Resources
FAQs
What is Solvent Cement?
Solvent cement is an adhesive substance used for joining thermoplastic sheets and piping. It utilizes solvents to chemically fuse the two pieces together at the molecular level. Once dry, the joint becomes the strongest part of the system as it is twice as thick as the pipe or fitting independently.
How does Solvent Cement work?
When applied, the solvent cement begins to soften and dissolve the top layer of the material to be bonded. What the solvent does here is loosening the structure of the surface molecules, allowing them to intertwine with other molecules. As the fusion happens at the molecular level, when the solvent evaporates, the joint actually becomes one uniform piece of plastic, rather than just two independent pieces stuck together. The resin also fills in any gaps that may exist.
Why is it recommended to use primer and cleaner before solvent welding?
HYDRO & SEAL high quality cleaner and primer are applied prior to binding process for optimized adhesion. CL-20 Cleaner is utilized to clean any dirt and grease stains from pipe and fitting surfaces to be connected. PR-10 Primer softens the surfaces of both pipe and fitting to assist with the solvent welding procedure.
Is Solvent Cement the same as glue?
Glue only sticks two items together. As it is prone to the degradation of adhesive quality over time, glue is not a suitable option for plumbing application. Unlike regular glue, solvent cement chemically fuses two pieces together, forming one uniform piece of material that is stronger than either the pipe or fitting alone.
What is the application of Solvent Cement?
The cement can be used with plastic pipes transporting fluids, including potable water, sewage, drainage, pool & spa, and even for carrying chemicals in industrial piping. It is resistant to chemicals and corrosive fluids and guarantees strong, leak-proof joints. Solvent cement is also approved for hot- and cold-water plumbing.
How do I apply Solvent Cement?
Following the application of cleaner and primer, apply a thick, even layer of solvent cement to the outer surface of the pipe, and a thin, even layer to the internal surface of the fitting for the entire cementing length, using the included in-lid dauber.
You can read the full jointing instruction here.
How long does it take for the Solvent Cement to set?
The average initial set time, i.e. time required prior to handling the joint, depends on factors such as temperature during assembly and pipe diameter.
You can read the full instruction here.
How long does it take for the Solvent Cement to cure?
The average cure time, i.e. time required before pressure testing the system, depends on factors such as relative humidity, temperature during assembly, and pipe diameter.
You can read the full instruction here.
What are the safety precautions when using solvent cement?
Solvent cements for plastic piping are made from flammable liquids. Keep them away from all sources of ignition. Maintain ventilation to reduce fire hazard and to minimize breathing of solvent vapors. Avoid contact of cement with skin and eyes. Do not reuse empty containers. Keep out of reach of children.
You can read the first aid / firefighting measures here.
What is NSF standard?
NSF is a global, independent organization that facilitates development of public health standards and audit and certify related products and services. NSF certified products have been rigorously tested to comply with all standard requirements.
Hydro & Seal primer and all of our cements are NSF listed, i.e. they conform to the requirements of NSF/ANSI 14 (Plastics Piping System Components and Related Materials) and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 (Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects).
What does low-VOC mean?
VOC stands for “volatile organic compound”, i.e. carbon-containing compounds that dry up easily to the atmosphere at room temperature. Products that are “low-VOC”, contain no volatile organic compounds or a very small number of VOCs and therefore, are less harmful to the environment and living organisms than traditional products.
How do I choose the best HYDRO&SEAL cement for my project?
For choosing the right solvent cement, you need to take various factors into consideration; such as: pipe material, pipe diameter, application conditions (i.e., pressure, temperature, humidity, etc.), and pipe contents.
For instance, solvent cements can be classified into one of four categories based on their viscosity: regular bodied, medium bodied, heavy bodied, extra- heavy bodied. Regular bodied cements are mainly used for pipes up to 2″ in pressure application and up to 4″ in non-pressure application, medium bodied cements are suitable for pipes up to 6″, heavy bodied cements are applicable for pipes up to 12″ in pressure application and up to 18″ in non-pressure application, and extra-heavy cements are for pipes up to 24″ in pressure application and up to 30″ in non-pressure application.