Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended way to store and install my pipe and fittings?
Instructions for handling, storing and installing Freedom pipe and fittings are included with each shipment. Download a copy of Pipe & Fittings Instructions and Installation Sheet in PDF format.
How many feet of pipe will fit on a truck?
The number of feet/pallets of pipe that will fit on a truck varies with the size and mix of pipe. It can be as little as 480' for 24" to over 250,000 ft for 1/2". To determine the number of feet/pallets for your order, Download the Pallet & Truckload Specifications Sheet.
Will PVC pipe expand or contract with temperature?
A good rule of thumb in design of PVC piping systems is to allow 3/8-inch of variation in length for every 100 feet of pipe for 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in temperature.
Can I use compressed air to test pipe in the field?
PVC pressure pipe should never be tested in the field using compressed air.
Is there a guide for installing pressure pipe?
ASTM D-2774 is the installation practice for PVC pressure pipe.
Is there a guide for sewer pipe installation?
ASTM D-2321 is the installation practice for gravity sewer pipe.

How many joints can I lubricate with a quart of lube?

There are a number of variables that can affect the amount of lube used in lubricating a gasketed joint (i.e. temperature, applicator and installer). Freedom provides a sufficient amount of joint lubricant with each pipe shipment to lubricate the gasketed joints when following recommended procedures found in the Pipe & Fittings Instructions and Installation Sheet

The following chart shows the approximated of the number of joints that could be lubricated per quart of joint lube.

Pipe Size	Joints/Qt
1.5"	50
2"	40
2.5"	35
3"	30
4"	25
6"	15
8"	10
10"	5

Pipe Size	Joints/Qt
12"	3
14"	2
15"	2
16"	1
18"	1
20"	1
24"	1

How does temperature affect the pressure rating of PVC pipe?

PVC pipe is pressure rated at 73° F (23° C). As the temperature drops below 73° F the pressure capacity increases and is usually considered an additional safety factor and not taken into account. However, as the temperature increases above 73° F, the pressure capacity of PVC pipe decreases and the pressure capacity must be de-rated.

Following is a pressure de-rating chart for PVC pipe. To calculate the new pressure rating, multiply the working temperature by the de-rating factor. For example, pipe rated at 150 psi at 110° F would have a new pressure capacity of 75 psi (150 x 0.50 = 75).

Maximum Service Temperature	De-rating Factor
73° F (23° C)	1.00
80° F (27° C)	0.88
90° F (32° C)	0.75
100° F (38° C)	0.62
110° F (43° C)	0.50
120° F (49° C)	0.40
130° F (54° C)	0.30
140° F (60° C)	0.22

Source: UniBell HandBook of PVC Pipe 4th edition 2001, pg 123

What are the effects of UV Radiation on PVC pipe?
A two year study[1] found the effects of UV radiation on PVC pipe results in a change on the pipe’s surface color and a reduction in impact strength. Additionally, the effects are limited to only the surface area that is exposed to the sun.

Other properties such as tensile strength and modulus of elasticity are not adversely affected. The resulting radiation effects on PVC pipe is only a penetration of .001 to .003, extremely shallow depths.

If using PVC pipe for outdoor use, such as above-ground irrigation pipe, a special additive similar to those used in PVC house siding effectively prevents significant UV degradation. Rutile titanium dioxide is a common inhibitive additive used in PVC water and sewer pipe in North America to reduce the impact of UV radiation. Furthermore, paint coatings or wrappings are effective in the protection against UV Radiation.

The most common method of protection of PVC pipe is the utilization of painting with a latex (water based) paint. Preparation of the surface area before painting is critical and follows: Pipe should be cleaned to remove dirt, moisture and oil. The pipe should be wiped with a clean dry cloth. Petroleum-based paints are not acceptable since the presence of petroleum will prevent proper bonding of pipe.

[1] "The Effects of Ultraviolet Aging on PVC Pipe – UNI-TR-5," Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association, Dallas, TX (1997).
What are the Gasket Compatibilities?
EPR (EPDM) Ethylene propylene Rubber.
Used in O-ring seals, EPR is recommended for water, chlorinated water, dilute acids and alkalines, alcohols, and has excellent resistance to ozone. EPR is NOT RECOMMENDED for petroleum oils, di-ester lubricants, strong acids, or strong alkalines. The maximum recommended service temperature is 149 Degrees Celsius or 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

FPM (Viton™) Fluorocarbon Elastomer
Viton ™ is registered trademark of Dupont Dow Elastomers. Used in O-ring seals, FPM exhibits a very broad range of chemical resistance, including petroleum oils, di-ester based lubricants, silicate fluids and greases, halogenated hydrocarbons and mineral acids. FPM is NOT RECOMMENDED for ketones, amines, anhydrous ammonia, hot hydrofluoric or chlorosulfonic acids or automotive brake fluids. The maximum recommended service temperature of FMP is 204 degrees Celsius or 400 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Nitrile (Buna-N) Nitrile elastomer
Used in O-ring seals, nitrile elastomers are recommended for petroleum oils and fluids, silicone oils and greases, di-ester based lubricants, ethylene glycol based fluids and cold water. Nitrile is NOT RECOMMENDED for phosphate ester hydraulic fluids, halogenated hydrocarbons, strong acids, ketone, ozone or automotive brake fluids. The maximum recommended service temperature for nitrile is 135 degrees Celsius or 275 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the average initial set schedule for Weld-On PVC/CPVC solvent cements?

Average initial Set Schedule for Weld-On PVC/CPVC solvent cements
Temp. Range	Pipe Sizes ½" to 1 ¼"	Pipe Sizes 1 ½" to 2"	Pipe Sizes 2 ½? to 8?	Pipe Sizes 10" to 15"	Pipe Sizes 15" +
60°-100° F	2 Minutes	5 Minutes	30 Minutes	2 Hours	4 Hours
40°- 60°F	5 Minutes	10 Minutes	2 Hours	8 Hours	16 Hours
0°-40°F	10 Minutes	15 Minutes	12 Hours	24 Hours	48 Hours

NOTE: Inital set schedule is the necessary time to allow before the joing can be carefully handled. In damp or humid weather allow 50% more set time. (IPS Corporation 02/06 VPD)

What is the average joint cure schedule for Weld-On PVC/CPVC solvent cements?

Average Joint Cure Schedule for Weld-On PVC-CPVC solvent cements
Relative Humidity 60% or Less	Cure Time Pipe Sizes ½" to 1 ¼"		Cure Time Pipe Sizes 1 ½" to 2"		Cure Time Pipe Sizes 2 ½" to 8"		Cure Time Pipe Sizes 10" to 15"	Cure Time Pipe Sizes 15"+
Temperature range during assembly and cure periods	Up to 160psi	Above 160 to 370 psi	Up to 160psi	Above 160 to 315 psi	Up to 160psi	Above 160 to 315 psi	Up to 100psi	Up to 100psi
60°- 100°F	15 min	60 hrs	30 min	12 hrs	1 1/2 hrs	24 hrs	48 hrs	72 hrs
40°- 60°F	20 min	12 hrs	45 min	24 hrs	4 hrs	48 hrs	96 hrs	6 days
0°- 40°F	30 min	48 hrs	1 hour	96 hrs	72 hrs	8 days	8 days	14 days

NOTE: Joint cure schedule is the necessary time to allow before pressurizing system. In damp or humid weather allow 50% more cure time. (IPS Corporation 2/06 VPD)

How does PVC hold up when buried at great depths?
According to the M. G. Spangler study, "flexible pipes may provide little inherent strength in comparison to rigid pipes, but when buried, have significant ability to support vertical loads due to passive pressures that develop as the sides of the pipe move outward against the earth." (PVC Pipe News v. 29 number 3.) http://www.uni-bell.org/news/2006_winter.pdf
Is PVC OK to use in an Aquifer situation?
"Pvc has proven to be an invaluable material within the aquarium world. It keeps water clean and free from unwanted particles, defends against bio-film build-up, and can hold up against an aggressive saltwater environment." (PVC Pipe News v. 29 number 3) http://www.uni-bell.org/news/2006_winter.pdf
Is the pipe supposed to bottom out in the bell for solvent weld joints?
Normally no, unless the pipe and bell are at their tolerance extremes. The bell socket is tapered to allow for pipe diameter variances. Typically, the pipe will bottom out at 1/3 to 2/3 of the socket depth. If the pipe does bottom out, the fit should be snug for a good joint. (Refer to ASTM D2855 Section 7.3)

What is the working pressure rating for Schedule 40 fittings?
There is no ASTM working pressure standard for Sch40 fittings. ASTM D2466 section 6.3.1 states that Sch 40 molded fittings must meet a burst pressure test requirement equal to the same diameter Sch 40 pipe. One can extrapolate from this that molded fittings should have the same working pressure as the same diameter pipe.

There is no ASTM pressure standard for fabricated fittings (refer to ASTM D2466 Section 4.1.2)

Therefore, Freedom has established an internal working pressure standard for its Sch 40 fabricated fittings which is listed in our price catalog.

Schedule 40 Pressure Fittings Ratings
Size	Molded*	Fabricated**
1/8	810psi @ 73F
1/4	780psi @ 73F
3/8	620psi @ 73F
1/2	600psi @ 73F
3/4	480psi @ 73F
1	450psi @ 73F
1 1/4	370psi @ 73F
1 1/2	330psi @ 73F
2	280psi @ 73F
2 1/2	300psi @ 73F
3	260psi @ 73F
3 1/2	240psi @ 73F
4	220psi @ 73F	130psi @ 73F
5	190psi @ 73F	130psi @ 73F
6	180psi @ 73F	130psi @ 73F
8	160psi @ 73F	130psi @ 73F
10	140psi @ 73F	130psi @ 73F
12	130psi @ 73F	130psi @ 73F
14	130psi @ 73F	130psi @ 73F
16	130psi @ 73F	130psi @ 73F
18	130psi @ 73F	130psi @ 73F
20	120psi @ 73F	120psi @ 73F
24	120psi @ 73F	120psi @ 73F

* Source ASTM D1785
** Source Freedom Internal Standard

How long can PVC pipe be left outside exposed and still be used?
At least 2 years. According to a UniBell study [1] PVC pipe retains its strength after being exposed for up to 2 years. This study found that after 2 years of exposure PVC pipe's,
- "...tensile elasticity and tensile strength...for all practical purposes unchanged."
- "...pressure class...remained constant."
- "...ability to resist external soil loads and traffic loads has not been adversely altered..."
- "Reductions in pipe impact strength...were not significant enought to warrant concern."
In addition, exposed unburied ASTM certified gaskets are warranted by the manufacturer for up to 2 years.

[1] "The Effects of Ultraviolet Aging on PVC Pipe - UNI-TR-5-03," Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association, Dallas, TX (1997)