22
FEATURE
Pipe and fittings
By
Rory Macnamara
Pipes and fittings are one of the most crucial parts of a water and water reticulation system .
The matrix provides the basics that a plumber and engineer should understand when installing and specifying pipes and fittings , be it for drainage or in buildings . Because of the nature of what pipes convey from potable water all the way along to waste , stormwater , etc ., the standards that exist , which are compulsory , are there to protect health and safety of people in the building as well as prevent damage that ensues when pipes burst , or wrong fittings are used and blocked drains that cause dangerous situations on roads and the loss of potable water .
Pipes and fittings in the standards are a system in that the pipe and fitting are compatible with each other and tested accordingly .
There are some plastic pipe manufacturers that see no need to obtain the SANS accreditation for reasons only known to themselves . However , certain pipe does not have a SANS certification due to its rather simple application . Sadly , beware those that claim to hold SANS Accreditation but can never provide the certificate of the certifying body , be it SABS , SATAS , AENOR .
The JASWIC listing which highlights SANS but also accepts tests , hopefully leading to full certification , indicates “ special conditions .” As with SANS there is more than just the certificate but conditions which form part of the standard . These must be referred to avoid costly mistakes .
2023 will see the revival of the Polymer Hot & Cold Technology Group ( PHACT ) to formalise this sector and be an active part of Technical Committees ( TC ) when standards are being discussed .
The SA Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association ( SAPPMA ) which are mostly in the large bore pipes but have members that are working in the building space , not only insist on SANS but also carry out their own extensive checks at member factories so one needs to look out for the SAPPMA mark as well as the SANS mark , where applicable .
One cannot help getting the feeling that some TCs get ‘ captured ’ not necessarily for the benefit of the industry !
Equally the types of tools , especially when the manufacturer states ‘ generic ’ tools may be used , need to be carefully considered and should be of a good quality . Cheap and nasty tools not only do not survive for any length of time but can damage the pipe / fitting . Spades are not considered a tool for cutting pipe , especially plastic pipe .
Pay attention to the manufacturer ’ s instructions as they offer solid advice to obtain the best life from the pipe and its appropriate fitting .
In the matrix the applicable standards are mentioned in the listing and the full standard may be obtained from : www . sabs . co . za .
“ Pay attention to the manufacturer ’ s instructions …”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline February 2023 Volume 28 I Number 12