It is important to follow proper storage and handling, joining, assembly, and other installation techniques to ensure a quality system installation. A properly designed and installed HydroKing® plumbing system will provide years of trouble-free service, lasting much longer than metallic systems due to the product’s inherent corrosion resistance and other factors. The following information is provided as a general guide toward that end.
Harvel® HydroKing® Commercial IPS pipe is joined using Schedule 80 CPVC fittings by the two-step solvent cementing process. When properly conducted, this method provides a strong, homogenous joining area in which the mating surfaces are chemically fused together, producing a strong, leak-tight seal when cured.
Prior to solvent cementing, appropriate safety precautions should be taken:
• The use of an orange colored CPVC solvent cement such as IPS Weld-On #714 or #2714 (or equivalent) and a purples primer (such as IPS P-70 or equivalent) is recommended for joining Harvel HydroKing to Schedule 80 CPVC fittings; use only CPVC cement conforming to ASTM F493
• Follow the solvent cement manufacturer’s instructions
• Avoid breathing vapors
• Use only with adequate ventilation
• Avoid frequent contact with skin
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Eliminate all ignition sources
• Store primer and solvent cement in the shade between 40°F and 110°F
• Close containers tight when not in use, and cover as much as possible during use
• Follow all manufacturer-recommended precautions when using power tools
• Flush the system for a minimum of 10 minutes after pressure testing to remove trace amounts of solvents or other system components
Exercise special care when assembling Harvel® HydroKing® pipe in extremely low temperatures (below 40°F ) or extremely high temperatures (above 80°F ). Extra set and handling times must be allowed in colder temperatures. Make certain cement has not “gelled” when cementing pipe and fittings in colder temperatures. Make certain both surfaces being joined are wet with cement during assembly when working in extremely hot temperatures.Component Preparation: Condition the pipe and fittings to the same temperature conditions prior to use. All pipe fittings and tools used for joining must be clean and free of dirt, moisture, grease, or other contamination prior to and during the joining process.
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1. Cutting
Cut ends of pipe square using appropriate tools. To ensure the pipe is cut square, a miter box must be used when using a saw. Cutting the pipe as squarely as possible provides the surface of the pipe with a maximum bonding area. Harvel HydroKing® CPVC pipe can be easily cut with a wheel-type plastic tubing cutter, a power saw, or a fine toothed saw. Care must be taken not to split the pipe if a ratchet type cutter is used, especially in temperatures below 50°F. If any indication of damage or cracking is evident, cut off at least two (2) inches beyond any visible crack. It is important that the cutting tools used are designed for use on plastic pipe.
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2. Bevel/Debur
Burrs and filings can prevent contact between pipe and fitting during assembly, and must be removed from the outside and the inside of the pipe. A chamfering tool or file is suitable for this purpose. A slight bevel shall be placed at the end of the pipe to ease entry of the pipe into the socket and minimize the chances of wiping solvent cement from the fitting. Place a 10° to 15° bevel approximately 1/16” to 3/32” in width on the end of the pipe.
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3. Joining Preparation
A. Inspect and Clean Components - Prior to assembly, all components shall be inspected for any damage or irregularities Mating components shall be checked to assure that tolerances and engagements are compatible. Do not use components that appear irregular or do not fit properly. Contact the appropriate manufacturer of the component product in question to determine usability. Using a clean, dry rag, wipe loose dirt and moisture from the fitting socket and pipe end. Moisture can slow the cure time, and at this stage of assembly, excessive water can reduce joint strength.
B. Check the dry fit - The pipe should enter the fitting socket easily one-quarter to three-quarters of the way. If the pipe bottoms in the fitting with little interference, use extra solvent cement in making the joint.
C. Measure the socket depth - Measure the socket depth of the fitting and mark this distance on the pipe end. This reference mark can be used when joining to ensure the pipe is completely bottomed into the fitting during assembly.
D. Position the pipe and fitting for alignment.
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4. Primer Application
Primer must be used to prepare the bonding area for the addition of the solvent cement and subsequent assembly. It is important to use a proper applicator– a dauber, natural bristle brush, or roller approximately 1/2 the size of the pipe diameter. A rag must NOT be used. Primer must be applied to both the pipe and fittings. Apply Primer to the fitting socket, then to the outside of the pipe end, then a second coating to the fittings socket, re-dipping applicator as necessary to ensure entire surface is wet. Repeated applications may be necessary.
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5. Solvent Cement Application
The solvent cement shall be applied when the pipe and fittings are clean and free of any moisture and debris, and must be applied immediately while primer is still tacky. Cement shall be applied to the joining surfaces using a dauber, natural bristle brush, or roller approximately 1/2 the size of the pipe diameter. Apply a heavy, even coat of cement to the outside pipe end to equal to the depth of the fitting socket. The amount should be more than sufficient to fill any gap. Apply a medium coat to the fitting socket. Avoid puddling. If there is little or no interference when the dry fit is checked, a second application of cement should be made to the pipe end.
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6. Assembly
While BOTH SURFACES are STILL WET with solvent cement, immediately insert the pipe into the fitting socket while rotating the pipe 1/4 turn. Pipe must bottom completely to the fitting stop. Properly align the fitting for installation at this time. Hold the assembly for approximately 30 seconds to ensure initial bonding. Due to the taper on the interference fit, the pipe can back-off the fitting stop if steady pressure is not held on the joint during initial bonding. A bead of cement should be evident around the pipe and fitting juncture. If this bead is not continuous around the socket shoulder, it may indicate that insufficient cement was applied. If insufficient cement is applied, the joint must be cut out, discarded and begun again. Cement in excess of the bead can be wiped of with a rag.
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7. Set and Cure Times
Solvent Cement set and cure times are a function of pipe size, temperature, relative humidity, and tightness of fit. Drying time is faster for drier environments, smaller pipe sizes, high temperatures and tighter fits. The assembly must be allowed to set, without any stress on the joint, for 1 to 5 minutes depending on the pipe size and temperature. Following the initial set period the assembly can be handled carefully avoiding stresses to the joint. All solvent-cemented assemblies must be allowed to cure properly prior to pressure testing. Refer to solvent cement manufacturer’s set and cure schedule prior to testing, and Harvel’s suggested set and cure time.
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Minimum Cure Time Prior to Testing with Cold Water
(based on use of IPS P-70 primer and 714 CPVC solvent cement)
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Joint Cure Schedule
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| Pipe Size (in) |
2 1/2" to 4" |
| Temperature Range |
| PSI |
| Average Cure Times |
Note: In damp or humid weather allow 50% more cure time |
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