Need some tips on heat-welding PVC

[scott.cr]

Hi guys,

Been looking at a project involving heat-welding PVC pipes carrying potable water. The pipes will be located in hard-to reach places. I've considered that perhaps I can remove less drywall by heat-welding the PVC together. PVC welding rods are cheap and readily available, however, the hot air tool seems a bit hard to find. Is there something special about this tool or do people just use heat guns?

 

[adamlau]

I have seen contractors use Seelye hot air welding guns. Not your average shrink tube heat gun. Any reason why standard CPVC, couplings and solvent welding cannot be used?

 

[BIGIRON]

Any reason you can't use PVC cement? I've never tried (or felt the need) to weld PVC pipe, but I've cemented miles of it. Cementing's got to be way easier.

Unless you just want to weld some PVC. And I can understand that. Actually, I might like to try it. Look good on the resume.

 

[Wok]

Try looking here
http://www.leisterusa.com/en/index.html
Plastic welding is tricky, need to match the chemistry of the two parts as well as the rods [differing melting points]
Isn't the adhesive for potable water different to the normal downpipe stuff?

 

[adamlau]

If by downpipe you mean ABS drain and sanitation pipe, then yes. Potable water is usually carried via PVC where PVC cement is used for solvent welding and ABS cement for ABS.

 

[Wok]

Thanks for that. I think in Oz the gutter downpipes + sewage stuff are PVC.

If by downpipe you mean ABS drain and sanitation pipe, then yes. Potable water is usually carried via PVC where PVC cement is used for solvent welding and ABS cement for ABS.