Measuring and cutting PVC pipe

[coilerman]

To the pros out there - when measuring a pipe that will go between two fittings do you simply calculate:

fitting depth A + length of pipe + fitting depth B = length of pipe needed

Or, do you subtract a little bit of pipe length to allow for glue or variances in the pipe or fittings (not perfectly square cut, manufacturing variances, etc)?

 

[Razorhog]

I wouldn't call myself a pro, but I did install my own SWG last week. I go with the former. PVC pipe can be forgiving if you don't get it exact. Just make sure you are using the pressure rated schedule 40 fittings and not the DWV (Drain, waste, vent) schedule 40 fittings. The pressure fittings have a much deeper fitting depth giving the glue a lot more surface area.

 

[coilerman]

Yup, everything is schedule 40. I did notice that some of it was labelled for gas but I suppose if it's good enough for pressurised gas, it's good enough for water.

 

[Oly]

I like to dry fit everything and label the connections prior to gluing. Working toward the pump and using pump unions works for me.

 

[Jimrahbe]

C-man,

My method is to cut the pipe too long and then remeasure and cut the pipe too long again.. Then I remeasure and cut the pipe too short. Then I get in the car and head back to Home Depot for more pipe. This cycle goes on until I accidentally get things right..

Jim R.

 

[coilerman]

C-man,

My method is to cut the pipe too long and then remeasure and cut the pipe too long again.. Then I remeasure and cut the pipe too short. Then I get in the car and head back to Home Depot for more pipe. This cycle goes on until I accidentally get things right..

Jim R.

Thanks for that, I snorted coffee through my nose. So far, I have actually spent more time going back and forth to Lowe's than I have working on the project.

 

[sktn77a]

Look inside the fittings and you will see a small shoulder that the pipe will butt up against. Measure to that and you will be fine.

 

[cfherrman]

Dry fit and Mark where it is so you know when it glues if you got all the way down

 

[Pool_Medic]

Marker and measuring tape are your friends, measure inside fitting to inside fitting.