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.
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.Inspect every pipe section before you install it, too, to prevent dry-fits.
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