Solvents for Gluing Pipes and Fittings

...

Attic

Electrical

Environment/Health

APPLY CLEANER OR PRIMER TO THE PCV PIPE AND FITTING
A clean surface is required for all PVC parts to be welded together. A solvent-based primer or a cleaner/primer will remove oils and chemicals and ensure proper bonding. The PVC solvent cement is applied while the primer is still wet. Failing to use a primmer before bonding PVC parts may result in a poor connection that will be prone to leaking.
Applying solvent cement to ABS-DWV (drain-waste-vent) piping is a one-step process. No primer or cleaner is required.

Used for priming ABS and
cleaning PVC and CPVC
pipes and fittings

CURING TIME FOR ALL WELDED JOINTS
It may seem that the solvent has hardened right after pipe and fittings have been joined but it takes some time before the solvent has been cured. Wait about an hour before turning on the cold water and a bit longer before you can use the hot water.

WARNING
Avoid breathing solvent vapors and work in well ventilated areas. Keep solvents away from open flame (do not store in furnace or utility rooms). Close can after each use.

Solvents for "Gluing" Pipes and Fittings
ABS, PVC, ABS/PVC, CPVC

I think that most of us use the word glue when we are talking about installing waste or water supply lines. We glue pipes and fittings together right? It just doesn't sound right when we say "I melted the p-trap to the vanity drain" but that is what we are doing when using solvents to connect pipes and fittings. Solvents are not a glue, it really melts the plastic. Within seconds after the solvent has been applied the two pieces "glue" together become fused as one. If a mistake has been made the only way to correct it is to cut out the wrongly installed section and start all over again.
Although using solvents is pretty straight forward there is no room for error. It is important to use the right type of solvent for each type of pipe. None of the plumbing solvents are interchangeable. To avoid costly mistakes let's have a look at some of the things you should know before making changes or additions to the plumbing system.
- Cutting and preparing pipes for assembling
- Dry fit the pipe and fitting.
- Apply cleaner or primer to PVC pipe and fittings.
- Proper way of applying solvent cement.
- ABS to PVC connections and special solvent to be used.
- CPVC pipes and solvent to be used.

Colours as printed on the label for each application

CUTTING AND PREPARING PIPES
For a proper fit pipes should be cut off square. It is recommended to use a plastic pipe cutter, hacksaw or other fine-tooth saw. If you have to make several cuts the use of a miter box will make the job a lot easier and more accurate. Once the pipe has been cut use a knife, small file or deburring tool to remove any burrs from the inside of the pipe. Use a file or chamfering tool to slightly (10°-15°) bevel the outer edge of the pipe.

TIP.
To insure a proper fit do not use sandpaper on ABS or PVC plastic as there is a possibility that you remove too much material.

DRY FIT THE PIPE AND FITTING
Pipe must enter 1/3 to 2/3 of the fitting depth. Do not try to push the pipe in all the way or you may have trouble separating the parts. When cutting a length of pipe remember that once the solvent has been applied the pipe will go further into the fitting than in the dry fit. If you have to add several fittings, cut, dry fit and glue one fitting at the time.

PROPER WAY OF APPLYING SOLVENTS
- Use the applicator (which is attached to the lid of the solvent container) to brush on the solvent. Only apply solvent to the areas of pipe and fitting which will be in contact with each other.
- Liberally apply cement first to the outside of the pipe end then apply it sparingly to the inside of the fitting. If too much solvent is applied to the inside of the fitting, excess solvent could run down inside the connection and weaken the material.
- Immediately after brushing on the solvent push the fitting onto the pipe and, with a slight twist, bring it into correct alignment.
- Hold on for a few seconds till the solvent settles. Wipe off any excess solvent from the fitting.
- Always follow application instructions on the can. When done return applicator to the can and hand tighten the lid.

SOLVENT FOR ABS/PVC CONNECTIONS
These two different types of pipes and fittings can be welded together by a special solvent cement.
Look for a transition cement in a can clearly marked PVC/ABS solvent cement. Follow instructions printed on the can label.
This transition cement is green in color so it's easy to recognize.

SOLVENT FOR CPVC PIPES AND FITTINGS
CPVC piping is used in residential as well as in commercial plumbing. It can be distinguished from PVC by it's clear colour (PVC is almost white). Use only solvents that are clearly marked CPVC. Follow application instructions as above or follow instructions printed on the can label.