PVC Pipe Installation Guide

Developed by the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association, this guide provides field installation instructions for gasketed joint PVC pressure pipes. Relevant standards include AWWA C900, C907, C909, ASTM D2241, and ASTM F1483. For detailed guidance, consult AWWA C605, Manual M23, or Uni-Bell’s Handbook of PVC Pipe: Design and Construction. Uni-Bell, established in 1971, promotes PVC pipe research, technical support, and proper use. Installation advice is provided as guidance, not warranty; warranty inquiries should be directed to manufacturers. Pipe Delivery and Inspection Inspect pipe shipments for damage and verify quantities against the shipping list. Note damages or missing items on the bill of lading and notify the shipper. Damaged items should be set aside. Unloading Unload carefully using a forklift or front-end loader with forks long enough to support bundles. For manual unloading, remove one pipe at a time and block the shipment to prevent rolling. Storage Store unit packages on level ground or individual pipes bevel-to-bell. Do not stack over eight feet high or near heat sources. Protect gaskets from heat, oil, and grease. Installation Steps Trenching Excavate safely, avoiding blockage of sidewalks, drives, or utilities. Use sheeting, trench boxes, or sloped walls in hazardous areas. Ensure the pipe remains stable when moving support materials. De-Watering Keep trenches dry during installation. Prevent floating by covering empty pipes with backfill material equal to 1.5 times the pipe’s diameter. Field Cutting Use a handsaw or power tool to make square cuts. Bevel cut ends to match factory specifications and redraw the insertion line. Lowering into Trench Place pipes gently into the trench using ropes, skids, or slings. Avoid dropping or throwing materials. Inspect for damage before assembly. Joint Assembly Cleaning Clean the gasket, bell groove, and spigot before assembly. Do not remove non-removable gaskets to avoid damage. Lubrication Apply manufacturer-recommended lubricant to the spigot end and bell. Assembly Insert the lubricated spigot into the bell until the insertion line aligns with the bell’s edge. For large pipes, use mechanical assistance, ensuring proper depth and alignment. Over Insertion or misalignment can damage joints and reduce effectiveness. If assembly issues arise, disassemble and inspect the gasket. Replace removable gaskets if damaged; for non-removable gaskets, cut the bell, bevel the pipe, and use a coupling. Reassemble with proper alignment and force. The bar-and-block method is recommended for controlled force application.

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