ST8504-CS 880715 (2)COPPELL PUBLIC WORKS
July 15, 1988
FROM:
RE:
Steve Goram, Director of Public Works ~
Howard Pafford, Water Utilities Foreman~
Water & Sewer PVC Pipe - Reaction to Sunl~
ght (UV Radiation)
Steve, I have researched the documentation that was provided to me by Steven
Morton, concerning the effects of UV radiation to PVC pipe. It seems that
JM Manufacturing Company had performed a two year study, two years prior to
1980, and the results of the study showed'proof that the impact resistance of
the pipe were reduced to very low tolerances. Which only means that care would
have to be taken in backfilling the pipe once in the ground.
I also spoke with a Mr. Kinkad, who has had several years experience with storing
and installing PVC pipe. Mr. Kinkad informed me that PVC can get too much sun-
light but it would have to lay out in the weather for a long period of time.
He stated that if the pipe had discolored to the extreme of almost white to
white, its impact resistance would be so low that workers would have to be
extremely careful in laying and backfilling the pipe.
Overall, I think that short term exposure probably does not affect the pipes
performance (1 to 2½ years), but if it has set in the sun long enough to turn
almost white or even white, I think this shows long term exposure and should
be examined closely.
I would say the inspector should be able to use his own judgement in deciding
whether or not the pipe is acceptable.
I have always felt that if PVC pipe were exposed to enough sunlight to discolor,
it should be examined closely before using~Or possibly discarded.
If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please advise.
HLP/bb
cc: Steven M. Morton