How do I glue PVC pipes and fittings together?
To join PVC fittings to suitable rigid & flexible PVC pipes, follow these instructions:
Before starting, ensure fittings and pipe are of compatible size and standard. Ensure glue and cleaner are within 12 months of manufacture, are used within the temperature range noted on the tin and are compatible with each other.
1. PREPARATION
- Measure the required length of pipe and mark this with a permanent marker.
- Saw off the pipe at a right angle to the correct length with a PVC saw or cable saw for places that are difficult to reach.
- Chamfer the end of the pipe (α =15) with a chamfering tool. This is done to ensure a better distribution of the cement, to prevent scrapping away the cement and to create a locating edge for easier assembly.
- Deburr the inside of the end of the pipe. This ensures that the pipe end is smooth and whole.
- Measure the insertion depth and mark this (the bonding surface) on the tube. This is important so that excess adhesive is not applied to the pipe, which can corrode the pipe and weaken the joint.
- Mark the correct assembly position of the fitting. Once the joint is assembled with the glue it should not be rotated or adjusted.
- Clean the inside of the fitting with suitable cleaner and lint-free cloth. Cleaning ensures a dirt- and grease-free surface and also provides a chemical pre-treatment (pre-soak) for a better bonding.
- Let the parts dry properly to reduce the chance of condensation.
- Clean the outside of the pipe with suitable cleaner and lint-free cloth.
2. GLUEING
First apply the glue to the fitting using the special brush (mostly integrated in the cap). The brush which is most suitable for the pipe diameter should be used. Apply a thin layer in the fitting and a somewhat thicker layer to the pipe end. Do not use too much of the glue, but ensure all surfaces have some covering. It is important that the glued surfaces do not come into contact with anything except each other.
3. ASSEMBLING
- Assemble the joint immediately in a single flowing, even movement. Do not turn or adjust.
- When the correct amount of glue is used evenly, a small constant depth ring of glue is visible on the outside of the pipe and fitting interface.
- Remove excess glue immediately with the cleaner cloth. Superfluous glue can corrode the pipe and thus weaken it if not removed swiftly.
PLEASE NOTE
- Do not subject joint to a mechanical load for first 10-12 hours.
- Drying times should be respected (see table beneath).
- Pressure tests should be applied only after 24 hours.
- Check unused lines with water or air.
- Material safety data sheets are available.
Dry/cure times:
| Diameter PVC (mm) | Temperature (°C) | Bar < 10 (hours) | Bar 10 - 15 (hours) | Bar 16 -25 (hours) |
| 16 - 75 | > 15 5 - 15 | 2 4 | 8 12 | 12 24 |
| 90 160 |
5 - 15 | 4 8 | 24 36 | 48 72 |
| 200 400 | > 15 5 - 15 | 8 16 | 36 48 | 72 96 |