Alexei Volkov
Joining two plastic tubes together is a standard practice in plumbing and DIY projects. The most common method involves using PVC cement or glue to weld the plastic surfaces together, creating a strong and permanent bond. This guide will explore the different ways to join plastic tubes, including the use of cement, fasteners, and other techniques, ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection. By following these steps and choosing the appropriate method, you can effectively join plastic tubes for various applications.
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cutting the pipes | Cut the pipes to the desired length using a hacksaw, handsaw, or tube cutter, avoiding power saws that melt plastic. |
| Pipe preparation | Remove burrs with a utility knife or deburring tool. File the inner burrs with sandpaper to prevent clogs. Bevel the pipe ends to eliminate sharp edges and streamline assembly. |
| Cleaning | Wipe the pipes with a rag to remove dirt and dust. Ensure the pipes are clean before gluing or cementing. |
| Test fitting | Dry-fit the pipes to ensure proper alignment and mark them with a permanent marker for future reference. |
| Priming | Apply primer to the pipe and fitting surfaces. Use a multipurpose purple primer for cleaning the pipe. Allow it to dry for about 10 seconds. |
| Gluing or cementing | Apply an even layer of PVC cement to the mating surfaces. Avoid applying too much cement to prevent excess from getting into water piping. |
| Alignment | Align the pipes and fittings about a quarter turn from their final orientation. Ensure the pipes are square and fit snugly to prevent misalignment. |
| Fastening | Use fasteners (screws) to temporarily attach the pipes and fittings for a strong hold without permanent connection. This method is less secure than cementing but allows for reusability and repositioning. |
| Ventilation | Work in a well-ventilated area or wear an approved organic vapor respirator to avoid inhaling solvent vapors, which can be dangerous to your health. |
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What You'll Learn
Using PVC cement
Joining two plastic tubes together with PVC cement creates a strong and permanent connection. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Preparation
Before using PVC cement, it is important to prepare the plastic tubes. First, cut the tubes to the desired length using a pipe cutter, handsaw, or a special plastic pipe cutter saw. Ensure that the tubes are cut squarely for the tightest connection. Next, use sandpaper or a file to smoothen the inner and outer surfaces of the tubes, removing any burrs or rough edges. Leftover burrs can cause clogs by catching hair and other debris.
Test Fit
Before applying any adhesive, it is recommended to perform a test fit to ensure the tubes align correctly. Mark the alignment with a marker or torpedo level. This step is crucial as you will only have a few seconds to adjust the alignment once the cement is applied.
Clean and Prime
Clean the tubes and fittings with a pipe cleaner and rag to remove any dust or dirt. Then, apply a thin coat of PVC primer to the inside of the tubes and the outside of the fittings. Allow the primer to dry for about 10 seconds.
Apply PVC Cement
Apply an even layer of solvent PVC cement to the inside of the tubes and the outside of the fittings. Ensure that all mating surfaces are covered with cement. Work quickly, as you will only have a few seconds to adjust the alignment once the pieces are pressed together.
Join the Tubes
Insert one tube into the fitting, giving it a slight twist to spread the cement evenly. Press the pieces together firmly and hold them in place for a few seconds to ensure a solid bond.
Cure Time
The cure time for PVC cement depends on the temperature and the diameter of the tubes. Do not test the joint with compressed air or gas, as this may cause the tubes to burst. Instead, use water to test for leaks.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area or wear an approved organic vapour respirator when working with PVC primer and solvent cement, as the vapours can be dangerous to your health.
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Using fasteners (screws)
Joining two plastic tubes together using fasteners (screws) is a common and inexpensive method. This process is also reliable and allows for the tubes to be taken apart and reassembled multiple times.
When using screws to join plastic tubes, it is important to pay attention to the screw's head. Avoid using countersunk heads as they can cause undesirable tensile stress in the mating parts. Instead, opt for screw heads with a flat underside, such as Pan or Cheese heads, as they produce less harmful compressive stress in plastics. Additionally, use flat washers under both the nut and screw heads to distribute the assembly force evenly. Ensure there is sufficient distance between the edge of the screw hole and the tube's edge, following the rule of thumb that this distance should be at least the diameter of the hole or twice the thickness of the tube.
When selecting screws, consider the type of plastic you are working with. Thread-forming screws are ideal for softer plastics, while thread-cutting screws are more suitable for harder plastics. If you anticipate the need to remove and reinstall the screws multiple times, consider using metal inserts. These can be molded in place, glued, forced, or expanded into holes, or inserted ultrasonically. Metal inserts provide a more durable and reliable connection.
For plastic tubes, off-the-shelf EMT conduit couplings with set screws are readily available at hardware stores. These couplings allow you to slide the tubes together and tighten the set screws to secure them. For added security, you can replace the set screws with metal self-tapping screws. Alternatively, double-sided compression fittings can be used, which have rings on the inside that squeeze the tubes as you tighten them.
When joining plastic tubes, it is important to consider the design and geometry of the screws. Screws designed for plastics typically have a narrower thread profile, a coarser thread pitch, and a larger deviation between the major and minor diameters compared to metal screws. This reduces radial stresses and increases the pull-out strength of the fastener. Additionally, when joining plastic tubes to metal parts, be mindful of the tightening torque to prevent joint friction and compressive loads that restrict relative movement.
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Using a coupling
Joining two plastic tubes together can be done in several ways, one of which is by using a coupling. This method can be used to connect dissimilar drain lines, such as galvanized steel to plastic, cast iron to plastic, or ABS to PVC.
To begin, ensure you have the correct size of coupling for your pipes. Most twin-wall ducting products come with a coupler pre-attached at one end, but it is always good to check. You can add a seal to the coupler by locating it between the first and second twin-wall pipe ribs that will enter each end of the coupler. This will make the connection watertight.
Next, cut your pipes to the correct length, ensuring a straight cut for a good fit. You can use a hacksaw, handsaw, or tube cutter, but avoid power saws as they will melt the plastic. After cutting, check for any damage and wipe the pipes with a rag to remove any dirt or dust.
Before gluing the pipes together, perform a test run to ensure a proper fit. Mark the pipes with a permanent marker to help you line them up following the glue application. Apply a multipurpose primer, such as a purple primer, to the outer end of the pipe and the inner part of the coupling. This step is crucial and should not be skipped.
Finally, apply the appropriate cement for your application. Liquid PVC cement will melt the surface layer of the plastics, creating a strong joint. Different PVC plastics require different solvent cements, so be sure to use one that is specifically formulated for your material. Once the cement is applied, push the pipes together and twist to ensure an even spread of the solvent in the join. Leave the pipes undisturbed for at least 25 minutes to allow the fusing process to complete.
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Using a primer and cement
Joining two plastic tubes together using a primer and cement is a straightforward process, but it requires care and precision. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you have the correct type of primer and solvent cement for the specific plastic you are working with. Different plastics require different solvents, so verify that you have the right combination. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area or wear an approved organic vapour respirator when working with primers and solvent cements, as the fumes can be dangerous and cause dizziness.
Cutting and Cleaning
First, cut the pipes to the correct length. You can use a hacksaw, handsaw, or specialised plastic pipe cutters. Ensure the cut is straight and square to guarantee a good fit. Once cut, remove any burrs with a utility knife or deburring tool, and wipe the pipes with a rag to remove any dirt or dust. Check the pipes for damage.
Priming
Apply the primer to the outer end of the pipe and the inner part of the coupling or fitting. The primer will clean and soften the surface of the plastic, allowing for a better bond. Purple primer is typically used with PVC and CPVC pipes. Allow the primer to dry for about 10 seconds.
Applying Solvent Cement
After the primer has dried, apply an even layer of solvent cement to the connection points on both the pipe and the fitting. Use a brush to coat all mating surfaces thoroughly and evenly. Ensure you use the correct type of cement for the specific plastic you are working with. Push the pipes together and give them a slight twist to ensure an even spread of the solvent in the joint.
Final Alignment and Drying
Once the pipes are joined, you will only have a few seconds to adjust their alignment before the cement sets. To avoid rushing, it is helpful to make alignment marks beforehand. After finalising the alignment, leave the pipes untouched and under no stress for at least 25 minutes. This will ensure the solvent cement fully cures, creating a solid and watertight bond.
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Cutting the pipes
There are a few different tools you can use to cut the pipes, including a hacksaw, handsaw, or tube cutter. If you use a handsaw, you should opt for a blade that is 3 or 4 inches wide. You can also screw together scraps of 2x4 to create a guide for your saw to follow. Special saws designed for cutting plastic pipes are also available at most hardware stores and home centers.
After cutting the pipes, you should bevel the ends of the pipe inside and out. Beveling the inside eliminates sharp edges that could catch debris, while beveling the outside streamlines assembly and helps ensure leak-free joints. You can use 80-grit sandpaper to smooth the inside of the pipe, holding the sandpaper at an angle to create slightly beveled edges.
Once the pipes are cut to the correct length and the ends are beveled, you can move on to the next steps of joining the pipes, which may include cleaning, priming, and gluing or cementing the pipes together.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to join two plastic tubes together is to use PVC cement or glue. This will create a strong, leak-proof connection.
First, ensure the tubes are cut to the correct length and free of dust and dirt. Then, apply a small amount of PVC cement to the inside of the fitting where the ''stop' or detent is. Finally, fit the tubes together and hold for 30 seconds to cure.
Solvent welding is the process by which liquid PVC cement melts the surface layer of plastics, allowing the materials to combine and form a strong joint.
Yes, you can join plastic tubes without glue by simply pushing the parts together. However, this method may not be as secure and is not suitable for carrying gases or liquids.
You will need a fine-tooth saw to cut the tubes to the correct length, sandpaper to bevel the ends of the tubes, and a mallet to tap the tubes and fittings into place. You will also need PVC cement and primer.
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