HOW TO INSTALL CPVC PIPE USING SOLVENT CEMENT

One of the distinct advantages of CPVC is the ability to screw it together and then glue it in place with solvent cement. Solvent cement isn’t glue. Instead, it chemically fuses the pipe and pipe fittings at a molecular level. Note that this means you can’t use solvent cement to connect CPVC pipe to PVC pipe, only like to like. The question for many is how to install CPVC piping using solvent cement.
First, cut the pipe. Avoid using ratchet cutters, especially on aged pipe. These can compromise the integrity of the pipe, especially if it has been previously installed. Use a wheel cutter or fine tooth saw instead.
Smooth the end of the pipe. Remove any burrs and filings. This is best done with a chamfering tool. 
A knife or file can be used if you know how to do it right. A slight bevel at the end of the pipe will make it easier to put the pipe in the socket.

 Clean the joint surfaces. This includes the fitting you will put on the pipe and the pipe itself.
Put the fitting on the pipe. The pipe should make contact with the socket wall about half way into the fitting socket. If you insert the pipe and it goes in all the way, discard the fitting and try another one. You want to give the pipe room to expand and contract.

 Once you have a fitting that literally fits, it is time to apply the solvent cement. Don’t try to attach multiple fittings and then use the cement, because you might forget to apply the cement to a fitting, opening you up to future leaks on the forgotten fitting. This means you shouldn’t pre-assemble the plumbing system to try to save time.

 How do you apply the solvent cement to CPVC pipe? Apply a heavy coat of the solvent cement evenly around the outside of the pipe end with an applicator.
Use the same applicator to spread a thin coat of solvent cement inside the fitting socket. Do not dip the applicator in the solvent cement before doing this, or you’ll leave too much cement inside the pipe and pipe assembly.
If you are using conventional one-step solvent cement, this is the end of the cement application process. We’re not going to address the two-step solvent cement application process.
You can now insert the pipe into the fitting. Rotate the pipe a third of a turn to evenly distribute the solvent cement. Then properly align the pipe fitting so that it is in its final position.

 Hold the pipe fitting to the pipe for at least ten seconds so that the joint can set. Thirty seconds is ideal.
The next step is verifying the proper installation. You should see an even line of cement around the joint. If you don’t see this, there either wasn’t enough solvent or it wasn’t properly assembled. If the solvent cement has a UV indicator mixed into the cement, you can use a UV light to verify that the solvent welded joints don’t have gaps or puddles. If there is not an even seal, disassemble the joint and remake it.

  Inspect every pipe section before you install it, too, to prevent dry-fits.
If the pipe fitting is properly cemented to the pipe, you can break out the straps and hangers that will hold it in place. Ensure that there is enough space between elbows and hangers or restraints. Remember that solvent cement doesn’t allow the pipe fittings to handle additional stress in loops, offsets or changes of direction.

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