"How long should I wait after I've used solvent on a PVC fitting before pressurizing the system?"
In most situations, to be 100% sure of no leaks, we recommend waiting 24 hours before pressurizing a system.

"I've had a few female adapters break. What am I doing wrong?"
Many codes (such as UPC 1994 sec606.2.2) prohibit female PVC screwed fittings for water piping. The reason is that pressure is exerted outwardly and eventually a female adapter can crack. We always recommend male adapters with metal female fittings.

"Can I use PVC pipe and fittings/valves for compressed air or gases?"
Although some people use PVC piping for compressed air or gases, we are not aware of any fittings manufacturer that recommends it. We feel it is dangerous and absolutely do not recommend it. Air is much more compressible than are liquids and could therefore cause a violent explosion.

"How do I glue PVC fittings and valves to the pipe?"
Most PVC manufacturers recommend that the installer follow the instructions for the cement and primer that is being used. Their instructions are usually found on the label of the container.

"What about 'fast' or 'hot' PVC glues? Don't they glue faster?"
Normally the 'fast' or 'hot' PVC glues have a faster set time. Cure time for most is still about the same. "Set" time is the initial period of swelling required to give the joint enough mechanical strength to be gently handled. "Cure" time is the total time period of required swelling for the joint to acquire enough strength that it can perform its job transporting materials through it at whatever pressure and temperature required without coming apart or leaking.

"Can I use PVC glue on other plastics?"
We only recommend using glues manufactured for a specific plastic i.e. PVC glue only on PVC pipe.
Note: There are many plastics that cannot be glued at all; polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polybutylene, and other polyolefins.

"I am a manufacturer and have a need for PVC fittings without a bar code on them. Do you offer such fittings?"
Yes. In our order form you will see an area for comments when you are entering your personal information. When ordering, simply request (in the comments section) PVC fittings without bar codes on them, and your PVC fittings will then be shipped without bar codes. NOTE: IF the fittings are in stock, your order might take an additional day or two but generally won't take any longer. However, if the fittings are not in stock, there may be a delay of up to two weeks before shipment to allow the manufacturer to make a run of non-barcoded fittings. Also, non-barcoded fittings must be ordered in multiples of 5 or 10, so it may be necessary for you to increase your quantities to avoid additional delays.

"Can I glue PVC if it is wet?"
All solvent cements have the ability to absorb some water and still perform well enough to affect an adequate joint. However, research shows that the presence of just 10% water in solvent cement can slow penetration and swelling by up to 65%. This joint, with water inside, will always be an inferior joint and subject to problems.

"Do I really need to use primer?"
Primer is a mixture of solvents used to penetrate the pipe and fittings and start the swelling process ahead of the application of the solvent cement. It is highly recommend that you use primer.

"I have seen PVC wyes for less money?"
Yes, there are drainage PVC wye fittings, which are not schedule 40. They are not for drinking water or for pressure systems and they do cost less money than our drinking water grade, schedule 40 pressure fittings that we show above. You will find that our schedule 40 PVC fittings are lowest priced if you compare them to the prices of other suppliers' schedule 40 fittings.

"What is LO-V.O.C.?"
cements produce significantly less amounts of "V.O.C.'s". V.O.C. stands for "volatile organic compounds", which are unhealthy when breathed or induced. V.O.C.'s also diminish air quality. Please read and follow all directions carefully when applying these cements.

"What is the name of the manufacturer of these PVC fittings?"
Because of our large selection (we believe we have the largest selection of PVC fittings on the Internet), our large volume, and because sometimes manufacturers are out of sizes and/or products (we have over 98% of the above products in stock at all times), we get our fittings from many PVC fittings suppliers. We guarantee top quality fittings by U.S. PVC fitting suppliers, but please be aware that the fittings that we send will not necessarily all be from one brand or one manufacturer. If you must have ("insist on") one specific brand of PVC manufacturer's fittings, please specify that clearly on your order form (where we allow space for you to write notes to us when you are placing your order); and then we will let you know if that is possible before we ship your order.

"Do I have to do anything special when I'm gluing a PVC valve?"
Before installation, make sure the valve is in the "open" position and all cemented surfaces are clean and dry. Install the valve following the established solvent procedure. A suitable support should be placed under the valve body to hold the weight of the valve. Be sure to adhere to proper curing times, and wipe off any excess cement that might have accumulated at the joint bead.

"Do you offer British Standard Threads (BST) fittings?"
Sorry, we only sell U.S. threaded fittings.

"I'm confused about the size that I need?"
In plumbing the "approximate" inside diameter of the PIPE you're using (known as "nominal" size) is what is used to determine the size of the fittings you'll need. This can be somewhat confusing to someone that doesn't do plumbing on a regular basis. This can be especially confusing because pipes are the same on the outside but come in different thicknesses. If you are not sure what size that you need please look at this page (click here) which shows the outside diameter of the "standard" PVC pipes.