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Unread 12/05/2017, 06:52 AM   #1
fishkeeprian
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cementing joints

I will be plumbing my tank shortly and just wondered what the do's and don'ts and how do you keep the cement work neatly?

Thanks


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Unread 12/05/2017, 06:55 AM   #2
homer1475
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First off, skip the purple primer! Get the clear stuff, that will make it so any drips don't show up as purple runs down the pipe. That is a huge turnoff for me when viewing someones plumbing.

Dry fit everything and mark orientation with a sharpie. Then reassemble gluing as you go. One thing to remember, unions are your friend, the more the merrier.


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Unread 12/05/2017, 07:21 AM   #3
der_wille_zur_macht
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Working with pvc is one of those things that's easy to do once you know how, but a little hard to explain all the nuances. You just need to practice. Watch some YouTube videos, it'll be easier to learn by seeing instead of reading.

One thing to keep in mind - cutting and dry fitting is handy but it's easy to insert pipe further into a fitting when it's wet than dry, so don't go for ultimate precision when dry fitting - if anything, make your pipe cuts 1/8th inch long.


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Unread 12/05/2017, 08:00 AM   #4
mcgyvr
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In the US all our PVC cement has a big "q-tip" like applicator..
You simply pull that out of the container and wipe around the inside of the fitting (2 times around) then quickly push the pipe in fully and give it a slight twist (no more than 1/8 turn) if even possible as its usually set in place that quick..

Done...

Its really simple..


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Unread 12/05/2017, 12:45 PM   #5
oldhead
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgyvr View Post
In the US all our PVC cement has a big "q-tip" like applicator..
You simply pull that out of the container and wipe around the inside of the fitting (2 times around) then quickly push the pipe in fully and give it a slight twist (no more than 1/8 turn) if even possible as its usually set in place that quick..

Done...

Its really simple..
Many years of doing drain lines and pvc chimney's working in hvac. You need to glue the inside of the fitting AND the pipe. You would be surprised how easy it is to break lose a joint that has only been glued on one side.


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Unread 12/05/2017, 01:33 PM   #6
mcgyvr
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Originally Posted by oldhead View Post
Many years of doing drain lines and pvc chimney's working in hvac. You need to glue the inside of the fitting AND the pipe. You would be surprised how easy it is to break lose a joint that has only been glued on one side.
Yes I agree that would be best I was using it in an application anywhere near the maximum design pressures and forces that may be exhibited on PVC..


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Unread 12/05/2017, 01:38 PM   #7
fishkeeprian
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Reactor Manifold started

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Unread 12/05/2017, 06:32 PM   #8
billdogg
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I always put the cement on the male part of the joint so that I don't push excess inside the pipe. I prefer medium duty clear, and wipe off the outside as soon as I push the two pieces together.

Although I agree that putting cement on both surfaces would be best (and when I have plumbed real water lines in/around my house, I do), for out purposes it is just not necessary.

No primer for me, ever. Just a extra step that, once again, just is not needed in this case.


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Unread 12/06/2017, 02:45 AM   #9
fishkeeprian
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I have noticed a bit of excess of cement in the pipe, not a lot, I am assuming it's not a big problem?


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Unread 12/06/2017, 05:39 AM   #10
mcgyvr
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fishkeeprian View Post
I have noticed a bit of excess of cement in the pipe, not a lot, I am assuming it's not a big problem?
Not a problem..


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Unread 12/06/2017, 11:45 AM   #11
stage3-s4
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I also recommend using Green PVC transition cement for PVC to ABS such as bulkhead connections if they are slip. You do not need to use primer with the Green Cement.


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Unread 12/08/2017, 12:52 PM   #12
ca1ore
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Quote:
Originally Posted by billdogg View Post
I always put the cement on the male part of the joint so that I don't push excess inside the pipe. I prefer medium duty clear, and wipe off the outside as soon as I push the two pieces together.

Although I agree that putting cement on both surfaces would be best (and when I have plumbed real water lines in/around my house, I do), for out purposes it is just not necessary.

No primer for me, ever. Just a extra step that, once again, just is not needed in this case.
Great minds .....

I have literally never, in 30 years, had a solvent welded joint fail. Cracked more than my fair share of female fittings due to over taping though.


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Unread 12/08/2017, 01:08 PM   #13
lapin
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No need to use primer. The primer is used by inspectors to verify the joints have been cemented. Primer actually soften the pipe a little. It's just a light weight cement dyed purple so the inspectors can see it. I have read studies that joints using primer are weaker than joints with out it. I usually put cement on both pieces being joined. Although once I found I assembled a joint with out any. It didn't leak for about a year when it got really hot


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