Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "How durable and reliable are these check valves?"
A. There are many qualities of plastics, and you can be assured that we only ship top-of-the line plastics. Having said that, these are made out of plastic and this material has pro's and con's. These will degrade in sunlight over time, unlike brass valves. These, under normal wear and tear, in most situations, "should" last at least 2-7 years. Quality brass valves will last longer under most conditions (not in aggressive water conditions). For sewage, ponds, fountains and sump pump applications, we believe that our above PVC swing checks are the best product for the conditions that these are exposed to.
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 cannot (due to liability potential) recommend that you use PTFE thread sealing tape (pipe dope designed for PVC, such as we offer above, is acceptable).
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. "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. "How do I glue PVC fittings and valves to the pipe?"
A. 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.
Q. "What does Union x Union, Fips x Fips and Solv x Solv mean?"
A. Solv x Solv = solvent (glue to hold in place) type; Union x Union = union fittings are glued on to pipe and check valve can be removed by disconnection unscrewing from union; Fips x Fips = is threaded (female) style.
