The Complete CPVC

Solvent Cement Guide

Your Guide to
Understanding
and Installing
CPVC Using
Solvent Cement

The information contained herein is reliable based on current information but the advertiser makes no representations, guarantees or warran-
ties, express or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, or regarding the completeness,
accuracy, or timeliness of any information. Always consult your pipe and/or fitting manufacturer for current recommendations.
Introduction
When installing chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) piping systems, there
are a few different ways to join the piping and fittings. Depending on the pipe
size, the pipe and fittings can be threaded or flanged together, which both
offer a strong union. However, for most applications, Corzan® Industrial
Systems recommends solvent cement welding because it’s quick,
simple, and highly reliable.

Solvent cement is a fast, easy installation process that uses solvents Your Guide to
and CPVC resin to chemically fuse the pipe and fitting together at the Understanding
molecular level. In the end, using solvent cement doesn’t just adhere two
and Installing
pieces together–it creates one continuous piece of thermoplastic. The joint
becomes the strongest part of a piping system. CPVC Using
Solvent Cement
This guide to solvent cement explains:

• What it is
• How it works
• The process for utilizing it in industrial piping applications
• Special considerations for successful installation

02
What Is Solvent Cement?
Solvent cement is made up of CPVC resin, stabilizers and fillers dissolved
in a cocktail of solvents. These solvents serve two purposes:

1. Dissolve the CPVC resin.

2. Prepare the surface of the pipe and fitting.

When applied, the solvents soften and dissolve the top layer of the pipe Your Guide to
and fitting material, loosening its molecular structure. A taper in the fitting Understanding
socket creates an interference fit that ensures contact between the pipe and Installing
and fitting. This allows the material to fuse to itself when the two pieced CPVC Using
are connected. Solvent Cement

These fused joints help to  maintain the life  expectancy,  high distortion
temperature, pressure rating, chemical resistance, and safety quali-
ties throughout the system.

Solvent Cement Is Not Glue

The terms “glue” and “solvent cement” are often used interchangeably
with reference to thermoplastic piping installation. On a basic level, both
accomplish the immediate goal of joining pipes and fittings. However, the
substances are actually very different.

How Glue Works

Glue functions with adhesion and cohesion. When two pieces of pipe are
glued together, adhesive forces are those that connect the glue to each
piece of pipe. A cohesive force holds the glue to itself.

03
Glue can be classified as reactive or nonreactive, depending on how it sets.

Reactive adhesives harden through chemical reactions, either as a two-

part adhesive (where materials create a chemical reaction, such as with
epoxy) or a single-part adhesive (where an energy source, like heat or
moisture, causes the glue to harden.)

Nonreactive adhesives require no chemical reaction to harden. Instead, the

solution hardens as it evaporates, “sticks” when pressure is applied (like a
Post-It® note), or is applied in a molten form and hardens as it cools (like Your Guide to
a hot glue gun). Understanding
and Installing
Why Glue isn’t Meant for Joining CPVC Piping CPVC Using
Solvent Cement
Glue bonds only “stick” materials together, regardless of the type of ad-
hesive. This means that when a strong enough force acts on the adhered
area, the bond can break and the joint can come apart.

This makes glue an unreliable choice for industrial piping applications.

Using glue would significantly diminish pressure and temperature ratings,
and the glue could be incompatible with processing materials. Also, the
chemicals within certain glues may actually degrade or weaken the piping
material.

04
The Different Types of Solvent Cement
As we covered above, solvent cements are usually proprietary solutions
of solvents, stabilizers, and fillers combined with a resin. Solvent cements
are also be distinguished by viscosity.

Solvent cement’s viscosity is determined by the amount of resin it

contains. The more resin, the greater the viscosity. And the greater the
viscosity, the better the solvent cement can fill gaps within the joint it’s
bonding. Your Guide to
Understanding
Generally speaking, solvent cement viscosity can be classified into one of
and Installing
three categories:
CPVC Using
• Regular bodied Solvent Cement
• Medium bodied
• Heavy bodied

To choose the correct solvent cement category for a particular piping

system, follow the ASTM Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings (F493).
This standard is based upon pipe diameter, schedule, and application.

The tables on the next page show the appropriate type of solvent cement
based upon the size of the pipe.

05
 CPVC Cements for Schedule 40 Piping
Minimum Viscosity Minimum Wet Film
Pipe Size Range Cement Type
cP (MPa s) in. (mm)
1/8 to 2 in. Regular Bodied 90 (90) 0.006 (0.15)
2-1/2 to 6 in. Medium Bodied 500 (500) 0.012 (0.30)
6 to 12 in. Heavy Bodied 1600 (1600) 0.021 0.60
Your Guide to
Understanding
CPVC Cements for Schedule 80 Piping and Installing
CPVC Using
Minimum Viscosity Minimum Wet Film
Solvent Cement
Pipe Size Range Cement Type
cP (MPa s) in. (mm)
1/8 to 1-1/4 in. Medium Bodied 500 (500) 0.012 (0.30)
1-1/2 to 6 in. Heavy Bodied 1600 (1600) 0.021 0.60

In Industrial Applications, Utilize a Primer

For industrial applications, Corzan Industrial Systems recommends heavy

bodied solvent cement solutions. That said, because heavier bodied
solvent cements contain more resin, and consequently less solvent,
a primer should also be used.

The primer is comprised of additional solvents applied to the pipe

and fitting as a first step, which helps soften the material and free
the surface molecules. The solvent cement is then applied to further
the softening process and create a strong pipe and fitting connection.

In all cases, adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure

that the solvent cement you choose is correct for your application.

06
How to Assemble CPVC Pipe and Fittings
with Solvent Cement

Cut the Piping

Corzan pipe is easily cut with a ratchet cutter, wheel-type plastic tubing
cutter, power saw, or fine-toothed saw—don’t use a dull or broken
cutting blade. To ensure the pipe is cut squarely, use a miter box when
cutting with a saw. Cutting the pipe as squarely as possible provides the Your Guide to
maximum bonding surface area. Understanding
and Installing
CPVC Using
Remove Burrs and Filings Solvent Cement

Burrs and filings can prevent proper contact between the pipe and fitting
and may put undue stress on the pipe and fitting assembly. For this
reason, they must be removed from the outside and inside of the pipe. A
chamfering tool or file is suitable for this purpose.

These tools also create a slight bevel at the end of the pipe, which eases
entry of the pipe into the socket and minimizes the chances of wiping
solvent cement from the fitting. For pipe sizes 2 in. and larger, a 10 to 15°
chamfer of 3/32 in. is recommended.

07
Prepare the Piping for Fitting
Wipe loose soil and moisture from the fitting socket and pipe end with
a clean, dry rag. Moisture can slow the curing, and at this stage of
assembly excessive water can reduce the joint strength.

Check the dry fit of the pipe and fitting. The pipe should easily enter the
fitting socket to 1/3 to 2/3 of the depth. If the pipe bottoms in the fitting
with little interference, use extra solvent cement to prepare the joint.
Your Guide to
Understanding
Apply Primer
and Installing
CPVC Using
Solvent Cement

Use primer conforming to ASTM F656. Primer is needed to prepare the

bonding area for the addition of the cement and subsequent assembly.

It is important that a proper applicator be used. A dauber, swab or

paintbrush approximately half the size of the pipe diameter is appropriate.
A rag should not be used.

Primer is applied first to the inside of the fitting socket, then to the outside
of the pipe, and finally, to the inside of the fitting socket again. Redip the
applicator as necessary to ensure that the entire surfaces of both are
tacky.

08
Apply Solvent Cement

Your Guide to
Understanding
and Installing
For most applications, use only solvent cement conforming to ASTM CPVC Using
F493. Contact Corzan Industrial Systems or the solvent cement Solvent Cement
manufacturer for recommendations for harsh chemical applications. In
general, don’t use solvent cement that has exceeded its shelf life or has
become discolored or gelled, and don’t apply solvent cement near an
open flame, source of heat, or while smoking.

Solvent cement must be applied when the pipe surface is tacky–not wet–
from primer. The joining surfaces must be penetrated and softened.

Similar to primer, solvent cement should be applied with a natural

bristle brush or swab half the size of the pipe diameter. A dauber may be
used to apply cement on pipe sizes below 2 in. Don’t allow the solvent
cement to puddle within the fittings and pipe.

Apply a heavy, even coat of cement to the outside of the pipe end, then a
medium coat to the inside of the fitting socket. Pipe sizes greater than 2
inches should receive a second coat of cement on the pipe end.

09
Assemble the Pipe and Fitting

Your Guide to
Understanding
and Installing
Immediately after cement application, insert the pipe into the fitting CPVC Using
socket and rotate 1/8 to 1/2 turn until the fitting-stop is reached. The Solvent Cement
fitting should be properly aligned for installation at this time, and the pipe
must meet the bottom of the fitting socket.

Then, hold the assembly in place for 10 to 30 seconds to ensure initial

bonding and to avoid push-out.

A bead of cement should be evident around the pipe and fitting juncture.
If this bead is not continuous around the socket shoulder, it may indicate
that insufficient cement was applied. In this case, the fitting should be
discarded and the joint reassembled. Cement in excess of the bead may
be wiped off with a rag.

How to Join Large-Diameter Pipe

For pipes 6 in. or larger in diameter, a pipe puller (come-a-long) is

recommended to assemble the joint and hold it in place for the initial set
time without applying excess force that may damage the pipe or fitting.
Set up this equipment prior to the start of priming so the assembly can
happen quickly while primer and cement are still fluid.

10
Solvent Cement Set and Cure Times
Once assembly is complete, the newly fused CPVC molecules harden as
the solvent flashes off, or evaporates. When all the solvent is gone, the
joint is considered fully cured, and you’re left with one uniform piece of
CPVC.

Solvent cement set and cure times depend on pipe size, temperature,
relative humidity, and tightness of fit. Drying time is faster for drier Your Guide to
environments, smaller pipe sizes, high temperatures, and tighter fits. Understanding
The assembly must be allowed to set, without any stress on the joint, per and Installing
the time shown in the following tables. Following the initial set period, CPVC Using
handle the assembly carefully, avoiding significant stresses to the joint.  Solvent Cement

Note: Corzan® Industrial Systems always recommends checking the

solvent cement manufacturer’s label for recommended set and cure
times. 

Recommended Set Times

After assembling a joint with solvent cement, do not disturb it for a
period of time to allow for proper “setting” of the newly prepared joint.
Recommended set times are as follows:

11
Recommended Cure Times
After a joint is assembled using solvent cement, the cement must be
allowed to properly “cure” before the piping system is pressurized.
Recommended minimum cure times are shown below. These
recommendations should only serve as a guide, because atmospheric
conditions during installation will affect the curing process.

Your Guide to
Understanding
and Installing
CPVC Using
Solvent Cement

12
How to Properly Utilize Solvent Cement
in Hot Weather
In hot environments, solvent cement and CPVC molecules speed up,
creating potential challenges for installers. However, reliable CPVC joints
can be solvent cement welded at temperatures exceeding 95°F (35°C).

When applying solvent cement to pipes and fittings in high temperature

environments, our partner manufacturer Weld-On recommends the
following tips: Your Guide to
Understanding
• Direct sunlight can increase the surface temperature of the and Installing
material by 20° – 30°F (10° – 16°C), so keep the piping, fitting CPVC Using
and solvent cement in the shade as much as possible.
Solvent Cement
• If possible, create bonds during the cooler parts of the
day (morning or evening).
• Cool down joints with a wet rag before applying solvent cement.
However, make sure the joint surfaces are dry at the time the
solvent is applied.
• Shake and mix the solvent cement well before applying to ensure
a consistent mixture.
• Solvents attack hot surfaces faster and deeper than they do
average or cold surfaces, so be extra careful to avoid puddling
inside the joints.
• Because solvent evaporates more quickly in high
temperatures, make sure the joint surfaces are still wet
with solvent when connected. Otherwise, the solvent will not
properly untangle the CPVC surface molecules.

13
Warm Weather Set and Cure Times
After applying the solvent cement and assembling the pipe and fitting,
allow proper time for setting. During the set time, do not move the
pipe. Consult the table below for recommended set times based on
temperature and pipe size:

Your Guide to
Understanding
and Installing
Once set, the pipe and fittings can be moved, but the joint must fully CPVC Using
cure before the system can be fully pressurized. The table below Solvent Cement
details cure times by temperature and pipe size.

Allow Longer Set and Cure Time in Humid Environments

The more humid an environment, the less available space is in the air for
the solvent to evaporate. In general, pipes in environments that are humid
or damp should cure for an extra 50% of the given time. So, if the table
above recommends 15 minutes, the pipe should cure for a minimum of
22.5 minutes.

14
How to Properly Use Solvent Cement in
Cold Temperatures
In cold weather, pipe and fittings are more resistant to solvent
penetration. This means solvents penetrate and soften the pipe and fitting
surfaces more slowly than in warm weather. An aggressive primer may
need to be used to adequately pre-soften the surfaces.

Key tips for cold weather solvent cement welding from solvent cement
manufacturer Weld-On include the following: Your Guide to
Understanding
• Prefabricate as much of the system as possible in a heated and Installing
space. CPVC Using
• Store cements and primers in a warmer area to ensure they
Solvent Cement
remain fluid.
• Take special care to remove moisture from the ends of the pipe.
• Use the most aggressive available primer before applying
cement.
• Vigorously shake or stir the cement before use.

Cold Weather Solvent Cement Cure Times

Similarly to warm temperatures, cold temperatures require extra time for
the joint to cure. Weak joints can result if the system is pressure tested or
put into operation before the joint has fully cured, causing issues within
the system, specifically leaks. Reference the tables on previous page for
recommended cure times based on temperature and pipe size.

15
Conclusion
Solvent cement welding is a reliable method for joining CPVC pipes and
fittings in most industrial applications. To discuss the specifics of solvent
cement in relation to your next project with the Corzan Industrial Systems
product engineering team, contact us today.

Your Guide to
Understanding
and Installing
CPVC Using
Solvent Cement

16
The Complete CPVC
Solvent Cement Guide

LEARN MORE ABOUT CPVC

FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS.
www.Corzan.com

+1-440-502-7905
corzan@lubrizol.com

The information contained herein is reliable based on current information but the advertiser makes no representations, guarantees or warran-
ties, express or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, or regarding the completeness,
accuracy, or timeliness of any information. Always consult your pipe and/or fitting manufacturer for current recommendations.