Most cracks are initiated by rough handling. This handling can occur during shipment while being inventoried at the wholesaler, or while on the job site. Also, fine cracks can be caused by cutting the pipe with dull or damaged ratchet cutters, or by using ratchet cutters in lower temperatures (below 10℃).
To reduce problems resulting from a cracked product, several measures can be initiated:
Educate your installers. Make them aware of the potential problem and instruct them to handle FlowGuard Plus CPVC in an appropriate way.
Use a saw or a circular tubing cutter with a plastic cutting blade to cut the pipe to length.
Inspect pipe ends thoroughly prior to making a joint. Should a crack be evident, cut off any split portion at least 5 cm above the crack before proceeding.
During cold weather, gripping the tubing tightly around the area to be cut for about 10 seconds prior to making the cut will warm the tubing and reduce possible problems.