How to Cut and Solvent-Glue Rigid Plastic Pipe

Rigid plastic pipe cutting is carried out regularly by professionals such as Acton Plumbers to facilitate plumbing repairs and installations. To begin with find the length of plastic pipe needed by measuring between the bottoms of the fitting sockets. Mark the length on the pipe with a felt-tipped pen. Plastic tubing cutters do a fast, neat job of cutting. You’ll probably have to go to a professional plumbing supply store to find one, however. They are not interchangeable with metal tubing cutterThe best cutting tool for plastic pipe is a power miter saw with a fine tooth woodworking blade or a plastic-specific blade carried as standard by an Acton Plumber . A ratcheting plastic-pipe cutter can cut smaller diameter PVC and CPVC pipe in a real hurry. If you are plumbing a whole house you may want to consider investing in one. They also are sold only at plumbing supply stores. Burrs should be taken off ends of plastic pipe, The pipes should be a good fit. Mark the depth of the fitting sockets on the pipes. Clean the ends of these pipes and fitting with a sheet of emery paper. Apply some plastic pipe primer to the pipe ends and also inside the fitting sockets. Primer ensures a good seal. Attach the joints by applying a thick layer of solvent glue to the end of the pipe. Apply a thin coat of solvent glue to the inside surface of the fitting socket. Solvent glue hardens in about 30 seconds. Be quick and position the pipe and fitting so that the alignment marks are offset by around 2″. Force the pipe into the fitting until the end fits against the bottom of the socket. Spread the solvent by twisting the pipe until the marks are lined up. Wipe away excess solvent glue with a rag. Do not disturb aligned pipes for at least 30 minutes to ensure a good solid fit.