What is this blog post about?

Nowadays cPVC pipes and fittings have become a popular choice for hot and cold water distribution system in residential or commercial buildings. So plumbers must know how to install these pipes and what are the things to be kept in mind during installation. A slight mistake at the time of installation can cause problems later.

But worry not, we have described the installation procedure of cPVC pipes and fittings with full guidance in this blog post.

Let's learn the installation procedure of cPVC pipes and fittings.

Installation Procedure of CPVC Pipes and Fittings with Full Guidance

Table of Contents  (toc)

Read through this blog post (one by one) the installation procedure of cPVC pipes and fittings, precautions and do's and don'ts at the moment of cPVC pipes installation.

Installation Procedure of CPVC Pipes and Fittings

The installation procedure of cPVC pipes and fittings includes the following steps.

Step - 1: Making the Plan/Design

Making the plan/design is the first thing to do first above overall. After this you will know that which size pipe is needed in which quantity. This reduces the waste of pipes and time and labour cost.

Step - 2: Cutting the Wall

Using wall chaser and chisel-hammer cut the sidewall as per requirement (of design) to lay the pipe properly.

Step - 3: Measuring

Measure the required length of pipe and then marke the length on a pipe.

Step - 4: Cutting the Pipe

Cut the the in a square shape by using suitable pipe cutter, since an angled cut may result in leakage. The square cut of a pipe provides the surface of the pipe with the maximum bonding area. If there is any indication of pipe damage or cracking, cut off at least 50mm beyond any such defect.

Step - 5: Deburring

Remove the burr from the inside and outside of the pipe using a knife, file or de-burring tool.

Step - 6: Chamfering

A chamfering tool or a file is used for this purpose. Approximately 10° – 15° chamfer must be placed at the end of pipe for ease entry of the pipe into the fitting socket.

Step - 7: Cleaning

Using a clean dry cloth, wipe surface dirt, grease and moisture from the fitting socket and the pipe end. Otherwise they can reduce joint strength.

Step - 8: Checking Dry Fit of the Joint

Using light pressure, insert the pipe into the fitting socket. The pipe should be entered into the fitting socket easily one third to half of the socket length for a tight interference fit. Note that pipes and fittings that are too tight or too loose should not be used to make a joint together.

Step - 9: Solvent Cement Application

Apply an even layer of solvent cement to the outer side of the pipe and a very light layer of plumbing solvent cement to the inside of the fitting socket. Note that applying excessive solvent cement to the fitting socket may block the joint and cause the wall of the pipe or fitting to become soft and weak due to accumulation of excessive solvent cement.

Step - 10: Assembling

Immediately after applying the solvent cement (when the solvent cement is still wet), insert the pipe into the fitting socket and rotate the pipe ¼ turn while inserting (if possible). Once the pipe end reaches the end of the fitting socket, stop insertion and rotation.

Step - 11: Hold On

To achieve a perfect joint, hold the pipe and fitting together for approximately 60 seconds so that the pipe does not retract. Note that solvent cement requires 10 to 20 minutes for the initial setting and . a minimum of 24 hours for the final setting time. So do not pressure test the pipe until the cement is fully cured or set in position.

Step - 12: Wipe Out Excess Cement

Remove excess cement from the outer surface of pipes and fittings using a clean & dry cloth. Note that a properly made joint will show a continuous bead of cement around the perimeter of the pipe and fitting.

Precautions While Installing cPVC Pipes

1. Brush and cloth must be clean and dry before commencing the procedure.
2. Avoid to attempt cementing in rain or in the presence of moisture.
3. Solvent cement should be used within the expiry period mentioned on its container.
4. For pipes of size 65 mm (2½”) and above, it is essential to use primer prior to the solvent cement joint. This will increase the strength of the joint.
5. Close the cement containers tightly closed after use.
6. Keep solvent cement away from all sources of ignition, heat, sparks and open flame.
7. Store solvent cements and piping component in a dry and cool area.

Do's When Installing cPVC Pipes

• Use cPVC pipes, fittings and solvent cements manufactured by top manufacturers for best results.
• Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions and recommendations.
• Keep pipe and fittings in the original packaging until needed.
• Clean the pipe and fitting with a clean dry cloth to remove any dirt before use.
• Use the tools specifically designed for use with plastic pipe and fittings.
• Cut the pipe ends as square before making a joint.
• Deburr and bevel the pipe ends with a chamfering tool.
• Use the proper solvent cement in proper amount and follow application instructions.
• Twist the pipe at least ¼ turn when bottoming the pipe into the fitting socket.
• Ensure the proper alignment of cPVC pipe and fittings to avoid stress on their joints.
• Allow CPVC tube slight movement to permit thermal expansion.
• Make sure that installation is done in such a way that there are no chances of air entrapment.
• Use only teflon tape as a thread sealant.
• Always conduct hydraulic pressure testing after installation to detect any leaks and faults.
• Wait for the appropriate cure time before pressure testing. Fill lines slowly and allow air to escape from the system prior to pressure testing.
• Paint the pipes exposed to sunlight with a water-based paint.
• Backfill and cover underground piping prior to spraying termiticide in concrete pour.
• Provide additional support to the brass side of CPVC/brass transition or other for keeping any heavy object to support the weight of the metal system.

Don’ts When Installing cPVC Pipes

• Do not use metal hooks or nails to support/hold or put pressure on the pipes.
• Do not use straps and hangers with rough or sharp edges. Do not over tighten the straps over the pipes.
• Never expose the pipe to open flame while trying to bend it.
• Do not drop pipes on edges from heights.
• Do not drop heavy objects on pipes or walk on pipes.
• Do not use air or gases for pressure testing.
• Don’t use petroleum or solvent based sealants, lubricants on cPVC pipes and fittings.
• Do not use solvent cement that has exceeded its shelf life or has become thick.
• Do not pressures test until the recommended joint cure times are met.
• Do not thread, groove, or drill CPVC pipe.
• Do not install cPVC pipes in cold weather without allowing for thermal expansion.
• Do not use tube straps which tend to restrict expansion/contraction.
• Do not use wood or plastic wedges that strain the tube as it passes them.
• Do not terminate a run of tube against an immovable object .
• Do not allow heavy concentration of termiticides to come into direct contact with CPVC pipe while using under slab.
• Do not inject termiticides into the annular space between the pipe materials.
• Do not spray termiticide, when preparing a slab, without first backfill underground piping.
• Do not cut sleeve too short. Sleeve material should extend 12" above slab.
• Do not apply short cuts, while jointing.

FAQs

What are the methods of joining CPVC pipe?

Definitely solvent cementing is the preferred method for joining CPVC pipes and fittings.

What is the effect of excessive use of solvent cement?

The solvents present in the cement get readily absorbed inside the CPVC pipe wall and fitting socket resulting in solvation/softening of the material. Using solvent cement in excessive quantities causes the solvents present in it to get absorbed into the pipe wall, resulting in the pipe wall becoming soft to such an extent that it swells/becomes soft and it no longer has enough strength to maintain the water pressure, resulting in failure.

What is the effect of insufficient use of solvent cement?

Sufficient quantity of solvent cement must be applied completely covering the matting portion of the external part of the pipe and the internal surface of the fitting for a proper and continuous bond. The insufficient use of solvent cement may cause voids in the joint between the pipe and fitting. The presence of voids results in weakening of the assembly which may result in water leakage from the joint.

What is the life of CPVC pipe?

CPVC pipe and fittings, when installed as per the laid down procedures may have a life span of approximately 50 years or more.