PVC Newbie - Having Trouble Getting Pipe to Fit in Fittings

[amoondoe]

Hello All,

I had a pool for several years and have been following the TFP methods. I decided to try tackling hard plumbing this year; however, I am having all kinds of trouble getting pipe to properly set in fittings. I am using Oatey Purple Primer and Oatey Rain-R-Shine Blue PVC cement. The glue always seems to be gumming up and and I can't get the pipe fully inside before it locks up. I think I'm moving at a reasonable speed. Am I underestimating the pressure it takes to get it fully seated....maybe I'm just on strong enough and need my husband to do it?

How critical is it that it is fully seated? Is there product that is more forgiving that will stills work? I am using a ratcheting pipe cutter on 1 1/2 PVC...I am deburring. I am not chamfering...at least not well...is that crucial? All help and advice welcome! Thank you!!!

 

[Scandela0629]

I just replaced my pump (this was a pond pump), and use the "Blue Monster 1 step PVC cement". Worked like charm.

Please note that I am complete novice at pump plumbing but worked like a charm.

 

[Donldson]

The Rain-R-Shine is a fast setting cement, you have to be quick with it.

While I'm sure there are some benefits to using it over the red All Purpose, the All Purpose will work just fine for this application and should offer more working time before setting.

 

[amoondoe]

I just replaced my pump (this was a pond pump), and use the "Blue Monster 1 step PVC cement". Worked like charm.

Please note that I am complete novice at pump plumbing but worked like a charm.

Thanks! Did you chamfer all your pipes? Or am I overthinking this?

 

[amoondoe]

I just replaced my pump (this was a pond pump), and use the "Blue Monster 1 step PVC cement". Worked like charm.

Please note that I am complete novice at pump plumbing but worked like a charm.

Also. I just read that it is fast setting as well…did you have any issues with that?

 

[Scandela0629]

Thanks! Did you chamfer all your pipes? Or am I overthinking this?

I did deburr the pipe ends with a file, and cut them (mostly) to a 90' but did NOT chamfer them.

 

[NotFadeAway]

I just did some re-piping as well. First I would say the goal is to fully seat connections. Also, be sure to use the ratchet cutter properly, as even that makes a difference on the cuts. I say that because I made the mistake of not paying attention to that. So I try have everything measured, pre cut, cleaned and ready to go. Without any glue- loosely dry fit to give yourself a final visual of what the connection will look like, and what is the best way to assemble it. Try to give yourself as much room to work as possible, if you can assemble one end of connection away from its final connection point (sometimes could be the inverse of this)- do that first usually a coupling or 90. But, be sure you dry fit it first. I say loosely bcz aren’t easy to pull apart dry. So, deep breath, slow down, one end at a time. Prime (usually the purple)both the fixed, and new, then swirl the blue glue, don’t need to get crazy with it . A nice even coat, maybe three swirls up, then as u push in u want to be turning your pipe/connecrtion to the fixed end slowly as u push in (turn to right or left, threse aren’t threaded- but I just stick w righty tighty). I think straight cuts , clean off both ends of connection. Prime . Conserve glue. Forgive yourself. There’s plenty more PVC pipe out there. Hope this helps.

 

[Bperry]

Hello All,

I had a pool for several years and have been following the TFP methods. I decided to try tackling hard plumbing this year; however, I am having all kinds of trouble getting pipe to properly set in fittings. I am using Oatey Purple Primer and Oatey Rain-R-Shine Blue PVC cement. The glue always seems to be gumming up and and I can't get the pipe fully inside before it locks up. I think I'm moving at a reasonable speed. Am I underestimating the pressure it takes to get it fully seated....maybe I'm just on strong enough and need my husband to do it?

How critical is it that it is fully seated? Is there product that is more forgiving that will stills work? I am using a ratcheting pipe cutter on 1 1/2 PVC...I am deburring. I am not chamfering...at least not well...is that crucial? All help and advice welcome! Thank you!!!

I use the blue stuff as well. Just apply some to both the pipe and the socket and then insert the pipe within 10 seconds (and hold it there for about 5-10 seconds, or it can back itself out) and it should be fine. If you’re taking longer than 10-ish seconds you will need a slower glue or change your process to be quicker.

 

[Scandela0629]

Also. I just read that it is fast setting as well…did you have any issues with that?

I did NOT. Everything was dry fitted before I started gluing it together. I maked the pipe with tape for depth and it all went together pretty easily. I only had to use the sledge hammer once or twice...