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PVC Installation

  1. Follow these directions and all directions on cement cans.
  2. Assemble all materials as needed - Miter Box and Saw, Clean Rags, Primer, Knife, Proper Cement for the kind and size of PVC you are installing, and proper size applicator for specific size of pipe being used.
  3. Cut Pipe Square. Use a saw and miter box, a wheel cutter designed for plastic may also be used. If you use a wheel cutter, be sure to remove the burrs it makes with a file.
  4. Remove Burrs. Inside and Out.
  5. Clean Pipe With Rag. This removes dirt and moisture.
  6. Check Dry Fit. The pipe must enter at least 1/3 of the way into the socket without forcing it. If fit is too tight file or sand pipe to proper fit within the socket area. Take care not to make flats or gouges on it.
  7. Apply Primer. Do not skip this step as it may cause leaks that will take time and money to repair.
  8. While Primer Is Still Wet...Apply Cement. Flow cement on pipe with proper applicator then a thin coat in the fitting, then pipe again...keep applicator in cement between applications...keep can closed when not in use. Note: You may use a brush size up to 1/2 the size of the pipe.
  9. Work Quickly while applying cement, but do not puddle the cement inside the fitting nor let cement run down inside of the pipe.
  10. Assemble Immediately. Be sure to bottom pipe in socket while both surfaces are still wet and hold for about a minute. Help may be needed on large sizes or use mechanical helpers.
  11. Wipe off excess cement- especially the bead...but do not disturb the joint for 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the temperature.
  12. Put In Ditch Carefully and snake pipe in ditch from side to side.
  13. Snake Pipe In Ditch - from side to side.
  14. Shade Pipe with backfill - leaving joints exposed for inspection.
  15. Set Period will depend on: type of cement, size of pipe, air temperature/humidity, dry joint tightness. In most cases 24-48 hours is considered a safe period for the piping system to stand vented to the atmosphere before pressure testing. Shorter periods may be satisfactory for high air temperatures, small sizes of pipe, quick-drying cement, and tight dry fit joints. Longer periods are required for low air temperatures, high humidity, large sizes of pipe, slow drying cements, and loose dry fit joints.
  16. Bring Pipe to about its operating temperature before testing and backfilling. This can be done by: shade back filling, filling with water at about operating temperature, letting it stand overnight.
  17. Pressure Test.

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