Vent Pipe Preparation

1.INITIAL PREPARATION

A.Make sure the solvent cement you are planning to use is designed for the specific application you are attempting.

B.Know the physical and chemical characteristics and limitations of the PVC and CPVC piping materials that you are about to use.

C.Know the reputation of your manufacturer and their products.

D.Know your own qualifications or those of your contractor. The solvent welding technique of joining PVC and CPVC pipe is a specialized skill just as any other pipe fitting technique.

E.Closely supervise the installation and inspect the finished job before start-up.

F.Contact the manufacturer, supplier, or competent consulting agency if you have any questions about the application or installation of PVC and CPVC pipe.

G.Take the time and effort to do a professional job. Shortcuts will only cause you problems and delays in start-up. By far, the majority of failures in PVC and CPVC systems are the result of shortcuts and/or improper joining techniques.

2.SELECTION OF MATERIALS

•Cutting Device - Saw or Pipe Cutter

•Deburring Tool, Knife, File, or Beveling Machine (2” and above)

•Brush - Pure Bristle

•Rag - Cotton (Not Synthetic)

•Primer and Cleaner

•Solvent Cement - PVC for PVC Components and CPVC for

CPVC Components

•Containers - Metal or Glass to hold Primer and Cement. Select the type of PVC or CPVC materials to be used on the basis of their application with respect to chemical resistance, pressure rating, temperature characteristics, etc.

•Insertion Tool - Helpful for larger diameter pipe and fittings 6 inches (15.2 cm) and above.

PRIMER

It is recommended that Tetrahydrofuran (THF) be used to prepare the surfaces of pipe and fittings for solvent welding. Do not use water, rags, gasoline or any other substitutes for cleaning PVC or CPVC surfaces. A chemical cleaner such as MEK may be used.

CEMENT

The cement should be a bodied cement of approximately 500 to 1600 centipoise viscosity containing 10-20% (by weight) virgin PVC material solvated with tetrahydrofuran (THF). Small quantities of dimethyl formamide (DMF) may be included to act as a retarding agent to extend curing time. Select the proper cement; Schedule 40 cement should be used for Schedule 40 pipe. Never use all-purpose cements, commercial glues and adhesives or ABS cement to join

PVC or CPVC pipe and fittings.

APPLICATORS

Select a suitable pure bristle type paint brush. Use a proper width brush or roller to apply the primer and cement (see chart below). Speedy application of cement is important due to its fast drying characteristics. IMPORTANT NOTE: A dauber type applicator should only be used on pipe sizes 2” and below. For larger diameter pipe, a brush or roller must be used.

RECOMMENDED BRUSH* SIZE FOR PRIMER

AND CEMENT APPLICATIONS

Nominal Pipe	size Brush Width
(IPS)
2	1.5” (3.8 cm)
3	1.5” - 2.5” (3.8 cm - 6.4 cm)

*USE ONLY NATURAL BRISTLE

3. MAKING THE JOINT

A. Cutting

Pipe must be squarely cut to allow for the proper interfacing of the pipe end and the fitting socket bottom. This can be accomplished with a miter box saw or wheel type cutter. Wheel type cutters are not generally recommended for larger diameters since they tend to flare the corner of the pipe end. If this type of cutter is used, the flare on the end must be completely removed.

NOTE: Power saws should be specifically designed to cut plastic pipe.

A.O. Smith BTX-80 SERIES 100 instruction manual Vent Pipe Preparation