Using a propane torch to bend 3/4" - 11/2" Pvc pipe in a Residential Townhouse

N

Naga

Member
Location
Hawaii
Occupation
Electrician
Hi Guys,

I am working in a new townhouse project in Hawaii and was told by the GC's safety officer that he does not want me to use a propane torch to bend my pvc pipes indoors. Granted it is a wood strutcture but I will have a fire extinguisher right next to me. The pipes that I will be heating up are from slab to the panel so from ground up maybe 36" max not long just to tie into bottom of panel to straighten and for esthetics. I have always used a propane torch but the safety officer is saying to use a heat gun. I did try that long time ago but it just does not seem efficient and get the results that the job requires. Any thoughts?
 
Yeah, do what the safety guy says or use the torch.
I had an electrical inspector tell me that I couldn't use a torch as it would void the listing of the PVC.
Good luck!

Ron
 
A torch is a effective way to bend PVC conduit but is a not approved method, another way but still not a approved method is a heat gun.
 
Naga said:
he pipes that I will be heating up are from slab to the panel so from ground up maybe 36" max not long just to tie into bottom of panel to straighten and for esthetics. I have always used a propane torch but the safety officer is saying to use a heat gun.
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I've run into a similar situation with the safety guys where they wanted a hot work permit and a fire watch to use a freaking propane torch to heat some PVC in an all concrete building. We just went to an area where we were out of sight and did our usual thing. Since your pipes are in the slab you'll need to bend them in place. Since you've mentioned aesthetics burn marks on the PVC look terrible anyway. Personally since the issue was raised I would just get a PVC blanket and do the job correctly.
 
letgomywago said:
Lots of hvac guys are scared of propress for refrigerant but not scared of it for Gas
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First time I ever encountered pro press was a school building where we were installing a VRF system throughout the facility. That company got called back several times over next few years and often was a result of leaking pro press fittings on their refrigerant lines. They did pressurize the lines with like 600 or even 800 PSI (was like 10 years ago now so can't recall for certain but was pretty high pressure) of nitrogen as part of their process before adding refrigerant also. Not sure how impressed I am with Pro press after seeing that.
 
Naga said:
Hi Guys,

I am working in a new townhouse project in Hawaii and was told by the GC's safety officer that he does not want me to use a propane torch to bend my pvc pipes indoors. Granted it is a wood strutcture but I will have a fire extinguisher right next to me. The pipes that I will be heating up are from slab to the panel so from ground up maybe 36" max not long just to tie into bottom of panel to straighten and for esthetics. I have always used a propane torch but the safety officer is saying to use a heat gun. I did try that long time ago but it just does not seem efficient and get the results that the job requires. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
In the rough stage, stub your pipes just above the concrete pour and sill plate height, then glue on a PVC cap. When you go back afterwards, cut the cap off and extend your run where it needs to go Works with both PVC and Rigid runs. Easy to do and no dirt, water or concrete in your runs. With a bending box oven modifying the ends of the runs is a simple procedure without using a open flame.
 
kwired said:
First time I ever encountered pro press was a school building where we were installing a VRF system throughout the facility. That company got called back several times over next few years and often was a result of leaking pro press fittings on their refrigerant lines. They did pressurize the lines with like 600 or even 800 PSI (was like 10 years ago now so can't recall for certain but was pretty high pressure) of nitrogen as part of their process before adding refrigerant also. Not sure how impressed I am with Pro press after seeing that.
Click to expand...
They've come a long way since then. Still, I agree that I don't see it often with refrigerant.

-Hal
 
Your best bet is a blanket.

I use the Hot Bend PVC heating tool for all my pool plumbing and any PVC conduit for pool light conduit and everything else on my jobs. But it runs on propane so no good for your situation indoors.
 
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