How to Glue PVC Pipe

A 19-Step Guide

Good technique when cutting PVC pipe can be the difference between a successful irrigation system, and a small pond in your customer’s front yard. Here’s a thorough list of steps on how to properly cut and set PVC during your next project.

1. Cut the pipe square.
2. Remove the burrs inside and outside the pipe.
3. Clean the PVC pipe with a rag to remove dirt and moisture.
4. Check the dry fit. (The pipe must enter at least 1/3 of the way in without force! If the fit is too 4. tight, file or sand pipe. Don't make flats or gouges on it.)
5. Remove floss by wiping the pipe and fittings with cleaner or a primer, or sand them.
6. Apply cement. Flow cement on with a full brush.
7. Brush a thin coat in the fitting.
8. Brush pipe again.
9. Keep brush in cement between applications.
10. Work fast and don't use too much cement!
11. Assemble immediately.
12. Rotate and bottom the pipe in the socket, while the pipe is still wet. Rotate only 1⁄4 turn.
13. Hold pipe for about a minute.
14. Important: get help on large sizes, or use a mechanical helper.
15. Wipe off excess cement - especially the bead.
16. Let cement dry. If its 70 degrees or hotter, wait 30 minutes; 40 degrees to 60 degrees, wait 1 hour; 20 degrees to 40 degrees, wait 2 hours.
17. Snake pipe in ditch side to side.
18. Shade pipe with backfill. Use soft dirt without clods or rocks for the first few inches, leaving joints exposed for inspection.
19. Set period: depending on the type of cement, size of pipe, air temperature, dry joint tights, your pipe will take a certain time to dry. 24 hours is considered to be a safe period to be allowed to stand before testing.