Swimming Pool Design Expert Heat Bending PVC Pipe

Heat bending of PVC pipe is permissible provided that it is done with caution not to burn the pipe.
 
Care

Care must be exercised when heat bending PVC pipe so as to not scorch or burn it.  Burning the pipe creates a brittle spot that is susceptible to cracking.
(Click on an image to enlarge it.)

Torch burnt PVC swimming pool pipe

Burnt swimming pool plumbing

Heat bent pipes should show ABSOLUTELY ZERO signs of being heated.  Yellowing, browning or burn sections of pipe MUST be cut out and replaced.

Cracked plumbing

A cracked pipe within a concrete or shotcrete wall is a recipe for disaster.  Water within the concrete will weaken the concrete.  As the water leaks into the wall it will also come into contact with the reinforcing steel. 

When reinforcing steel corrodes, it expands.  The expanding steel can exert sufficient force to crack the concrete.

Proper Tools
 
Extreme care must be taken when heating pipe with a propane torch.  While the fasted method, it is also the most likely to cause burnt and brittle pipes.

An electric pipe oven or heat blanket are safer methods, as they are temperature controlled to soften but not burn the pipe (unless left in heating device for too long).


Paolo Benedetti, SWD, Principal
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa   
© www.AquaticTechnology.com   
International Aquatic Consultant, Watershape Engineering, Expert Witness, Hydraulic Designer, Landscape Design, Owner's Rep Office: 408-776-8220   
Email: info@aquatictechnology.com 

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