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View Full Version : CPVC repair keeps breaking at a joint


Nuroc
Aug 9, 2009, 12:18 PM
I have an older trailer with CPVC tubes installed. Part of the old tubing had insulation on it that bonded with the CPVC tube.

After several attempts of repairing it, I finally was successful in installing a shut-off valve since this line is the mail line from my hot water heater (which is currently over heating and tripping the circuit breaker, but that is another problem, leak/ first.)

After many different attempts of fixing this, it is no longer the old tubing that breaks out of the coupling. My last two attempts, I waited about 5 hours and finally over 12 hours before opening the shutoff only between an eight to a quarter of the way. I did not turn my hot water heater back on.

With the 5 hour wait time, I was able to take a shower and it lasted at least another hour past that. With the 12 hour wait time, it lasted less then 30 minutes before popping off again.

I am using the correct cleaner and glue as verified by staff from Lowe's.

I know I deburred the edge and applied both the cleaner and glue to both parts. I do not recall if I sanded the inside of the coupling or the outside of the tube.

I did find out that in my town the water pressure can be between 50 psi or as high as 110 psi. I have not tested it, other then only opening the shutoff valve a little bit.

This is driving me crazy, I have been working on this of well over a week.

speedball1
Aug 9, 2009, 01:53 PM
I am using the correct cleaner and glue as verified by staff from Lowe's.
That might be poart of the problem right there. Big box salesmen aren't plumbers. What did they tell you?

I know I deburred the edge and applied both the cleaner and glue to both parts. I do not recall if I sanded the inside of the coupling or the outside of the tube.
Sand? Deburr? You are gluing two pieces of CPVC and not CPVC to copper aren't you?

With the 5 hour wait time, I was able to take a shower and it lasted at least another hour past that. With the 12 hour wait time, it lasted less then 30 minutes before popping off again. I'm completely confused! 15 minutes to a half hour is all the time it takes for PVC and CPVC joints to set up for use.

Please take me through, step by step, your priming and gluing procedure.
I'm missing something here. What is it? Regards, Tom

Milo Dolezal
Aug 9, 2009, 05:09 PM
Clean pipe and fitting with sand cloth. Make sure pipe and fittings are not wet. Water repels glue. As Tom said, you should be able to turn water ON in 15 minutes...

hkstroud
Aug 9, 2009, 05:55 PM
An excessive amount of glue makes weak joints. Get a pressure gauge and find out what your water pressure is.