SOLVENT WELDING
Prior to commencement of 'piping up' your aquarium ensure that the pipe ends and fittings are free from cracks, dirt and any gouges. Remove any burrs with a sharp knife and bevel the outer edge of the pipe at the ends to be attached to any fittings. This prevents the solvent being wiped from the pipe and the fitting when the two are pushed togetther.
IMPORTANT: Dry fit the pipe into the socket fittings, it is worthwhile marking the pipe once it is fully 'inserted' into each fitting. This will ensure that when you come to apply the solvent you will be certain to fully insert pipe into fittings.
Take an abrasive material (emery cloth/fine sand paper), and abrade the pipe surface (up to the line you marked in your 'dry fit'), and also the inside of the socket. This will remove the shiny surface and aid the efficiency of the weld. DO NOT roughen the surfaces excessively as this will increase the clearance between the fittings and be detrimental to the fit .
Generously apply Solvent to the end of the pipe and then more liberally to the fitting socket. DO NOT leave any areas without solvent. Apply the solvent directly from the tube/tin using an appropriate brush. Apply in a lengthwise direction covering the interior of your fitting and the pipe up to the marks you made on the dry fit. AVOID excessive use of the solvent that results in too much excess being spewed out, however do use plenty to cover the whole contact area.
QUICK AND PRECISELY. The application of the solvent and fitting the pipe together must be done as quickly and precisely as possible as the solvent MUST BE WET when they are pushed together.
IMMEDIATELY join the pipe and fitting fully (to your dry fitting mark). Slightly twist the joint so as to eliminate any insertion lines which may occur in the solvent. Hold the joint for approximately one minute or until the solvent grabs. DO NOT wipe the excess solvent away. This fillet of solvent which spews out when the pieces are coupled together indicates sufficient solvent was used and the join should be leak free.
DO NOT disturb the join for 10-15 minutes, and do not test for one hour.
After approximately 8 hours, from completion of your last join, the solvent cement will have dried enough to be able to withstand the pressure of your aquarium. However, if you are able to leave for 24 hours then this is to be preferred.
SAFETY: Please avoid breathing in the solvent vapors for any period of time, It is best to work in a well-ventilated area. Recap the solvent tins and tubes after each use and keep the solvent away from any open flame. Please be certain to read all information on the labels of your solvent.
MISTAKES: Using solvent cement is usually a permanent way of fixing your pipework, once you have fit your pipework it will not come apart. This makes the 'dry fit' very important. If you do make an error then this should be cut outwith the correct fitting.
