HILL COUNTRY, TEXAS — Colin Curry, the skilled owner and master plumber at Hill Country Plumbing, began his career as an apprentice in 2001 and, after working his way up to master plumber, took ownership of the company in 2010. Based south of Austin, he specializes primarily in residential service work.
Curry has long been a user of the trusted Oatey brand. He notes, “Ever since I got into plumbing, Oatey has been a staple for me, whether it’s putty, glue, or P-traps. In our warehouse, which spans about 3,000 square feet, you can find Oatey products on nearly every shelf.”
Curry recently faced a challenging plumbing situation involving a water system for 15 houses in a residential area. The system requires water to be pumped up 200 feet and over a 1,000-foot run to reach the houses on the top of the hill. This layout resulted in a higher-than-normal pressure range from 95 to 160 psi (pound per square inch), which subsequently caused a PVC ball valve to split.
Curry was able to replace the joints, but while replacing the last 90-degree joint between the ball valve and check valve, the connections kept breaking before the cement would set. Curry tried various products, but none could withstand the conditions.
“After experimenting with products from one of Oatey’s competitors, and then attempting an industrial gray glue with medium body and high strength, only to have it fail twice, I decided to try Rain-R-Shine,” says Curry. “About 45 minutes after setting the cement, I pressurized the system to 95 psi and the Rain-R-Shine solution proved to be the winner. It was a satisfying conclusion.”
Rain-R-Shine® Medium Blue PVC Cement is formulated for wet conditions and quick pressurization. This blue, medium-bodied, fast-set cement was the ideal solution for his high-pressure plumbing challenge.
Curry noticed an immediate improvement in the application process, adding: “Its consistency is superior to other glues, which tend to clump up when exposed to moisture during application. Rain-R-Shine cement maintains a smooth application without balling up, even under wet conditions.”
As noted above, after waiting 45 minutes to let it set, Curry pressurized the system to 95 psi, and it held beautifully without any leaks. This reliability alleviated his concerns and allowed him to complete the job more efficiently. Without this solution, Curry would have had to stay at the job site much longer than anticipated.
Due to his positive experience, Curry has decided to keep Rain-R-Shine on all his plumbing trucks. “Our company prioritizes quality over cost,” he says. “If something costs more or is harder to obtain but does a better job, we’ll bring it in, whether we have to order online or source it from another town. We’re committed to quality.”
Oatey® Rain-R-Shine® Medium Blue PVC Cement has proven to be a game-changer for Colin Curry and Hill Country Plumbing. It resolved persistent joint leaks and high-pressure issues, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Curry’s experience underscores the reliability and effectiveness of Oatey products, making them a trusted choice for plumbing professionals.
