Alexei Volkov
Joining plastic drainage pipes is a common plumbing task that can be done in a few simple steps. Plastic pipes, whether PVC or ABS, are the most common drain-waste-vent (DWV) option in most houses today. They are popular because they are relatively cheap, light, and have a smooth interior that isn't prone to clogging. Joining plastic pipes usually involves solvent welding, where the joining surfaces are coated with a solvent that temporarily softens the plastic, creating a permanent and sealed connection. This guide will walk you through the process of joining plastic drainage pipes, including the tools and techniques needed for a successful connection.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare pipes by removing burrs and checking for damage
Joining plastic drainage pipes is a common plumbing task. Plastic pipes, whether PVC or ABS, are the go-to DWV (drain-waste-vent) option in most houses today. Before joining plastic pipes, it is important to prepare the pipes by removing burrs and checking for damage.
Burrs are small shards of metal or plastic that appear along the cut ends of the pipe and are caused by the friction of the saw. These can be removed with a utility knife, a deburring tool, or a metal nail file. Insert the tool inside the pipe and, at a slight angle, begin sliding it over the lip of the pipe. Do this vigorously around the circumference of the opening. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as a facemask and safety goggles, when removing burrs, as inhaling or getting pipe material in your eyes can be harmful.
After removing the burrs, check the pipes for damage. Wipe the pipes with a rag to remove any dirt or dust, and inspect for any cracks or other imperfections. It is important to ensure the pipes are in good condition before joining them, as damaged pipes can cause leaks or other issues.
Additionally, beveling the ends of the pipe inside and out can help to streamline assembly and ensure leak-free joints. Beveling eliminates sharp edges that could snag debris and cause clogs. It also prevents the edge of the pipe from wiping the glue from the inside of the fitting, ensuring a good joint.
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Bevel the ends of the pipe inside and out
Beveling the ends of the pipe inside and out is an important step in joining plastic drainage pipes. It is often ignored, but beveling the inside eliminates sharp edges that could snag debris and cause clogs. Beveling the outside is important to streamline assembly and ensure leak-free joints.
To bevel the ends of the pipe inside and out, you will need a mill bastard file. First, use the flat side of the file to create a 45-degree chamfer on the pipe's end. This is the bevel on the outside of the pipe. Then, use the round side of the file to chamfer the inside of the pipe. This will create a smooth bevel on the inside, removing any sharp edges.
Beveling the outside of the pipe is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to streamline the assembly process. Secondly, it ensures leak-free joints by preventing the pipe from digging into the softened interior of the fitting during assembly. If the outside of the pipe is not beveled, a slight misalignment can cause the 90-degree edge of the pipe to dig into the fitting, preventing the pipe from being fully seated.
It is important to note that different types of plastic pipes require different solvent cements specifically formulated for use with that material. Color-coded cements are available for different applications, so be sure to use the correct one for your project.
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Use the correct solvent cement for your pipe
Joining plastic drainage pipes requires careful preparation and the use of the correct materials. One of the most important steps in the solvent welding process is to select the right solvent cement for your pipe.
Different types of plastic pipes require different solvent cements. For example, use PVC cement for PVC pipe fittings and ABS cement for ABS pipe fittings. CPVC cement is typically orange, while multipurpose primer is purple.
There are various types of PVC solvent cement, including Hot 'R Cold, Wet 'R Dry, and General PVC solvent cement. The type of application will determine the correct cement to use. For instance, Hot 'R Cold is suitable for PVC applications with temperatures ranging from -15°F to 110°F, while Wet 'R Dry is designed for very wet conditions and/or quick pressurization.
When choosing a solvent cement, consider the pipe size, temperature, moisture, and pressure conditions of the application site. Confirm that the cement meets the applicable codes and standards and check the set time or cure time to ensure it aligns with your project timeline.
Additionally, pay attention to safety precautions when working with PVC primer and cement as they can be messy and hazardous to your eyes. Wear safety goggles, protective gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid exposure to harmful toxins.
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Prime the pipe and coupling/fittings
Joining plastic drainage pipes is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and the right tools for a secure, long-lasting connection. Plastic pipes, whether PVC or ABS, are commonly used for drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems in modern homes. When joining plastic drainage pipes, priming the pipe and coupling/fittings is a critical step. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it properly:
Prepare the Pipes and Fittings:
Before priming, ensure the pipes and fittings are clean and free of debris. Use a utility knife or deburring tool to remove any burrs on the pipe ends. Wipe the pipes and fittings with a rag to eliminate dust and dirt. Bevel the ends of the pipe inside and out to streamline assembly, ensure leak-free joints, and prevent clogs. The inside bevel eliminates sharp edges, while beveling the outside prevents the pipe edge from wiping off the glue from the inside of the fitting.
Apply the Primer:
Use a multipurpose primer, typically purple, to clean the pipe and prepare the surfaces for gluing or cementing. Apply the primer to the outer end of the pipe and the inner part of the coupling or fittings. This step is crucial, so do not skip it. Allow the primer to dry for about 10 seconds. The solvent vapors from the primer can be dizzying and harmful, so ensure proper ventilation or wear an approved organic vapor respirator.
Test Fit and Mark:
Before applying glue or cement, perform a test fit to ensure the pipes and fittings align correctly. Dry-fitting helps identify any adjustments needed and allows you to mark the pipes and fittings with alignment marks. These marks will guide you during the final assembly to ensure proper orientation.
Proceed with Gluing or Cementing:
After priming and marking, you are ready to glue or cement the pipes and fittings together. Apply an even layer of solvent cement to the mating surfaces, ensuring no areas are left uncoated. Align the fitting and pipe about a quarter turn from their final orientation, then push the pipe into the fitting. Twist the fitting to spread the cement evenly and ensure a solid joint. Finally, hold the pieces together for about 15 seconds to set the connection.
Safety and Troubleshooting:
Always read the instructions and safety guidelines for the specific cement or primer you are using. Note the ventilation requirements, dry times, and any potential health hazards. Mistakes can happen, so it's helpful to have extra fittings on hand. Remember that different PVC plastics may require specific solvent cements formulated for their material. Compression fittings and electrofusion fittings are other methods for joining plastic pipes, so consider the most suitable approach for your project.
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Glue the pipe and fittings together
Gluing plastic drainage pipes together is a straightforward process, but it requires accuracy and the use of specific tools and techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to glue the pipe and fittings together:
Preparation:
Before gluing, it is crucial to prepare the pipes and fittings properly. Start by measuring and marking the pipe and fittings to ensure accurate alignment when gluing. Use a hacksaw to cut the pipe to the desired length, ensuring straight and square cuts. Square pipe ends are important as they fit snugly into the fittings, providing a larger contact area for the glue to work effectively.
Deburring:
The process of cutting the pipe can leave small plastic burrs, which need to be removed to create a clean and well-fitting joint. Use a utility knife or deburring tool to carefully remove burrs from the cut edges. Alternatively, you can use sandpaper to smoothen the edges and remove burrs. Sanding the inside and outside of the pipe at a slight angle will create beveled edges, which are important for two reasons. Firstly, beveling the inside eliminates sharp edges that could catch debris and cause clogs. Secondly, beveling the outside streamlines assembly and helps ensure leak-free joints by preventing the pipe from digging into the softened interior of the fitting during assembly.
Priming:
Primer is an essential step when gluing plastic pipes as it softens and cleans the plastic surface, allowing for better adhesion. Use a purple primer, as this is the colour building inspectors look for to identify the proper process. Shake the can of primer for about 30 seconds, then open it and wipe away any excess. Spread the primer on the outside of the pipe's end and the inside of the fitting, allowing it to cure for about 10 seconds before applying glue.
Gluing:
The glue used for connecting plastic pipes and fittings is highly specific and works differently from ordinary adhesives. It is a chemical solvent that melts the surface of the plastic and then quickly hardens to create an airtight and leak-proof bond. Use the glue or cement that is specifically formulated for the type of pipe you are using. Brush the glue onto the connection points of the pipe and fitting, ensuring a thorough coating. Quickly insert the pipe into the fitting and rotate it a quarter turn to align the reference marks. This insert and twist motion helps spread the glue evenly, creating a solid joint connection. Press and hold the pipe and fitting together for about 15 seconds to prevent the pipe from being pushed out of the fitting.
Drying and Final Assembly:
Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to determine how long you need to wait for the glue to set before handling the connected pipes. Repeat the gluing process for any remaining pipe connections. Once the glue has dried, you can assemble the pipes and fittings together, ensuring proper alignment and resistance.
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Frequently asked questions
The three most common types of plastic plumbing pipes are PVC, CPVC, and ABS.
PVC pipes are usually white in colour.
Different PVC plastics require different solvent cements specifically formulated for use with that material. Look for application-specific clear, blue, or grey cements for PVC. CPVC cement is typically orange.
Before joining, carefully remove burrs with a utility knife/deburring tool. Check for damage, wiping the pipes with a rag to remove dirt and dust. Sand the inside and outside of the pipe to create slightly beveled edges.
Once the pipes are prepared, attach plastic couplings to the other two joints. Apply purple primer to the outer end of the pipe, and the inner part of the coupling. Wait 10 seconds, then apply the cement. Ensure there are no uncoated areas, then immediately glue the pipe/fittings, pressing them together with a slight twist to ensure even cement distribution.
