ISO: Setting the Standard with CPVC

The Lubrizol Corporation are bringing innovation in plumbing technology to the SADC region of Africa, but not without help. Flo-Tek are local pioneers in manufacturing, producing FlowGuard CPVC to the highest standards. And we’ve got the certification to prove it. 

With FlowGuard CPVC, produced locally to ISO standard 15877, pipe specifiers can guarantee plumbing innovation with operational excellence on every project. 

FlowGuard CPVC: A Global Reputation

FlowGuard Pipes and Fittings are the most sought after CPVC water distribution materials in the world. For over 60 years, FlowGuard CPVC engineered by Lubrizol and manufactured by its partners according to stringent quality controls, has been successfully installed in plumbing applications across residences, commercial properties and major international institutions. 

FlowGuard Pipe and Fittings has achieved this level of notoriety for many reasons:

• Fast and efficient installation process
• Natural resistance to corrosion
• Resistance to bacterial contamination
• Safe for use in hot and cold potable water applications
• Sustainable manufacturing and processing 

In recognition of its quality material, installation and performance, FlowGuard CPVC meets performance standards established by both the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 

ISO Standard 15877

FlowGuard CPVC is manufactured in Africa in accordance with ISO Standard 15877-2:2009. This standard sets out the specification for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) in hot and cold water installations. 

ISO describes the standard as follows:

“ISO 15877-2:2009 specifies the requirements of pipes made from chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-C) for piping systems intended to be used for hot and cold water installations within buildings for the conveyance of water, whether or not intended for human consumption (domestic systems) and for heating systems, under design pressures and temperatures appropriate to the class of application.”

To pipe specifiers and the plumbers that install them, it means everyone is required to work to an expected standard of quality, not just in residential applications, but in all situations where water is distributed through plastic plumbing pipes.

In conjunction with ISO 15877, this specification applies to all joints and components associated with the CPVC plumbing pipe, including non-plastic materials. Any associated fittings must also be to standard, to maximise the lifecycle of the pipe and the performance of the plumbing system.

Flo-Tek - ISO Certified Excellence

Flo-Tek is one of the leading manufacturers of pipes and fittings for the SADC region. One of their principle operations in Africa is the production of CPVC pipes. Flo-Tek is providing the plumbing industry in Botswana, Zambia and soon in South Africa too with FlowGuard Pipe and Fittings for operational excellence.  

Thanks to Flo-Tek’s excellence in this field for over 20 years, they have been awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification. 

ISO describe ISO 9001:2015 as follows:

“ISO 9001:2015 specifies requirements for a quality management system when an organization:

1. a) needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and
2. b) aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.”

Trust the Product, Trust the Process, Trust the People

ISO certification for both FlowGuard and Flo-Tek may sound impressive, but it provides those of us that rely on quality pipes, fittings and service with a few crucial things. 

For those of us in the trade, it’s a sign of a good reputation, and one we can harness to develop ours. It’s a source of support, particularly those that are new to specifying and installing CPVC. Finally, it’s peace of mind having made a decision that is based on decades of professional growth and expertise.

For homeowners and property owners, the end users who rely on us the most, it means something else. ISO is a seal of quality they can trust, so that they rest assured their homes and livelihoods are in good hands, with efficient professionals delivering a safe and reliable installation that will last. 

For more information on FlowGuard CPVC and our partnerships and developments across the SADC region, follow our latest blogs.