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® pipe is joined by the solvent cementing process a reliable joining technique field-proven for more than 40 years. 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:
• 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 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.
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1. Cutting
Harvel HydroKing® pipe must be cut square to obtain the proper insertion depth and to provide the maximum bonding area for solvent cementing. Harvel pipe can easily be cut with a wheel-type plastic tubing cutter, ratchet-style cutter, fine-toothed hand saw (hack saw), or power saws. A miter box should be used when working with saws to ensure a square cut. If ratchet-style cutters are used, their blades must be sharpened regularly. The use of ratchet cutters with dull blades, or their use in cold weather, will tend to compress the pipe prior to cutting which can result in hairline fracturing. The raised bead left on the pipe OD after cutting must be removed prior to solvent cementing - see step number 2 regarding beveling. Any cuts, fractures, splits, or other damaged areas must be removed prior to joining. Cut off at least 2” beyond any visible fracture.
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2. Beveling/Deburring
Burrs, filings, shavings etc. caused by the cutting process must be removed from the outside and inside of the pipe. Shavings and other debris will prevent proper contact of the joining surfaces and can lead to joint failure. Chamfering tools are available for this purpose, however, pocket knives or files are also suitable. A slight bevel is required on the pipe end to help ease entry into the fitting socket, and to prevent solvent cement from being pushed ahead of the pipe during the assembly process. Many chamfering tools designed for use with plastic are readily available. These tools are specifically designed to remove burrs and provide a proper bevel simultaneously.
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3. Fitting Preparation
Wipe dirt, debris, and moisture from the pipe end and fitting socket using a clean, dry rag. Moisture will slow the cure time and reduce joint strength. Inspect piping and components for damage or irregularities prior to assembly. Do not use components that appear irregular or that do not fit properly; contact the appropriate manufacturer of the product in question to determine usability. Check the dry fit of the pipe and fitting prior to assembly. The pipe should enter the fitting socket easily one-quarter to three-quarters of the way.
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4. Solvent Cement Application
USE ONLY CPVC CEMENT that conforms to ASTM F493. The use of the wrong cement can result in failure. Harvel recommends the use of IPS 713 CPVC cement, P-68 primer or IPS Low VOC one-step CPVC cement or equivalent. Two solvent cementing processes are available; the two-step solvent cement and primer process, and the one-step process. The two-step process utilizes the application of primer to the outside of the pipe and the interior fitting socket prior to applying the solvent cement. When using primer, it must be applied to both the pipe and fittings using the appropriate size applicator. A dauber or paint brush approximately half the size of the pipe diameter is appropriate. A rag must not be used. Apply primer to the fitting socket, then to the outside of the pipe end, re-dipping the applicator as necessary to ensure the entire joining surfaces are wet; apply solvent cement immediately after primer application while primed surfaces are tacky. Cement application for one- or two-step process: Apply a heavy, even coat of cement to the outside pipe end. Apply a medium coat to the fitting socket. A second application of cement should be applied to the pipe end if there was little or no interference when the dry fit was checked. Do not allow excess cement to puddle in the pipe or fitting.
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5. Assembly
Immediately insert the pipe into the fitting while rotating the pipe one-quarter turn to help distribute cement. Properly align the fitting for installation at this time. Pipe must bottom completely to the stop in the fitting. Hold the assembly for 10 to 15 seconds to ensure initial bonding. A continuous bead of cement should be evident around the pipe and fitting juncture. If the bead is not continuous, it may indicate that insufficient cement was applied. If insufficient cement is applied the fitting must be cut out, discarded and begun again. Cement in excess of the bead should be wiped off with a rag.
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6. Set and Cure Times
Assembled joints must be allowed to set and cure properly prior to testing the system. Set and cure times are a function of type of cement used, pipe size, temperature, humidity, and tightness of fit. Drying time is faster for drier environments, smaller sizes, higher temperatures and tighter fits. The assembly must be allowed to set without any stress on the joint for one to five minutes depending on the pipe size and temperature. Following the initial set period, the assembly can be handled carefully. FOLLOW THE CEMENT MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED CURE TIMES PRIOR TO PRESSURE TESTING – FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN JOINT FAILURE.
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Minimum Cure Time Prior to Testing at 150 psi with Cold Water (based on use of IPS one-step CPVC cement)
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Pipe Size (in)
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Ambient Temperature During Cure Time
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>60°F
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40°F - 60°F
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<40°F
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Note: In damp or humid weather allow 50% more cure time; test pressures above 150 psi require additional cure times. |
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