Tips for Solvent Weld Pipe.

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Tips for Solvent Weld Pipe.

Hi its Lee from the Japanese Water Gardens here are some top tips to help you with solvent weld pipe.

Tip number One. Why Use It?

Whenever possible use solvent weld pipe rather than flexi hose. It is far more robust and will last forever. It doesn’t restrict flow as much as flexi and you will be surprised how inexpensive. It is also easy it is to work with.

Choose a pipe size suitable for the flow rates your pump will generate. For a rough guide up to 2000 gallon per hour 11/2” is ok. Higher flow rates use 2”.
Larger pipe sizes such as 3” or 4” will be needed for bottom drains and gravity fed filtration systems.

To further promote good flow use the minimum amount of fittings possible. Try to use 45° elbows or swept bends rather than 90° bends ones.

Tip number Two. Cutting the pipe.

If you cut solvent weld pipe with powered mitre saw take some safety precautions. Use goggles and gloves. Make sure you hold the pipe firmly in place and bring the blade down slowly. I have personally had a few near misses when the pipe has been snapped up violently by the blade and hurled back at me. It is for this reason I no longer recommend cutting it using a powered mitre.

To cut the pipe safely use a hand saw with a small or medium sized teeth rather than a hacksaw. It is much quicker and easier to get a straight cut.

If you don’t have a work stand or a vice to hold the pipe steady whilst cutting you can use the grove in found on the top of some toolboxes, the gap between the boards on a pallet or perhaps the back of chair.

To cut a pipe that is awkward to access a thin grinder disk is often perfect. Alternatively a cable saw might just do it. You wrap it around the pipe and pull you hands backwards and forwards.

Straighten up your cuts and rub off any ruff ends. I prefer a file, sandpaper works as well.

Tip number Three. Measuring and Laying out.

When measuring solvent pipe don’t forget to add on the extra pipe that goes into the fittings. You can easily check how much this is by slipping the fitting onto the pipe, marking a line, then measuring from the end of the pipe back to to the line.

Layout your pipe and assemble it dry without glue. Then place clear marks onto the pipe. It will make sure when you glue it back together everything is lined up properly and in the correct order.

If you have an awkward angle a blow lamp can be used on the pipe. Heat it up evenly and you will find it can be bent slightly without damaging the integrity of the pipe wall. Don’t be too ambitious.

Alternatively a short section of flexible solvent weld pipe can be inserted. It's extremely durable. Cuts and glues exactly like rigid.

If you are installing an appliance such as a pump, UV light or heater install a pair of Union Couplings sometimes called Break Unions or Demountable Couplings. They enable you to service the appliance without having to get out the saw.

Stuck fitting? Try tapping gently with a mallet, rotating slowly, eventually it will work loose.

Tip number Four. Glueing up.

Before glueing wipe the pipe and fitting with a clean cotton cloth dabbed with solvent pipe cleaner. It removes any contamination and softens the surface ready to receive the solvent cement.

Make sure the pipe and fitting are dry. If you need to glue a fitting where water is seeping back and you are struggling to dry it up. Fill the pipe with large plug of kitchen roll or news paper. It will absorb the water and give you time to glue up.

When applying the solvent cement spread a generous amount onto the pipe and into the fitting. Make sure it is applied right up to the insertion line.

Push the fitting onto the pipe all the way up to the insertion line. Give them a slight twist and line up the marks.

Tip number Five.

Solvent cement is fast acting. Once you have glued up a fitting it will set very rapidly. But it's always best to have a cuppa before you start up the pump or flood the pipework.

I hope you enjoyed this video and found it useful. Please consider subscribing to the channel, post any questions in the comments below.

Thanks for watching bye for now from Lee at the Japanese Water Gardens.