What is Solvent Cement and how does it work?
Solvent cement is a chemical formula with the consistency of thick syrup and works by dissolving the surface of the components to be joined together causing them to dry as a single, fused entity. The chemicals present in the solvent cement causes the materials to soften, and, when the solvent has completely dried up, leaves the pipe and fitting chemically welded.
There are two different types of solvent cement which are used in different project situations. For all pressure systems such as swimming pool pipe systems, Type P must be used and can come in either a green colour of clear. For all non-pressure systems such as ducted vacuum pipe systems, Type N solvent cement must be used and comes in a blue colour or clear .
For all solvent cement applications, the PVC pipe and fittings must be cleaned and primed using a PVC pipe primer
To join PVC pipes together, a pipe end and a fitting socket of appropriate size must be present, along with the primer and solvent cement.
Steps in Solvent Cementing:
- The PVC pipe must be prepared by cutting the desired length with a hand saw or mechanical saw. The cut should be square and allow for potential shrinkage when joining. After cutting, make sure to remove burrs on the inside and outside of the pipe as these may scrape the socket or collect unwanted materials on the inside of the pipe.
- After removing the burrs, pipe should be cleaned of dust, moisture and grease with a clean, dry rag. Failure to do this will affect the bonding of the pipes. Once the parts are all clean and ready, mark the sides of the pipe and socket to clearly outline the area where application of primer and solvent will be for greater accuracy. Use a pencil to do this, never score or dent the pipe in any way.
- Next, using a clean cloth, apply primer on the fitting joint, making sure all the surfaces outlined by your previous marking are covered. The primer is important in preparing the join as it helps the cement sticks to the pipe and fitting to be fused together.
- After priming, and while the primer has not dried yet, apply the solvent cement. Using the correct size applicator, work an ample amount of cement onto the outer side of the pipe. Spread evenly and generously, not thinly like applying paint, as this will quickly dry. Work up a layer on the inner side of the fitting socket, again spreading the layer evenly and generously, without letting the cement overflow into the inner socket. While cement is still wet, join the pipe and the fitting socket together, twisting a little to make sure the fit is tight. Hold this for at least half a minute as you allow the joints to set and dry. A ring of excess cement should form at the junction where the pipe and fitting meet, wipe off this excess with a clean rag. There should be no gaps in the ring, which means the pipe and fittings were completely covered in cement. Let joint cure for 24 hours before using.
Some points to remember:
- When assembling the pipe and fittings, remember to apply the cement on the outer side of the pipe, and inner side of the fitting, not vice versa.
- The process described here involves the use of a primer; always prime pipe before applying solvent cement.
- Make sure to push the pipe into the bottom of the fitting socket to ensure maximum surface bonding.
- Use safety masks and eye protection while performing this task as the fumes from the primer and cement are harmful and may cause irritation. When possible, install in an open-aired environment with good air flow to reduce risk of fume inhalation.
To see Pipeconnex’s range of solvent cements, click here . For more information, please contact us.
