Essentials of Plumbing Lesson

IDENTIFYING FITTINGS AND USING JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR RIGID PLASTIC PIPE

This learning event illustrates rigid plastic pipe fittings (ABS and PVC). This learning event also explains how to make a joint connection on rigid plastic pipe.

Fittings

The illustration below shows fittings for ABS plastic pipe. Fittings for PVC plastic pipe are the same except that the color is white or pastel.

IDENTIFYING FITTINGS AND USING JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR RIGID PLASTIC PIPE

Joint Connections

Joint connections for ABS and PVC plastic pipe are made with a solvent cement.

Types of cement. Use the following chart to determine which type of cements can be used with ABS and PVC pipe.

Types of cement.

Steps for making the joint connection. The joint connection on plastic pipe should be made as fast as possible without error because the solvent cement dries very quickly. Use the following steps:

Place the fitting on the pipe. Mark both the pipe and the fitting to show proper fitting direction.
Apply solvent cement to the outside of the pipe end.
Apply solvent cement to the inside of the fitting's marked end.
Place the fitting on the pipe, using a quarter turn to spread the cement evenly. Then line up the marks, and hold the fitting firmly to the pipe for at least 30 seconds.
Wipe off all excess cement.

Steps for making the joint connection.