CPVC solvent cement (incorrectly called CPVC glue) takes little time to set, but curing times vary from a few minutes to days depending on climate and pipe size.
CPVC or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipes are now apopular choice in residential fire suppression systemsas well as other light risk configurations. Low cost, corrosion resistance, and a heat-resistant design have made CPVC popular.from a preferred choice for hot water installations to a mainstay in fire protection for houses, apartments and other living spaces🇧🇷 For installers, however, CPVC poses a major challenge: not all CPVC pipes are made of the same chemical compounds. Consequently, contractors should select their bonding method (CPVC solvent cement) according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
In this article, we explain the chemistry of CPVC and provide some important guidelines for installers choosing CPVC adhesives. Below we have provided a list of drying times (for setting and curing) for so-called "glues" used with major CPVC brands such as BlazeMaster®, FlameGuard® and ThermaFit Industries.
If you wish, you can consult ourOne step solvent cement selection for CPVCnow, or browseour entire catalog of PVC pipes and accessories.
CPVC solvent cement or "CPVC glue" forms a chemical bond between pipe and fittings.
What contractors and retailers often refer to as "glue" made from CPVCit's not glue at all🇧🇷 Materials for glue sticksintact.Pipes or fittings connected in this wayassociate Adhesive only—not directly with each other.Usually these substancesit existsof chemicals that don't look like the pieces that hold them together. These differences in chemistry mean that bonded joints can fail under loads that the tubing itself can withstand.
Unlike adhesive, CPVC solvent cement works like achemical welding🇧🇷 The molecules of tubes and connections.Unitwith these compounds combine to form a single piece of plastic. Initially,solventIn this cement, they break the outer membrane of pipes and fittings, preparing them for chemical bonding. As the process continues, the CPVC becomes within the adhesive, orPVC resin-Fill in the empty fields.stabilizers and fillersincrease weld strength, durability and appearance. The result: a single piece of thermoplastic with the exact dimensions and shape required.
Product listings and documentation specify acceptable options for CPVC cement.
There is no universal solution adhesive for CPVC🇧🇷 The "glue" that holds the accessories together consists of chemical bonds between the CPVC molecules. But different brand CPVC parts are different at molecular level,impressive performance and chemical resistance🇧🇷 It is therefore up to manufacturers to determine which cements will work with their CPVC products, especially when those products are part of a fire suppression system.
Many U.S. states and cities have rules for CPVC pipe based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, including:
- NFPA 13: standard for the installation of sprinkler systems
- NFPA-13D:SStandard for the installation of sprinkler systems in detached and semi-detached houses and prefabricated houses
- NFPA-13R: Standard for installing sprinkler systems in residential areas with low occupancy
These three standards permit the use of CPVC pipe in a sprinkler system only in accordance with product listings (a way to evaluate, test and certify products) and the manufacturer information.
From the 2016 edition of NFPA 13R
5.2 Above Ground Piping and Equipment.
5.2.3.1.1Listed non-metallic piping must be installed in accordance with the restrictions listed, including installation instructions.
A nearly identical provision can be found in the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 (Section 7.4.3) and the 2016 edition of NFPA 13D (5.2.3.1).These listings and installation instructions specify the choice of CPVC cement and limit contractors' choices to one of a few options.Take this one for exampleguidelinesFrom ThermaFit Industries (TFI), a California-based manufacturer of CPVC pipe and fittings:
CPVC Thermalfit [sic] fittings are assembled with one-step solvent cement manufactured by IPS Corporation and sold as Victaulic FireLock 899, IPEX BM-5, TYCO TFP-500, Central CSC-500, Spears FS-5, and Nibco FP-1000.
The time it takes CPVC adhesive to set or cure depends on the weather, pipe size, and other factors.
A joint formed with CPVC cement dries in two ways:puts(Point at which the joint can be manipulated or subjected to limited loading) andcompletely(enough links to use). The three most important factors in these drying times for CPVC cement are:
- The size of the pipe, tee, elbow, coupling, or other piece being joined
- room temperature
- humidity
- test pressures
“CPVC Glue” curing and drying times increase with pipe size
tubes and accessories They can melt faster and at lower temperatures than their larger counterparts.At the lowest test pressuredescribedin ThermaFit documentation - 100 pounds per square inch (PSI) - 3/4" tubing hardensonly 15 minutes, while a 2 1/2" pipe can take 32 times as long (8 hours).
Particularly high or low temperatures can make bonding impractical or impossible.
CPVC gaskets set and cure quickly in temperatures between 60 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A 1 inch pipe can be constructed in as little as 15 minutes at 60 degrees, but takes 30 minutes at lower temperatures. In temperatures below 40 degrees it can take up to two days for a 3/4 inch pipe to fully cure. Meager,As temperatures drop, cure times increase (and at a spectacular rate for pipe sizes over 1 inch).In fact, ThermaFit guidelines state that the 2", 2 1/2" and 3" sizes can do thisoh noDrying at temperatures below 40 degrees.
However, high temperatures, even those between 60 and 120 degrees, can cause problems for installers. At temperatures above 90 degrees in direct sunlight, solvent cement can become too thin to work with or dry too quickly. At best, excess cement is wasted as it falls out of the applicator and at worst it can spill out of pipes and fittings leaving very little in the pipe.
Moisture significantly increases curing times
Although rarely specified, very humid environments can prevent the solvent in CPVC cement from evaporating, preventing a chemical weld from forming. Curing times may occur in humid environmentsgrow upshe 50%.
The expected test pressure can mean the difference between hours and days of drying
Contractors conduct acceptance testswhen installing firefighting systems for the first time. During these tests, the pumps force pressurized water into the pipe system to ensure that the pipes are sufficiently tight. The pressure applied will vary with the system operating pressure, defined as the maximum pressure expected for the system under normal circumstances (NFPA 13 Section 3.3.216).
As required test pressures increase, so do drying times. inside100psiand temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, 1 1/4" CPVC pipe can be hardened2 hours. no200 psi, this figure will120 hours, is in225psi, the healing lasts10 Take.
CPVC pipe and fittings manufactured by FlameGuard, BlazeMaster and ThermaFit Industries have nearly identical curing times and options as CPVC cement.
It's fromesDifferences between CPVC branded products - regardingLong term strength, high temperature resistance and composition- but mostly healing is not part of it. Documentation fromViking plastics,make spear, miIndustries ThermaFit (TFI)provide similar lists of compatible cements and setting times before testing. These times are summarized in the table below along with the manufacturer's recommended or “fixed” drying times and the cements listed.
BlazeMaster (Viking Plastics) CPVC
Viking BlazeMaster compatible CPVC solvent cements include:
- Spears FS-5 One-Stage Low VOC Solvent Cement
- NIBCO FP-1000 One-Step Cement
- Cementing a floor with IPEX BM5
- Cemento Hershey HVC-500
- Victaulic Style #899 FireLock One-Stage Solvent Cement
- Tyco TFP-500 One Step Solvent Cement
How long does it take for the CPVC "glue" to set?1-5 minutes
FlameGuard (lance manufacturing) CPVC
Spears compatible CPVC solvent cements include:
- Spears FS-5 One-Stage Low VOC Solvent Cement
- Cementing a floor with IPEX BM5
- Central sprinkler CSC-500 cement
- Tyco TFP-500 One Step Solvent Cement
Initial dry time (settling time) for CPVC "glue":at least 5 minutes
Industrias ThermaFit (TFI) CPVC
ThermaFit compatible CPVC solvent cements include:
- One-Step TFI Sprinkler Cement
- Spears FS-5 One-Stage Low VOC Solvent Cement
- NIBCO FP-1000 One-Step Cement
- Cementing a floor with IPEX BM5
- Central sprinkler CSC-500 cement
- Victaulic Style #899 FireLock One-Stage Solvent Cement
- NIBCO FP-1000 One-Step Cement
Time needed for CPVC "glue" to cure/dry:at least 5 minutes
Cure Times for Select Industrial CPVC Pipe and Fittings ThermaFit, FlameGuard, and BlazeMaster | |||||||||
| test pressure (max) | Nominal Pipe Size (Metric) | room temperature | |||||||
| 60F to 120F (16C to 49C) | 40F to 60F (4.4C to <16C) | 0F to less than 40F (-17.8C to <4.4C) | |||||||
| 225 PSI / 15.5 BAR | 3/4″ (DN20) | 1 hour | 4 hours | 2 Take | |||||
| 1″ (DN25) | 1 1/2 hours | 4 hours | 2 Take | ||||||
| 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" (DN32 and DN40) | 3 hours | 1 1/3 days (32 hours) | 10 Take | ||||||
| 2″ (DN50) | 8 hours | 2 Take | Increase the temperature to cure | ||||||
| 2 1/2" and 3" (DN65 and DN80) | 1 Tag | 4 Roofs | Increase the temperature to cure | ||||||
| 200 PSI / 13.8 BAR | 3/4″ (DN20) | 45 minutes | 1 1/2 hours | 1 Tag | |||||
| 1″ (DN25) | 45 minutes | 1 1/2 hours | 1 Tag | ||||||
| 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" (DN32 and DN40) | 1 1/2 hours | 16 hours | 5 Take | ||||||
| 2″ (DN50) | 6 hours | 1 1/2 diameter | Increase the temperature to cure | ||||||
| 2 1/2" and 3" (DN65 and DN80) | 8 hours | 3 Take | Increase the temperature to cure | ||||||
| 100 PSI / 6.9 BAR | 3/4″ (DN20) | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | |||||
| 1″ (DN25) | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 30 minutes | ||||||
| 1 1/4" (DN32) | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 2 hours | ||||||
| *1 1/2″ (DN40) | *1 1/2 hours | *16 hours | *120 hours | ||||||
| *2″ (DN50) | *6 hours | *1 1/2 diameter | *Increase temperature for curing | ||||||
| *2 1/2" and 3" (DN65 and DN80) | *8 hours | *3 dia | *Increase temperature for curing | ||||||
| Viking BlazeMaster and Spears FlameGuard CPVC products in 1 1/2", 2", 2 1/2" and 3" sizescannot be tested at 100 PSI🇧🇷 Try 200 PSI or 225 PSI instead. | |||||||||
Although not always fast drying, CPVC solvent cement simplifies joint formation.
Since the 1980s, the occurrence of CPVC in waterborne systems has increased rapidly,Displacement of metal pipes in domestic plumbing and fire protection🇧🇷 Easy installation is one of thethe drivers of this growth— and CPVC cement plays an important role in facilitating this process. Although the curing process can be slow in some situations, joining two pipes in this way creates a permanent connection with few tools and short installation time.
If you are in the market for CPVC cement, couplers or other supplies, QRFS offers a supply of CPVC products made in the USA by ThermaFit Industries. With sprinkler elbows, caps, tees and sprinkler adapters, our selection makes it easy to install a compliant residential sprinkler system.
To seeour selection of CPVC fittingsor buyTFI CPVC-Zement pro Pint.
Do you have questions about CPVC adhesive curing times? Call +1 (888) 361-6662 or email[email protected].
This blog was originally published onblog.qrfs.com🇧🇷 If this article helped you, visit us atFacebook.com/QuickResponseFireSupplyoh and twitter@QuickResponseFS.
BlazeMaster® and FlameGuard® are registered trademarks of Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. and Spears Manufacturing Co. respectively.
FAQs
How long does solvent cement take to set? ›
Allow 15 minutes for good handling strength and 2 hours cure time at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit before pressure testing up to 180 psi. Longer cure times may be required at temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or with pipe above 3 inches.
How long before you can use PVC pipe after gluing? ›This will result in a tighter fit. Bobvila.com recommends holding the pipe and fitting together firmly for at least 30 seconds. Allow enough cure time: After holding the pipe in place for 30 seconds, wait a minimum of 20 minutes before handling it further to allow the cement to set.
Does CPVC glue work without primer? ›For CPVC pipe and fittings, heavy body primer is always required. In addition to the different body types, primers come in two different colors: clear and purple.
How long should CPVC glue dry before turning on water? ›CPVC joints set and cure quickly at temperatures between 60- and 120-degrees Fahrenheit. A 1” pipe may set in as little as 15 minutes at 60 degrees but will take 30 minutes at lower temperatures. At temperatures under 40 degrees, a 3/4” pipe may take as long as two days to fully cure.
How long should PVC glue dry before turning on water? ›Highlights. Between 15 minutes and 2 hours is the standard range for PVC glue drying. Cool temperatures will help the adhesive set more quickly.
Can you put too much glue on PVC pipe? ›Adding too much cement to a pipe and joint does not have any derogatory impact on the sealing of the joint, however excess glue which comes out the joint, if left in contact with the plastic, can, over time, weaken it, and reduce it's pressure rating. So, if you're a slapper, wipe the excess off!
What is the strongest glue for PVC pipe? ›The best bonding agent for PVC pipes and fittings is PVC solvent cement, and there are no substitutes that are good enough to replace it, especially for high-pressure applications.
What happens if I use PVC glue on CPVC? ›It breaks down the surface of the pipe it is applied to and chemically bonds pipes and fittings together. For this reason, you cannot use just any PVC cement to join these two materials together.
Do you have to use purple primer on CPVC? ›Purple Primer can be used with all types, schedules and classes of PVC and CPVC pipe and fittings. A low VOC formulation. In most cases a successful solvent cement joint can be made without using a primer. But, if you want to increase the probability of making a successful joint, using a primer is the thing to do.
How do you cut CPVC without cracking? ›The manufacturer-recommended tool for cutting into older CPVC is a C-style tubing cutter. This tool will not compress the pipe and virtually eliminates the risk of cracking or splintering.
Can I use SharkBite on CPVC? ›
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC and HDPE pipe. They come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX and HDPE, and the stiffener doesn't need to be removed for copper or CPVC applications.
How long before you can put pressure on CPVC? ›Allow 15 minutes for good handling strength and 2 hours cure time at temperatures above 60°F before pressure testing up to 180 psi. Longer cure times may be required at temperatures below 60°F or with pipe above 3".
How long does CPVC cement last? ›Are CPVC and solvent cement safe for drinking water? Yes. FlowGuard CPVC and recommended solvent cements are approved for use with potable water. This means you can safely use water from a CPVC piping system for drinking, bathing, cleaning, and more.
What happens if you don't use PVC primer? ›PVC primer maximizes the strength and longevity of the joint connection. A joint will still weld together without the primer, but the connection will not be as strong as the primer allows the cement itself to penetrate deeper into the material.
Can PVC pipe be glued when wet? ›A: Christy's Wet or Dry Conditions PVC Cement is a "thicker" and very fast set formulation that will adhere to wet PVC pipes and will cure underwater. It is recommended that the surfaces be as dry as possible, but will work in WET conditions.
What is the difference between PVC and CPVC? ›What are the differences between CPVC and PVC? The main difference between CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding. CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200° Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140° Fahrenheit.
Why do CPVC pipes fail? ›Among the many causes of CPVC failures, and the ensuing water damage claims, are raw material flaws, manufacturing defects, inadequate warnings, improper shipping and handling practices, system design issues, poor installation practices, incorrect maintenance, and chemical attack.
Does CPVC pipe get brittle? ›Will CPVC fail because it gets brittle? When properly installed and handled, CPVC will not spontaneously fail due to brittleness. As CPVC ages, it becomes more rigid giving it increased pressure-bearing capability, but this increased rigidity comes with reduced ductility, sometimes referred to as “brittleness”.
Can I use Gorilla Glue instead of PVC glue? ›Simply put, The surface of PVC is so smooth that Gorilla Glue doesn't have anything to grip or bind to. So it may work in a pinch but will come apart later down the road when you need it to work the best. Additionally, this type of glue has a very long setup time, so you may be waiting hours for it to cure.
What will happen if you leave the solvent cement Open? ›
Solvents evaporate at various speeds and the constituents of a can of cement change if it is left open. It will get thicker and may even go “stringy”. It's no good stirring it up the vital fast solvents are gone. Throw it away (disposing of it properly of course).
How long does solvent weld take to dry? ›How long do you need to leave the Solvent Cement to dry? When cementing two joints together you will have between one and two minutes before the cement starts to set and you will struggle to move the joints. The joint will then need to be left for 2-3 hours for short discharges or for a continuous discharge 24 hours.
How long does solvent cement last? ›| Product | Shelf Life (from date of manufacture) |
|---|---|
| PVC Cements, Primers, and Cleaners | 3 years |
| ABS Cements and Cleaners | 3 years |
| CPVC Cements | 2 years |
How long does four to six inches of concrete take to cure? As stated previously, concrete takes approximately 26-30 days to reach its full strength. If the concrete is professionally poured and floated, the curing process should be sound and ensure proper hardening of the concrete base.
What is the best glue for CPVC? ›CPVC piping systems can be joined using flanging, threading or mechanical joining. But in many cases, the recommended method is solvent cement. Solvent cement is a fast, easy and highly reliable process that produces a joint stronger than either the pipe or fitting alone.
Does solvent cement melt the plastic? ›PVC and ABS pipe solvent cement (technically it is a solvent cement rather than a "glue") works in a different way. The solvent in the liquid, melts the outer layer of plastic on the pipe and fitting.