Omar Khalid
Joining two plastic pipes together is a simple and quick process, but it's important to ensure a secure, leak-proof seal. The type of pipe you are working with will determine the best method for joining them. For example, PVC pipes require specific solvent cement to form a proper bond, while other types of pipes may use compression fittings or electrofusion fittings. In this guide, we will walk you through the different methods for sealing two plastic pipes together and provide tips for a successful connection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pipe Material | PVC, CPVC, ABS, twin-wall ducting, soil pipe, solvent waste pipe |
| Joining Method | Glue, cement, compression fittings, electrofusion fittings, push fit, solvent welding |
| Seal Type | Leak-proof, airtight, watertight |
| Tools | Primer, sandpaper, saw, nut driver, safety goggles, protective gloves, organic vapor respirator |
| Safety | Avoid eye or skin contact with solvent cement, use rags to wipe up accidental drips |
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What You'll Learn
Using glue and cement
Prepare the Pipes
Before gluing the pipes, it is crucial to do a dry fit to check the alignment and resistance. Mark the pipes and fittings for quick alignment before taking them apart. Cut the pipes to the correct length, ensuring you compensate for the additional length that will be inserted into the fittings. A clean, square cut is essential for a good seal. Use a fine-tooth saw to make the cuts, and consider investing in a specialised saw for cutting plastic pipes.
Clean and Deburr the Pipes
Use 80-grit sandpaper to clean and deburr the inside and outside of each cut pipe. This removes burrs that can cause clogs and affect the seal. File off the inner burrs and sand the pipes until you create slightly bevelled edges.
Apply Primer
Wipe the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe with PVC primer. Allow the primer to dry for about 10 seconds. The primer softens the plastic and helps the cement adhere better, especially if the pipe surface is not perfect.
Apply Solvent Cement
Spread an even layer of solvent cement on the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe. Work quickly, as the cement dries fast. Ensure you use the correct solvent cement for the type of pipe you are using. For PVC pipes, use a specific solvent cement designed for PVC, such as Oatey, Weld-On, or Gorilla.
Join the Pipes
Align the pipes and fittings according to your reference marks, and join them together. Rotate the pipes a quarter turn to line up the reference marks, ensuring an even spread of cement. Press and hold the pipes and fittings together for about 15 seconds to prevent the glue from pushing the pipe out of the fitting.
Allow for Drying
Consult the manufacturer's instructions for the glue to determine the drying time. Avoid handling the pipes until the cement has dried properly to prevent leaks.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, when working with glue and cement.
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Compression fittings
The compression fitting has several core parts: the 90-degree compression waste unit, the tapered rubber seal, and the plastic washer. The 90-degree bend forms the main body of the compression joint and is made of solid plastic. The tapered rubber seal is the core part of the system, pushing into the gap against the main compression body, creating a seal and preventing leaks. The plastic washer is then pressed down by the screw cap, which holds everything in place.
To fit a compression joint, first clean and deburr the pipe with wire wool to remove any dirt and residue. Then, slot on the screw cap, ensuring the threads are pointing in the right direction. Next, insert the rubber seal, ensuring the taper is pointing in the right direction and that it sits flat on the body of the pipe. Then, slot on the body of the compression unit and push the pipe into the collar. Finally, screw down the cap, ensuring the seal and washer do not twist and that all is flush with the main body and pipe. You can tighten the cap with hand pressure only, and no grips or pliers are needed.
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Electrofusion fittings
Elofit manufactures HDPE (Polyethylene) Electrofusion Fittings, which are AWWA, ASTM, and NSF Certified for Water and Gas Applications. They come in various forms, including couplings, reducers, tapping tees, branch saddles, and elbows. These fittings are compatible with PE 2406, PE 3408, PE4710, PE100, and PE 3608 Pipe and Fittings.
IntegriFuse also manufactures injection-molded electrofusion fittings, which are tested for use with outside diameter-controlled pipe and fittings. Their products include couplers, branch saddles, traditional saddles, and flex restraints.
When connecting plastic pipes, it is important to ensure that the pipes are properly aligned before joining them together. Square pipe ends fit more snugly into the fittings, allowing for a smoother interior surface and better water flow. It is also important to use the correct solvent for the type of pipe being used, as all of them contain aggressive solvents and adhesives.
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Nitrile seals
When sealing two plastic pipes together, there are a variety of methods that can be used, depending on the type of pipe and the intended use. Some common methods include using compression fittings, electrofusion fittings, push-fit couplers, and solvent cement.
If your twin wall ducting system is going to carry solvent or soil with any potentially corrosive or harmful chemical element, you should consider nitrile seals. Nitrile seals are designed to resist common underground contaminants and provide a watertight seal. They are made from synthetic nitrile butadiene rubber polymer, which offers improved resistance to mixed contaminated chemistries, including common hydrocarbons. Nitrile seals are also known as Nitrile 4G Gaskets and are manufactured by the Press-Seal Corporation in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
To install nitrile seals, the spigot and socket must be inspected for damage and cleaned. The spigot end should be chamfered, and any burrs removed. A lubricant is then applied to the spigot end, which is then inserted into the socket. The gasket is stretched over the spigot, ensuring equal coverage around the circumference. The bell joint is lubricated, and the bell and spigot are joined together, creating a watertight seal.
It is important to note that nitrile rubber hardens rapidly with age, and gaskets older than 12 months should be retested before use. Additionally, due to their hardness, nitrile gaskets may require additional force for pipe insertion, especially at lower temperatures.
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Transition couplings
For example, the SharkBite PVC Pipe Transition Coupling allows you to transition from schedule 40, 80, or 120 PVC pipe to PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT, or HDPE pipe without the need for any special tools, glue, crimping, or soldering. It features colour-coordinated collars on each end to identify which side corresponds to which type of pipe.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to seal two plastic pipes depends on the type of pipes you are joining. PVC pipes require specific solvent cement to form a proper bond that won't leak or come apart with pressure. For other types of plastic pipes, you can use compression fittings, which join together by tightening a threaded nut over a cone-shaped rubber washer.
First, wipe the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe with PVC primer and let it dry for about 10 seconds. Then, spread an even layer of solvent PVC cement on the inside of the fitting and outside of the pipe. Align the fitting and pipe about a quarter turn from their final orientation and press them together.
The glue used to connect PVC piping and fittings is highly specific. It is better thought of as a chemical solvent that melts the surface of the PVC and then quickly hardens to fuse the attached pieces. For a reliable seal, you will need to use a primer with your PVC solvent.
Solvent cements are dangerous, so it is important to wear safety goggles with side shields and protective gloves when working with them. An organic vapor respirator can also protect you from breathing in harmful solvent vapors. You can lay a tarp or towel to protect your workspace and use rags to wipe up accidental drips.
White PVC pipes are most often found in exterior applications such as sprinkler systems, while beige-toned CPVC is approved for hot/cold water applications.
