FAQs

Solvent welding is a chemical process that uses a primer, or the cement itself, to soften the surface of plastic pipe and fittings in order to weld, or fuse them together. This requires a tight, or interference fit. The solids contained in the solvent cement will then fill the gap between the pipe and fitting. Glue such as PVC glue, on the other hand, is only a bonding cement and will not work with an interference fit.

Cleaners pre-soften the surface of the pipe and fitting before the solvent cement is applied so that maximum fusion can take place. They also remove grease, dirt, and foreign matter from the surface of the pipe and fitting prior to application of the primer and cement.

The Set Time is the amount of time the joint is to be left undisturbed before handling. The Cure Time is the amount of time it takes the joint to be completely set and ready for pressure to be applied.

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds which are emissions from materials. Low VOC products contribute to cleaner air. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (“SCAQMD”), an air pollution control agency for southern California, sets strict emissions control requirements (Rule 1168/316A) which Christy’s meets with its Low VOC products. Many other states have adopted, or are in process of adopting, SCAQMD Rule 1168/316A emission limits and/or similar limits for solvent cements and primers.

Low VOC solvent cements and primers are currently required in California, Maryland, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington D.C. Even where not required, Low VOC products are a good idea because they contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Christy’s Low VOC solvent cements and primers provide the same performance, have the same installation properties, but are better for the environment and more user-friendly than non-Low VOC products.

No. The primer must be wet and fluid. The purpose of the primer is to soften the joining surfaces of the pipe and fitting allowing proper penetration and dissolution of joining surfaces prior to solvent cement application. This step is specifically recommended for large diameters, PVC Schedule 80, CPVC piping and cold weather installations.

No. For 4-inch and larger diameter piping, we recommend the use of 4-inch swab to apply our primers and solvent cements. A can dauber is appropriate for use on pipe diameters that are approximately twice the size of the dauber diameter.

Identify the parameters of the particular application:

• Pipe material – PVC, CPVC, ABS
• Schedule of piping – Sch.40, Sch.80, etc.
• Pipe diameter
• Working pressure of piping system
• Ambient temperature at the time of installation
• Temperature of media conveyance within the piping system
• Type of media being conveyed within the piping system – water, specific chemicals, etc.
• Other variables which may affect application and/or piping system

Christy’s primers, PVC and ABS solvent cements: 3 years shelf life. Christy’s CPVC and Multi-purpose solvent cements: 2 year shelf life. Christy’s Cleaner: unlimited shelf life. Christy’s primers and solvent cements have expiration dates imprinted on the outside of the case boxes and the manufactured date imprinted on the bottom of each can.

Consult the Christy’s Product Guides for more information or contact your local Christy’s sales representatives for recommendation. If further technical assistance is required, contact us at 1-800-BLU-GLUE to speak to Customer Service

Yes. CPVC solvent cement technically will work on PVC piping. However, we recommend that the correct primer and PVC solvent cement for the particular application should be used. Please note that PVC solvent cement, because of temperature limitations, is not recommended for CPVC piping.

According to International and Uniform Plumbing Codes (IPC and UPC), a purple primer and orange CPVC solvent cement must be used on all CPVC potable water applications using gray CPVC IPS (Iron Pipe Size) riser piping.

The appropriate cure time for the stated application is a minimum of 24 hours after the last joint of the pipe system is installed. Then the system can be hydrostatically pressure tested. Set time is time required before a joint can be carefully handled. Cure time is the time required before the piping system can be hydrostatically tested at a maximum of 150% of the systems design pressure.

Please refer to the typical initial set and cure time chart for all Christy’s products. Ask your Christy’s rep or
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