Why do plumbers use purple primer on PVC?

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asked Nov 30, 2022 in Maintenance/Repairs by RJaueze (1,180 points)
Why do plumbers use purple primer on PVC?

2 Answers

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answered Dec 10, 2022 by Take8seat (21,020 points)
Plumbers use purple primer on PVC as it cleans the pipes and fittings of dirt, oil, grease or other foreign matter that can make it difficult for the PVC cement to bond the fitting and pipe together.

The Purple primer when used on PVC pipe also softens the plastic of the pipe so that it bonds together easier as well.

Before turning on the water you should allow the PVC glue to dry and cure for at least 2 hours.

It takes at least 15 minutes for the PVC glue to get a good bond with the pipe and fittings but for full strength it takes up to 2 hours.

So you should always wait until 2 hours have passed before you pressurize the water system and turn the water on because turning the water on too soon could cause the pipes and fittings to come apart.

The PVC glue melts the pipe and fittings together through a chemical reaction.

It does not glue the pipe like normal glue but instead melts the pipes together to form the bond and it can take 2 hours for the reaction to fully work and create a good permanent strong bond.

Also when putting the pipe and fittings together make sure to twist the pipes and fittings back and forth and hold them together for about a minute.

Holding the pipe and fittings together helps keep the pipes and fittings from pushing apart.
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answered Jul 18, 2023 by 15thgear (19,630 points)
The primer on PVC pipes cleans the pipes and makes it easier for the PVC pipes to bond together as it also softens the plastic of the PVC pipes.

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