Working with PVC is fairly easy as long as you think about your design ahead of time. Here are some basic tips I discovered while building my plumbing structures.
Getting proper measurements is key and should be done in place if possible. Remember to allow for the inside of the joint not just where they meet.
Use a PVC Cutter, miter box, or chop saw – Hacksaws rarely cut a straight line.
Assemble before gluing to test fit and final length.
Glue in proper order if an item has valves/unions/parts.
Glue sets faster on warm days than cold days.
Hold together for at least 30 seconds or longer if pieces are moving when released.
If using pvc flex pipe you have to use heavy duty pvc glue and hold it longer. Flex PVC is not all that flexible either, so if you really need to turn tight corners use hard pipe with 45’s or 90’s. Flex PVC gluing is best done in warm temperatures or days when you have a lot of patience.
If you use non-kink pipe with barbed fittings you will not be able to get them off easily. This piping is much more flexible and can be used in short runs for tight corners. You may have to consider reduced flow issues due to ribbing of piping.
PVC to ABS fittings – Use the proper glue.
