Frequently Asked Questions
- Does JM Eagle™ Have a Standard Product Warranty For Its PVC Pipes?
- What Are JM Eagle's Recommendations For Joining PVC Pipe?
- During The Installation Process, What Is JM Eagle's Recommended Directions For The Bells?
- What Are The Lubrication Procedures For JM Eagle's PVC Pipe?
- Can We Join A PVC Pipe To A Ductile Iron Pipe?
- What Is The Difference Between A Rieber And A Non-Rieber Gasket?
- Why Is Over Insertion Of Pipes At Joints Not Recommended?
- What Is JM Eagle's Allowable Vertical Deflection On Gravity Sewer Pipe?
- What Is JM Eagle's Recommended Curvature For Its Gravity Sewer Pipe?
- What Is JM Eagle's Recommended Curvature For Its Pressure Pipe?
- What Is The Minimum Cover For JM Eagle's 4"-16" PVC Pressure Pipes?
- What Is The Maximum Recommended Temperature Of A Fluid That Is Being Passed Through JM Eagle's PVC Pipes?
- What are the effects of ultraviolet light on JM Eagle’s PVC Pipes?
- What Is The Life Expectancy Of A PVC Pipe?
- Explain The Certification Process For JM Eagle's AWWA C900 Blue Brute PVC Pipe.
- Does JM Eagle's SDR 35 Gravity Sewer Pipe Meet The Various Required Industry Standards?
- To Which Product Standards Must JM Eagle's AWWA C900 And C905 Joints Conform?
- What Is The Pressure Rating/Pressure Class For JM Eagle's PVC Pipe?
- What is the Proper Procedure For Pressure Testing of JM Eagle's Pressure Pipe?
- What Is The Acceptable Air Testing Procedure For JM Eagle's SDR 35 Gravity Sewer Pipe?
Does JM Eagle™ Have a Standard Product Warranty For Its PVC Pipes?
Yes, JM Eagle™ does have a standard product warranty for all of our PVC pipes.
What Are JM Eagle’s Recommendations For Joining PVC Pipe?
JM Eagle™ recommends that our pipe be installed such that the assembly line on the spigot is even with the bell. This also provides greater ease of inspection when verifying proper assembly from the top of the trench.
A joint that is assembled per our recommendations will exhibit a gap, in which the beveled end of the spigot is stopped short of being fully bottomed out in the bell. This gap should be in the allowed tolerance of ½” to 2.5”. Studies have shown that this gap poses no significant effect in terms of head loss or clogging, and is supported by a proven history of fully functional lines. Although bottoming out the spigot into the neck of the bell may yield a joint that appears more attractive when televised, this joint is also more likely to exhibit leakage or breakage due to loss of flexibility or stress from over assembly. By assembling the joint so that the reference mark (or assembly mark) is even with the bell, typical variations in the field can be accommodated. The variations may result from expansion or contraction of the pipe, or the variations may result from deflection at the joint due to soil movement in the trench.
JM Eagle’s standard installation recommendations call for no axial deflection at the joint. This recommendation emphasizes the fact that any intentional change of direction should be accomplished through a fitting connection or by bending the barrel of the pipe rather than offsetting the pipe joint.
JM Eagle’s procedures for installing Rieber and non-Rieber gaskets:
If you have received a combined shipment of JM Eagle™ pipe that contains both Rieber and non-Rieber gaskets, please note the following: non-Rieber and Rieber gaskets adhere to the same standards for the various types of JM Eagle™ pipe. They are both of superior quality and JM Eagle™ will stand behind them with a 100% warranty provided you follow our recommended installation procedures, which are:
- When installing JM Eagle™ pipe with the same type of gaskets, which means Rieber to Rieber pipe or non-Rieber to non-Rieber pipe, you should use the reference marks on the respective type spigot ends.
- When installing two different types of gasketed pipe, JM Eagle™ makes the following recommendations to account for the fact that the Rieber joint has a longer bell and reference mark when compared to the non-Rieber pipe:
- Non-Rieber Spigot to Rieber Gasketed Bell
Follow the non-Rieber pipe reference mark at the spigot end. - Rieber Spigot to Non-Rieber Gasket Bell
Do not insert the pipe all the way to the reference mark on the Rieber pipe spigot end. Instead, use the reference mark that is shown on the non-Rieber pipe. This will require some measurements from JM’s non-Rieber reference mark.
- Non-Rieber Spigot to Rieber Gasketed Bell
By following the above recommendations, Customers will not experience joint problems such as over-assembly, damaged bells, or cracked bells.
Note: The minimum recommended temperature of PVC pipe during installation should exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
During The Installation Process, What Is JM Eagle's Recommended Directions For The Bells?
JM Eagle’s pipe bells can be laid either upstream or downstream. There is no significant hydraulic benefit for either direction, and therefore we leave the decision to the discretion of the installer. However, JM Eagle™ recommends that the bell ends point in the direction of work progress to save extra effort. It is easier to insert the spigot into the bell than it is to push the bell over the spigot. This also reduces the risk of rubble being scooped under the gasket. The direction will not adversely affect the performance of the pipe.
What Are The Lubrication Procedures For JM Eagle's PVC Pipe?
Lubricate the spigot end of the pipe, using the lubricant supplied. Be sure to cover the entire spigot end circumference WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION PAID TO THE BEVELED END OF THE SPIGOT. Apply the coating with your hand, a cloth, a pad, a sponge or a glove.
CAUTION: Do not lubricate the bell, especially the gaskets. After spigot end is lubricated, do not allow it to touch the bedding material. Small pieces of stone or soil may stick to the lubricant and may become lodged between the spigot and rubber ring during assembly. This may cause the joint to leak.
Can We Join A PVC Pipe To A Ductile Iron Pipe?
Just as PVC pipe with Cast Iron OD’s can be joined to Mechanical Joints that were originally designed for use with Ductile Iron pipe, C900 PVC pipe can be joined directly to Ductile Iron pipe bells, and Ductile Iron pipe can be joined to C900 PVC pipe bells.
JM Eagle™ has two precautions when joining these materials:
- The bevel of the spigot should be made to look like the bevel of the product to which it is being joined. Make a Ductile Iron pipe bevel longer than that which is normally supplied on a Ductile Iron spigot, and make a PVC pipe bevel shorter than that which is normally supplied on a PVC pipe spigot. Use pipe beveled at the factory as a guide.
- The depth of insertion of the assembly should be adjusted to reflect the assembly mark found at the spigot end of the pipe whose bell you are using. Adjust the assembly mark to be shorter on a PVC spigot; and adjust the assembly mark to be longer on a Ductile Iron spigot.
What Is The Difference Between A Rieber And A Non-Rieber Gasket?
Rieber gasket. A steel wire or steel strip insert is incorporated in the gasket, which helps “lock-in” the gasket in the bell ring groove. This gasket is non-removable, and higher insertion forces may be encountered compared to the non-locked-in gasket.
Non-Rieber gasket. This non-locked-in gasket is typically pre-installed from our factory. Ensure that the ring groove is clean should this ring be removed and re-installed in the field.
Having indicated the above, both gasket designs conform to the same standards (gasket: ASTM F 477, and joint qualification: ASTM D 3139) and installation procedures for our Ring-Tite IPS PVC pipe. Joint preparation and assembly considerations include the following:
- Ensure the bell, gasket and spigot are clean prior to and during assembly.
- Ensure the gasket is seated evenly in the ring groove.
- Apply lubricant evenly and only on the spigot end. Applying lubricant on the gasket may introduce lubricant onto the ring groove, making the ring prone to displacement.
- Insert up to the reference mark only. Do not stab or “home” the spigot into the bell.
- Align the spigot during insertion, and be vigilant to undue resistance, which may indicate a dislodged gasket or incomplete lubrication.
Our joint designs have a proven history, and we assure you that our pipe will perform as intended when installed as recommended.
Why Is Over Insertion Of Pipes At Joints Not Recommended?
If the joint is over assembled, in other words, the spigot is jammed into the neck of the bell, the flexibility of the joint is lost. Uneven settlement in the trench may cause an over assembled joint to leak – do not assemble beyond the reference mark. Proper assembly calls for insertion of the spigot end into the bell so that it is in contact with the gasket. Keep the pipe lengths in proper alignment. Brace the bell while the spigot end is pushed under the gasket, so that previously completed joints will not be further inserted. Push the spigot into the bell until the assembly mark on the pipe barrel is flush with the end of the bell. Stabbing is not recommended and should be avoided.
If undue resistance to insertion of the spigot end is encountered or the reference mark does not reach the flush position, disassemble the joint and check the position of the gasket. If it is twisted or pushed out of its seat, clean the gasket, bell and spigot end, reseat the gasket properly (using a factory installed gasket as a guide) and repeat the assembly steps. Be sure both lengths are in proper alignment during assembly. If the gasket was not out of position, measure the distance between the reference mark and the spigot end. If necessary, relocate the reference mark if it is out of position.
Lastly, there should be no axial deflection at the joint. Bending the pipe, rather than deflecting the joints, should serve to accomplish small changes in direction.
What Is JM Eagle's Allowable Vertical Deflection On Gravity Sewer Pipe?
JM Eagle’s SDR 35 PVC sewer pipe has a minimum pipe stiffness of 46 psi. When installed in accordance with the recommendations in our installation guide, this pipe should have a maximum deflection limit for a non-pressure application of 7.5%. Note: this is for ring deflection of the pipe, not axial deflection at the joint.
What Is JM Eagle's Recommended Curvature For Its Gravity Sewer Pipe?
JM Eagle™ does not recommend any deflection at the joint for any of our products. Uni-Bell’s recommendation is that offset at the joint OR uniformly bending the pipe is allowable; however, Uni-Bell does not recommend both on the same length of pipe. Using our 8” SDR 35 sewer pipe as an example, the pipe can be uniformly curved along the barrel of the pipe. There is a minimum radius of curvature, which for this pipe is 200 feet. Per the following calculation, this allows curving across one 20-foot length piece of 5.73°.
- Length of arc = p r = (3.14) x (200 ft.) = 628 ft.
- Curve per 20’ length / 180° = length of one piece / length of arc
- Curve per 20’ length / 180° = 20 ft. / 628 ft.
- Therefore: Curve per 20’ length = 5.73°
*Please refer to the Minimum Radii of Curvature Chart below. Click on image to enlarge
What Is JM Eagle's Recommended Curvature For Its Pressure Pipe?
The pipe should be assembled above ground, in a straight line, then curved and laid in the trench. All curvature results from the bending of the pipe lengths. There is no deflection at the joint.
*Please refer to the Minimum Radii of Curvature Chart below. Click on image to enlarge
What Is The Minimum Cover For JM Eagle's 4"-16" PVC Pressure Pipes?
Minimum cover is recommended to be one foot from the top of rigid road surfaces or the bottom of flexible road surfaces. At shallow depths of cover (1’ - 3’), Class I or Class II material per ASTM D2321 with a minimum of 95% Proctor density is recommended for pipes ranging from 4”-16”. Angular embedment material shall be no larger than 0.75 inches and rounded rock shall be no larger than 1.50 inches. Also, the maximum particle size should be no greater than 10% of the pipe’s diameter.
What Is The Maximum Recommended Temperature Of A Fluid That Is Being Passed Through JM Eagle's PVC Pipes?
The maximum operating temperature for JM Eagle’s PVC pipe is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For cases where there is a temperature variation, special consideration should be given to the thermal expansion and contraction of the pipe.
What are the effects of ultraviolet light on JM Eagle’s PVC Pipes?
All PVC pipes are formulated with additives to resist degradation from sunlight. However an aesthetic change in color may develop when exposed outdoors for long periods of time. This shading of color occurs only on the surface of the PVC pipe and is of a very shallow depth; measured usually at less than 0.001 inch. In light of this, any sun-bleached pipe supplied by JM Eagle™ Manufacturing is covered under our standard product warranty.
Pertaining to research on this issue, a study was conducted by the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association to determine the effects of ultraviolet radiation on PVC pipe, in which pipe was placed in racks throughout the United States for a period of two years. The results revealed that both the tensile strength and the modulus of elasticity remained virtually unchanged, while the impact strength remained well within the governing ASTM requirements.
In conclusion, it has been determined that ultraviolet degradation will not have significant adverse effects on the mechanical properties of underground formulated PVC pipe.
PVC pipe and gaskets can still be used after prolonged storage above ground under normal conditions, and it is not necessary for the gaskets to be replaced unless there are appreciable signs of degradation (such as cracking). Per the above, pipe can be stored up to (but not limited to) two years above ground. Regarding the gasket, our standard gaskets are formulated to withstand UV radiation under common storage practices of PVC pipe.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A PVC Pipe?
PVC pipes have an excellent record for long time durability. Per a study performed by Uni-Bell on this matter, the expected useful life for PVC pipe is predicted to be in excess of 100 years.
Explain The Certification Process For JM Eagle's AWWA C900 Blue Brute PVC Pipe.
All classes of JM Eagle’s Blue Brute pressure pipe are UL 1285 listed for water mains as well as being tested and certified to ANSI / NSF Standard 61. The PVC cell classification is defined under ASTM D 1784 as 12454. The bell consists of an integral wall section with a factory installed, solid cross-section elastomeric gasket to allow for expansion and contraction at each joint. Joint design shall meet ASTM D 3139 performance testing requirements, with which the elastomeric gasket is manufactured in compliance with ASTM F 477. Each section of pipe with integral bell has been tested to four times the pressure class for a minimum of 5 seconds as a matter of routine quality control testing. JM Eagle’s Blue Brute pipe does not meet AWWA C-111; this standard is for Ductile Iron Pipe.
Does JM Eagle's SDR 35 Gravity Sewer Pipe Meet The Various Required Industry Standards?
JM Eagle’s gravity sewer pipe meets the requirements of ASTM D 3034 (46 psi pipe stiffness controlled) for sizes 4” through 15”. Likewise, the cell classification of these products is 12454 or 13364 as defined in ASTM D 1784. The joint design meets ASTM D 3212 performance testing requirements, thereby assuring a watertight joint that does not exceed an infiltration / exfiltration allowance of 25 gallons / inch diameter / mile / day. The gasket for this joint assembly is made of an elastomeric gasket in compliance with ASTM F 477. Pipe sizes 4” through 15” contain a factory installed, locked-in gasket. Product should be installed in accordance with JM Eagle’s publication TR-614 B, “Green-Tite PVC Gravity Sewer Pipe Installation Guide”.
To Which Product Standards Must JM Eagle's AWWA C900 And C905 Joints Conform?
Our C900 and C905 PVC pressure pipes must conform to the stringent requirements of the following standards: ASTM F 477 – Standard Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe, and ASTM D 3139 – Standard Specification for Joints for Plastic Pressure Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals.
Per ASTM D 3139, these products must conform to the Internal Pressure Test where the product is subjected to 50% of the rated pressure for 60 minutes and 2.5 times the rated pressure for an additional 60 minutes. A Quick Burst Test is then conducted. Also, per ASTM D 3139, the pipe is subjected to a Vacuum Test in which the joint shall withstand a vacuum of 22 inches of mercury for one hour with no leakage. In addition, each piece of pipe is hydrostatically tested to 4 times the Pressure Class (C900) or 2 times the Pressure Rating (C905) for 5 seconds prior to shipment.
What Is The Pressure Rating/Pressure Class For JM Eagle's PVC Pipe?
The pressure rating of PVC pipe is established by dividing the maximum long-term pressure capacity of the pipe by the desired factor of safety, which is usually 2.0. The C900 pressure class is derived in a similar manner; however, a safety factor of 2.5 is used. Also note that a surge allowance is included within the safety factor. Although PVC pipe can withstand short-term hydrostatic pressure applications at levels substantially higher than the pressure rating or class, the allowable pressure is properly based on the product’s long-term strength. Research and investigations have accumulated vast quantities of data that clearly substantiate the reliability of PVC pipe pressure rating and pressure class values. As specified in AWWA, C900 Pressure Class is defined as the “pipe’s designated design capacity (psi) that corresponds with its recommended safe sustained operating pressure”. Pressure class designations include an allowance for pressure surges above the maximum sustained operating pressure caused by instantaneous velocity changes of 2 ft/sec. Pressure class designations are based on long-term pressure rating at 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the Proper Procedure For Pressure Testing of JM Eagle’s Pressure Pipe?
The recommended maximum test pressure of installed PVC pressure pipe is 1.50 times the anticipated working pressure of the system; however, if the test pressure exceeds the rated pressure, the maximum test pressure should be the rated pressure. In addition, in no case should the test pressure exceed the rating of the valves or fittings, whichever is less. The typical test duration is 2 hours. Ensure that all the air is removed from the pipe prior to testing.
JM Eagle™ does allow testing of the system to 50 psi above the rated pressure for C900 pipe only. For DR 14 C900 pipe, this would be 250 psi. Make sure that the valves, fittings, and thrust blocks will be able to handle the extra pressure. The AWWA C900 standard is conservative compared to all other PVC pipe standards regarding the allowable pressure of the pipe, but that does change the fact that a DR 14 pipe made to this standard is marked with an allowable rated pressure of 200 psi.
What Is The Acceptable Air Testing Procedure For JM Eagle’s SDR 35 Gravity Sewer Pipe?
JM Eagle’s gravity sewer PVC pipe can be air tested per ASTM F 1417 – “Standard Test Method for Installation Acceptance of Plastic Gravity Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air”. Per this specification, testing pressures are regulated between 3.5 to 4.0 psig with a maximum allowable test pressure of 9 psig. It is not recommended that air-testing pressures exceed this limit due to worker safety issues.
