Specifications

11
Plastic (PVC/CPVC) Pipe Joining Procedures
To ensure reliable joint integrity when using solvent cement for PVC/CPVC plumbing, follow these
recommendations:
A. Cutting— The pipe must be cut square to allow for the proper interfacing of the pipe end and the fitting socket
bottom. Use a wheel cutter, miter saw, or a ratchet shear for best results.
B. Deburring and Beveling— Use a knife, plastic pipe deburring tool, or a file to remove burrs from the end of the
pipe. Be sure to remove all burrs from the inside as well as the outside of the pipe. All pipe ends should be
beveled to permit easier insertion of the pipe into the fitting. Failure to bevel the pipe end may cause a “wiping”
effect in the fitting where the cement is forced to the end of the fitting socket. This creates a weak joint.
C. Test Dry Fit of the J oint— Tapered fitting sockets are designed so that an interference fit should occur when
the pipe is inserted about one-third to two-thirds of the way into the socket. Occasionally, when pipe and fitting
dimensions are at the tolerance extremes, it will be possible to fully insert dry pipe to the bottom of the fitting
socket. When this happens, a sufficient quantity of cement must be applied to the joint to fill the gap between
the pipe and fitting.
D. Inspection, Cleaning, and Priming— Inspect the inside of the pipe and fitting sockets and remove dirt, grease,
or moisture with a clean dry cloth. If wiping fails to clean the surfaces, use a chemical cleaner. Check for
possible damage such as splits or cracks and replace if necessary. Use purple primer to penetrate and soften
the bonding surfaces of the PVC or CPVC pipe and fittings. Proceed without hesitation to the cementing
procedure while the primed surfaces are still wet.
E. Application of Solvent Cement— Apply the solvent cement evenly and quickly around the outside of the pipe
while the primer is still wet. Apply a light coat of cement evenly around the inside of the fitting socket. Do not
allow excess cement to “puddle” in the fitting. Apply a second coat of cement to the pipe end.
F. J oint Assembly— Working quickly, insert the pipe into the fitting socket and give a one-quarter turn of the pipe or
fitting while pushing toward the fitting stop. This action will evenly distribute the cement. Do NOT continue to
rotate the pipe or fitting after the stop has been reached. Hold the joint tightly together for about 15 seconds to
prevent the pipe from “creeping” out of the fitting. A good joint will have sufficient cement to make a small bead
all the way around the outside of the fitting hub. The joint should not be disturbed immediately after the
cementing procedure. Allow adequate time for the joint to cure properly. Exact drying time is hard to predict
because of environmental variables. Follow the recommended joint curing times on the primer and cement
container labels.
Optional Plumbing Procedures