Incredible Selection of PVC Fittings

Q. "Is it advisable to use PVC for hot water lines?"
A. Generally, PVC is not recommended for hot water lines as it can degrade with heat. CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is a better choice for hot water as it can withstand higher temperatures.

Q. "Will PVC fittings fit CPVC pipe?"
A. The PVC fittings offered on this page are IPS (iron pipe size) and will not fit CPVC pipe that is CTS (copper tube size). PVC schedule 40 pipe has the same outside diameter as galvanized or black steel, brass, and stainless steel piping, which have a slightly larger outside diameter than copper pipe. 3/4" Schedule 40 PVC fittings fit 3/4" PVC schedule 40 pipe that is approximately 1-3/64" O.D..  CTS sized CPVC has the same outside diameter as nominal copper pipe. 3/4" CPVC (CTS) fittings will fit CPVC pipes that are 7/8" O.D..

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

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

Q. "Are PVC fittings reusable?"
A. Once PVC pfttings are glued to a pipe, they are not meant to be removed or reused. If a fitting needs to be replaced, it usually has to be cut out and a new fitting installed.

Q. "I've had a few female adapters break. What am I doing wrong?"
A. Many codes (such as UPC 1994 sec606.2.2) prohibit female PVC screwed fittings for water piping. The reason for this is pressure is exerted outwardly and eventually a female adapter can crack. We always recommend instead using PVC male adapters with metal female fittings. Specialty female threaded transition adapters, incorporating a reinforced outer stainless steel retaining ring, can help reduce problems associated with over-tightening, outward stress, etc. and may help provide a strong, leak-tight seal for plastic-to-metal transitions. Note that in some codes even these reinforced female threaded fittings are not accepted as well.

Q. "Can I mix PVC and metal pipes?"
A. Yes, PVC and metal pipes can be connected by using threaded adapters. However, to protect the more fragile PVC plastic (and because many codes prohibit the use of female PVC threaded fittings), it's best to use PVC male adapters that can be screwed into female steel threads. And remember, it's always important to ensure a proper seal to prevent leaks.

Q. "Do you recommend using PTFE thread sealing tape on PVC threads?"
A. Lasco Manufacturing says: "It is wrong to add excess bulk to a threaded joint by wrapping male threads in Teflon ® tape. It is wrong to make over-tightening easier by using Teflon ® tape..." We have seen much similar PTFE thread sealing tape used satisfactorily but due to liability potential CANNOT recommend that you use PTFE thread sealing tape. Pipe joint compound designed for PVC, such as we offer above, is acceptable.

Q. "Is PVC safe for drinking water?"
A. Only PVC pipe and fittings that are labeled as NSF-PW or NSF-61 have been tested for safety in potable (drinking) water applications.

Q. "What about 'fast' or 'hot' PVC glues? Don't they glue faster?"
A. Normally the 'fast' or 'hot' PVC glues ("solvents") 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.

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

Q. "Can I glue PVC if it is wet?"
A. All solvent cements have the ability to absorb some water and still perform well enough to accomplish 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.

Q. "Can I use PVC glue on other plastics?"
A.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.

Q. "What is LO-V.O.C.?"
A. 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.

Q. "I need to adapt pipe thread (3/4") to vinyl tubing (3/4"). I think your PVC #474 barbed adapter (SxBarb) is the right part. Can you clarify this?"
A. The PVC barbed fittings and brass barbed fittings are the same size barbed fittings. Both refer to the hose/tubing "inside diameter" when they reference the barb size: That is, 3/4" barb will fit 3/4" inside diameter tubing. The main difference is that PVC barbed fittings - on their other end - are either slip (slip = PVC pipe will slip into this end of the fitting) or spigot (spigot = same size as PVC pipe), whereas brass barbed fittings adapt to a threaded fitting. They are used for different applications.

Q. "I am a manufacturer and have a need for PVC fittings without a bar code on them. Do you offer such fittings?"
A. 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 (final step in shopping cart checkout) that you would like PVC fittings without bar codes on them, and your PVC fittings will then be shipped without bar codes. NOTE: if the non-bar coded fittings are out of 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.

Q. "Do I really need to use primer?"
A. 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 recommended that you use primer.

Q. "Do you offer PVC primer?"
A. We have not found a brand of primer that we are confident will not leak in transit. It is highly flammable and, in our opinion, too dangerous to ship.

Q. "I have seen PVC wyes for less money?"
A. 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 usually lowest priced if you compare them to the prices of other suppliers' schedule 40 fittings.

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

Q. "What is the name of the manufacturer of these PVC fittings?"
A. 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 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); we will then let you know if that is possible before we process or ship your order.

Q. "Do I have to do anything special when I'm gluing a PVC valve?"
A.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.

Q. "How long do PVC fittings last?"
A. PVC fittings can last a very long time, often upwards of 50 to 70 years, depending on conditions such as exposure to chemicals, sunlight, and physical stress.

Q. "Can PVC be used in outdoor applications?"
A. PVC can be used outdoors, but it should be protected from UV exposure, which can degrade the material over time. Painting PVC with water-based latex paint can help protect it from UV damage.

Q. "I'm confused about the size that I need?"
A. 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. Adding to potential confusion, pipes can have the same outside diameter but come in different thicknesses (which make the inside diameters vary slightly). If you are not sure what size that you need please look at our page which shows the outside diameter of the "standard" PVC pipes.

Caution: Do not use or test any brand of PVC fittings with any liquids not recommended by the manufacturer. Do not use any brand of PVC fittings with compressed air or gas systems. PVC pipe is designed for the transmittal of liquids, and could be dangerous when used for transmitting compressed air or gas (especially above ground). Modification of PVC plastic fittings voids any warranty.

Note: We make no claim to the load capacity of PVC plastic products.

Note: Certain thread paste compounds may contain stress cracking agents; please contact the paste manufacturer for compatibility with PVC prior to use. We recommend using TU-555 threading paste/compound when threading PVC schedule 40 fittings.