Frequently Asked Questions
All test caps are compatible with ABS and PVC pipe materials. The Knock-Out, End-Cap and MS End-Caps can be solvent welded to ABS or PVC materials with solvent cement matching the pipe material.
Can the plastic tubular products be assembled with solvent cements instead of slip nuts/washers?
No. The polypropylene materials cannot be assembled with solvent cements, they have to be assembled with the slip nuts/washers.
Can I use pipe solvent cement to solvent weld shower pan liner together?
No. The formulas are very different and cannot be interchanged.
How do I remove Tamper Proof Lids off Cleaner and Primer cans?
We have posted a direction sheet for this process on our website in the technical bulletin and FAQ sections.
Can PVC cements be used to assemble CPVC pipe / fittings?
No. The PVC cements are too aggressive and will cause probable failure to the CPVC pipe and fittings and if it was used, the joints should be cut out and replaced. If CPVC cement was accidentally used to bond PVC joints, it would not be necessary to replace them but future joints should be assembled with correct cements.
Will using Oatey Green Transition Cement to join PVC to ABS meet plumbing codes standards?
Oatey has developed this cement specifically for this application and it is UPC and NSF listed. In saying that; we do recommend that you check with your local building officials and see if they have any restrictions on its use. The UPC and IPC codes are a minimum guidelines and each city, county or health department can set forth tougher guidelines which may prohibit the use of transition cement.
What should be done with a plumbing system that was assembled using the wrong solvent cement, i.e., CPVC cement on PVC piping, PVC cement on CPVC piping or ABS on CPVC or PVC piping?
We cannot support these applications although a semblance of a bond may exist. It is a violation of all plumbing codes to use cements not specified for use with materials it is being applied to for bonding purposes. These joints should be cut out and the approved transition fittings used to finish the application.
What is interference fit?
Interference fit is the pre assembly test you apply to the pipe and fitting. After pipe is chamfered you will dry fit the pipe into the fitting and you will want resistance between 1/3 and 1/2 way into the fitting. This will allow for a good bond when cement is applied. If there is no interference fit, you should not try to cement the pipe and fittings together.
Are Oatey cements safe to use on water lines that carry drinking (potable) water?
All Oatey PVC and CPVC solvent cements have been tested to NSF standards and are approved with use on drinking (potable) water systems.
What should I do if there is a taste and odor in the CPVC water lines shortly after installation, how can I solve these issues?
Oatey cements and primers have outside lab approval for lines that carry drinking water (NSF). The plumbing system carrying the water should be drained by first shutting the water off at the water meter, which is most commonly found in the basement on the front wall facing the street. If you have a home on slab, it should be in the mechanical room with the furnace and water heater. Open all faucet valves and allow the interior piping system to air dry overnight. This will allow most of the remaining vapors from the cement and primer to dissipate and escape, air movement is a huge plus.