Not all pipe and fittings are the same.

Unfortunately, it is possible to receive pipe and fittings that do not fit together properly, even though they meet all of the applicable ASTM standards.

For example, the dimensional standard for 2-inch PVC DWV fittings allows for a variance of plus or minus .005 inch, which could result in a fitting hub at the high end of the range measuring 2.375 inches. Meanwhile, standards for 2-inch PVC DWV pipe allow for a variance of plus or minus .006 inch, which could result in pipe at the low end of the range measuring 2.369 inches. When a fitting at the high end of the dimensional range is joined to pipe at the low end of the dimensional range the result is a gap of .006 inch instead of the .005 inch interference fit designed for the system.

If the system failed, and the pipe and fittings came from the same manufacturer, that manufacturer should accept responsibility. It's their system.

But what if the pipe and fittings came from two different manufacturers? The pipe and fittings both met applicable standards. Who is responsible? Contractors should hold manufacturers accountable, and the best way for a contractor to do that is to specify pipe and fittings from the same manufacturer.

At Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, we make our pipe and fittings to the same tolerances, meaning everything will fit together properly. We call it the TrueFit[tm] System. Using pipe and fittings from Charlotte Pipe means you'll work more efficiently and productively, with fewer callbacks.

Everything at Charlotte Pipe is designed to work together seamlessly, from our products, to our operations, to our people. We're the only manufacturer that offers a complete system of cast iron, PVC, CPVC, ABS and FlowGuard Gold[r] pipe and fittings for residential and commercial plumbing systems and industrial applications.

These investments have made Charlotte Pipe's plants among the most modern of their type in the world. But, it's not just the plants. Charlotte Pipe also has adopted an e-business philosophy designed to provide customers with sales, product and account information, as well as transactional capabilities in the format of their choice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.After 100 years, we are still a privately owned family company. Private ownership means we can make decisions based on what's best long-term for the company and our employees, not for the quarterly earnings report or P/E ratio. Investments in technology are just one example of that philosophy.

Our web site offers up-to-date price sheets, dimensional drawings for products, and in-depth technical information, all in multiple formats. The site also offers a "stay up-to-date" feature where users can register to receive regular updates from Charlotte Pipe, including automatic price sheet updates.

Charlotte Pipe also has developed a complete set of AutoCAD drawings in 2-D and 3-D that are available on CD or on the Web site. The CD includes all the product specifications and technical data that you need to design your systems. Readers of PM Engineer recently named our AutoCAD CD one of the Top 10 New Products of 2002.

For more information, please contact us at:
P.O. Box 35430
Charlotte, North Carolina 28235
Phone: 800/438-6091
Fax: 800/553-1605
Web Address: www.charlottepipe.com

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