Building Projects with PVC Pipe

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PVC Assembly Guide

Welcome

This field manual is designed to be easy-to-follow and knowledgable and to provide options for different people from all experiences and backgrounds. if you're a first-time PVC user, who doesn't often use tools or a seasoned PVC enthusiast or maker who uses PVC in daily ideas and activities, this guide should provide a general manual to assembling PVC pipe projects.

First, we'll cover all the basics of assembly, like important safety directions. Then we'll get into what methods are available to connect PVC pipe and fittings; finally, we'll show examples of how to perform each method to assemble your PVC project.

If your questions are not addressed here, feel free to contact our support team at info@formufit.com. We'll be glad to help.

About the Second Edition

We formerly put all of our PVC instructions online, in basic HTML Web page format; however, we discovered that many of our users needed a downloadable copy that could be taken to the basement, workshop, or a setting where the pipe cutting, assembling or other activity was taking place, away from a computer. Our newer editions solve this problem, giving our end-users a printable 'field manual' that can go with them wherever or however they choose to construct their PVC projects.

PVC Project Assembly Summary

Structural PVC projects can be assembled in many ways. Unlike other building materials, where fasteners (screws, nails, etc.) are used, PVC can be assembled using a cementing method or fasteners.

PVC assembles extremely easy. Other materials, such as wood or metal, are cumbersome to connect. PVC is unique as it uses fittings to connect the pipes for different angles and attachments.

Assembling PVC can be broken down into three methods and approaches: Attaching PVC to fitting by way of PVC Cement, which is a more permanent approach; using screws to temporarily attach the pipe to the fitting, which can be removed later, or just using the tight-fitting press together method.

All three of these methods will be detailed more in this guide.

Legal

DISCLAIMER: The information provided within this manual is for informational purposes only. FORMUFIT accepts no responsibility and is excluded from all liability for damage and/or loss that may be suffered by any other party as a result of using or in connection with such use or loss of use of this information, including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of opportunity, loss of business, indirect damages, incidental damages, special or consequential loss, injury or loss of life.

Safety First!

Some methods to attach PVC pipe to PVC fittings involve high-speed drills and power tools. Chemicals are also used to fusion weld PVC pipe together. Each of these tools can cause serious harm to an individual if not used properly. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the safety rules for your hand or power tools. Failure to do so could cause bodily harm.

Protect your hands

Hands

Always be aware of where your hands are when drilling PVC pipe with any tool. Make sure that your hands are clear of the area being drilled.

 
Protect your eyes

Eyes

Wear safety glasses, goggles, or other eye protection when drilling or driving screws into PVC pipe, as pipe fragments can be ejected from the area, or a screw could come loose.

 
protect your lungs

Mouth & Lungs

Wear a mask or respirator. PVC pipe, when drilled, can emit small particles that can irritate the lungs or throat. PVC cement is also noxious when used and may irritate the lungs.

 

Clear the Air

Assembling your PVC project using PVC cement requires extra caution when assembling the project using chemicals. These chemicals can make you dizzy or lightheaded. They are also flammable and can cause a fire if caution is not observed.

PVC Cement may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea if used in a non-ventilated area. Be sure to assemble your PVC project in a well-ventilated area, such as an open garage or outside.

When using PVC cement, please remember that it is flammable until it evaporates and can cause a fire if it comes across an ignition source. Do not smoke, or use any source of fire or spark, when assembling PVC projects with PVC cement.

PVC Assembly Methods Explained

PVC pipe is one of the most versatile and useful structural building materials available, but you still need a method to connect it all.   We've provided a few methods to assemble your PVC project, shown below.

PVC Cement Method

PVC Cement Method (Permanent)

When plumbing and electrical professionals connect PVC for their project, most often, they use PVC cement to connect fitting to the pipe. This method is robust and provides a permanent, lifetime connection.

Connecting PVC pipe to PVC fittings using cement is known as fusion welding or chemical welding. This is because the PVC cement causes a chemical reaction that physically 'melts' the outer layers of the PVC pipe and fitting, and when pressed together, causes them to fuse.

Once a PVC pipe and PVC fitting have been connected using PVC cement, there is no method available to remove the two from each other. This method also requires that the end-user work quickly to assemble and adjust a connection point, often within 30 or less, as the fusion weld sets very quickly.

PVC Set Screw Method

Set Screw Method (Removable)

Since PVC cement has an extremely short work time and creates a permanent bond, the 'set-screw' method is available when constructing structural PVC projects. This method has the user insert screws between the PVC pipe and fitting to secure it into place. Self-tapping machine or wood screws are recommended. It is recommended that holes be pre-drilled for screws being inserted, as self-drilling screws do not work well.

Using the set screw method is not recommended when the structure you are attempting to build will bear substantial torque in its day-to-day activities. This is because the screws, under torque, could de-thread and come loose from the pipe.

This method is not recommended for PVC pipe sizes 3/4" and under.

Screw Types

IMAGE
TYPE
USE
PREP
Pan Head Self-Drilling Screw
Pan Head Self-Drilling Screw
Standard connection use. Will have exposed head.
Pre-drilled pilot hole recommended.
Countersunk Head Self-Tapping
Countersunk Head Self-Tapping
Standard connection use. Head will not be visible
Pre-drilled pilot hole and countersink hole required.
Set Screw
Set Screw
For precise structures that require minimal visibility of hardware.
Exact size pre-drilled hole required.

Screw Lengths

The following chart shows the recommended self-drilling or self-tapping screw length that should be used when working with particular sizes of PVC pipe and fittings. This is important so that the screw goes through both the PVC fitting and PVC pipe walls:

PVC PIPE SIZE
MINIMUM SCREW LENGTH
1/2"
NOT RECOMMENDED
3/4"
NOT RECOMMENDED
1"
3/4"
1-1/4"
3/4"
1-1/2"
3/4"
2"
7/8"

Push and Set Method (Temporary)

The final method to assemble PVC projects is the 'push and set' method. This method does not use any source of cement or fastener to keep it together. Instead, it uses the pressure of the pipe into the fitting connection to let it connect on its own. Most furniture-grade PVC pipes and fittings have such close tolerances that this method is often all that is required to build a PVC structure. This method will not work with all types and configurations of PVC pipes and fittings, as there are variances in the tolerances of PVC, and some fittings and accessories were designed to use PVC cement to connect. This method is only recommended for light or self-standing structures that will not bear weight or any torque. This method is very similar to 'dry fitting.

Additional Information

Below is additional information that is convenient to know before assembling your project and may assist in the process.

Dry Fitting

Before final assembly (before connecting with PVC cement or screws), it is highly recommended to perform a 'dry fit' of all the PVC pipe and fitting elements. This will allow you to double-check to make sure that the pipes are cut to the right size, that you have the proper fittings in the place where they are required and that all pieces are readily available for cementing.

Dry fitting is a necessity if using PVC cement, as the working time is only around 30 seconds before the curing begins. All too often, PVC projects are ruined because a dry fit was not performed and an incorrect pipe length or fitting was misused.

CAUTION: Be sure to clamp all PVC pipe with a vise, C-clamps or quick-release clamps. Do not attempt to hold the pipe steady with your hands, as injury may result.

  • Powder It - You can use baby powder inside the fittings to assist in getting the PVC elements apart after dry fitting. This is recommended as the tolerances of PVC pipe and fittings are often so close they can be challenging to get apart. Just make sure to wipe off any powder before using PVC cement.
  • Twist and Pull - When removing the pipe from the fitting after a dry fit, twist the pipe, either by hand or using a pipe wrench, while simultaneously pulling the pipe out of the fitting. If using a pipe wrench, place a towel or cloth over the teeth of the wrench to avoid damaging the PVC pipe.

Seating

Seating the pipe into the fitting is the act of pushing, or if necessary, hammering the pipe into the fitting when assembling. Seating is important, as it ensures the pipe is completely into the fitting when the assembly is complete. PVC pipe should be seated into a fitting until it reaches the 'detent.' The detent is the small lip inside the fitting, where the pipe is supposed to stop.

How to Seat

To seat PVC pipe, be it through connecting with PVC cement, screws, or just performing a test-run by way of a dry fit, perform the following:

  1. Using a rubber mallet or a block of wood and hammer, tap the opposing end of the PVC pipe until it reaches the detent.
  2. The pipe should inch slowly into the pipe as you are hammering and should stop when it is completely to the point of the detent
tap into place

Check for Square

It is vitally important that immediately after cementing and seating that you check that your project is square where you require it to be. This is critical when building boxes or items where the fittings and pipe connecting segments must be in parallel and perpendicular directions.

  • If cementing, you have approximately 30 seconds to make any changes in the direction of the fittings once the cement is applied. Checking for square should be done immediately after seating the pipe.
  • If using the set screw method, you need to check for squareness before you drill the screws into the fitting and pipe.

HOW TO SQUARE

To make sure that your project is square, you do the following:

  1. Place the structure on a flat, level surface and use that surface to square it up. Press down on the fittings and pipe so they are at the same level.
  2. Use a straight edge between two perpendicular sections to ensure they are at the same level.
  3. Place the structure on a flat surface and use a bubble level to ensure it is even.
PVC check for square

Assembling with Cement

CAUTION: Be sure to perform all activity with PVC cement in a well ventilated area.

WARNING: The PVC cement method is permanent, and the PVC pipe cannot be removed from the fitting after 30 seconds. Be sure to perform a dry fit to ensure all pipes are cut correctly. Verify that your items are square immediately after seating if required.

PVC Cement Steps

STEP 1

Using the PVC cement dauber inside the can, apply a small amount of PVC cement to the inside of the fitting only. Apply the cement only to where the fitting and pipe will come into contact.

cement

 

STEP 2

Quickly insert the pipe into the fitting, ensuring it is seated properly, to the point of impacting the detent. Check for squareness, if required, and hold the pipe and fitting together firmly for 30 seconds.

wait 30 seconds

 

STEP 3

Allow the pipe and fitting connection to set for at least 2 minutes before putting weight or additional pressure onto it. This will allow the chemical weld to cure. You can join other fittings within the structure while waiting for the cure time to complete.

no weight

 

Assembling with Screws

WARNING: Do not use this method in scenarios where high-torque or movement is expected. This may cause the screws to de-thread and come loose.

Set-Screw Steps

STEP 1

Insert the pipe into the fitting.

Use a rubber mallet or a piece of wood and hammer to tap the pipe until it is properly seated and reaches the detent inside the fitting.

insert pvc pipe into fitting

 

STEP 2

Drill a small hole approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch from the open socket end of the fitting on one side.

Be sure that the hole is drilled through both the fitting and the pipe.

drill hole into pvc pipe

 

STEP 3 (OPTIONAL)

If you wish to make the screws flush to the surface of the fitting, use a countersink bit to allow the end of the screw to set inside the fitting. This will leave a flush, smooth surface.

countersink pvc pipe

 

STEP 4

Drive the screw into the pre-drilled hole and through the fitting and the pipe.

insert screw in pvc

 

STEP 5 (OPTIONAL)

For an extremely secure connection, the above process can be repeated on the opposite side of the pipe.

add additional pvc screws

 

Assembling with Push and Set Method

CAUTION: This method should never bear heavy weight, torque movement and should be considered a temporary solution. If any of the PVC elements seem loose or their tolerances are incorrect, do not use this method.

Push and Set Method

STEP 1

Insert the pipe into the fitting.

Use a rubber mallet or a piece of wood and hammer to tap the pipe until it is properly seated and reaches the detent inside the fitting.

push pipe into fitting

 

STEP 2

Repeat the above process until all items are assembled. Secure with PVC cement or screws if the desired result is permanent.

secure with pvc cement

 

Wrap-Up

PVC Cement Removal

In some instances, the residue of PVC Cement may be left behind during the fusion welding process. This often occurs along the end of the PVC fitting socket where the pipe exits.

You can clean some of this up by using ultra-fine (200 to 300 grit) sandpaper, cut into strips, which can be wrapped around the point where the fitting and pipe meet and moved in a back-and-forth motion.

WARNING: Sanding the surface of Furniture Grade PVC may cause the glossiness to fade and leave a matte-dull finish. Wet sanding is recommended.

FORMUFIT Support

If you've read this guide and still have questions, feel free to contact us. We are constantly revising our documents and website with information provided by users just like you.

If you want to contact us with questions or suggestions, please email them to info@formufit.com

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