What do you use to join PVC with ABS Bulkheads

[PedroYoung]

I'm wondering what everyone else uses for joining PVC piping with ABS bulkheads.
@revhtree

 

[Joe bauman]

Clear pvc cement and clear primer

 

[Pntbll687]

On my nano, I used Teflon tape and silicone. Water tight seal, and I can take it apart if absolutely necessary.

 

[Water Dog]

PVC cement, no primer. The primer is for PVC only, not ABS. My understanding is the primer can damage ABS. This was discussed at length in one of the Synergy Reef Shadow overflow threads where they discussed plumbing and how primer would damage the Shadow overflow, which is made out of ABS. So I assume this would also hold true for ABS bulkheads.

 

[ca1ore]

I believe there is a transition cement for PVC to ABS (in a green can if memory serves). It's unnecessary though, as a standard medium bodied PVC solvent works just fine. I've never had on fail, though I do always support any piping that comes down out of a bulkhead.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I’ve used regular medium duty PVC cement several times with no problems, but I found out about the green transition cement when building my pond so I use that now, mostly because I already have a can.

 

[hwntunda]

Weldon 794 abs-pvc

 

[CC13]

Another important point to mention, when solvent welding, you should always taper/chamfer the pipe to allow for the primer and glue to remain in the bottom of the joint when you put the fitting and pipe together. It prevents the glue from being pushed out and creates an incredibly strong weld.

You should always use primer. It starts a chemical reaction that softens the PVC up to accept the glue, creating more of a weld similar to welding steel. You don't need a drill operated version, they have handheld ones that are not expensive.

 

[pickupman66]

anytime I attached to a bulkhead It is ALWAYS threaded. IMO it is safer this way Threaded fitting goes onto the exterior of the bulkhead with teflon tape. Glue PVC to this fitting. it makes it much easier to redo things if necessary.

 

[madweazl]

anytime I attached to a bulkhead It is ALWAYS threaded. IMO it is safer this way Threaded fitting goes onto the exterior of the bulkhead with teflon tape. Glue PVC to this fitting. it makes it much easier to redo things if necessary.

The Teflon tape puts additional pressure on the fitting(s) and can cause cracks; use a thread sealant for non-metal threaded fittings.

 

[CC13]

anytime I attached to a bulkhead It is ALWAYS threaded. IMO it is safer this way Threaded fitting goes onto the exterior of the bulkhead with teflon tape. Glue PVC to this fitting. it makes it much easier to redo things if necessary.

I agree with this for bulkheads especially.

 

[CC13]

The Teflon tape puts additional pressure on the fitting(s) and can cause cracks; use a thread sealant for non-metal threaded fittings.

I don't think this is accurate. Both tape and paste are an approved method of sealing water pipes and fittings by building code in the US. Some applications can't use paste, some can't use Teflon tape, but not because of the fittings cracking.

A lot of plumbers use both tape and paste together. The paste keeps the Teflon lubricated and it lasts far longer.

 

[Water Dog]

While we’re on the subject of Teflon tape vs paste... for PVC fittings use paste, for metal fittings use tape.

 

[madweazl]

I don't think this is accurate. Both tape and paste are an approved method of sealing water pipes and fittings by building code in the US. Some applications can't use paste, some can't use Teflon tape, but not because of the fittings cracking.

A lot of plumbers use both tape and paste together. The paste keeps the Teflon lubricated and it lasts far longer.

If they're using either on PVC in your home/business, find a different plumber.

 

[CC13]

While we’re on the subject of Teflon tape vs paste... for PVC fittings use paste, for metal fittings use tape.

Again, both are acceptable and designed for sealing threaded pipe.

Nobody uses metal fittings on a reef aquarium.

If they're using either on PVC in your home/business, find a different plumber.

I take it your a licensed plumber?

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

anytime I attached to a bulkhead It is ALWAYS threaded. IMO it is safer this way Threaded fitting goes onto the exterior of the bulkhead with teflon tape. Glue PVC to this fitting. it makes it much easier to redo things if necessary.

I avoid threaded fittings anywhere in my system like the plague. Any time I have ever had an issue with plumbing in the last 15 years it’s due to a threaded fitting. Too tight, not tight enough, paste vs tape (as currently being discussed above)... I’ve cracked pump volutes, had fittings split months after installation, followed instructional videos about what kind of paste to use and how to apply it, still end up with drip leaks... it’s just not worth it to me. A kindergartner can put PVC together using cement, I’ve broken every rule, done it wet, skipped primer, given no drying time, used goopy half dried cement several years old, I don’t sand or chamfer the pipe I just bang it against my shoe to knock off the loose shavings... I have never ever had an issue with a cemented connection.

 

[CC13]

paste vs tape (as currently being discussed above)... .

LOL It's a mystery maybe never to be solved.

 

[madweazl]

Again, both are acceptable and designed for sealing threaded pipe.

Nobody uses metal fittings on a reef aquarium.



I take it your a licensed plumber?

I stayed at a Holiday Inn! For the state of VA, schedule 80 (and heavier) can be threaded and approved tape is permitted (reducing pressure rating by 50%). Some additional printed info for anyone interested.

Edit: rating decrease from the threading, not the tape.

 

[CC13]

I stayed at a Holiday Inn! For the state of VA, schedule 80 (and heavier) can be threaded and approved tape is permitted (reducing pressure rating by 50%). Some additional printed info for anyone interested.

Edit: rating decrease from the threading, not the tape.

LOL I knew someone was going to post that link..... someone always does. I can tell you, that Lasgo is wrong. If you don't believe me, call a local licensed plumbing company and just ask out of curiosity.

BMW told me when I bought my car that if I used anything outside BMW engine oil from the dealership specifically the engine and turbo's wouldn't last...... I used Mobil 1 synthestic and it now has just over 300k on it. Sometimes a manufacture has a bias for a reason to say one way or another.

Again, you can use both plastic tape and paste just the same. They both seal threaded pipe. Manufactures wouldn't advertise that it 'seals threaded plastic pipe' if it did not. If they were lying, by now, they would be out of business from all the lawsuits.

https://www.rectorseal.com/rectorseal-ptfe-tape/

https://www.rectorseal.com/web-media/SDS_Rectorseal-PTFE-Tape.pdf

 

[madweazl]

Here's VA state code. If you want to use another manufacturer to refute, by all means, continue.

Pages 6-6 through 6-8 cover ABS and PVC.