Rough time with pvc cement...

MLO · 11-06-2006, 12:41 AM

Installing 4" foundation and downspout drains with pvc type pipe and fittings. I am not having great success with the strength of the glued joints even with the primer.

I did not do any sanding/roughing-up on the fittings, just simply dobbed the primer and cement back to back and then assembled. It is raining hard and things are quite humid but I have wiped things out fairly thorough during assembly.

The cement is a different brand (Weld-On) than the primer. The cement is also slightly quagulated maybe 6 months old but still very liquid. The primer is new and runny like a thinner.

Can some-one give me the skinny on proffesional quality cemented joints?

TIA

majakdragon · 11-06-2006, 06:38 AM

The humidity is one problem. Regular PVC cements are made for "dry" work. There are wet application cements such as Rainy Day for doing this type work. More expensive but worth it. The old cement could also be the problem. You said PVC "TYPE" fittings. Is your cement and primer made for the type material you are using? There used to be multi-type cements but many areas do not allow this type now. I am a fan of Oatey products but there are others which work well. I always try to use the same name brand for both the primer and cement.

MLO · 11-06-2006, 10:54 AM

The cement and primer do reference pvc type pipe and fittings. The 4" perf and solid pipe I'm using in my drain system is white with a black inner core. It has white couplings already attached to one end, I assumed glued. The pipe does not fit snug inside these couplings or the standard 4" pvc (white) fittings I'm using as well.

In a pinch I started installing screws at the joints.

majakdragon · 11-06-2006, 04:47 PM

The pipe and fittings having a loose fit is what the problem is. PVC glues are not made to fill gaps and will result in leaking joints.

MLO · 11-06-2006, 07:05 PM

That loose fittings is what I suspect as well. Seems this pipe is very common for this application, what does everyone do?

Ron The Plumber · 11-07-2006, 12:03 AM

There not glued together, there slip only.

MLO · 11-07-2006, 01:10 PM

Thanks RTP,

How about the actual PVC 90's in the corners? slip-fit and use a couple screws for security while backfilling?

Ron The Plumber · 11-07-2006, 06:48 PM

Sure that will work.

11-06-2006, 12:41 AM	#1
MLO Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Great Northwest Posts: 85	Rough time with pvc cement... Installing 4" foundation and downspout drains with pvc type pipe and fittings. I am not having great success with the strength of the glued joints even with the primer. I did not do any sanding/roughing-up on the fittings, just simply dobbed the primer and cement back to back and then assembled. It is raining hard and things are quite humid but I have wiped things out fairly thorough during assembly. The cement is a different brand (Weld-On) than the primer. The cement is also slightly quagulated maybe 6 months old but still very liquid. The primer is new and runny like a thinner. Can some-one give me the skinny on proffesional quality cemented joints? TIA

11-06-2006, 06:38 AM	#2
majakdragon Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,670	Rough time with pvc cement... The humidity is one problem. Regular PVC cements are made for "dry" work. There are wet application cements such as Rainy Day for doing this type work. More expensive but worth it. The old cement could also be the problem. You said PVC "TYPE" fittings. Is your cement and primer made for the type material you are using? There used to be multi-type cements but many areas do not allow this type now. I am a fan of Oatey products but there are others which work well. I always try to use the same name brand for both the primer and cement. __________________ If you have never made a mistake, you haven't done much.

11-06-2006, 10:54 AM	#3
MLO Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Great Northwest Posts: 85	Rough time with pvc cement... The cement and primer do reference pvc type pipe and fittings. The 4" perf and solid pipe I'm using in my drain system is white with a black inner core. It has white couplings already attached to one end, I assumed glued. The pipe does not fit snug inside these couplings or the standard 4" pvc (white) fittings I'm using as well. In a pinch I started installing screws at the joints.

11-06-2006, 04:47 PM	#4
majakdragon Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,670	Rough time with pvc cement... The pipe and fittings having a loose fit is what the problem is. PVC glues are not made to fill gaps and will result in leaking joints. __________________ If you have never made a mistake, you haven't done much.

11-06-2006, 07:05 PM	#5
MLO Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Great Northwest Posts: 85	Rough time with pvc cement... That loose fittings is what I suspect as well. Seems this pipe is very common for this application, what does everyone do?

Rough time with pvc cement...