Reply to: PVC PIPE
Somebody on this list gave me the low-down on PVC pipe. I don't remember who,
nor did I save that particular letter, but here is what I remember:
* PVC pipe is rated to carry WATER, which is not compressible. If a water
pipe cracks, all that happens is a flow or spray of water through the crack.
Air, on the other hand IS compressible. That means that there is a large
amount of potential energy stored in a tank or pipe of compressed air. Just
like a spring. This can cause the PVC pipe to explode.
* Those big pressure ratings you see on the sides of PVC pipe are at room
temperature. On a good hot day, the temperature rating can be cut in half.
* Splits or cracks in PVC pipe tend to occur at the connections., and
propagate from there into the system. Boom!
- Jerry
p.s. When I found this out, I had already put together a PVC pipe system in my
garage, but I'm planning to change it. Preferably BEFORE I get blinded by
flying PVC bits.
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