Question:

PVC cement?

Okay, I have some 4quot;PVC to 2quot;PVC reducer, a 4quot; PVC tank/endcap, and a ball valve. It is going to be under a lot of pressure (70-100PSI), this is my first time bonding PVC so what should i do in steps? I heard PVC Primer then Cement it together. Anything else?

Answer:

I hope this is at least schedule 40 PVC, I'm not sure the standard household stuff would hold that much pressure. However, your procedure is correct, I usually try to make a 1/4 turn with the parts after joining, just to insure complete coverage.
Make sure your reducer (as well as other parts) are NOT Drain/Waste/Vent, as they are not rated for that much pressure. The main difference is how deep the socket(female) is. If it is about 1/2 inch on the 2 inch side, it won't hold that much pressure. 1/4 turn is all that's needed, and hold for about 15 seconds. Wipe off any excess. It doesn't hurt anything, the glue bonds by melting the PVC, and it will reharden.
I agree with Corky.... primer, then cement (don't be shy with it), then as you put the two parts together twist 1/4 to 1/2 turn until they are completely together.... And by the way standard PVC is schedule 40 and the pressure rating is well over 100psi... as long as there are no temperature extremes. Good luck with the project.
If temperature is a factor you may need to know this: Type I PVC 2” sch A max psi @75° = 115, @150° = 65 2” sch 40 max psi @75° = 195, @150° = 110 2” sch 80 max psi @75° = 280, @150° = 150 2” sch 120 max psi @75° = 320, @150° = 170 Type I PVC 4” sch A max psi @75° = 115, @150° = 65 4” sch 40 max psi @75° = 155, @150° = 85 4” sch 80 max psi @75° = 225, @150° = 120 4” sch 120 max psi @75° = 295, @150° = 155 Cement work well in most applications but hot welding may be required. If your using cement use a primer on both the fitting and the pipe and apply cement to the pipe only, insert and twist
PVC primer and cement is going to be your only sure bond. It essentially welds the pipe and fitting together. Epoxy is only going to glue the surfaces together, and with the tolerances of the pipe and fitting it may be hard to get a complete bond, leaving yourself vulnerable to a failure and possibly injury or death during use (depending on pressures and such). Even at lower pressures a piping fracture can be devastating. For the record, plumber's putty provides no adhesive properties whatsoever. It merely fills any voids in joints held by other means, such as sink drains. Why not just use PVC cement? If you don't want to buy a huge container they do sell smaller ones, and if you ask around you may find a friend or relative who already has some you can use.

Share to: