Installing Slip Unions - Getting Primer and Cement in Collar Threads

[Patrick Cox]

Hello,
I am having to re-plumb my 6 year old tank and I am having a concern about my slip unions. I keep getting Primer and Cement that is dripping down into the threads of the union collar. Even if I turn the fitting upside down so the cement drips away from the union collar, when I fully insert the PVC into the union, the cement squirts up into the collar. I then try to wipe the threads clean but there is still some cement left in the threads. Should I be concerned about this? Any tricks for a cleaner installation?

Thanks!

 

[dmsc2fs]

You can try putting the cement onto the pipe only and rotate the pipe as it slides into the collar. This should push the excess cement out and down from the joint.

 

[Patrick Cox]

You can try putting the cement onto the pipe only and rotate the pipe as it slides into the collar. This should push the excess cement out and down from the joint.

OK, yes, makes sense. I installed the pipe into the bulkhead before installing the union and I think I should install the union first without the collar as you suggest, then once dry, put on the collar and install onto the bulkhead. Duh! Thanks!

 

[JGT]

OK, yes, makes sense. I installed the pipe into the bulkhead before installing the union and I think I should install the union first without the collar as you suggest, then once dry, put on the collar and install onto the bulkhead. Duh! Thanks!

Yes, just don’t forget to put the collar on before cementing into the bulkhead. I guarantee you many of us, including me , have done that.

 

[homer1475]

Yes, just don’t forget to put the collar on before cementing into the bulkhead. I guarantee you many of us, including me , have done that.

Yup....

Been there done that more times then I would like to admit.

 

[Patrick Cox]

Yes, just don’t forget to put the collar on before cementing into the bulkhead. I guarantee you many of us, including me , have done that.

OMG, I have wasted probably $40 on fittings this go around from making bonehead plumbing mistakes like this! That's what happens when you only do this one every 6 years. LOL