Four principles of a strong joint.

To make joints that hold consistently, these points must be clearly understood:

  1. 1Joining surfaces should be softened and made semi-liquid.
  2. 2Enough adhesive should be applied to fill the gap between pipe and fitting.
  3. 3Pipe and fitting should be assembled while the surfaces are still wet and the adhesive is still liquid.
  4. 4Joint strength develops as the adhesive dries: in the tight part of the joint the surfaces fuse, in the loose part the adhesive bonds to both.

A heavy layer of cement stays wet much longer and penetrates the surface more deeply than a thin one. If the coatings on pipe and fitting are still wet when they are assembled, they flow together into a single layer of adhesive.

Tip: a suitable cleaner penetrates and softens surfaces faster than adhesive alone, and gives the installer a safety margin. In cold weather, more time and additional applications may be needed.

Seven steps to a sealed joint.

Measuring and marking a UPVC pipe
Step 1

Measure and mark

Measure the pipe length you need and mark the cutting line.

Cutting a UPVC pipe
Step 2

Cut square

Cut the pipe square to its axis.

Deburring the cut end
Step 3

Deburr

Remove the burrs from the cut end.

Chamfering the pipe end
Step 4

Chamfer

Chamfer the outside edge of the pipe end at about 15°.

Cleaning an elbow socket
Step 5

Clean

Apply cleaner to both the fitting socket and the pipe end to soften the contact surfaces.

Applying solvent cement
Step 6

Apply cement

Apply an even layer of solvent cement axially: thicker on the pipe, thinner inside the fitting socket.

Pipe joined into the elbow
Step 7

Join and hold

Insert the pipe fully into the fitting without turning it, hold firmly for 15–30 seconds and wipe away excess cement immediately.

Let it cure before you load it.

10–15 minDo not move or disturb the joint. After this, the jointed pipe can be handled carefully.
4 hWait before laying lengths of jointed pipe in a trench.
24 hWait before pressure testing. For pipe sizes up to 50 mm this can be reduced: allow 1 hour for every 3.5 atmospheres of test pressure.
When laying continuous pipe, joints can be made faster than these times, as long as the pipe is not bent and previously made joints are not disturbed.

Work safely. Every time.

  • Use solvent cement and cleaner in a well-ventilated area.
  • Keep away from naked flames and do not smoke.
  • Close the lids of the containers after every joint.
  • Never dilute solvent cement with cleaning fluid.
  • Brushes must be clean and dry before use, and cleaned with a suitable cleaning fluid immediately after.
  • Always follow the instructions printed on the containers.

Large diameters? Ask our team.

Joining large-diameter pipes requires special attention. Contact our technical service department in case of difficulty.

Contact technical team