How to add a CPVC slip coupling/elbow

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe and fittings are a popular choice for hot- and cold-water applications and are frequently used in residential plumbing projects. Whether you’re joining two new pipes or repairing a cracked one, this overview will show you how slip couplings and elbows can help you complete your DIY plumbing jobs in no time. [Photo Credit: www.istock.com/alexandrumagurean]

Time: 5 minutes + 1 hour drying time
Frequency: N/A
Difficulty: Easy
Tools: Pipe cutter, primer, CPVC cement, gloves and paper towels.

CPVC slip couplings and elbows are types of fittings used to connect different CPVC pipe sections together, or to repair damaged CPVC pipe.
They are smooth-walled and connect using solvent weld (glue) connections.
While pipes and fittings come in a range of materials including copper and PVC, CVPC is a popular choice for water applications because:

• Unlike PVC, it’s suitable for higher temperatures and can be used for both hot- and cold-water applications.
• Unlike copper, it doesn’t require soldering, is easier to install/repair and is less expensive.

Good to know!

In general, a fitting should be the same material as the pipe to which you are fitting it. For example, any piping system using both PVC and CPVC will be limited only to the temperature limit of PVC.

The two main ways pipe fittings connect are by threading or slip fitting. Metal pipes are usually threaded, while plastic pipes are threaded or slip fit.

• Threaded pipes screw together.
• Slip fit pipes use sleeves that slip into one another.

Common slip fittings include:

• Couplings. These connect two similar pipes to each other.
• Elbows. These change the direction of the pipeline. The most common angles are 90 and 45 degrees.
• Tees. These connect three pieces of piping in a T-shaped intersection, diverting water to another line.
• Reducer couplings, tees and elbows. These connect two or more pipes of different sizes.

Important!

Make sure you select pipes and fittings rated for the type of plumbing job you are doing. Always check local code requirements to make sure the materials meet current standards.

To solvent weld CPVC fittings such as a couplings, elbows and tees to CPVC pipe, follow these steps.

•  Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area. Read and follow all safety measures on the primer and solvent.
• Make sure the water supply is turned off.
• Cut out the piece of CPVC pipe to the required length. NOTE: A pipe cutter works best as it provides a clean cut each time. If you use a fine-tooth saw or a hacksaw, make sure you sand off the burrs inside and outside the ends of the pipe.
• Clean and wipe the pipe completely dry.
• Dry-fit the pipe and fitting.
• With a marker, make alignment marks on the joints. Use these marks to align the fitting and pipe when you join them with cement. (This is easier than adjusting them as the cement hardens.)
• Spread primer around the pipe end and inside the fitting to prepare it for the cement.
• Apply the CPVC cement evenly to the same surfaces, applying sparingly inside the fitting.
• Working quickly, align the pipe and fitting. Push in and twist the fitting back and forth to evenly distribute the cement and ensure a snug fit.
• Make sure the marks you made are aligned. Hold the pipe and fitting in place for about 10 seconds (or longer for large parts).
• Wait at least an hour before using the pipe so the glue has time to set.

To repair a cracked pipe using a coupling, the method is similar: 

• Cut out the piece of pipe where the damage has occurred.
• Clean and wipe the pipe completely dry.
• Mark the "top" pipe about half the length of the coupling to make sure you don’t move it up too far when gluing.
• Prime and apply cement as above.
• Pull the bottom section of the cut pipe towards you and quickly slide the coupling down the bottom half of the pipe, then up to the mark you made on the top half of the pipe.
• Twist the coupling back and forth as you move it upward to evenly distribute the cement.
• Hold it in place until the solvent sets, creating a waterproof seal. 

 
Good to know!
Make sure that the type of solvent you purchase is formulated for use with CPVC piping. There is a "one-step" CPVC cement you can use so you don’t have to first apply primer to the pipe and coupling.

When undertaking a pipe repair project, refer to this handy checklist:

• What type of CPVC fitting do you need (a coupling, an elbow, both)?
• What fitting size do you need for the pipe you're connecting or repairing? (1/2 in., 3/4 in., 1 in.)?
• What tools do you need? Do you need a pipe cutter, solvent cement?

Armed with some knowledge and a few simple tools, the DIYer can easily add a CPVC slip coupling in their home-plumbing projects.