If the PVC pipe doesn’t align or seat properly on the fitting socket, there is a risk of potential leakages in the pipeline. That’s why you must check if the pipe has reached the expected distance into the connector whole joining them.
But how far does PVC pipe go into fitting? The pipe can generally cross a distance equal to its diameter through any fitting or pipe connector. A ridge after that particular distance in every fitting will stop the pipe from moving further.
Throughout this article, we will enlighten you about the expected distance that a pipe can cross into the fitting and the consequences of its exceptions. Here, you will understand multiple factors regarding the pipe and pipe connector. So, let’s go through the article.
How Far Does PVC Pipe Go Into Fitting?
The depth till which the pipe can go into the pipe connector will vary from pipe to pipe. Generally, in every connector, there will be a detent until which the pipe can enter. This detent or hub stops the further movement of the pipe into the fittings.
Typically, you need to consider the diameter of the pipe while choosing the connectors. The inner diameter of the connectors should be adequate to accommodate the pipe’s outer diameter.
If you pick the connector appropriately, the pipe can cross a distance equivalent to the pipe’s diameter into that connector. In easy words, if you are working with a 1-¼” pipe, it will cross a 1-¼” distance into the connector.
Similarly, if you are working with any ¾, 1″, or 1-½” inch pipes, they will go respectively 3/2″,1″, and 1-½” inches into the fittings. In their respective connectors, their ridge will be at those distances to restrict the further entry of the pipe.
What If PVC Pipe Doesn’t Enter Till The Expected Distance?
For creating a tight and robust seal, the pipes need to enter their expected distance into the connectors. If the pipe doesn’t seat accurately due to any mistakes while the alignment, there will be issues like:
- This inaccuracy can reduce the pressure-bearing ability of the pipe
- Under extreme conditions like high temperature or pressure, the misalignments will generate a weak and vulnerable point for the pipe. As a result, many catastrophic and costly leaks will take place
- If the pipe doesn’t fit well into the gas supply line fitting, leakages can cause potential fire hazards
- When the pipe is used for water supply, it can increase the water bill. Besides, this water leak can be responsible for mold growth and various health issues
Considerations While Choosing The PVC Pipe For Fitting
You must measure the pipe appropriately before coupling them, ensuring a successful joint. Here are some considerations regarding this:
- You can check the hub depth by inserting the pipe into the connector till the ridge; then, mark the pipe at the fitting entrance. But if you push the pipe hard, it may get stuck into the connector and won’t come out
- For measuring the distance of the hub, use a measuring tape rather than a dry fitting
- Insert the measuring tape until the ridge of the fitting and measure from the other end of the tape
- You need to check the outer diameter of the pipe properly to select an appropriate fitting for that pipe. Most importantly, the inner diameter of the fitting must have to be larger or adequate for fitting the pipe’s inner diameter
- Generally, 1″ or lower than 1″ pipes are not suitable for heavy-duty applications. So, pick the PVC pipe accordingly
Check this YouTube Video for getting proper idea about the measurements’ consideration:
How To Assemble The PVC Pipe Into The Fitting?
There are both permanent and temporary methods of assembling the pipe into the pipe connector. Let’s know about these in detail:
1. Permanent Method: Cementing Method
The principle of this method is a PVC solvent will melt the surfaces of the pipe and connector and weld them together. As a result, this method will fuse the two components permanently. Here is the step-by-step process of the method:
Step1: Cutting Pipe
Cut the pipe square with any pipe cutter, miter box, hand saw or power saw. If you cut the pipe at an angle, it won’t be able to seal tightly within the connector.
Step 2: Deburring
After cutting the pipe, you will notice burrs at the edge of the pipe. You must remove these burrs as it’s difficult to insert the pipe into the connector with them. Thus, use any deburring tool to remove them gently.
Step 3:Dry Fitting
It is the process of assembling the pipe into the connector without any cement. If the fit is too tight, there is a possibility that the pipe won’t be able to reach the expected distance. In this case, only proceed with the fit if the pipe can reach the ridge; and also not too tight or loose.
Step 4: Priming
Choose an applicator and apply the primer on the outer and inner surfaces of the pipe and fittings, respectively. Firstly, apply the primer on the fitting surface until the ridge. Then, apply it on the pipe surface until the length goes into the connector.
Step 5: Cementing
Apply the cement within 10 seconds of the application of the primer. Otherwise, the primer will get dry and inactive. You need to apply the PVC cement on similar surfaces to the primer applications.
Step 6: Joining
Now, push the pipe into the connector slowly while making a ¼ turn. As a result, the cement will spread uniformly and will fill the gaps between them.
Step 7: Holding
Hold the connections for almost 30 seconds to ensure a robust bond. Within this period, you can make slight corrections to the alignment.
Step 8: Curing
You need to give the new joint some time to cure and get hard before putting it to use. This period will vary according to the cement manufacturers’ recommendations.
2. Temporary Method: Fastener Method
This is a temporary method and is only applicable to external joints. Let’s see the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Insert the pipe into the fitting and make sure they align well
Step 2: Use a drill to make a pilot hole halfway of their attaching length
Step 3: Install a threaded screw through the hole. If this screw is unable to hold the pipe and fit together, you should install more screws
FAQs
In this FAQs section, we will answer a few familiar questions about the PVC pipe and fittings.
Yes. But the cement will not set well on the pipe if the surface is slippery. Thus, make sure the surface is free of oil and grease before applying the cement to it.
Using the primer and cement will help ensure a watertight and airtight seal between the pipe and fittings. But without using them, there will be a significant risk of leaks and loose joints.
Once you have glued the pipe and socket, you can’t fix the mistake. In this case, you need to restart the alignment process with new pieces of pipe and fittings.
Conclusion
To ensure the proper connection between the fitting and PVC pipe, you must be accurate with all measurements. Besides, if the pipe can’t reach up to the expected distance into the connector, it will create leaks. But how far does PVC pipe go into fitting?
Normally, it will depend on the diameter of the pipe. So, check the nominal diameter of the pipe; that will be the distance it can cross into the connector. We also provided a process of aligning the pipe and fitting; follow them step-by-step to get a successful result.