Tools and Materials
Tools
- PVC Pipe Cutter
- Wheel-Type Cutter for Plastic Pipe
- Hack Saw
- Eye Protection
- Respirator
- Miter Saw With Carbide-Tipped Blade (Optional)
- Reciprocating Saw With Carbide-Tipped Blade (Optional)
- Cutoff Saw With Carbide-Tipped Blade (Optional)
- File
- Deburring Tool
- Primer and Cement Applicators (Often With Primer or Cement)
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
What Are ABS, PVC and CPVC Pipes?
It’s helpful to understand different types of plastic pipes and their uses.
- ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipe is a black pipe designed for use as drain pipe or venting in non-pressure applications.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe is a white pipe that is common in residential home drain lines and vent lines. PVC works in pressure and non-pressure applications and is more common for indoor use than ABS.
- CPVC (copper polyvinyl chloride) pipe is suitable for pressure applications with hot or cold potable water (drinking water).
Individual pipes have markings that indicate factors such as type, rating and diameter. See our pipe guide for more details on pipe types and applications.
Pipe primer and solvent cement must be suitable for the pipe material and conform to the appropriate ASTM standard for the piping system. All-purpose cement isn’t recommended. Check local code requirements. Many cements are only for certain types of pipe. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the proper use. If you have a nonstandard use case, contact the manufacturer.
Joining ABS, PVC or CPVC Pipes
Note that joining larger-diameter piping systems, particularly for pressurized applications, requires a high degree of skill. The proper installation technique is critical. If you’re working with pipe that’s 6 inches in diameter or larger, it’s a good idea to have a helper or two. You need to work quickly with primer and cement and it might be difficult to push the fitting onto the pipe. Helpers make the work quicker and easier.
We’ve got basic steps for joining standard PVC, CPVC or ABS pipe to fittings of the same material. The process is similar for each and we note when steps are different. Check your local codes if you’re attempting to join different materials.
While connecting pipe is a relatively simple project, plumbing work might require a permit and inspection. Some work requires a licensed plumber. Follow all codes that apply to your work.
Step 1: Cut the Pipe and Prep It for Joining
Cut the pipe square so it fits square at the base of the fitting hub. An angled cut may result in joint failure. If the pipe end shows any sign of damage or cracking, cut off at least 2 inches of pipe beyond any visible damage. For large pipe diameters, a power saw is helpful.
Remove all pipe burrs from the inside and outside diameter of the pipe with a knife-edge, file or deburring tool. Then bevel or chamfer the pipe by 10 to 15 degrees. Clean and dry the pipe and pipe fitting to remove surface dirt, grease or moisture. If you’re working with existing pipe, you might need a pipe cleaning solution.
For a pipe 6 inches in diameter and larger, mark around the pipe at the depth the pipe inserts into the fitting and mark two inches beyond this fitting hub depth. Make sure the marks are square to the pipe.
Dry fit the pipe — attach it to the fitting without cement — to ensure a good connection. With light pressure the pipe should go 1/2 to 1/3 of the way into the fitting hub. Don’t force the pipe too far into the fitting. Don’t use pipe and fittings that are too tight or too loose.
Step 2: Prime the CPVC or PVC Fitting and Pipe
If you’re joining PVC or CPVC pipe and fittings, you need to apply primer. When applying the primer, work it aggressively into the fitting and pipe surfaces.
Use an applicator to apply the primer around the inside of the fitting socket. The applicator should be 1/2 the pipe or fitting diameter. Dip the applicator back into the primer and then coat the outer surface of the PVC or CPVC pipe end with primer to a point 1/2 of an inch beyond the fitting hub depth. Dip the applicator back into the primer and apply a second coat to the fitting socket. More applications of primer may be necessary in cold weather.
Once you’ve primed the surfaces, remove all puddles of excess primer from the fitting socket.
Don’t use primer for ABS pipes and fittings.
Step 3: Apply the Pipe Cement
You need to work quickly and apply cement while the primer is still wet. As with the primer, you need to work the cement into the surfaces vigorously. Stir or shake the cement prior to use. Apply a full, even coat of cement around the pipe end. Apply the cement to a point about 1/2 of an inch beyond the fitting hub depth.
Apply a medium layer of cement to the fitting socket and finally, a second full coat of cement to the pipe surface. As with the primer, don’t let the cement puddle.
Step 4: Attach the Pipe and Fitting
Join the pipe and fitting quickly, before the cement dries. If the cement hardens, cut the pipe, dispose of the fitting and start over. Insert the pipe into the fitting hub, giving a quarter turn as you do so to ensure an even distribution of cement within the joint. Don’t turn the pipe after it touches the bottom of the socket.
Once the pipe contacts the socket bottom, hold the pipe and fitting together until the pipe is secure and doesn’t back out. Allow the joint to cure prior to hydrostatic testing. Follow the cement manufacturer's recommendations for set and cure times.
Large-diameter pipes and fittings might require a lot of force to join. You might need a pipe-pulling tool to insert the pipe fully into the fitting.
Step 5: Clean and Check the Joint
Remove excess cement from the exterior with a clean cloth. A properly made joint shows a continuous bead of cement around the perimeter. If a void or space appears around the perimeter, the joint might fail.
Align all piping system components properly and without straining them. Don’t bend or pull the pipe into position after you’ve joined it with cement.
Precautions for Using Pipe Primer and Cement
Primers and cements are extremely flammable and may be explosive. Ignition of the solvent vapors caused by spark or flame may result in injury or death from explosion or fire. Don’t store or use primers or cements near heat or an open flame, as death or serious injury may occur. We have safety tips below, but follow all safety instructions for the materials you’re using:
- Solvent fumes created during the joining process are heavier than air and may be trapped in newly installed piping systems.
- Read and follow all manufacturers' warnings and safety instructions for primers and cements.
- Wear any safety gear the manufacturer specifies.
- Provide adequate ventilation to reduce fire hazard and minimize inhalation of primer and solvent vapors.
- Follow the manufacturer guidelines and local regulations if you need to dispose of primer, cement or any other chemicals.
FAQ for Installing Plastic Pipes
The answers to these questions about attaching PVC pipe, CPVC pipe and ABS pipe to fittings can help you complete your project.
What Is ABS Pipework?
ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene pipe is a type of plastic pipe plumbers use in drainage, waste and vent (DWV) applications. ABS pipe is black and easy to distinguish from white PVC pipe though plumbers use them in similar applications. ABS is less flexible than PVC, but is stronger and is useful for outdoor underground applications out of sunlight. Joining ABS pipe and ABS fittings doesn’t require primer.
Can You Connect PVC to ABS?
It’s not a good idea to mix PVC and ABS in a plumbing system. If your local plumbing code allows connecting PVC to ABS, you might need to use a metal pipe sleeve rather than cement or you might need to use a specific type of cement. Check the plumbing code in your area for information about connecting PVC to ABS.
How Do You Assemble PVC Pipe?
You can assemble PVC pipe by connecting the individual pipes to PVC fittings. Prime the fitting and pipe, apply PVC cement and connect the pipe to a fitting before the cement sets. Follow the primer and cement instructions for specifics on how to assemble PVC pipe. Continue the process to connect the next piece of pipe to the fitting and to the next fitting, etc. The primer and cement soften the PVC of the pipe and fitting. As the cement sets, the PVC hardens, fusing the pipe and fitting together.
How Long Does Pipe Cement Last?
In general, PVC and ABS cements and primers have a shelf life of about three years from the manufacture date. Most CPVC cements and primers have a shelf life of approximately two years from the manufacture date. Shelf life assumes you haven’t opened the container and the time period can vary greatly by brand. Always read the instructions and take into consideration how long a product will remain shelf stable before purchasing it. If you’re unsure that you’ll use all of the product in time, you may want to purchase a smaller amount if possible.
How Do You Know the Manufacture Date of Pipe Cement?
If a product doesn’t seem to have an expiration date, you can sometimes tell the manufacture date by looking on the bottom of the container for a date code. There may be a five-digit date code in Julian format, where the first two digits represent the year the product was made and the last three digits represent the day of the year, formatted as the number of days since the beginning of the year. For example, if a product was manufactured on February 14, 2025, the Julian equivalent would be 25045. In this example, 25 stands for 2025, while 045 stands for February 14, or 45 days after January. 1.