standard techniques.

c) Since metals are non-combustible at the usual temperatures of building

fires, toxic products are not produced although care is needed in the

construction of plumbing chases and walls to control the spread of

fire and the toxic products that come from other building materials

that are combustible.

d) Susceptibility to bacteriological and biological attack is insignificant.

e) Grounding of electrical appliances and circuits is convenient as metals are conductors.

f) The heavy mass of cast iron or steel piping helps to dampen vibrations

that could result in unwanted noise.

g) Durability varies with the metal selected for use. As a result of

experience, adequate durability can be obtained by selecting the

appropriate metal for a particular use.

h) Satisfactory cleaning procedures by mechanical or chemical means have been available for many years; however, some augers and

chemicals can reduce the life of the pipe.

Potential Disadvantages (metals)

a) Corrosion may affect all metal piping to some extent. Copper may

corrode particularly about brazed joints and may be attacked by

urine in urinal drain piping. Stray electric currents moving along

the pipe may cause corrosion at the place where the current enters

the earth. Dissolved carbon dioxide in the water causes corrosion of

ferrous as well as non-ferrous pipe. Iron pipe readily corrodes

forming a pipe-clogging rust scale, and deep pitting may occur particularly with acid waters. Joints of steel pipe may fail in a corrosive environment (e.g., burial in a corrosive soil) because the

protective galvanizing is removed in the threading operations. Protective coatings may be required in such cases

.

b) Assembly of piping can be tedious with some of the jointing techniques.

Pipe and fittings may be relatively heavy necessitating helpers for

each plumber.

c) The space required to accommodate some of the metallic piping may

create problems due to large overall outside diameter and bulky

11
Joints, particularly where reduced-sized structural elements are to

be used.

d) For heavy metal pipes, the structural loading is particularly high

under seismic conditions.

e) Deposits may accumulate from corrosion, fluid suspensions, and chemical

precipitation to an extent that they can seriously reduce inside

diameter and the hydraulic flow, particularly in the case of ferrous

piping in "hard" waters

.

f) Contamination of water may occur from lead soldering, copper corrosion,

and rusting. This potential problem is strongly influenced by water

composition and temperature.

g) Condensation of moisture from the air on cold pipes increases ex- terior corrosion and promotes damp conditions for growth of fungus

and icing of poorly insulated cavities. Similarly, the high thermal

conductivities of metal pipes contribute to frost closures of vent

terminals in northern latitudes

.

h) Sound transmission by conduction is high in stiff metal systems, thus

knocking initiated at one point can be transmitted throughout the

house

.

Many of the potential disadvantages of metallic piping for plumbing can

be overcome through adherence to generally accepted good practice in design

and installation. For example, where water characteristics are adverse, a water quality control program or an alternate choice of material can provide

an acceptable solution. Sound transmission can be reduced through the use of

resilient gaskets and supports, and exterior condensation can be reduced

through use of better insulation and humidity control.

2.3 Code Approvals and Restrictions for Use

Thermoplastic piping in residential plumbing systems has for a long time

been without general acceptance by code authorities because metallic piping

was already acceptable and available, whereas thermoplastic piping was questionable and unproven. Slowly a body of supporting data has been accumulated

so that in the past few years the material has been accepted for certain

applications. For drain, waste and vent systems (DWV), a recent survey [^]

has reported that acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and poly(vinyl

chloride) (PVC) are now permitted for single family housing construction by more than 86% of local codes in the United States. Previous samplings by the

same source [5] had shown 86% in 1973, 77% in 1972, 71% in 1971, 50% in 1970

and 25% in I969. In addition, it was reported that ABS and/or PVC is now permitted by 70% of local codes for DW in low-rise apartments, and ^9% in

high-rise structures.

The increase in the number of approvals of plastic pipe is a reflection

of the changes being made in the model codes upon which many local codes are based. In the previous survey (1973) referenced above, code authorities were requested to indicate whether or not their plumbing code was based on or Identical with any of the model codes. From the 2,250 replies to the questionnaire, it was learned that 30% were using NSPC, 22% UPC, 17^ SSPC, and

15% BPC.

Acceptance of thermoplastic piping for water supply is more limited than

for DWV piping. Where allowed within the building, it is for the most part

restricted to CPVC and when allowed underground outside the building line, PE

is frequently used.

12
Table 2 provides a summary of the current status of approved usage (by city

codes) of four types of plastic pipe for water and DWV systems.

In table 3 a summary has been prepared to show the current limitations

in model codes and similar documents on use of plastic pipe for water supply

and for DWV applications. Operation BREAKTHROUGH Guide Criteria were Intended

only for construction placed on the OBT Prototype Sites, in accordance with

the agreement between HUD and the local code authorities. Operation BREAKTHROUGH criteria basically neither required nor excluded the use of a particular material. The performance concept is that any material may be used provided that it can be shown to meet the performance requirements of the system

for a reasonable life expectancy. In the case of thermoplastic pipe. It is

difficult to establish that performance requirements have been met because a number of unresolved issues or questions still exists.

2.4 Unresolved Issues and Open Questions

Among the more prominent unresolved issues affecting the evaluation of

innovative piping materials are the following:

° The definition and utilization of a harmless and effective process

or procedure for cleaning thermoplastic (or other innovative) piping.

° Durability of material in a typical service environment, as related

to possible aging effects.

° Resistance of piping material to household chemicals and to environmental stress cracking.

° Toxicological effects of material when used for water supply piping.

° Behavior of thermoplastic (or other organic) piping material in a burning room or building.

° Dimensional stability of material when subjected to typical thermal

loads over a period of time.

Among other matters for which concern has been expressed are acoustical

isolation, biological and bacteriological attack, and the effects of thermal

expansion and contraction. However, this study suggests that these are sec- ondary issues and can be controlled satisfactorily through application of

known good practice in design and installation.

3. EXISTING CRITERIA AND PERFORMANCE DATA FOR THERMOPLASTICS PIPING

IN PLUMBING SYSTEMS

3.1 Toxicological Considerations

The World Health Organization has published limiting values for the

contaminants in potable water [6] and the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS)

has published standards for drinking water [?]. In 1951 the National

Sanitation Foundation (NSP) undertook a program for determining whether the

potability of drinking water carried by thermoplastic piping was adversely

affected by the piping materials. Subsequently the NSF program was expanded

to establish whether manufactured lots of thermoplastic piping (pipe and

fittings) meets the generally recognized physical standards for thermoplastic

piping — in addition to the health standards. The NSF seal of approval is

permitted on a manufacturer's product tested and found to comply with such

standards as long as tests made on samples taken at the factory on unannounced

visits indicate that the product continues to comply. Toxicological consid13
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erations involve the chemical substances from the thermoplastic piping that

might dissolve into the water and render the water harmful to health. The

concentrations of the deleterious substances are monitored to ensure that they

fall below those established by the U.S. Public Health Service.

Potential organoleptic problems of water conveyed through the thermoplastic piping relate to the appearance, taste and odor which could render

the water unacceptable for people's use. Criteria for this appraisal are derived from the U.S. Public Health Service Standard. Both kinds of piping, the

commonly used thermoplastics (ABS, CPVC, PE, PVC) and the metal piping (copper, galvanized steel) meet the PHS Standards as measured by the NSF organoleptic

test methods [8]. .

In PVC pipe manufacture, stablizers are needed to assure a product with

good resistance to aging, a process which can particularly affect the stress

characteristics and the impact resistance. These stablizers are simple com- pounds such as lead carbonate or similar compounds containing cadmium, calcium,

tin or zinc. Lead stablizers are widely used in PVC pipe manufacture throughout the world, but in the U.S. such pipe does not pass the NSF test requirement. Lead stablizers in thermoplastic piping are not restricted by the ex- isting piping standards but by the PHS criteria that limits the concentration

of lead in drinking water to a maximum of 0.05 mg/1 using the stringent NSF test

procedures

.

The concern over extractable lead in PVC- pipe stems from the knowledge

that ingestion of soluble lead compounds results in the deposition of metallic

lead in the bones. Since lead is not readily eliminated by normal bodily

functions. Ingestion of small quantities over a prolonged period of time may

result in a cumulative effect that can lead to lead poisoning. However, because the quality of water can be monitored and kept within precise bounds by

the waterworks chemist, the PHS has established standards for the lead content

of drinking water based on rather precise chemical tests.

3.2 Resistance to Chemical Attack and Stress Cracking

The chemical attributes of the piping of a plumbing system are those that

resist the effects of acids, alkalies, and organic solvents upon the piping

material. Water contains a variety of chemicals to make it potable and soft,

such as chlorides, fluorides, carbonates, polyphosphates, hypochlorites, etc.,

depending on the source and treatment. Chemical composition of household

wastes vary widely because of variations in chemical composition of the water

supply, the addition of normal kitchen, laundry and bathroom waste, and the

introduction of household cleaners, garden sprays, oils, paints, and medical

or cosmetic preparations that are sometimes disposed of through the plumbing

system.

Some household cleaning agents and solvents will damage thermoplastic

piping if not diluted. The effects can range from a surface softening to a dissolving of the material if the period of contact is long and the concentration is high. In the use of such materials, care should be taken to avoid

disposal in a thermoplastic drainage system, or else they should be adequately

diluted and flushed through the system with copious amounts of water. Otherwise, some attack may occur on ABS , and to a lesser extent on PVC. Such attack

would be most likely in small-diameter fixture traps. Among the cleaning

agents and solvents that could damage thermoplastic piping are:

acetone - used for cleaning tools and hands, for paint preparation or removal

aqua ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) - generally refers to concentrated

solutions that are several times stronger than that used in

window and floor cleaners and as a bleach

15
Table 3. State-of-the-Art Survey of Model Plumbing Codes and Similar

Documents for Limitations on Use of Thermoplastic Pipe for Water Distribution and for DW Applications.

Code or Criteria 1/

2/ Model Plumbing Codes

National (KPC) ASA AhO.d - 1955 (Under Revision)

Basic (BPC) BOCA 1970 Supplement 1973

Uniform (UPC) lAPMO 1973

national Standard (NSPC) PHCC 1971 ASPE - PHCC 1973A

Southern Standard (SSPC) SBCC 1971 Revisions 197'+

Canadian (CPC) MRCC 1970 Revisions 1973

HUD Minimum Property Standards

One and Two Family Housing

Mxilti-Family Housing

DW Piping

Above Ground

Water Distribution Piping

n/a 3/

ABS,PVC

ABS, PVC

(2 stories)

ABS, PVC Schedule kO

5/

ABS, PVC

(60' height)

Rehabilitation of Housing

Operation BREAKTHROUGH Guide Criteria

Single Family Housing

Multi-Family Housing

ABS, PVC

(36' height

ABS, PVC

ABS, PVC

(6 stories)

ABS, PVC

10/

8/

ABS, PVC

(3 stories)

ABS, PVC

(3 stories)

Below Ground

n/a 3/

Schedule kO ^

plastic

ABS, PVC

(2 stories)

ABS, PVC Schedule kO

5/

6/

ABS, PVC ^

(60' height)

ABS, PVC ^

(36' height)

ABS, PVC

ABS, PVC

ABS, PVC

ABS, PVC

ABS, PVC

Cold

n/a 3/

Plastic Cold Water

n/a 5/

Approved

plastic

6/

CPVC 1/

CPVC

CPVC

n/a

CPVC

CPVC

CPVC

Hot

N/A ^

CPVC ^

n/a 5/

6/ Approved —

plastic

Dwr: 1/

CPVC 8/

CPVC

n/a

CPVC

CPVC

CPVC

1/ All major codes have a provision for "approval" of alternate materials which states, for example, that "Provisions of this code are not intended to prevent

the use of any material, device, . . . provided such alternate has been approved by the Administrative Authority . . - . " Quite often such approvals are at best difficult to obtain.

2/ See section 8.1 for addresses of model-code sponsors.

3/ Use of plastic pipe is not authorized , n/A

kj From paragraph P- '4-05. 13: The water distribution system

shall be . . . or . . . CPVC hot and cold water plastic

pipe or plastic cold water pipe.

From paragraph P-'4-05.21: Above Groimd Piping Within

Buildings Soil and waste piping . . . shall be . .

. or . . .ABS plastic or PVC plastic pipe.

From paragraph P-405.22: Underground Building Drains All underground building drains shall be ... or Schedule kO plastic pipe.

From paragraph '4-05.31: Above Ground Venting Vent

piping installed above ground shall be . . . or . . . ABS plastic pipe or PVC plastic pipe.

From paragraph P-14-05.32: Underground Venting Under- ground vent piping shall be of . . . (or) . . . Schedule kO plastic pipe or

Each of the above paragraphs have the additional

requirement that: "All plastic pipe shall be marked

with the appropriate identification of a quality control agency recognized in duly authenticated reports from

it/continued Building Officials and Code Administrators International. ^ Section 'tOl(a) : Drainage pipe shall be ... ABS, PVC or

. . . except ABS or PVC installations limited to residential construction not more than two stories in height.

Section ')-Ol(b) Drainage fittings shall be . . . ABS, PVC

or . . . having a smooth interior waterway of the same diameter as the piping served and all such fittings shall conform to the type of pipe used.

Sections 502 and 503: Vent pipe and . . . vent fittings

. . . shall be . . ABS, PVC or other approved material.

Installation standards IS-5-71 and IS-9-71 identify

requirements that are in addition to the folloiring:

Section 316(a)(6) Plastic pipe shall be maintained in the straight alignment.

Section 316(b)(7) Plastic pipe shall be supported at not

to exceed four (4) feet.

Section 803(f) Joints in ABS and PVC pipe shall be made

as provided in 802(m).

6/ Section 11.1.1 : Soil and waste piping above ground in buildings shall be . . . or . . . ABS or PVC Schedule kO or heavier plastic pipe.

The same materials are permitted in the following uses: Section 11.1.2 : All undergroimd building drains . . . Section 12.1.1 : Vent piping above ground in buildings . . Section 12.1.2 : All underground vent piping . . .

Section 10.10.2 : Water distribution pipe shall be . . . 16
6/contlnued ... or approved plastic pipe. From section 3.1.3 : A material shall be considered approved if it meets one or more of the standards cited in Table 3.1.3 . . . and

in the case of plastic pipe, also the listed standard

of the National Sanitation Foundation.

ll Section 506.7 --- Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Drain

Wastes and Vent: For plumbing drainage, waste and vents both above and below ground, indirect wastes and storm

drains, for buildings not exceeding (6o)feet in height.

Installations shall conform to installation procedures

of ASTM D2661-1973 for ABS or A3TM D2665-I973 for PVC, except where conditions of the SSPC are more stringent

in which case they shall apply.

There shall be no co-mlngling of the two materials in the same system except through proper adapters. In all oases approved solvent cement designated for the particular material shall be used.

From Table 505: For water distribution piping (above ground) Chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) CPVC, ASTM

D28I+6-I970 with NSF seal of approval. .

Section 1212.1(a) Above Ground Materials for water distribution piping and tubing shall be . . .or . . . chlorinated poly( vinyl chloride) (CPVC), all to be installed with the appropriate approved fittings.

8/ Section 7.2.5.8(3) Plastic pipe shall not exceed

36 feet in stack or vent height.

Section 7.2.5.8(4) Requirements for plastic piping in relation to fire safety shall conform to Sentence

3.1.7-7(2) and Article 9. 10. 9. 25.

Section 3.1.7.7(2) Plastic drain, waste and vent pipe

shall not be used in systems that pass through or axe located in a required fire separation.

Section 9. 10. 9. 25 Combustible drain, waste and vent

piping shall not be used in a plumbing system within a building where part of the system is located within or passes through a fire separation, except that where

drain, waste or vent piping penetrates through a vertical

fire separation, the piping on one side of the separation may be combustible provided the combustible piping is not located in a vertical shaft or in a fire separation.

Section 7.2.5.9(1) CPVC hot and cold water pipe, fittings

and solvent cements shall conform to CSA BI37.6-I97I

"Chlorinated Poly( vinyl chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Piping

for Hot and Cold Water Distribution Systems".

Section 7.2.5.9(2) CPVC pipe and fittings may not be used in a system where the design water temperature may

exceed 180°F or if the design pressure may exceed 100 psl.

Section 7.2.5.8 Plastic pipe, fittings and solvent cement used Inside a building, in a drainage or venting

system shall conform to (a) CSA BI8I.I-I967 (ABS) and

(b) CSA 181.2-1967 (PVC).

9/ The limitations on the use of PVC and ABS are stated

in "Use of Materials Bulletins" UM-53a and UM-5'+ respectively. The use is limited to low structures

so that for multi-family structures the height may

not exceed six stories, but when used for horizontal

branches it may be used for any structure.

Limitation on use of CPVC for water distribution is stated in "Use of Materials Bulletin" UM-61. It may

be used in the new construction of single and double

family units. It may also be used in rehabilitated

structures not exceeding six stories in height.

10/ Use of Schedule 4o ABS or PVC DWV plastic pipe ie limited by the following coneiderations : a. ABS not to be used In multi-family high rise.

b. For Bizea 2" or leas neither ABS or PVC ahall be used for drains that can receive hot water at temperatures in excess of l65°F.

c. Any plastic pipe must satisfy Operation BREAK- THROUGH fire criteria.

d. Adequate provision shall be made to accomodate thermal expansion.

e. national Sanitation Foundation certification or equivalent is required.

f . Design and installation techniques shall be in accordance with generally accepted standards and industry recommendations.

g. Pipe and fittings shall be appropriately marked to show NSF approval, applicable standards and manufacturer's name.

h. All pipe, fittings, transition fittings, cement, hangers, and supports, etc. shall meet applicable

generally accepted engineering practice.

1. Acoustic control shall be provided in accordance with generally accepted engineering practice.

Schedule 30 has certain additional limitations : a. Not to be used for horizontal drains except water

closet branches.

b. Wall thickness must be at least 0.125 in. In the 3-inch size, 0.133 in. in the It-inch size and 0.162 in the 6-inch size.

c . Rationale and supporting data shall be provided for proposed applications in specific housing systems.

For use below ground, Schedule ItO ABS or PVC plastic

pipe is limited as follows : a. Detailed engineering analysis of soil pressures and supporting strength required, for as-installed

condition.

b. Requirements listed for above-ground use of Schedule

4o plastic pipe at (e), (f), (g) and (h) apply also

to below-ground use.

Schedule 40 CPVC may be used above ground for water distribution with the following limitations : a. Limited to systems with storage-type water heater in living xmit, thermostatted to limit water temperatures to l65°F or less; or

b. to systems with non-recirculating central water heater thermostatted to limit water temperatures to

165 °F or less; to branch piping only in systems with recirculating central water heater thermostatted to

limit water temperatures to l65°F or less and with at least 12 inches of metal connector pipe at riser; or

c. to systems with recirculating central water heater

thermostatted and provided with automatic fail-safe shutoff valving to prevent water temperature rising

above llt-O^F at any point in the water distributing

system.

d. Waterhammer protection required (either by limiting

design velocities to 5 ft/sec, by the use of slow- closing valves, or by the use of air chambers or shock arrestors designed to limit over pressure to 150 psl or less). Maximum static pressure must be limited to 70 psl.

e. NSF certification for use with potable water required.

f . Adequate provision shall be made to accomodate thermal expansion and contraction.

g. Design and Installation techniques shall be in accordance with generally accepted standards and industry recommendations.

h. Pipe and fittings shall be appropriately marked

to show HSF approval, applicable standards, and manufacturer ' s name

.

1. All pipe, fittings, transition fittings, cements,

hangers, supports, etc., shall meet applicable

generally accepted standards.

J. Rationale and supporting data shall be provided for proposed applications in specific housing systems.

17
benzene (benzol) - used in paint and varnish removers chlorinated hydrocarbons - used in solvents, dry cleaning fluids,

and insecticides

ethyl alcohol - used in beverages and in solvents

gasoline - used as a motor fuel also used for its solvent action

iodine, tincture of - is a caustic antiseptic used for first aid,

normally available only in 1- or 2-oz. containers.

isopropyl alcohol - used in solvents and as a rubbing alcohol

linseed oil - used in paints and varnishes as a drying oil

methyl alcohol - used as a solvent in paints, varnishes and shellacs

naphtha - used in dry cleaning fluids, paint removers, and solvents

sodium hydroxide (lye) - used in powder or liquid form for drain

cleaning

sodium hypochlorite - a powder or liquid bleach used for laundry

toluol (toluene) - a solvent less toxic and less flammable than benzene

turpentine - used in paint as a drier or thinner, also as a solvent in

household uses. Table 4 has been prepared from information tabulated in Modern Plastics

Encyclopedia to show in a general way the effects of acids, alkalies, and

organic solvents on four plastic materials.

3.3. Thermal Characteristics

The thermal characteristics of thermoplastic piping materials differ

from those of metallic materials, such as copper or steel, in the extent of

the temperature range over which the materials have practical application.

For the thermoplastic piping materials currently on the market, the upper

limit of the allowable working range extends only slightly beyond the temperature of boiling water (less for some materials). V. V. Korshak [9] compiled

a comprehensive treatise which gives guidance to researchers who seek to

extend the allowable working temperature range of thermoplastic material to

higher values. Some such materials are available now, but the cost of the

material and the cost of installation keep them from being competitive with

the leading materials currently on the market.

/ The upper limits in the usable temperature range may be found in handbooks in several forms. One, resistance to heat °F continuous , identifies

the maximum temperature to which an unstressed plastic material can be subjected for prolonged periods of time with reasonable assurance that no significant changes in its properties will occur. Above this temperature

changes may be expected to occur in color, dimension, or mechanical property.

Another form, deflection temperature , is defined by the procedure of ASTM

D648. The test is made at two stress levels, 66 psi (0.46 MPa) and 264 psi

(1.82 MPa). It is not intended to be a direct guide to high temperature

limits for specific applications but it may be useful for comparing the relative behavior of various materials in these test conditions. Thermal

expansion , thermal conductivity , and specific heat are three other parameters

that help characterize the thermal qualities of thermoplastic pipe. Table 5 has been prepared to show these thermal parameters for four thermoplastic

18
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19
piping materials.

Data such as the above provide guidance for the selection of piping where

there is a high-level of certainty that, in service conditions, the recommended

temperature limit will not be exceeded or even approached closely. However,

because there are many ways that malfunctioning of valves or other system

components can cause unexpected high temperatures in the piping system, there

are other parameters that must be evaluated.

One such parameter is creep which is generally considered to be a timerelated parameter, but the magnitude increases with the temperature level.

Another parameter, stress -relaxation , is concerned with the fact that at time

of manufacture, pipe and fittings may develop high internal stresses. Relaxation of such stresses may occur at temperatures approaching those to which

the material was subjected during the molding and cooling processes, when

stresses may be introduced, and could result in unacceptably large dimensional

changes particularly in the case of pipe fittings.

Although ASTM D 67^-56 (1969) [10.] is concerned with creep and stressrelaxation, it gives only broad considerations to be followed when defining

such test procedures. A very real need exists to evaluate the residual stress

in pipe and fitting after Inanufacture and the extent to which stress-relaxation

may impose unexpected forces on joints and mounting configurations. No such

test procedures now exist.

3.4 Structural Strength and Integrity

A structural evaluation of a thermoplastic water distribution system or DWV system considers the system's ability to perform design functions under

the imposed service conditions over a planned service life span. The structural system is composed of the pipe, fittings, joints, and hangers or supports, while the principal structural service conditions include line pressure,

pressure surges, and the weight of pipe and contents. The effects of the

interaction between the components in the system and the service conditions

are measured in terms of the actual performance over the service life for

the system. Durability and essential functions may be affected by the thermal

or chemical environment, or by aging. These are discussed elsewhere in this

paper.

A review of publications from the National Academy of Sciences (BRAB),

the Plastics Pipe Institute, and the American Society for Testing and Materials along with literature from the manufacturers and trade journals has indicated that much information is available to aid in the determination of

structural adequacy of thermoplastic water distributing and DWV systems; but

needs to be assembled and made available in improved format to those who

specify, design and install, and to those who determine acceptance.

Traditionally, domestic plumbing systems have been constructed with

piping materials that exhibit essentially constant properties throughout the

range of temperatures expected during service. These properties, in general,

also remain constant with time although the pipe itself may deteriorate from

corrosion processes and eventually fail structurally. Any one of the following is considered to be a structural failure: bursting; joint leakage or weepage; permanent change in dimensions; or sag or angular rotation to the

extent that hydraulic capacity, dralnability or acoustic acceptability are adversely affected. The design for utilizing traditional materials can be

based almost solely on the assumption of constant hoop, beam, and ringdeflection strengths, utilizing an allowance for loss of strength due to cor- rosion, threading, etc. However, for thermoplastic systems which utilize a material whose properties may not remain co-nstant with time or temperature,

considerations of strength as a function of temperature and possibly aging

20
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21
should be included In the design.

Since the dead-load weight of the pipe and the weight of the water or waste materials being conveyed impose a structural load on the system, suitable supports and hangers must be provided to control movement and maintain

structural adequacy. Movement can occur in the system from such actions as the turning of a faucet or the operation of a solenoid valve, changes in

direction of moving water, water hammer action, thermal expansion, or creep.

When hangers and supports do not permit axial movement the effect on a system constructed with thermoplastic materials can be quite different from

that in a system constructed with traditional materials because of the higher

coefficients of thermal expansion for thermoplastics (and sometimes creep also).

One recommended practice for support of a system [11] points out that

the hangers should never be clamped to the piping in a manner as to prevent

axial movement of the pipe due to thermal expansion. This report also suggests that (1) the spacing and location of supports should take into account

the pipe diameter, wall thickness and temperature conditions, and (2) horizontal or vertical runs of piping should be supported at intervals of not more than every 8 feet ,2./ near the ends of branches, near changes in direction,

and near ends of runs in order to provide sufficient rigidity to the system.

Furthermore, the actual spacing of the hangers should limit vertical deflection ("sag") between supports to a maximum of 1/2 inch under service temperature and hydraulic conditions (equivalent to a reduction of ^0% of normal

design slope with supports 4-feet apart). Support at 4-foot intervals for

both horizontal and vertical runs of thermoplastic DWV piping is required by

the model plumbing codes [See Section 8.1]. Other sources suggest for water

distributing piping 2 inches or less in diameter, a maximum spacing of 3-feet

(Im) [12] or 32 inches [13] with the latter figure being related to attachment to

floor joists spaced at l6 inches on centers. It is possible that even though

hangers properly designed and installed might allow for thermal expansion, the

location of hangers too close to fittings, or fittings too close to structural

elements, could produce stress and possible deleterious effects of repeated

stressing and flexing at changes in direction. Several ASTM specifications

[12, l4, 15] provide current generally-recognized criteria for supporting

and attaching thermoplastic piping.

Currently, the recommended procedure [l6] for design of a thermoplastic

pressure pipe system is to use a hydrostatic design stress based on applying

a service (design) factor to the long-term hydrostatic strength of the pipe.

The long-term hydrostatic strength is the estimated circumferential stress

that when applied continuously will produce failure in the pipe at 100,000

hours (11.4 years) at a specified temperature.

The service (design) factor is a positive number less than 1.0 [l6] which

takes into consideration certain variables together with a degree of safety

appropriate to the particular pressure piping installation. Such service

(design) factors are selected by the design engineer after he has evaluated

fully the service conditions for the piping and the engineering properties of

the specific plastics that he has been considering.

For a selected plastic piping material, the long-term hydrostatic strength

is determined by standard test procedures under carefully-controlled temperature conditions. One such temperature is the Standard Laboratory Temperature

(23°C or 73.4°P). Having obtained the hydrostatic strength at one temperature,

additional values for other temperatures must be obtained by the same test

procedures. Such values can only be obtained on the basis of direct measurement or interpolation from hydrostatic strength/temperature data in the range

of the anticipated application.

_3/ The referenced report was concerned with a wide range of diameters, in

applications emphasizing relatively large sizes.

22
One manufacturer of CPVC has provided the data in table 6 which lists

the minimum hydrostatic hoop stress for failure at 100,000 hours for CPVC at

different temperatures. As the temperature increases, the hydrostatic hoop

stress diminishes.

Table 6. Manufacturer's Test Data Showing for Six Temperature

Levels the Minimum Hydrostatic Hoop Stress that Would

Produce Failure at 100,000 Hours of Stress in CPVC Pipe,

Temperature Hydrostatic Hoop Stress

73°F (22.,8°C) 4 ,000 psi (27. 58 MPa)

100°F (37.,8°C) 3,200 psi (22..06 MPa)

120°F (48,.9°C) 2,500 psi (17,.24 MPa)

140°F (60,,0°C) 2,000 psi (13..79 MPa)

180°F (82..2°C) 1,000 psi ( 6,.89 MPa)

210°F (98.,9°C) 630 psi ( 4..34 MPa)

In ASTM D 2846, table Al gives hydrostatic design stresses and pressure

ratings for CPVC 4120, SDR 11, hot water distribution systems. At 73.4°F

(23°C) the hydrostatic design stress is 2000 psi (13.75 MPa) and the pressure

rating for water is 400 psi (2.76 MPa) whereas at l80°P (82.2°C) the hydrostatic design stress is 500 psi (3.45MPa) and the pressure rating for water is

100 psi (0.69MPa)

.

By an extrapolation of data using log stress - log time linear regression

computations, service life for plastic pipe is predicted to last far beyond

the life span of average Installations. A commonly used value is 50 years

for which period the computations indicate that by lowering a continuously

applied Internal stress in the pipe by less than 10 percent of the stress that

would cause failure in 10 years, the service life of the pipe could be extended

to 50 years and for some materials to over 100 years. Manufacturers' data in

support of such extrapolations need to be studied especially at the higher

temperatures with new materials.

The design method does not account for the effect fittings and joints

might have on the strength of the system nor does it adequately consider the

cyclic type of loading known as water hammer which produces pressure surges

above the prevailing hydrostatic line pressure.

In a building, the most severe pressure condition encountered by a thermoplastic-pipe water supply system appears to be that caused by a pressure

surge above the normal line pressure in the hot water line (water hammer).

In the modern residence, this condition is widely believed to occur during

the operation of the automatic dishwasher with the peak pressure surge occur- ring when the hot water flow to the washer is suddenly stopped by the closure

of an electric solenoid valve. This phenomenon can take place as many as six

times during the cleaning of one load of dishes . If the washer is used three

times a day, then in a 50-year service life the system might be expected to

experience 325,000 pressure surges. A clothes washer might add to this number,

but the surges produced by a clothes washer should be much less severe under

normal opearating conditions. This severity is reduced as a result of the

usual practice of using rubber hose in making the water supply connection to

the clothes washer. Single handle and other types of "quick-closing" faucets

tend to produce some degree of water hammer action but probably much less

than does the dishwasher which is customarily "hard piped" to the hot-water

distribution system.

23
Some characteristics values are shown In table 7 for the number of cycles

to produce failure in CPVC from water hammer surge pressures. These values

were reported by a manufacturer of CPVC pipe for a temperature of l80°F (82.2°C)'

Details of the test conditions were not given.

Table 7. Manufacturer's Test Data Showing for Five Levels

of Water Surge Pressure, the Number of Water

Hammer Surges Endured Prior to Failure of CPVC

Pipe

.

Surge Pressure ps l Cycles to Failure

400 (2.76 MPa) 1,000

300 (2.07 MPa) 2,000

200 (1.38 MPa) 5,000

100 (0.69 MPa) 32,000

50 (0.34 MPa) Over 300,000

Since the surge pressure is the difference between the short-time peak

pressure and the static pressure in the system during no flow, the data in

table 7 indicates that if the maximum static pressure in the system is 100

psl (0.69 MPa), the peak cyclic pressure (static plus surge) which the system

could withstand a large number of times without failure, is 150 psl (1.03 MPa).

The effects of water hammer may be controlled by means of a sealed air

chamber or a field-fabricated pipe air chamber. The American National Standard

for Water Hammer Arresters [17] states that the arresters shall limit, under

the flow and pressure conditions specified in the standard test, the peak

pressure (static plus surge) created by sudden valve closure to 150 (1.03 MPa)

psl. Thus, it might be inferred that no water hammer arrester or air chamber

would be required in generally accepted practice for a water distributing

system as long as the peak pressure does not exceed 150 psi (1.03 MPa).

The review made in this study revealed little substantive data on the

severity of water hammer in residences. A verbal communication with an official of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Inc., has indicated that the present trend in water supply solenoid valve usage in Americanmade home appliances is toward valves employing a controlled rate-of-closure

mechanism. This type of solenoid valve should reduce the adverse effects of

water hammer on the plumbing system. The rev-iew produced no data on the effects that the type and spacing of hangers or supports might have on the

ability of a thermoplastic pressure-pipe water distribution system to withstand repetitive shock.

In summary, the structural design of a thermoplastic pressure-pipe system is based on applying a service factor to the long-term hydrostatic

strength of the pipe. Service factors and long-term hydrostatic strengths

developed from industry data have been published and are available for the

design of this type of system [I8, 19]. These service factors have been

represented as accounting for the variability of manufacturing, test reliability, and the evaluation procedure as well as the effect of service temperature. They do not account directly for the effect of pressure surges on pipe life expectancy. Some information is available on the effect of water

hammer in PVC pressure pipe but very little for CPVC pipe. Presently, plumbing authorities favorable to the controlled use of thermoplastics are of the

opinion that the application of thermoplastic piping in domestic potable

water distributing systems should be limited to a material with high resistance to the effects of hot water. CPVC is represented by the thermoplastic

24
pipe manufacturing industry as such a material.

Recommendations for the type, spacing, and location of fixings or supports

for both thermoplastic pressure distribution systems and thermoplastic drainwaste-vent systems, are given in industry literature. These recommendations

are intended to assure that thermal expansion is provided for by design, and

that sufficient rigidity of the system is provided to assure drainability and

hydraulic capacity. Currently, code approvals are largely conditional on the

requirement that the design and installation detail be strictly in accordance

with industry recommendations. Many of these recommendations may be categorized^ as relating to structural parameters, e.g. restraint, expansion relief, fixings or supports, pressure limitations, etc.

3.5 NOISE CONTROL

3.5-1 Discussion of Sound and the Control of Noise

The field of acoustics is broad including many topics involving sound

within the range of human hearing as well as, for example, sonar and ultrasonics. The discussion here will be limited to considerations of sounds that

may be generated by the operations of plumbing systems in residential housing.

Sound can be created when any form of energy causes molecules or regions

of solids, liquids or gases to vibrate with a higher level of activity than

in their normal state. The sound energy resulting from such a transformation

travels through the adjoining medium as a wave. The parameters of such wave motion (frequency, wavelength and amplitude) can often be identified through

simple experiments. The square of the velocity of sound through the medium

is proportional to the modulus of elasticity and inversely proportional to the

density. But in general, the velocity of sound is greater through dense

materials than through less dense materials [20, 21].

Sound is both physical energy and human sensory experience. When it

reaches the ear of a person, sound may be either pleasant or unpleasant. Unwanted sounds are often called noise . The effect upon the hearer is more complex than can be considered here, and what is pleasant to one person may

be very irritating to another. For example, many unpleasant sounds provide

warning of danger and, therefore may be wanted sounds because of the message

communicated. The very same sounds could be unwanted by persons having no interest in the danger message [22].

Happily, both wanted and unwanted sound may be controlled at its source,

or at points along the path of transmission, or it may be controlled in the

immediate vicinity of the hearer. Noise can be controlled in some cases by

attention to the point of generation. Many times the unpleasant sounds can

be identified as warnings of improper operation of a system. With the return

to proper operation, the noise of the system may be reduced or eliminated.

To protect the hearer from excessive noise, "acoustical materials" may be incorporated in the system to reflect or absorb some of the sound energy.

Careful attention must be given to the paths of sound transmission called

"leaks" and "flanking" paths. A tiny hole or a shrinkage crack. in an acoustical wall panel can "leak" sound to reduce seriously the barrier effectiveness. Also the building structure may transport sound around a barrier to

reach the hearer indirectly via a "flanking path" [23, 24].

3.5.2 Sound from a Piping System

Possible sources of sound in a plumbing . system will now be considered.

A fluid moving with steady low velocity (streamlined flow) does not create

much sound. However, in most plumbing systems turbulent flow will develop.

25
and as that flow increases more sound is generated. With turbulence, fluctuating flows, impact of air bubbles and other suspensions, and especially

when flow separation or cavitation occur, some of the potential and kinetic

energy of the flowing fluid is converted into sound, heat, and vibration.

The flow in a full-pipe plumbing system can become turbulent from changes in

direction and from occluded air. Lime deposits in water heaters and dissolved

air in hot water can contribute to popping or hissing sounds upon heating or with sudden decreases in pressure. The shock waves which develop when a valve

or faucet is suddenly closed cause the water hammer sound. Water passing

through a faucet is usually turbulent because of the constriction of the

water passageway through the valve seat and the resulting higher velocity at

that place, and this can contribute to excessive noise. The impact of water on surfaces in a plumbing fixture creates sounds which depend on the geometry of

the fixture, the direction of impact, and the material of the surfaces. Waste

pipes and drainage stacks are almost never continuously full of flowing water,

but flow instead with an intermittency conducive to noticeable sound generation.

Turbulence in drainage flow may be characterized by trickling or rustling

sounds. Other descriptive terms might be gurgling, plopping, roaring or sucking. Movement of the piping under hydraulic impact, thermal stress or structural shifting may also generate sound to be heard as a bump or knock;

or if the clearances with the structure are not sufficient, creaking or cracking. Inadequate venting of trap and waste-pipe assemblies may result

in gurgling or sucking sounds from the water seals in the fixture traps

.

The paths for the transfer of sound from the piping system may be

directly through the walls of the pipes to the air and to the listener, or indirectly through pipe supports or along the pipe to areas of contact with

walls or structural elements and thence through the building materials to

the air and the listener. Sound may be transmitted longitudinally inside

pressure piping through the water. The control of sound from a plumbing system requires, at the design stage, an analysis of the possible sources and

modes of energy conversion and of the paths for the transfer of sound; and

during installation, the application of appropriate noise-control techniques.

3.5.3 Attenuation of Unwanted Sound

The continuous sound of moving fluids and the various aperiodic impulsive sounds provide stimuli to the auditory mechanisms of people. Whether

such auditory sensations are acceptable, depends on the loudness, and on how

the sensations intrudes on their activities. Even at low sound levels, a dripping faucet is annoying if one is trying to sleep and the house is quiet.

The filling of a toilet tank or a bathtub, the flushing of a water closet, or the gurgling drainage of a bathtub can be bothersome if one is trying to

listen to TV or phonograph or trying to use the telephone. Trickling sounds

encourage enuresis (wetting) [25]. Trapped air in a water supply pipe can cause a bumping or popping sound when a faucet is opened, and sagging horizontal soil or waste pipes contribute to "pooling" that may produce dripping

sounds

.

The general approaches in design should be to control unwanted sounds

at the source when feasible; or when this cannot be sufficiently accomplished,

to place the partially controlled sound source as far as possible from sen- sitive activities. For example, a noisy waste system located in the walls

of a dining room or living room may be rather objectionable for aesthetic

reasons; therefore, the architect and plumbing designer should consider noisecontrol techniques such as enclosure with adequate acoustical material or an alternative location for the plumbing.

Pressure shock or hydraulic pressure surges can be reduced by using air

chambers and by selecting valves and faucets that close slowly. In laundry

and dishwashing machines the solenoid (electrically operated) valves should

26
produce a suitable controlled rate of closure. Similarly, self-closing faucets should not close too quickly.

Clearances between pipe and structure must allow for the pipe movement

in order to avoid impact on, or contact with, the adjacent structure. Such

impact or contact of pipe and fittings with the studs, joists, or wall boards

must be prevented if sound transmission is to be minimized.

Higher velocities of flow result in greater turbulence and noise levels.

This is especially true where the flow undergoes a sharp change in direction

or where the cross section is reduced. In drainage stacks, offsets may reduce sound intensity in some locations by reducing velocities, but the location

of such off sets should be selected based on a consideration of the proximity

to noise-sensitive human activity because offsets or bends in stacks tend to

increase sound locally.

Between the piping and piping supports there should be placed a non- rigid material to reduce the vibratory coupling between pipe and structure.

The supports should permit without excessive frictional restraint, the longitudinal pipe movement that results from thermal and hydraulic effects. Supporting hardware of various types is available that can accomplish these

objectives

.

Airborne sound passing from the piping system through walls, floors,

and ceilings needs careful consideration. Sealing gaps and cracks in the en- closing structure with grouting, spackling, and non-drying caulking; and

sealing pipe pentrations with caulking, or with close-fitting neoprene or fiber gaskets can appreciably reduce airborne sound. Heavy enclosing materials

( e . g ., masonary , thick gypsum board, or plaster walls) will attenuate the airborne transmission much more effectively than lighter material such as thin

fiberglass-plastic sheet, thin gypsum board, or plywood paneling.

The overall objective in design of walls, chases, and floor-ceiling

assemblies containing piping should be to obtain the same level of acoustical

performance (acoustical transmission loss and acoustical radiation) as are acceptable for similar building elements without piping [26, 27].

In summary, it can be stated that unwanted sound (noise) in plumbing

systems can orginate either in the water distributing system, in the plumbing

fixtures and appliances, or in the drain-waste-vent system. Measures for

minimizing this noise can be effectively taken at various stages, e.g., specification, design, installation, and maintenance. Until research produces

more definite knowledge of the relative importance of different physical

parameters and installation details in noise control, and produces advances

in techniques for prediction of noise in a given design, the best practice

is to apply existing knowledge at the appropriate stages in a building program, taking into account the general principles discussed here and in se- lected references [23, 24, 26, 27].

3.6 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Capacities

3.6.1 General

. The design of a piping system is largely determined by the hydraulic

requirements for the use of the system. Indeed, the characteristic critical

phenomena occurring in the system are primarily derived from hydraulic action.

Hydraulic system design Involves considerations of the fluid dynamics, of the

physical properties of the piping materials, and of the piping system structural characteristics. These considerations include the relationships between

parameters such as the composition, pressure, and temperature of the fluid;

the discharge rate and flow velocity; thermally or structurally induced

movements; and the hydraulic functional durability of the system. If the design and installation of a piping system is not compatible with the pronerties

27
of the materials specified, problems may be experienced through the mechanisms of the above-mentioned relationships. For example, effects induced

through the mechanisms of thermal expansion/contraction or dimensional instability on exposure to intermittently hot and cold water, or through the mechanism of water hammer on sudden stopping of the flow of water in a pressure

pipe can adversely affect performance capability in the important areas of

acoustic acceptability, drainability , and leak/burst resistance.

3.6.2 Water Distribution Piping

All manufacturers of water distribution pipe and fittings seek to produce smooth interior surfaces in their products. The advantages of a smooth

surface include low head loss; hence a potential for the use of a smaller

size, a longer allowable length, or reduced energy requirements where pumping

is involved. In addition, a smooth surface implies a potential for resistance

to the accumulation of surface deposits. However, whether initial smoothness

will be retained in service depends on whether the mechanisms of corrosion,

deposition, or biological processes become predominant.

The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPl) has provided information on the se- lection of pipe sizes for thermoplastic pipes used in water distribution

systems [28]. These aids to specification and design include formulas,

tables, charts, and a nomograph. Brockman [29] reported no effect of hydrophobicity of the surface on flow properties in tests with poly tetrafluoroethylene and brass tubes. Thus, it is reasonable to compute head loss as dependent on surface topography (hydraulic roughness), inside diameter of the

pipe, flow velocity, and density and viscosity of the fluid.

The PPI recommendations are derived from the Hazen-Williams formula, as expressed in the following fashion:

H = 0.2083 . AooY-852 ^ ql-852

\ C J

* ^it.8655

where H = friction head in feet of water per 100 feet of pipe

d = inside diameter of the pipe in inches

q = flow rate in gallons per minute

C = constant for inside pipe roughness (a value of 150 is recommended

for thermoplastic pipe)

Comparison has been made between this formula and the formula for

"smooth" pipe, presented orginally by Hunter [30]. Hunter's formulas for

pipes of several degrees of roughness were offered as practical approximations

to the rational pipe flow formula described by Moody [31]. Hunter's formulas

for "fairly smooth" and "fairly rough" pipe, (applied in a fashion described

by Nielsen [32]) are the basis of current recommendations for thermoplastic

pipe in the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) [33] promulgated by the

National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, Incorporated

(NAPHCC) and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE). In the

comparison shown in table 8, computations were made for nominal diameters , of 1/2, 1, and 2 inches at average flow velocities of 4, 6, and 8 feet per

second. The average Hazen-Williams values at pressure gradients computed

from Hunter's smooth-pipe formula over the stated range of velocity are 139

for 1/2-inch, l43 for 1-inch, and 1^7 for 2-inch pipe.

The NSPC recommends that where the water supply is "relatively nonscale forming," head losses should be computed from the "fairly-smooth" formula; that where "moderately scale forming," head losses should be computed

from the "fairly rough" formula, and that where the water supolv has an

28
"appreciable scale-forming tendency and would otherwise result In clof^^lng

of small-diameter pipes and reduction of effective diameter- of other piping

in the system", the size selected for design should be one standard pipe

size larger than would be obtained from the "fairly-smooth"- formula. The PPI

does not recommend an allowance for surface changes due to exposure to the

water over a period of time. Thus, the question remains as to whether the

chemical nature of the water supply has a significant effect on head loss in

thermoplastic pressure pipe as the system ages in a typical service situation.

On the matter of water hammer as it affects the design and performance

of water distributing systems in plumbing applications, the subject is discussed in Section 3 • '-^ and 3.5.

In assessing the hydraulic aspects of water distribution piping, it is

important to recognize the considerable effects of Inside diameter on head

loss and flow velocity for a given volume rate of discharge. Relatively

small differences in actual diameters for a series of pipes of a given

nominal diameter but conforming to different Industry sizing standards can produce greater effects on pressure loss than variations in surface texture

from smooth to fairly rough condition for pipes of a given actual diameter.

This concept is illustrated in table 9 for several pipes conforming to different standards.

3.6.3 Drain-Waste-Vent Piping

As to hydraulic carrying capacities as affected by surface topography

and actual diameter, the considerations for DWV piping are similar to those

discussed for water-distributing piping in Section 3.6.2. Wyly and Eaton

[34] have described the methodology upon which the carrying capacities of

drainage and vent stacks is predicated and Wyly [35] has described methodology similarly for fixture branches and building drains, as evidenced in the

loading tables of model plumbing codes such as BPC and NSPC. (See appendix.

Section 8.1)

Another aspect of the hydraulic' characteristics of Initially smooth

conduits such as copper, brass, thermoplastics, and stainless steel is that

there is an appreciable potential for greater air demand by the .drainage

system, as can be demonstrated by calculation based on a formula for air

demand rate given in NBS Monograph 31 [34]. This effect, however, may be

largely counteracted by the greater air-carrying capacity of smooth vent

piping

.

The general problem in estimating hydraulic carrying capacities of

drainage piping under service conditions is whether, and under what conditions

and to what extent, carrying capacity is reduced due to effects of surface

roughening and effective dlamater reduction from deposition or build-up of

surface coatings. This problem has not been studied in depth in the present

review, but it appears that the problem is largely associated with nominally

horizontal drains. It is believed that the relatively high velocities oc- curring in vertical drains tend to prevent significant build-up of surface

deposits for all materials presently in widespread use. The degree to

which initial surface smoothness is retained and to which such smoothness

influences later hydraulic carrying capacity is dependent on numerous factors

.

In general, materials not subject to internal corrosion in the service

environment would perform better in this respect than corrosion-prone materials. Under conditions where greasy wastes are involved or where other

conditions exist that might contribute to the development of significant

thicknesses of surface deposits in horizontal lines, it is believed that the

effective service carrying capacity would be affected less by initial surface

topography than it would be under the condition where only clean water is

transported. This phenomenon, however, would not be expected for dry vent

piping

.

29
0) c a o

>>-H

EH 4J

(d = 3

to cr s w

ca •H = H 0) H ft •H -H

IS a, c si N O

BjO

w s = Kl

to ~ - to

0) -

-P fn 3 0) -P -P H C

-P

to PC C o

<Ll

U

ftpL, (0 •H U

D-i t3 <U

0) 4J

O

C OJ •H -H E P E (d

to f-l T-l cd <U Q

P-i 01 13 Q C

d) <

to

•H

O +:> J -H = o O T) O = tti iH

0) 0) K > O U T3 COO) O JJ •H O P " 0) td (d iH

J->H 0) 3 d OT

ft E e u

u o o o O

to

151

tH

O

O

OH

O

O

H

<U ffl ^< <U P(

11 (U 0) (U 'H

tH ,c; P( ch P)

nj o 03

Jh

O 15 > -P o

(D <U

(1) to S Pi N O O -rl -H C!

VD

O

-4^

0) ^tl 4J

P) P

•H CU 3

Pi ,Q •P•H

td +^ a

to §

tti rH

M

H t-

>5U

(U

(U o Pi b ou

Pi

1^

a

^1

(1) tH

O

Pi

O =H

H

Ph

HMa o 01 -H •• •H 5) is +^ ra o <fH|

to Pi

H

tS rH !h H rl o o

PMO '+H "IH

tH cl o <u -p -P

-d- +3 (U

(U

<uhD o

Pi <U o ,a H do >>

r-H a) 3 to

Pi <u H O m CI a u

+J tu O tH

^^ ON Q)

tl) 1^ ^

-P -P

30
Table 9- Comparison of Average Velocities and Pressure Losses for Nominal

Size Pipe or Tube of Various Degrees of Roughness When the Volume Rate

of Discharge is 10 Gallons Per Minute.

Computations

Piping\^^^^

Average

Inside

Average

Velocity pounds

Pressure Loss,

per square inch/100 feet of pipe

Materials

and

Standards

Diameter

d, inches

V, ft/sec

Smooth

Condition

Pair ly

Smooth

Condition

r d X I. J, y Rough

Condition

Rr\iioVi ixOUgn

Condition

ABS or PVC, Schedule 40

ASTM D1527-73,D1785-73

0.824 6.02 8.66 10.70 13.15 19.23

ABS or PVC, Schedule 80

ASTM D1527-73,D1785-73

0.742 7.42 14.25 17.76 22.01 32.47

Copper, Type K ASTM B88-72

0.745 7.36 13.98 17.42 21.58 31.82

Copper, Type L ASTM B88-72

0.785 6.63 10.90 13.53 16.69 24 . 50

Copper, Type M

ASTM B88-72

0.811 6.21 9.34 11 . 55 14.22 20.82

Copper Alloy 194, Standard

ASTM B586-73

0.833 5.89 8.22 10.15 12.46 18.21

Copper Alloy 194, Heavy

ASTM B586-73

0.815 6.15 9.12 11.28 13.88 20.32

CPVC SDR 11

ASTM D 2846-73

0.715 7.99 17.00 21.25 26.42 39.09

Galv. Steel, Schedule 40

ASTM A120-72a

0.824 6.02 8.66 10.70 13.15 19.23

Galv. Steel, Schedule 80 Ao in Alzu— //a

0.742 7.42 14.25 17.76 22.01 32.47

Stainless Steel, Grade G ASTM A651-71

0.837 5.83 8.04 9.92 12.17 17.78

Stainless Steel, Grade H ASTM A651-71

0.827 5.97 8.51 10.51 12.92 18.88

i Note: Computations are based on four equations derived in BMS 79 (See

Reference 20, Section 7).

Smooth pipe: q = 4.93 p^'^''^ d^-''!^ Fairly Smooth pipe: q = 4.57 p^'^^^ d^'

Rough pipe: q = 3.70 p°-^ d^'^ Fairly Rough pipe: q = 4.29 p^'^^^ d^'

where q = flow rate in gallons per minute, d = actual inside pipe

diameter in inches, and p = pressure loss per 100 feet of pipe, in

pounds per square inch. (Computations do not incorporate tolerances

in computation of inside diameter).

31
An important measure of performance in installed DW systems, as well as in water distribution systems, is drainability . This attribute can be adversely affected by thermal expansion and permanent dimensional changes in

the piping material. These properties should be taken into account in the

stages of design and installation, particularly for thermoplastics and other

temperature-sensitive materials, as discussed in Section 3-3 and 3-^.

3.7 Fire Safety

3.7.1 General

Two significant concerns have been identified arising from the use of

thermoplastic piping for plumbing. These questions relate to life safety

and are concerned with the potential for (a) fire spread and (b) spread of

smoke and toxic gas in a buring building.

It is realized that ASTM p635-7^ [37] provides a means for determining

relative burning characteristics of plastic materials expressed in the terms

"time of burning" and "extent of burning". The principal problem is that

this test, while appropriate for comparing the relative burning characteristics

of bar specimens under stated test conditions, does not provide for evaluation of the fire performance of the plumbing system , as affected by the

many and varying parameters of construction introduced in building system

design and installation. The ASTM Standard (D635-7'4) is not intended to be

a criterion for fire hazard.

When thermoplastic pipe burns (a) it releases relatively large quantities

of smoke and toxic gases, (b) it provides heat for increasing the intensity

of the fire, (c) it may provide a path for flame spread along its surface,

and (d) open holes may develop at wall or ceiling penetrations during the

fire, which could provide a route for the passage of hot flame gases between

rooms. These four characteristics must be considered when evaluating the

fire risk associated with the use of thermoplastic pipe and pipe fittings in

the water distribution and DWV systems in buildings.

Research has been directed toward the design of installations which

would minimize the risks outlined above. The amount and kind of protection

needed may depend on the air pressure difference between the room of fire

origin and the room to which the fire could spread. This pressure difference

could be as high as 0.1 inch of water (24.9 Pa) between rooms on adjacent floors

and considerably higher than that between a burning room and the shaft in a highrise building. Studies have been carried out by Tamura and McGuire at the

National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) [36] on the pressure distribution

in the shaft and in the rooms of high-rise buildings. The factors taken into

account in calculating the pressure distribution include the "stack effect"

(produced by the pressure differential that is caused by a difference between

the interior and outside temperatures), the wind, air leakage through the walls

and floors, and the presence of fire in any of the rooms. These pressures

also control the movement of toxic gases and smoke.

One of the chief concerns in the use of plastic pipe is the toxicity of

the products of pyrolysis and combustion. PVC yields mainly hydrogen chloride

while ABS produces hydrogen cyanide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide in a fire environment. Table 10 [38] gives a general summary of the degree of

hazard which can be expected from these gases along with carbon dioxide and

carbon monoxide which will normally be present in the vicinity of a fire, even in the absence of plastics. The odor of HCl, even below endurance or eye Irritation levels, can suggest a hazardous environment to people to the

extent that they may be reluctant to egress via a moderately smoke filled

area.

32
Table 10. Toxicity of Gases

V Toxicity

Considerations

Concentration in parts per million Sinnptoms at low

concentrations

Gases

From N. Combustion \^

To be fatal

"in IM TTinn J-Ll ^ A-\J H1J.L1* exposure

Dangerous to

1 led J. L.1 1 X i L 1/2 - 1 hour

exposure

Endurable for

1/2 to 1 hour

exposure

Carbon

Monoxide

5,000 2,500 250 Tightness across forehead,

slight headache

Carbon

Dioxide

90,000 50,000 30,000 Shortness of breath,

headache, unconsciousness

Hydrogen

Chloride

3,000 1,000 500 Coughing or choking,

irritation of eyes

Hydrogen

Cyanide

200 100 50 Dizziness, confusion^

weakness, headache

Nitrogen

Oxides

NO NO

2

500 100 50 Delayed pulmonary edema

In general, the undesirable effects of smoke are to reduce the visibility

and thereby obscure the escape routes and also make it difficult for the

firemen to locate the fire. Although it is unlikely that the smoke contributed

by the thermoplastic pipe in a chase or wall cavity would be comparable to the

smoke produced in the room of a fire origin, the smoke in a chase could find

its way to other areas in a building.

The amount of thermoplastic pipe used in the plumbing system is usually

small compared to the amount of thermoplastic material used in the furnishings

of the building. Furthermore, the pipe is less likely to be Ignited because

of its location and function. However, because it comprises an integral part

of a building service system important to health and safety, it is subject

to regulations by the building and plumbing codes while the furnishings are usually exempt from such controls because they are not integral parts of the

building

.

3.7.2 Standard Fire Tests On Thermoplastic Piping

Small scale laboratory tests are sometimes used to measure fire related

properties of building materials [39]. These properties include ease of

ignition, flame propagation, heat release, smoke density, toxic combustion

products, etc. For interior finish, the ASTM E84-70 tunnel test [40] is

commonly used.

In the tunnel test the specimen Is mounted on the ceiling of the chamber

regardless of Its orientation in use. In the case of plastics it is necessary to provide extensive support because of softening and melting. E84-70

provides the following guide for the mounting of plastics:

"Thermoplastic materials and other plastics which will not re- main in place are to be supported by 1/^-inch (6.3nim) round

metal rods, or 3/16 x 2-inch (5 x 51mm) wide steel bars or 2-

inch galvanized hexagonal wire-mesh supported with metal bars

or rods spanning the width of the tunnel.''

33
Thermoplastic PVC pipe was tested at the Southwest Research Institute

(SWRI) [41] by splitting the full 25 feet of pipe longitudinally and supporting the two halves with the outer surface directed downwards and held in

place with a wire mesh. Of four PVC pipes tested, three were rated with a flame spread of 10 and one with a flame spread of 20. A flame spread of 100

was reported for red oak flooring. While the results are apparently repeatable, they do not reflect the burning .characteristics of thermoplastic materials as installed in a standard DWV plumbing system inside of a wall or chase. This is better accomplished in the fire endurance test (ASTM E119-73)

[42] on the complete assembly.

In order to achieve a particular fire-endurance rating according to the

test procedure of ASTM E119-73, a wall or floor-celling assembly must not

permit the passage of flame or hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste,

and the temperature rise at any point on the unexposed surface of the wall or assembly cannot be more than 325 °F (l8l °C) during the fire-endurance period.

This allowed temperature rise provides a margin of safety in anticipation

of an additional rise due to the trapping of heat by combustible materials

which could be in contact with the wall. When thermoplastic pipe penetrates

the wall or ceiling, it may burn out and leave a hole for the passage of

flame which could result in failure of the assembly. If the pipe is confined

within the wall or celling the heat contributed by the burning pipe could

cause an early failure of the assembly due to an excessive temperature rise

on its unexposed surface.

However, by the use of a steel sleeve enclosing the plastic pipe where

it penetrates the wall or ceiling and extending some distance on either side,

the passage of flame can be prevented in some circumstances. Where the pipe

passes into a plumbing chase enclosed on all sides by a fire-rated wall the

possibilities for the passage of flame and the creation of excessive temperature rises on the surfaces of the interior walls of adjacent rooms due to

the burning of the pipe can be greatly reduced.

Some research, described in Section 3-7.3, has been carried out to determine the installation details affecting fire performance in DWV systems

by using protective metal sleeves or a chase, or both. No work of this

nature has been reported for CPVC used for water supply piping.

According to laboratory tests the smoke density from the burning of PVC

pipe is considerably higher than that from wood. The burning of PVC and

CPVC liberates significant quantities of HCl, CO2 , and CO. There are no specific regulations on toxic gases, particularly from plastic pipe even though

these properties are recognized as hazards caused by fire.

3.7.3 Fire Research On Thermoplastic Pipe Penetrations Through Walls

The spread of fire by the penetration of horizontal and vertical partitions by PVC and PE pipes was investigated at the Research Station in

Studsvlk, Sweden [43]. It was recommended that steel sleeves extending 20

inches on each side of the partition should be used for the horizontal penetration of PVC pipes of 4- and 6-inch diameters. For vertical penetrations,

sleeves were recommended but the required length was not determined. It was stated that sleeves were not needed for either horizontal or vertical penetrations for 2-inch pipes of PVC or PE. The temperatures prevailing in the

fire chamber were appreciably lower than for the time-temperature curve prescribed in the ASTM E119 fire endurance test, and no attempt was made

to establish a definite positive pressure differential between the fire

chamber and the unexposed region.

Some research was done in Holland on the fire hazard of pipes passing

through a ceiling-floor assembly [44]. In one test a PVC pipe of 4.4-inch

internal diameter was allowed to oenetrate a 3.9-inch thick floor assembly.

34
The pipe was extended 1 foot below the floor into the furnace and 2 -feet into

the ambient atmosphere above the floor. Flame appeared at the top of the

pipe in 51 minutes. The important parameters in this research were pipe

diameter and floor-assembly thickness. For a 2-inch inside-diameter pipe and

a 2-inch floor the time for flame to appear at the top of the pipe was 72

minutes. It would appear that the effective ceiling thickness could be increased in practice with the use of noncombustible sleeves. The furnace

pressure during these tests was 0.03 inches of water which is about one-third

of the highest pressure differential which might be expected near the celling

in a room fire. The results of the test might have been more severe if a higher furnace pressure had been used.

In the booklet, "Facts on Fire and PVC DWV" [^5], a test is described

where 4-lnch PVC DWV pipe penetrated a fire wall which served as one side

of the furnace. The pipe was enclosed in a .022-inch thick steel sleeve 2 feet long extending 10 inches on each side of the fire wall. The portion

of the pipe extending past the external part of the sleeve was blanked off to

represent a trap seal. The pressure in "the furnace was not stated, but was controllable to permit selected pressure differentials to prevail. The fur- nace temperature was programmed to follow the ASTM E119 [42] time-temperature curve. A thermocouple located on the sleeve just outside the furnace

indicated a l8l °C (325 °F) temperature rise in 65 minutes. The same temperature rise on the wall would constitute a one-point temperature failure

in the ASTM E119 fire endurance test. The PVC pipe contained in the ex- ternal sleeve and extending beyond it remained intact for the full 100 minutes that the test was run. However, it is believed that, if for any reason

the seal at the unexposed end of the pipe had been broken so that the hot

furnace gases could have passed through the pipe, more extensive damage would

have occurred to the unexposed length of PVC pipe.

A study was conducted at the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

[46] to investigate the influence of pipe penetration on the fire resistance

of a partition. Pipes 2, 3, and 4 inches in diameter passed horizontally

through a cylindrical chamber. The chamber temperature was programmed to

follow the ASTM E119 time-temperature curve and the pressure rose to about

0.2 inch of water during the course of the run. The chamber was l6 inches

in diameter and 39 inches long, terminated at each end with a concrete wall

with an oversized hole where t)ie pipe passed through. The opening around the

pipe was filled in with soft asbestos. PVC, ABS, PE, PP, and f ire-retardent

PP pipes were tested. Each test involved a 10-foot length of pipe which

extended 3 feet from each end of the furnace. One end of the pipe was sleeved as it passed through the test wall. The sleeve material was a .022-

inch thick galvanized steel sheet which had been rolled to form a sleeve with

an overlap of about 1 1/4 inch. The ends of the pipe were supported by wire

and closed off with a metal cap and tape to represent a trap seal. A wall

penetration was said to have failed when hot gases or flame issued freely

around the pipe. The unsleeved ends of the PVC pipe failed in 45 to 55 minutes without regard to pipe size. The opening into the furnace at the un- sleeved end was then closed off and the test was run for the remaining part

of the 2 hours. The length of undestroyed pipe within the sleeve was measured at the end of the test.

The length of pipe destroyed beyond the wall of the chamber varied from

1/2 to 2 inches and did not seem to depend on the pipe diameter, which was varied from 2 to 4 inches, nor on the sleeve length which was varied from

4 to 9 inches. The sleeves reached temperatures of 600 °C (1112 °F) just

beyond the end of the furnace and hence would be capable of igniting materials

at that point. However, this characteristic could apply to metal as well as plastic pipes. In one test a 4-inch PVC pipe with a 9-inch sleeve on one

side was tested with the ends of the pipe open to represent the case of a broken trap seal. Failure of the unsleeved end occurred at about 20 minutes,

and the sleeved end at about 40 minutes. Preliminary experiments indicated

that the observed effects might not be pressure dependent within the range of

0.05 to 0.5 inch of water.

35
Additional tests on the penetration of floor-celling assemblies were performed at NRC [4?] where It was concluded that the performance during the

first hour was unsatisfactory for all the pipes tested either because flame

Issued between the pipe and the sleeve which extended at least 9 Inches

above the floor or because a portion of the sleeve above the floor slab

glowed red at some time.

3.7.4 Full Scale NBS Fire Tests On Thermoplastic Piping

ASTM EII9 fire endurance tests were performed on wall and plumbing

chases containing ABS, PVC , and metallic DWV systems at NBS [48, 49]. In

each case there were back-to-back laterals connected to the stack through a double reducing sanitary tee. One lateral' passed through the surface of the

wall exposed to the test furnace while the other lateral penetrated the

opposite wall surface. Both laterals (simulating sink drains) were terminated

by water-filled traps as under normal service conditions. Thus a direct

path was provided for the fire to progress through the wall or chase.

It was found that the fire endurance of a plumbing chase containing a 4-lnch ABS stack with 3-lnch ABS laterals was reduced to a value significantly less than the fire rating of the chase, whereas In a chase with a 4-

Inch PVC stack with 1 1/2-lnch laterals the fire endurance was judged not

significantly less than the chase rating. Tests showed that the situation

with the ABS could be corrected by connecting the laterals to the stack by means of a wye so that they penetrated the chase wall at a downward angle of

45 degrees and were enclosed In steel sleeves extending downward from the

point of penetration.

The endurance of a one-hour fire rated 2 x 4-wood-stud-and-gypsum-board

wall was less than one hour with both ABS and PVC DWV systems using a 2-lnch

stack and 1 1/2-lnch laterals. However, when the depth of the wall was Increased by using 2x6 wood studs, both ABS and PVC systems passed the one- hour test successfully. But this success was contingent upon adequate

sealing of the holes through which the laterals penetrated. It was also

found very Important that the lateral hubs of the stack-to-lateral Junction

fitting not penetrate through the surface of the wall.

3.7.5 Summary And Need For Future Fire Research

Concern continues to be expressed that somehow thermoplastic pipe and

fittings In a building fire situation may contribute to the loss of life

and property. Such fire hazard may be reduced to an acceptable level by the

adoption of specific Installation procedures, although such Installation

procedures may remove the economic benefits of plastic pipe In some cases. There are some obvious attractions In the use of thermoplastic piping, and

Its use has been Increasing rapidly; but If Its use In Inappropriate Installations could contribute significantly to fire hazards. Its use may be

banned by regulatory authorities in those applications.

In examining the nature of the small-scale tests (of penetrations of

fire-walls by thermoplastic pipe) described earlier it is seen that they fall

short of providing the assurance that the authors of the building codes would

require. The penetrations in the tests reported have been limited to solid

non-combustible partitions where the annular space around the pipe has been

sealed off. This type of experimental arrangement does not represent typical

field installations where the partition is typically hollow and may be- of

combustible construction, where the exposed side of the wall may be expected

to collapse during the fire-rating period, and where the pipe penetrates

through a hole that is larger than the pipe and may be only loosely

sealed off with an escutcheon plate or not at all. Furthermore, these tests

do not reflect the effect of the pipe on the fire endurance of the wall itself where the heat released by the burning pipe or by the furnace gases

36
passing Into the partition might either cause and early collapse of the

flre-expospd wall or simply a higher temperature on the unexposed surface

which may cause its maximum permitted temperature rise to be exceeded within

the normal fire-rated period for the wall assembly.

The next step should be to subject typical plumbing installations, with

both thermoplastic and metallic materials, to full scale fire tests in which

the extent of the hazard created by each material would be measured. Then

one is faced with the problem of how to measure the hazard. For example, we can measure the toxic gas and the smoke concentration in the cavity containing

the pipe during a fire test, but the levels which would occur in an adjacent

room will depend on the leakage through the cavity wall, particularly around

the pipe where it penetrates the wall, on the dimensions of the room, and on

the rate of ventilation. These effects would be expected to vary betv/een

field installations and would depend on the gas pressure differences.

The ASTM E119-73 fire endurance test for walls and floor-ceiling as- semblies does not consider the special cases of either enclosed plumbing

stacks or pipe penetrations. This raises the crucial question of how high

in temperature should the pipe be permitted to rise at the point of penetration of the wall away from the fire. According to this test, at no point

on the surface of the wall or floor-ceiling assembly away from the fire will

the temperature as measured with a specified ASTM thermocouple be permitted

to rise by more than l8l °C (325 °F). If we place the same requirement on the pipe then we might be restricting the use of metal pipes in applications

in which they have been used for many years without any documented evidence

of having contributed to fire spread! If the permissible limit of pipe

temperature rise can be raised for metals, in all fairness the same must be

done for the plastics. However, the limit should not be raised to the point

that ignition of typical materials which might come in contact with the pipe

could occur within the time period of the fire-rating time of the wall or floor-ceiling assembly. What this limit should be will require some further

definitive research on the criterion for ignition in this situation.

A variety of additional plumbing installations need to be constructed,

using both plastic and conventional materials, and tested in accordance with

the standard E119-73 fire endurance test as described above. As before, the

temperature rises of the pipes and the partition surfaces should be recorded

along with the smoke and toxic gas concentrations detected on the unexposed

sides .

As indicated above, improved measurement techniques and more analysis

are needed, based on tests simulating typical plumbing installations. The

results should help to establish guidelines for the safe use of thermoplastic

piping in DWV systems and to establish realistic criteria for the acceptance

of piping systems in general with respect to fire.

3.8 Compatibility With Drain-Cleaning Procedures

There is a need for clarification as to the appropriate methods to

clean or remove obstructions from thermoplastic piping in plumbing systems.

The question mostly relates to drainage piping, but to a lesser extent to

vent piping also. Demonstrations have been made on ABS pipe which purport

to show failures by penetration through the pipe fitting from the use of

conventional rotoaugers [50]. Other demonstrations [51] have shown acceptable

results. An alternative method to clear a drain is to introduce a mixture

of powdered sodium hydroxide and aluminum. These chemicals, if introduced

in sufficient quantity in the presence of water such as remains in a trap,

react as an exothermic reaction which might heat the trap and adjoining

pipe locally beyond the softening temperature, which could distort the trap,

fitting, or pipe or even produce rupture. It needs to be established whether

both methods are commonly used in the maintenance of thermoplastic DWV

systems. With wider use of thermoplastics in these systems, it needs to be

37
established whether in fact thermoplastics might be expected to be subject

to frequent damage from these causes in a normal service environment in which

occupants are generally unaware of such possible susceptibility of their

plumbing systems and in which maintenance personnel are frequently inexperienced . Traps may be either of metal or thermoplastics. If of thermoplastics,

a gtfeater risk of failure from cleaning procedures may exist but traps are

not difficult to replace in most situations where access has been provided.

With mechanical cleaning techniques care should be taken to select the least

damaging type and size of rod, auger, or cutting head. Chemical cleaning

Is possible using substances which liquify or loosen grease and other fouling

matter but do not heat excessively.

Drainage stacks and horizontal, drains of thermoplastic pipe may be

gently rodded or augered with tools having blunt circumferential and bendnegotiating features. Inspection at the cleanout openings can indicate the

nature of the piping material (whether a thermoplastic or a metal), and

this information should facilitate the selection of the appropriate cleaning

technique and tools. Housings over the ends of scrapers and a clutch mechanism for the power-driven tool would assist in avoiding an over-stressing

of the thermoplastic pipe. It is possible under some circumstances to clean

drains with the carefully controlled use of compressed air or pressurized

water.

If evidence should be produced showing a substantial problem in this

area, then tests would need to be made on identical configurations of

thermoplastic and metal piping utilizing selected, representative cleaning

procedures . In such tests measurements should be made of the amounts of

material removed, depth of scratching, loss of strength, change In dimensions,

and development of leaks when the selected procedures are compared.

3.9 Weathering And Aging

The literature reviewed in this study did not describe tests for

weathering resistance of pipe. Some tests of accelerated weathering of

coupons made of the same material as the pipe were described in the BRAB

reports [11, 52]

.

It is felt that the ASTM weathering tests and the BRAB weathering tests

' for plastics are not adequate for the case of plastic pipe with its particular configuration and internal stress situation. New tests and evaluative

methods with a performance orientation are needed for evaluating this characteristic. Perhaps the most important question on weathering relates to

the DWV application in which vents extend above the roof.

The aging properties of thermoplastic pipe do not appear to have been

investigated experimentally. It is not too difficult to select or develop

short-duration functional performance tests, and it is possible to develop

accelerated tests in an effort to simulate the long-time effects of service

conditions and the passage of time. However, neither method is sufficient

to predict durability under the actual service conditions. In the first

instance, quick functional performance tests do not Incorporate any means

for assessing degradation of physical properties due to the passage of time,

and in the second instance highly accelerated tests may initiate untypical

types of degradation.

None of the ASTM tests or the tests recommended by BRAB measure properties before and after aging. In the application of thermoplastics piping

for plumbing, resistance to the forces developed by temperature changes,

pressure shock, building settlement, timber shrinkage, etc., needs to be

evaluated with reference to whether the properties essential to maintain

functional performance (e.g., resistance to bursting or leaking, maintenance

of drainability , etc.) are adequately maintained over long periods of ex- posure to typical environmental and service conditions.

38
4. AN APPROACH TO THE FORMULATION OF CRITERIA FOR THERMOPLASTIC

PIPING AS USED IN RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING SYSTEMS

4.1 Fundamental Performance Requirements And Measures Of Performance

For a building component as thoroughly Integrated into the building

system as the piping used for a plumbing system, the essential functional

characteristics include not only familiar characteristics such as leak

resistance, drainability , and flow capacity, but also the more subjective

and dif f icult-to-def ine characteristics of acoustical acceptability and fire

safety

.

The development of performance test methods that are meaningful requires

first the conception of criteria that are related directly to user requirements, and then the establishment of a test method that simulates to an acceptable degree the chemical, mechanical, thermal, and structural environment to which the piping is exposed in actual use. This involves careful

analysis of the important processes of user loads and of factors of degradation that are brought to bear on the piping system in service, and translation of these processes into the development of laboratory equipment that

can be described definitively and reproduced, and that can measure the

effects of these processes in quantitative terms. The broad objective is to

identify suitable existing test methods wherever possible, and where there

are no suitable existing tests to develop appropriate modification in the

existing tests or to develop entirely new tests.

In the absence of comprehensive statistical data on use conditions

generally, on the degradation of properties of materials in a service

environment in particular, and on user expectations and tolerance levels,

one practical approach to the establishment of performance levels is to

select levels that either upgrade, downgrade, or maintain existing quality

in the class of products in current use, based on the measured performance

of a sampling of contemporary products. Decisions with respect to upgrading,

downgrading, or maintaining present quality require the studied judgment of

experienced persons acting together. Performance levels arrived at in this

way would, of course, be subject to later adjustment as more extensive

service data and user reaction become available. The alternative, beginning

with the collection of comprehensive data on service conditions, installation detail, user response, etc. could be prohibitive 'in cost.

The principal user requirements for the piping as installed in plumbing

systems can be classified in three categories: (a) hydraulic functional

adequacy, (b) adequacy for health and safety, and (c) adequacy for durability/maintainability . Functional performance is determined mostly by the following attributes:

(a) Resistance to leakage or bursting from service static pressure

differentials, internal pressure shock, etc.

(b) The provision of adequate drainability of nominally horizontal

pipes subjected to normal live and dead loads, and to a normal

thermal environment

.

(c) The provision of adequate hydraulic/pneumatic carrying capacity

of the piping system subjected to normal thermal and hydraulic

exposure

.

(d) The provision of acoustical acceptability under normal operating

conditions, taking into account noise reduction between living

units through interdwelling walls or floor-ceilings, and noise

reduction between spaces within a living unit through walls and

partitions.

39
Performance with respect to the requirements of health and safety is

determined largely by toxlcological acceptability (non-transfer of hazardous

materials to potable water), and by fire safety factors (the spread of fire,

smoke and toxic gases in building fires).

Durability and maintainability performance is determined by the com- bination of physical properties, installation detail, and service environment

as they might be related to degradation of functional performance of a piping system. Among the principal measures are:

(a) Resistance to the normal chemical environment that might tend to

produce chemical attack, particularly attack of the type that

would lead to environmental stress cracking under typical

structural load patterns.

(b) The effects of repetitive thermal and structural loads, and of

weathering and aging on the stability of critical dimensions,

and on the maintenance of leak resistance of the piping over an extended period of service.

(c) Resistance to abrasion from pipe hangers, guides, and supports;

and from typical contents transported in a nominal service

environment

.

From the foregoing discussion, it can be seen that criteria for piping

in the context of performance involves pipe, fittings, and the structural

interface in a number of instances. A definitive knowledge of the particulars

of the service environment is needed to develop performance criteria.

4.2 Some Shortcomings Of Existing Methods Of Evaluation

The existing methodology is characterized by two shortcomings, insofar

as the performance approach is concerned: (1) the, standards are mostly

developed for pipes, tubes and fittings separately, rather than as an assembly (although a recent trend to "system" standards has been noted),

and (2) the standards tend to measure physical properties as related primarily to the maintenance of uniform quality in production and to identification of the product rather than to the means for predicting service

performance of installed systems through performance tests.

4.3 The Current Need

A framework is first needed to provide guidance both in the practical application of relevant portions of the existing evaluation methodology from

a performance standpoint, and in the definition of areas of need in test

development and research. Although the present program is limited mostly to

considerations believed most relevant to thermoplastics, the approach might

be applicable, with some expansion, to the determination of adequacy of

performance for other piping materials. A framework for criteria developed

in this way has been described in some detail in another report on the

current program [53]. It is anticipated that further work will provide

significant input of the type required to render this approach useful arid

adequate for the evaluation of new materials or of familiar materials in

essentially new applications. The alternative is the traditional aoproach

that requires a relatively long period of trial and error together with the

gradual accumulation of satisfactory service history from trial installations

as the basis for general acceptance.

5. CONCLUSIONS

5.1 General Statements

The pattern of plastic pipe use is rapidly changing. At present three materials dominate the plastic plumbing materials market for above-ground

40
residential use. These are ABS (aery lonitrlle-butadlene-styrene )

, PVC

poly(vlnyl chloride ), and CPVC (chlorinated PVC). The first two materials

have enlarged and increasing usage for drain-waste-vent applications, and

the latter is currently being used increasingly for hot and cold water

distributing piping. Other plastic piping materials such as PB (polybutylene)

and PP (polypropylene) are being used in some applications and may be seriously considered for residential plumbing when and if the economic factors

become favorable.

The principal Issues with respect to the use of thermoplastics piping ^ for residential above-ground plumbing in recent years have related to:

1. Potential fire hazards.

2. Effects of Intermittent or continuous exposure to hot water.

3. Potential for chemically induced cracking (environmental stress

cracking)

.

i|. Effects of continuous hydrostatic pressure and intermittent water

hammer

.

5. Adequacy of acoustical performance.

6. Capability to assure adequacy of critical design and installation

details through routine inspection procedures.

Regulatory agencies that have approved the use of thermoplastics piping

for plumbing have in many Instances Imposed limitations, e.g., height,

location, type of waste, type of occupancy, fire rating of building, pipe

wall thickness, special Installation rules, arbitrary test requirements, etc.

5'. 2 Potential For Satisfactory Performance Of Thermoplastics Piping In OneAnd Two-Story Residences

With reference to above-ground applications of NSF-listed ABS and PVC

for drain-waste-vent piping and of NSF-listed CPVC for hot and cold water

piping in one- and two-story residences. It appears that performance is

dependent to a significant degree on details of design, installation and

Inspection, A coordinated program to identify these details and to publicize

them among designers, installers, and Inspectors is needed, and some laboratory experimentation is needed under simulated service conditions to examine

important performance aspects of the thermoplastics not specifically addressed

in current standards.

5.3 Potential For A Broad Application Of The Performance Approach

Considering potentially broader applications of the familiar materials

and the potential introduction of new materials, it is evident that adequate

measures of performance under simulated end-use conditions do not exist for

several significant characteristics: e.g., functional, durability, or safety

performance characteristics related to creep, thermally Induced stress re- laxation, leak resistance of joints, emission of smoke and toxic gases. For

this reason, it Is Important that a broad performance-type framework be

developed for evaluation purposes, that would be applicable to a contemporary

material. This concept was adopted In the formulation of the test program

recommended in Section 5.4, with an emphasis on thermoplastics In aboveground residential plumbing.

5.4 A Recommended Laboratory Program

This review of current practice in the application of thermoplastic pipe

in plumbing systems provided the basis for the experiments recommended for

41
developing performance criteria for piping material and subassemblies In

residential plumbing under HUD sponsorship. These experiments can be briefly

described as follows:

(1) Hot-water test: thermal cycling in DWV and pressure piping

assemblies representing as-installed configurations, taking into

account different methods of support, attachment to structure,

restraint methods, etc. Observations to be made for evidence of

leakage, deflection, sag, creep, abrasion against supports, axial

forces, change in cross section, etc.

(2) Thermal properties tests: bench tests to evaluate significant

physical properties or changes in properties of small specimens

of pipe and fittings as a function of thermal environment; e.g.,

creep, hardness, ultraviolet radiation effects, internal stress

effects, etc.

(3) Water hammer tests: tests on assemblies of pipe and fittings to

study resistance to bursting (leaking) as affected by pressure

magnitude, number of pressure cycles, temperature, technique of

making and curing joints,' etc.

(4) Fire tests on DW systems Installed in walls and chases, taking

into account appropriate measures of performance and studying the

effects of size of stacks and penetrations, of type of piping

material, of detail of wall or chase construction, and of DWV

system configuration.

The results of the tests indicated in (1) through (4) above are being

presented in other reports on the current program. Results of fire tests

on selected constructions and on procedures for thermal performance characteristics have been reported [49, 5^]. Other reports are in review

[53, 55, 56].

ACKNOWLEDGriENT

The authors acknowledge Important contributions made by the following

persons: E. Thomas Pierce, Physicist, National Bureau of Standards, Center

for Building Technology, developed the material used in the noise control

section. John F. Halldane, Environmental Systems Consultant, prepared the

initial emendation which serves as the framework of this completed report. William J, Werner, General Engineer, Office of Policy Development and

Research, Department of Housing and Urban Development, made many valuable

suggestions during the planning stages of the project and during the review

process. Frank W. Relnhart , Technical Director, Plastics Pipe Institute

supplied up-to-the-minute compilation of applicable technical data.

Samuel D. Toner, Chemist, Product Engineering Division, National Bureau of

Standards, Institute for Applied Technology, provided painstaking, critical

review and contributed valuable recommendations.

42
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a Single-Stack Drainage System at the Operation BREAKTHROUGH

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[13] "Recommendations and Installation Procedures for Genova Rigid-Vinyl

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for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1974.

43
[15] ASTM D 2661-74, "Standard Specification for Acrylontrlle-ButadieneStyrene (ABS) Plastic Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe and Fittings,"

American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, 1974.

[16] "Thermoplastic Water Piping Systems," Technical Report PPI-TRI6,

August 1973, Plastics Pipe Institute, New York, New York.

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[18] "Recommended Hydrostatic Strength and Design Stresses for Thermoplastic

Pipe and Fitting Compounds," Technical Report PPI TR4 , March 1974,

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[19] "Recommended Service (design) Factors for Pressure Applications of

Thermoplastic Pipe Materials," Technical Report TR9, August 1973,

Plastics Pipe Institute, New York, New York.

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I97O)

.

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'

[24] Yerges , L. F., Sound, Noise, and Vibration Control , (Van Nostrand

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Envlro-Management and Research, Incorporated, Washington, D.C. for

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[26] Berendt, R. D.; Wlnzer, G. E.; Burroughs, C. B. "A Guide to Airborne

Impact and Structure Borne Nolse-Control In Multlfamlly Dwellings,"

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[27] Egan, M. D., Concepts In Architectural Acoustics , (McGraw-Hill,

New York, 1972) .

[28] "Water Flow Characteristics of Thermoplastic Pipe," Plastics Pipe

Institute, Technical Report PPI-TR14, March 1971, Plastics Pipe

Institute, New York, New York.

[29] Brockman, Marlon R., "Resistance of Flow In Teflon and Brass Tubes,"

J. Res., National Bureau of Standards (U.S.) 58, No. 1 RP 2734, 51-60,

January, 1957-

[30] Hunter, Roy B., "Water Distributing Systems for Buildings," National

Bureau of Standards (U.S.) Building Materials and Structures Report,

BMS 79, 1-25, November 194l.

44
L. F. Moody, "Friction Factors for Pipe Flows," Trans. Am. Soc. Mech.

Engrs., Volume 66, 671 (19^4).

Nielsen, L, S., "Accurate Pipe Friction Charts and How to Apply Them,"

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April 1967 through October I967.

"National Standard Plumbing Code," PHCC-ASPE National Association of

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Wyly, R. S.; Eaton, H. N., "Capacities of Stacks in Sanitary Drainage

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.

31, 52 pages, June I965.

Wyly, R. S., "Investigation of the Hydraulics of Horizontal Drains in

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McGuire, J. H. and Tamura, G. T., "Smoke Control in High Rise Buildings,"

Canadian Building Digest, CBD 134, January 1971.

ASTM D635-74, "Standard Method of Test for Flammabillty of SelfSupporting Plastics," American Society for Testing and Materials,

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"Standard Types of Building Construction," NPPA No. 220 - 196I, National

Fire Protection Association, Boston, Massachusetts.

ASTM E84-70E, "Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials," American Society for Testing and

Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1974.

Armstrong, G. W., "Investigation of Surface Burning Characteristics of

Four Polyvinylchloride Pipes (Formulations: GEON 856II, 85617,

85092, and 8761), Project Report 312446 - 132, Southwest Research

Institute, San Antonio, Texas, June 1969-

ASTM E119-73E, "Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Building Construction

and Materials," American Society for Testing and Materials,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1974.

"Fire Tests with Plastic Tubes Carried Out at the Research Station in

Studsvik, Spring I963," Report I8: I966 National Swedish Institute

for Building Research, Stockholm, Sweden.

Van Sante, P. J., "Results of Fire Tests on Plastic Pipes and Sheets

for Covering Walls and Ceilings," Foundation Ratiobouw, Holland,

1968.

"Pacts on Fire and PVC DWV For Fire Rated Construction," Geneva

Technical Report No. 1, Geneva Products, Incorporated, Davison,

Michigan, 1970.

45
[46] McGuire, J. H.; Huot, P., "Fire Tests Concerning the Penetration of

Walls by Horizontal DWV Pipes," National Research Council of

Canada, Technical Note 577, January 1971.

[^7] McGuire, J. H., "Penetration of Fire Partitions by Plastic DWV Pipe,"

Fire Technology, Volume 9, No. 1, February 1973, PP . 5-l4

.

[48] Benjamin, I. A.; Parker, W. J., "Fire Spread Potential of ABS Plastic

Plumbing," Fire Technology, Volume 8, No. 2, May 1972, pp. 104-119.

[49] Parker, W. J., "Fire Endurance Tests on Walls and Plumbing Chases

Containing Either Metallic or Nonmetalllc Drain Waste and Vent

Systems," National Bureau of Standards (U.S.) NBSIR 74-449,

November 1973-

[50] Pearson, H. M., "Durability Tests, 3" ABS Pipe Assemblies," Engineers

Testing Laboratories, Incorporated, Phoenix, Arizona, 1966.

[51] Dauphin, Ed., "Lafayette, Louisiana Test ABS-DWV for Lafayette Plumbing

Board, Mr. C. C. Hargls, Chairman," Southern Building Magazine , Birmingham, Alabama, August 1968.

[52] Task Group T-52, "Rigid Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings for Residential

Drain - Waste and Vent Systems," Federal Council Technical Report

No. 52, Building Research Advisory Board - National Research

Council, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., 1966.

[53] Wyly, R. S.; Beausoliel, R. W.; Parker, W. J.; Pierce, T. ; Rorrer, D. E.;

Shaver, J.; Sherlin, G. C.; Tryon, M., "Interim Report on Criteria

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Performance Characteristics of Plastic Piping Used in Housing,"

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Board Walls and Chases Containing Plastic and Metallic Drain

Waste and Vent Systems," National Bureau of Standards (U.S.)

BSS (in review)

.

[56] Tryon, M., "Thermal Properties of Selected Plastic Piping Used in

Housing," National Bureau of Standards (U.S.) NBSIR 74-6'29.

7. DEFINITIONS AND NOMENCLATURE

ABS : Aery lontrile-butadiene-styrene , a thermoplastic material used in drain,

waste and vent piping systems and also for shallow-well water piping

and for gas distribution. The minimum content of each component is:

aery lontrile , 13 percent; butadiene, 5 percent; and styrene and/or

substituted styrene, 15 percent.

Administrative Authority : The individual official, board, department, or agency established and authorized by a state, county, city or other

political subdivision created by law to administer and enforce the

provisions of the plumbing code as adopted or amended. (NSPC)

Aging : The effect on materials of exposure to an environment for an interval

of time; also, the process of exposing materials to an environment

for an interval of time. (ASTM)-

46
Backf low : The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into

the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water, from any source

or sources other than its intended source. Back-siphonage is one type

of backflow. (NSPC)

Chase : In plumbing usage, a shaft constructed specifically to enclose the

plumbing piping in a fire-resistant construction.

Code : As related to plumbing work, usually an ordinance, with any subsequent

amendment thereto, or any emergency rules or regulations which a city

or a governing body may adopt to control the plumbing work within its

jurisdiction.

CPVC: Chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride), a thermoplastic material used for

piping in hot and cold water distribution systems.

DWV Systems : The drain-waste-vent system, includes all the sanitary

drainage and vent piping inside the building or relevant portion

thereof, and includes the building drain to its point of connection

with the building sewer. Extrusion : A process whereby heated or unheated plastic forced through a shaping orifice becomes one continuously formed piece. (ASTM)

Fitting : A device used to join or to terminate sections of pipe.

Horizontal Branch : A horizontal branch is a drain pipe extending laterally

from a soil or waste stack or building drain with or without vertical

sections or branches, which receives the discharge from one or more fixture drains and conducts it to the soil or waste stack or to the

building drain.

Lateral: A word that has appeared in recent reports on fire tests of plastic

plumbing systems. It is synonymous with "fixture drain", "trap arm"

or "horizontal branch"

.

Molding, Compression : A method of forming objects from plastics by placing

the material in a confining mold cavity and applying pressure and

usually heat. (PPI)

Molding, Injection : A method of forming plastic objects from granular or powdered plastics by the fusing of plastic in a chamber with heat and

then forcing part of the mass into a cooler chamber where it solidifies.

(PPI)

Pipe : The term is applied generally to tubular products and materials

commonly used to conduct or transport fluids or gases. In this specific

nomenclature, "pipe" usually has greater wall thickness than similar

products called "tube" or "tubing".

Piping : This term has a broader meaning than the term "pipe". For example,

"cold water piping" includes the pipe, tube, or tubing used to conduct

the cold water; the fittings used to change the direction of flow or change the size of pipe, tube, or tubing; and the valves used to

control or regulate the rate of flow and the direction of flow. "Hot

water piping" and "drainage piping" have similarly broad meanings.

Plastic Pipe : A hollow cylinder of a plastic material in which the wall

thickness are usually small when compared to the diameter and in which

the inside and outside walls are essentially concentric. See plastic

tubing. (ASTM)

Plastic Tubing : A particular size of plastic pipe in which the outside

diameter is essentially the same as that of copper tubing. See

plastic pipe. (ASTM)

47
Polybutylene Plastics : Plastics based on polymers made with butene as essentially the sole monomer. (ASTM)

Polyethylene : A polymer prepared by the polymerization of ethylene as the

sole monomer. See polyethylene plastics. (ASTM)

Polye thylene Plastics : Plastics based on polymers made with ethylene as essentially the sole monomer. Note: In common usage for these

plastics, essentially means no less than S5% ethylene and no less than

95% total olefins. (ASTM)

Polymer: A compound formed by the reaction of simple molecules having

functional groups that permit their combination to proceed to high

molecular weights under suitable conditions. Polymers may be formed

by polyaddition (addition polymer) or poly condensation (condensation

polymer). When two or more monomers are involved, the product is

called a copolymer.

Polymerization : A chemical reaction in which the molecules of a monomer

are linked together to form large molecules whose molecular weight is

a multiple of that of the original substance. When two or more monomers

are involved, the process is called copolymerization or heteropolymerization. (PPI)

Polypropylene : A polymer prepared by the polymerization of propylene as the

sole monomer. See polypropylene plastics and propylene plastics. (ASTM)

Polypropylene Plastics : Plastics based on polymers made with propylene as essentially the sole monomer. (ASTM)

Poly(vlnyl chloride) : A resin prepared by the polymerization of vinyl

chloride with or without the addition of small amounts of other

monomers. (PPI)

Poly(vlnyl chloride) Plastics : Plastics made by combining poly(vinyl

chloride ) with colorants, fillers, plasticizers , stabilizers, lubricants,

other polymers, and other compounding ingredients. Not all of these

modifiers are used in pipe compounds. (PPI)

Potable Water : Water free from Impurities present in amounts sufficient to cause disease or harmful physiological effects and conforming in its

bacteriological and chemical quality to the requirements of the Public

Health Service Drinking Water Standards or the regulations of the

public health authority having jurisdiction. (NSPC)

Pressure : When expressed with reference to pipe, the force per unit area exerted by the fluid in the pipe.

Propylene Plastics : Plastics based on resins made by the polymerization of

propylene or copolymerization of propylene with one or more other

unsaturated compounds, the propylene being in greatest amount by weight.

(PPI)

Self-Siphonage : Reduction in trap seal of a fixture after completion of the

fixture discharge, caused solely by the discharge of that fixture.

Stack : The vertical main of a system Of soil, waste or vent piping.

Thermoplastic (noun) : A plastic which is thermoplastic in behavior. (PPI)

Thermoplastic (adjective) : Capable of being repeatedly softened by increase

of temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature. Note: Thermoplastic applies to those materials whose change upon heating is substantially physical. (PPI)

48
\

Thermoset (noun) : A plastic which, when cured by application of heat or chemical means, changes into a substantially infusible and insoluble

product. (PPI)

. Thermoset (adjective) : Pertaining to the state of a resin in which it is

relative infusible. (PPI)

Thermosetting : Capable of being changed into a substantially infusible or insoluble product when cured by application of heat or chemical means.

(PPI)

Trap: A fitting or device constructed in- a drain so as to provide, when

properly vented, a water seal for protection against the emission of

noxious or explosive sewer gases, without significantly retarding the

flow of sewage or waste water through it.

Trap Arm : Another name for fixture drain.

Vent : A pipe installed to provide a flow of air to or from a drainage system

or element thereof so as to provide protection of trap seals from

siphonage and back pressure.

Vinyl Chloride Plastics : Plastics based on resins made by the polymerization

of vinyl chloride or copolymerizatlon of vinyl chloride with other

unsaturated compounds, the vinyl chloride being in greatest amount by

weight. (PPI)

Water Distribution (distributing) Pipe : A pipe within the building or on

the premises which conveys water from the water-service pipe to the

point of usage. (NSPC)

Water Hammer : The term used to identify the hammering noises and severe

. shocks that may occur in a pressurized water supply system when flow

is halted abruptly by the rapid closure of a valve or faucet.

Water Outlet : A discharge opening through which water is supplied to a fixture, into the atmosphere (except into an open tank which is part

of the water supply system), to a boiler or heating system, or to any

devices or equipment requiring water to operate but which are not part

of the plumbing system. (NSPC)

Water Service Pipe : The pipe from the water main or other source of potable

water supply to the water distributing system of the building served.

(NSPC)

Note: Definitions found in this section are intended to be identical with

those identified by the abbreviations (ASTM) , (NSPC), and (PPI). For

those definitions listed but not identified by one of the abbreviations,

some modifications have been made to definitions which may have been

found elsewhere in the technical literature.

(ASTM) - ASTM D 883-73a

(NSPC) - National Standard Plumbing Code 1973

(PPI) - PPI-TRI-November 1968

8 . APPENDIX

1 Model Codes

Basic Plumbing Code (BPC)

Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA)

1313 East 60 Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637

49
National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC)

American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and National

Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (NAPHCC)

1016 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036

Southern Standard Plumbing Code (SSPC)

Southern Building Code Congress (SBCC)

3617 8th Avenue, South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222

Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (lAPMO)

5032 Alhambra Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90032

Canadian Plumbing Code (CPC)

Associate Committee on the National Building Code

National Research Council of Canada

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A0R6

8.2 Specifications and Standards

This section contains a list of widely-referenced plastics piping standards including standards for materials, methods of test, and recommended

practices for the design and installation of pipe, fittings and related products made of plastics. Those standards marked with an asterisk contain

information on engineering design criteria and/or the closely related installation procedures.

8.2.1 ASTM

American Society for Testing and Materials

1916 Race Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19IO3

For the purposes of this report, the ASTM Standards are divided into

groups as follows:

8.2.1.1 Specifications for Plastics Pipe, Fittings, and Related Materials

A) Acrylonitr ile-Butadlene-Styrene (ABS)

D1527-73a Acrylonltrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Pioe,

Schedules 40 and 80. (ANSI B72.5 - 1971)

DI788-73 Rigid Acrylonltrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastics.

• (ANSI K65.205 - 1971)

D2282-73a Acrylonltrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Pipe

(SDR- PR) . (ANSI B72.3 - 1967)

D2465-73 Threaded Aery lonitrlle-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic

Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80. (ANSI K65.I65 - 1971)

D2468-73 Socket-Type Acrylonltrile -Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic

Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40. (ANSI K65.164 - 1971)

D2469-73 Acrylonitrile-Butadlene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Pipe

Fittings, Schedule 80. (ANSI K65.I63 - 1971)

50
D266l-7^ *Acrylonitrlle-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Drain,

Waste, and Vent Pipe and Fittings. (ANSI 372, l8 - 1971)

D2680-7^ Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Composite Sewer

Piping

.

D2751-73 Acrylonltrlle-Butadlene-Styrene (ABS) Sewer Pipe and

Fittings. (ANSI K65.59 - 1971)

B) Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)

D1784-69 Poly(vlnyl chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated

Poly (vinyl chloride) (CPVC) Compounds, Rigid. (ANSI K65.206 - 1971)

D1785-7^ Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedule HO , 80,

and 120. (ANSI B72.7 - 1971) (includes CPVC ^116)

022^1-74 Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe. (SDR-PR and

Class T) (ANSI B72.2 - I967)

02^6^-74 Threaded Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings,

Schedule 80. (ANSI K65.I66 - 1971)

D2466-7^ Socket-type Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe

Fittings, Schedule 40.

D2467-7^ Socket-type Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe

Fittings, Schedule 80.

D2665-7^ *Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic Drain, Waste, and

Vent Pipe and Fittings. (ANSI K65.56 - 1971)

D2672-73 Bell-End Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Pine. (ANSI B72.20 - T97TI

D2729-72 Poly(vlnyl chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings

D27^0-7^ Poly(vlnyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic Tubing. (ANSI B72.22 - I9TTI

D2836-72 Filled Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe

029^9-71 Three-Inch Thin Wall Poly(vlnyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic

Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe and Fittings.

D3033-73 Type PSP Poly(vinyl chloride) Sewer Pipe and Fittings.

D303^-73a Type PSM Poly (vinyl chloride) Sewer Pipe and Fittings.

D3036-73 Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic Line Couplings,

Socket-type

.

C) Chlorinated Poly(vlnyl chloride) (CPVC)

D2846-73 *Chlorlnated Poly(vlnyl chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Hot Water

Distribution Systems.

D) Polyethylene (PE)

D1248-7^ Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials.

D2104-7^ Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe, Schedule 40. (ANSI B72.8 - T971I

51
D2239-7^ Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe. (SDR-PR) (ANSI B72.1 - IWD

' Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe, Schedules >40 and 80 Based

on Outside Diameter. (ANSI B72.13 - 1971)

D2609-73 Plastic Insert Fittings for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe.

D2610-73 Butt Fusion Polyethylene ( PE ) Plastic Pipe Fittings,

Schedule HO. (ANSI K65.I6O - 1971)

D2611-73 Butt Fusion Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe Fittings,

Schedule 80. (ANSI K65.159 - 1971)

D2683-70 Socket-Type Polyethylene (PE) Fittings for SDRll.O

Polyethylene Pipe.

D2737-7^ Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Tubing.

D3035-74 Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (SDR-PR) Based on Controlled

Outside Diameter.

D3197-73 Insert-type Polyethylene Fusion Fittings for SDRll.O

Polyethylene Pipe.

D326I-73 Butt Heat Fusion Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Fittings for

Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe and Tubing.

2.1.2 Specifications for Plastic Piping Solvent Cements

D2235-73 *Solvent Cement for Acrylonitrile-Butadlene-Styrene (ABS)

Plastic Pipe and Fittings. (ANSI B72.23 - 1971)

D2564-73 a *Solvent Cements for Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic

Pipe and Fittings. (ANSI B72.16 - 1971)

D3138-72 *Solvent Cements for joining Aery lonitrile-ButadleneStyrene (ABS) Pipe and Fittings to Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)

Pipe and Fittings for Non-Pressure Applications.

2.1.3 Methods of Test of Thermoplastic Pipe and Tubing

01180-57(1972) Bursting Strength of Round Rigid Plastic Tubing.

D1598-7^ Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe Under Long-Term Hydrostatic

Pressure. (ANSI B72.6 - 1971)

DI599-69 Short-Time Rupture Strength of Plastic Pipe, Tubing and

Fittings. (ANSI K65.53 - 1971)

D2122-70 Determining Dimensions of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings.

D2152-67 (1972) Quality of Extruded Poly(vinyl chloride) Pipe by

Acetone Immersion. (ANSI B72.9 - 1971)

D229O-69 Apparent Tensile Strength of Ring or Tubular Plastics by

Split Disk Method.

D2412-68 *External Loading Properties of Plastic Pipe by ParallelPlate Loading. (ANSI B72.il - 1971)

52
02^4^-70 Impact Resistance of Thermoolastlc Pioe and Fittings by

Means of a Tup (Falling Weight) (ANSI K65.169 -'l971)

D2837-69 *Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic

Pipe Materials. (ANSI K65.153 - 1971)

D2924-71 External Pressure Resistance of Plastic Pipe.

8.2.1.^ Recommended Practices •

D2153-67 (1972) ^Calculating Stress in Plastic Pipe Under Internal

Pressure. (ANSI B72.10 - 1971)

D232I-72 *Underground Installation of Flexible Thermoplastic

Sewer Pipe. (ANSI K65.171 - 1971)

D 2657-67 ( 1972 ) ' Heat Joining of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings.

TANSI 372.17 - 1971)

D2749-68 (1973) *Standard Symbols for Dimensions of Plastic Pipe

Fittings. (ANSI K65.58 - 1971)

D277^-72 *Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pressure Piping.

D2855-73 *Making Solvent Cemented Joints with Poly(vinyl chloride)

(PVC) Pipe and Fittings. (ANSI K65.55 - 1971)

D31^0-72 Flaring Polyolefin Pipe and Tubing.

D3311-7^ Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) Plastic Fitting Patterns.

F402-7^ Safe Handling of Solvent Cements Used for Joining

Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings.

Besides these standards for the common residential plastics pipes, there

are ASTM Standards listed for cellulose-acetate-butyrate (CAB), polybutylene

(PB), and Styrene-Rubber (SR), thermoplastic pipes and fittings, and reinforced thermosetting plastic pipe and fittings.

8.2.2 Federal Specifications

Specifications Sales (3FRSBS)

Building 197

Washington Naval Yard

General Services Administration

Washington, D.C. 20^07

L-F-15^6A Fittings, Plastic Pipe (Adapters, Couplings, Elbows,

and Tees for Polyethylene Pipe) (9-18-73)

L-P-315C Pipe, Plastic (Polyethylene, PE, SDR-PR) (5-3-72)

L-P-320b Pipe and Fittings, Plastic (PVC, Drain, Waste and Vent)

(3-8-73), Notice 1 (5-1^-73)

L-P-322b Pipe and Fittings, Plastic (ABS, Drain, Waste and Vent)

(5-4-73)

8.2.3 Department of Defense Military Standards

Commanding Officer

Naval Publications and Forms Center

5108 Tabor Avenue

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19120

53
MIL-P-14529B Pipe, Extruded, Thermoplastic (5-6-70)

MIL-P-21922A Plastic Rods and Tubes, Polyethylene (7-11-66)

MIL-A-22010A(1) Adhesive, Solvent-Type, Polyvinyl chloride

(2-17-61) Amendment (6-9-61)

MIL-P-22011A Pipe Fittings, Plastic, Rigid, High Impact, Polyvinyl

chloride, (PVC) and Poly' 1, 2, - Dichloroethy lene (1-13-69)

MIL-P-2263^A Pipe and Pipe Fittings, Polyethylene, for Low-Pressure

Waste and Drainage Systems (2-11-66)

MIL-P-82056(1 ) Pipe and Pipe Fittings, Plastic, for Drain, Waste

and Vent Service (1-29-68) and Amendment (5-27-69)

8.2.4 NBS Product Standards

NBS Product Standard PSlO-69 Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe

(Schedule 40-Inside Diameter Dimensions). (ASTM D 2104-74;

ANSI B 72.8 - 1971)

NBS Product Standard PSll-69 Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (SDR).

(ASTM D 2239 - 74; ANSI B 72.1 - 1967)

NBS Product Standard PS 12-69 Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe

(Schedules 40 and 80 - Outside Diameter Dimensions). (ASTM D 2447-

74; ANSI B 72.13 - 1971)

NBS Voluntary Product Standard PS 18-69 Acrylonitrile-ButadieneStyrene (ABS) Plastic Pipe (Schedules 40 and 80). (ASTM D 1527-73a;

ANSI B 72.5 - 1971)

NBS Voluntary Product Standard PS 19-69 Aery lonitrile-ButadieneStyrene (ABS) Plastic Pipe (Standard Dimension Ratio). (ASTM D

2282-73a; ANSI B 72.3 - 1967)

NBS Voluntary Product Standard PS 21-70 Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)

Plastic Pipe (Schedules 40, 80 and 120). (ASTM D 1785-68; ANSI

B 72.7 - 1971)

NBS Voluntary Product Standard PS 22-70 Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)

Plastic Pipe (Standard Dimension Ratio) (ASTM D 2241-74; ANSI

B 72.2 - 1967)

Note: NBS Product Standards for plastic pipe listed above are no longer available. The corresponding ASTM standard and the

related American National standard are provided here for

cross-reference

.

8.2.5 FHA/HUD

Materials Acceptance Section, FTEX

Federal Housing Administration

Washington, D.C. 204l2

FHA MR-562 *Rigid Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Hi/Temp

Water Pipe and Fittings (11-3-67)

FHA MR-563 *PVC Plastic Drainage and Vent PiDe and ^''ittings (11-6-67!

54
FHA UM-26c *Plastic Drain and Sewer Pipe and Fittings (12-7-71)

FHA UM-31e *Polyethylene Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Domestic

Water Service (8-1-66)

FHA UM-^la PVC Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Domestic Water Service

(4-15-69)

FHA UM-43 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Plastic Pipe and Fittings

for Domestic Water Service (11-1-66)

FHA UIvi-49 *ABS and PVC Plastic Drainage and Vent Pipe and Fittings,

FHA 4550.49 (5-1-68)

FHA UM-53a *Polyvinyl chloride Plastic Drainage, Waste, and Vent

Pipe and Fittings (2-22-71)

FHA UM-54 ABS ( Acrylonitrile-Butadlene-Styrene ) Plastic Drainage,

Waste, and Vent Pipe and Fittings (2-20-70)

FHA UM-56 Polyethylene Plastic Drainage Waste and Vent Pipe and

Fittings (5-5-70)

FHA UM-6la (CPVC) Hot and Cold Water Distribution Systems - Chlorinated Poly(vlnyl chloride) (8-20-71)

HUD Minimum Property Standards, Volume 1, One and Two Family Dwellings,

1973 Edition, No. 4900.1

HUD Minimum Property Standards, Volume 2, Multifamily Housing, 1973

Edition, No. 4910.1

HUD Minimum Property Standards, Volume 3, Care-Type Housing, 1973

Edition, No. 4920.1

Note: The Minimum Property Standards are sold by the Superintendent

of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

20402.

8.2.6 ANSI

American National Standards Institute

1430 Broadway

New York, New York 10018

In the ANSI classification plastic pipe standards are found in the B72'

and the K65 series. For each standard currently cataloged' in these series

there Is an ASTM standard which is either identical or more recently updated.

To conserve space, the standards have been listed under the ASTM grouping

with a cross reference to the ANSI designation.

8.2.7 NSF

National Science Foundation

NSF Building

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

NSF Standard No. l4 Thermoplastic Materials, Pipe, Fittings,

Valves, Traps and Joining Materials (October 1965).

NSF Seal of Approval Listing of Plastic Materials, Pipe, Fittings and

Appurtenances for Potable Water and Waste Water (NSF Testing Laboratory)

(Issued in March each year)

.

55
8.2.8 lAPMO

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials

5032 Alhambra Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90032

lAPMO IS-1-71 Installation Standard for Non-Metallic Building

Sewers

lAPMO IS-5-71 Installation Standard for ABS Building Drain,

Waste and Vent Pipe and Fittings

lAPMO IS-7-71 Installation Standard for Poyethylene Building

Supply for Water Service and Yard Piping

lAPMO IS-8-71 Installation Standard for Solvent Cemented PVC

Pipe for Water Service and Yard Piping

lAPMO IS-9-71 Installation Standard for PVC Building Drain,

Waste and Vent Pipe, and Fittings

lAPMO PS 17-71 Supplemental Standard to ASTM D2661-68 AcrylonitrileButadlene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Drain, Waste and Vent Pipe and

Fittings and Addendum

lAPMO PS 24-71 Polyethylene Pipe for Cold Water Service and Yard

Piping

lAPMO PS 25-69 Fittings for Joining Polyethylene Pipe for Water

Service and Yard Piping

lAPMO PS 27-69 Supplemental Standard to ASTM D2665: Poly (vinyl

chloride ) ( PVC ) Plastic Drain, Waste and Vent Pipe and Fittings.

Note: IS=installation standard; PS=product standard.

8.2.9 CSA

Canadian Standards Association, Inc.

178 Rexdale Boulevard

Rexdale, Ontario, Canada, M9W1R3

B I37.O-I973 Definitions, General Requirements and Methods of

Testing for Thermoplastic Piping

B 137. 1-1970(R-71) Polyethylene Pipe for Cold Water Service

B 137.2.1-1970 Acrylonitrlle-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Pipe for

Pressure Application, IPS Dimensions

B 137.3-1972 Rigid Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Pipe for Pressure

Application

B 137.6-1971 Chlorinated Poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) Plastic

Piping for Hot and Cold Water Distribution Systems

B I81.I-I973 Aery lonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Drain, Waste and

Vent (ABS-DWV) Pipe and Pipe Fittings

B 181. 2-1973 Poly(vinyl chloride) Drain, Waste and Vent Pipe

and Pipe Fittings

B 181 . 11-1967 (R 70) Recommended Practice for the Installation of

ABS Drain, VJaste and Vent Pipe and Pipe Fittings

56
B 181 . 12-1967 (R 70) Recommended Practice for the Installation of

PVC Drain, Waste and Vent Pipe and Pipe Fittings

B 181.1-1967 Plastic Drain and Sewer Pipe and Pipe Fittings for

Use Underground

B 182.11-1967 Recommended Practice for the Installation of Plastic

Drain and Sewer Pipe and Pipe Fittings

8.2.10 PPI Technical Reports

Plastics Pipe Institute

250 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

TRl-NOV 1968 A Glossary of Plastics Piping Terms

TR2-0CT 1968 Recommended Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design

Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe. (Replaced by ASTM D2837 - 69)

TR3-AUG 1973 Policies and Procedures on Developing Recommended

Hydrostatic Design Stresses for Thermoplastic Pipe

TR^-MAR 197^ Recommended Hydrostatic Strengths and Design Stresses

for Thermoplastic Compounds

TR5-MAY 1974 List of Standards for Plastic Piping

TR6-FEB 1968 Recommended Standard Terminology for Dimensions of

Plastic Pipe Fittings. (Replaced by ASTM D27^9 - 68(1973)

TR7-MAR 1968 Recommended Method for Calculation of Nominal Weight

of Plastic Pipe

TR8-APR 1968 Polyethylene Piping Installation Procedures

TR9-AUG 1973 Recommended Standard Service (Design) Factors

for Pressure Applications of Thermoplastic Pipe Materials

TRIO-FEB 1969 Recommended Practice for Making Solvent-Cemented

Joints with PVC Pipe and Fittings

TRll-FEB 1969 Resistance of Thermoplastic Piping Materials to

Micro- and Macro-Biological Attack

TR12-APR 1973 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Plastic (ABS)

Piping Installation Procedures

TRI3-AUG 1973 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Plastic Piping Design and

Installation

TR14-MAR 1971 Water Flow Characteristics of Thermoplastic Pipe

TR15-AUG 1973 Recommended Practice for Bending Polyvinyl Chloride

(PVC) Conduit in the Field

TRI6-AUG 1973 Thermoplastic Water Piping Systems

TR17-AUG 1972 Thermoplastic Piping for Swimming Pool Water

Circulation Systems

TRI8-MAR 1973 Weatherablllty of Thermoplastic Piping

57
TR20.-SEPT 1973

TR21--SEPT 1973

8.2.11 PPI Technical Notes

TNl-Ma^_19I0^^Sealants for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)

TN2-MAR 1970 Sealants for Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Plastic Piping

TN3-MAY 1971 Electrical Grounding

T0-MM_l|Z2_^Recommendations for Colling Polyethylene Plastic

TN7-SEPT 1973 The Nature of Hydrostatic Time-to-Rupture Plots

TNB-AUG 1973. Making Threaded Joints with Thermoplastic Pioe and

7pv?^^PillP Recommendations for Coiling PolyCvinyl chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and Tubing

3.3 Bibliography On Design And Installation Detail

8.3.1 ABS Council (or ABS Institute)

ABS DW Plastic Pipe Manual, The ABS Council, 1967

- BuL'°r°}o2f ?hfABflns^Kut:

"""^^'-^ Buildings,

Chemical Resistance' of ABS Drainage System, Bull. No 103 The ABS Institute . ' 8.3-2 Company Publications

PVC Engineering Data, Borg-Warner Corp., LC No. 79108667, 1969

Plastic Piping Handbook, Cabot Corporation

Resistance of PVC Pipe to Attack from Termites, Rodents, and

Bacteria, B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company, I965

Fire Characteristics of Rigid PVC - DWV Piping, B.P. Goodrich

Chemical Company

Technical Data, Rogod Extrusion Compound, Geon 85092, B.F. Goodrich

Chemical Company

Hi-Temp Geon, Vinyl, A Material for Water Distribution Piping, TSR

68-08, TF117 and 923, B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company

All-Vinyl Plumbing - A New Dimension in Rehabilitation Construction,

Building Products Newsletter, Vol. Ill, No. 1, B.F. Goodrich Chemical

Company

Engineering and Installing Hi-Temp Geon CPVC Hot and Cold Water

Distribution Systems, TSR 67-09, TF117, B.^. Goodrich Chemical Comaany

58
Installation Instructions for PYC Drain, ^Jaste and Vent Systems,

TSR 69-08, TF923, B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company, July, 1969

Effect of Chemical Cleaning Reagents on Materials Used for DWV

(weight change), B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company

Derivation of ASTM D28'l6-69T Specification for CPVC Hot Water

Distribution Systems, B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company

Installing Vinyl (CPVC) Piping for Hot and Cold Water, B.F. Goodrich

Chemical Company

Fact-Flndlng Investigation of Geneva "Thin-Wall" PVC-DWV Piping

Including "in-wall" 3-inch Size, LO 4000-362, CSA Testing

Laboratories

.

8.3.3 State of New York

New York State Building Code Technical Report No. 3, Recommendations

for Use of Plastic Piping for Drainage and Vent Systems in Buildings,

Louis S. Nielsen, P.E., August, 1966.

8.3.4 University, Government and Quasi-Government Publications

Thermoplastic Piping for Potable Water Distributing Systems, Final

Draft, Technical Report No. 59, Report of FCC Task Group T-52,

Building Research Advisory Board - NRC/NAS , 1970.

Evaluation of ABS and PVC Rigid Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings for Use

in Drain, Waste and Vent Systems Under the Ohio Building Code, Professor

R. W. Bletzaker, Ohio University Engineering Exoerimental Station,

1966.

8.3.5 Miscellaneous

Hydrostatic Strength and Design Stresses for Thermoplastic Pipe

with Water. Reprint from Simulated Testing in the Plastics

Industry, Special Technical Bulletin No. 375, published by ASTM,

Frank W. Reinhart , 1965

An Investigation as to the Performance of Plastic Drainage

Systems in Europe, Address by Rep. Nichols of Alabama, The

Congressional Record, December 17, 1970

Test: To Determine Effect of an Undersized (Smaller diameter than

Inside diamater of pipe and fittings) Electrical Sewer Pipe

Auger on Schedule 40 PVC-I Drain, Waste and Vent Pipe and Fittings,

Report to Board of Building Standards, The Building Officials

Conference of Northeastern Ohio, Allen Drain Service, Kent, Ohio.

UNITS OF MEASURE AND S.I. CONVERSION FACTORS

A recent NBS document LC IO56 dated November 1974 reaffirms, clarifies

and strengthens the policy of NBS to lead in the use of the metric system.

In this review of existing information on the physical characteristics of

thermoplastic piping, the U.S. customary units of measure appeared much more frequently in the cited literature than did the metric units. In keeping with

the intent of LC IO56, the following guidelines have been adopted for this

review:

1. Equations of formulas for which metric equivalents do not yet appear

in the engineering literature (see section 3.6) are expressed in U.S.

Customary units.

59
2. When measurements have been reported In the literature in U.S.

customary units, the equivalent values in the International System

of Units (S.I.) are reported alongside enclosed in parentheses.

3. No S.I. equivalent is required when nominal values of units appear

as adjectives such as 3-inch pipe, 2 x 6-inch stud, and 2-oz. bottle.

4. The following conversion factors, from ASTM E380-74 are appropriate

for units of measure that appear in this report:

Length

1 inch (in.) = 0.0254 metre (m)

1 foot (ft.) = 0.3048 metre (m)

Mass

1 pound-mass (Ibm) = .4535924 kilogram

Temperature

1 Degree Fahrenheit (°F) = (1.8)-1 kelvin (K) or (°K)

Temperature Fahernheit (°F) = (459.67 + temp. °F)/1.8 kelvins (K)

Time

1 hour (h) = 60 minutes (min.) = 3600 seconds (s)

Velocity

1 foot per second (fps) = 0.3048 metre per second (m/s)

Force

1 pound-force (Ibf) = 4.448222 newtons (N)

1 inch of water column at 60°F = 248.84 pascals (Pa)

Pressure

1 pound-force per square inch (psi) = 6894.757 pascals (Pa)

6.894757 kilopascals (kPa)

Volume

1 U.S. liquid gallon (gal) = 0.003785412 metre^ (m^

)

3.785412 litres (1)

Plow Rate

1 U.S. gallon per minute (gpm) = O.OOOO630902 metres/second (m3/s)

= 63.0902 centiraeters^/second (cm^/s'

= 0.0630902 litres/second (1/s)

1 cubic foot per second (cfs) = O.02831685 metres/second (m^/s)

= 28.31685 litre/second (1/s)

Energy

1 Btu (International Table) = 1055-056 joules (J)

60
Power

1 Btu per hour (Btu/h) = 0.2930711 watt (W)

Latent Heat of Phase Change; Energy Change per Unit Mass

1 Btu per pound mass (Btu/lbm) =: 2326 joule/kilogram (J/kg)

Specific Heat; Heat Capacity

1 Btu per pound mass per °F = H186.8 j oule/kilogram-keivin (J/kg«K)

Thermal Conductivity

1 Btu-inch per hour per square foot per °F = 0.1^42279 watt/meter-kelvin

(W/m-K)

61

NBS-1 14A (REV. 7-73)

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

K I^UBLICATION OK l<i;i'()K'r NO. 2. (uiv't Acct-ssion No. NBS BSS-68

3. Hc'Cipicnt's Accession N'j.

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Review of Standards and Other Information on Thermoplastic Piping in Residential Pltimbing

5. Publication Dtitc May 1975

6. Performing Organization Code

7. AUTHOR(S) s. Wyly, W. J. Parker, D. E. Rorrer,

J, R. .Shaver- a. C. Sherlin, and M. Trvon

8. Performing Organ. Report No. NBSIR 74- 531

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION'NAME AND ADDRES.S NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

10. Frojcct/Task/Work Unit No. 462 8387

11. Contract/Grant No. IAA-H-37-72 (409)

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Complete Address (Street, City, State, ZIP)

Office of Policy Development and Research

Department of Housing and Urban Development

Washington, D. C. 204 10

13, Type of Report & Period Cov er e d Jan. 1972-June 1974

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 75-619100

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or /ess factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.) The paper is a review of existing information on the physical characteristics of thei^

moplastic piping that are of particular interest in considering its potential for use

in residential, above-ground plumbing. The presentation is oriented to considerations

of adequacy of functional performance of plumbing systems from the user' s/owner'

s

viewpoint in contrast with the typical product-specifications oriented format reflected

in current standards.

Not only are the physical characteristics emphasized that relate most directly to the

determination of functional performance of installed systems,, but the importance of

design and installation detail in the context is discussed.

In conclusion, this review indicates the need for better use of existing knowledge as well as for some research and test development work particularly in the areas of

thermal properties, response to building fires, and resistance to water hammer.

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only the first letter of the first key word unless a proper name; separated by semicolons

)

Fire performance of piping; functional performance of piping; performance characteristics for piping; thermal/structural performance of piping; thermoplastic piping m

plumbing.

18. AVAILABILITY ^ Unlimited

I

' For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

£2 Order From Sup. of Doc, U.S. Government Printine /Off ice Washington, D.C. 20402, SD Cat. No. CI 3 ; 29 t 2/ 68

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