<VV> PVC blowout

[kovacsmj]

Chuck, I believe you are right
 Just use thick copper water pipe. I use it with a baseboard radiator as
a condenser. It's been functioning for about 20 years now. Most of it is
behind the work bench, up on the wall. Why risk plastic??

Getting all the information is most of the solution.
 
MIKE KOVACS
 
bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of Chuck Kubin
Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 12:00 PM
 Subject: <VV> PVC blowout


Some folks like to spend time & $$$......for peace of mind??????

Anyone ever seen PVC rupture??? I thought so...........gggggg


Yes.  I wasn't there for most of the events, just the aftermath. 1) One
guy was moving a ladder and bumped a line under pressure. It blew out.
2) Another blew out when the mechanic imparted a little twist to the
pipe near an elbow while plugging in the quick disconnect. It shattered,
200 stitches. 3) I worked with a mechanic of 35 years who's face was
peppered with shards from a blown PVC pipe with 120 psi on the line. 4)
I've broken various components of a PVC manifold I made for my sprinkler
system at least once a year for the past six years. 5)  I've broken
hand-fitted 1 1/2" and 2" PVC pipe while taking it apart. I'm surprised
how little stress it took to destroy it WITHOUT the additional stress of
pressure. 

That's just the ones I've been close to, without mentioning everything
I've read and heard.

OSHA says PVC is dangerous as it just isn't designed for this
application. I subscribe to every woodworking magazine and every
discussion of air systems warns against PVC. I'm a life member of the
Handyman Club of America and the club's advisors have all come out
against using what you can commonly buy as PVC for air systems.

You want to use plastic? Buy the same materials as are designed for the
application--I'll bet a paycheck it ISN'T off-the-shelf water pipe.

Peace of mind? I don't drive without insurance, I wouldn't dream of
letting my homeowner's lapse, I don't quit my job without a safety net,
and I don't stick my body in dangerous places just because I can. I
already said I'm a woodworker--notice my fingers never leave my hand. I
don't turn on a machine without eye protection.

Spend a few bucks to stay in one piece? That isn't peace of mind. That's
just smart.

Want to take a chance and injure yourself, go ahead. Just don't injure
someone else.

 

Chuck Kubin