[Leo M]

This message is not intended for Mr. Leav - I know there is no way I can reach a person who is so sure of himself, whose mind is closed to the possibility that he may be in error. But for the rest of you, read on:

Please, do not, under any circumstances, pressurize PVC pipe with air. Anyone who has ever been around exploding plastic pipe knows the terrible consequences - the energy released creates shrapnel moving at high velocity. This occurs suddenly; the brittle fracture mechanism of PVC gives no warning.

No PVC pipe manufacturer will recommend even low-pressure air testing. All, without exception, warn against it, and for good reason.

First is putting heavy emphasis on safety this year. I would be avoiding my responsibilities as a mentor and professional engineer if I let this one go by. As I said, I know Mr. Leav will not listen to me. I hope that he never has to learn by awful experience the danger of what he is doing.

Will any of the other engineers reading this please back me up. Maybe, if enough of us say the same thing.....