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Author:
whodey (OH)
That is the question.
At my local big box, the guy said to use the purple stuff to clean/prime pvc and cpvc. I'm only a DIYer, but I've never used the stuff. Ever. I've always used the clear cleaner and a quick wipe with a towel without ever having a problem. Have I been breaking the rules? This guy claims that it's one or the other and the purple is for pvc. I show him the cans where both say pvc and cpvc and he gives me a "I don't know. That's what they tell me." So I figure why not ask the guys who really know.
Purple, clear, or maybe even both?
--whodey
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Author:
wrbriggs (VT)
I thought I had just seen a discussion on this; lo and behold, [@#$%&[www.plbg.com]]here it is[/url].
EDIT: You'll have to scroll down a bit, as the initial discussion is more related to the level of knowledge you find at the big box stores.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
e-plumber (NY)
"I've always used the clear cleaner and a quick wipe with a towel without ever having a problem. Have I been breaking the rules?"
Kind of...why the quick wipe?
Whether to use purple primer or not would really depend on the code requirements in your area, here we use clear but the work can look neat if done with either.
*Is it possible that the aisle worker at the big box actually knows the code
e-plumber
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Author:
ericsandstone (TX)
Probably does not want it to spill all over just prior to push on and glue. I've been told that the primer should be in a tacky state (instead of dry) when you apply the glue.
Code seems to state that you should not have a puddle of primer in the socket during the glue in step.
6/5/8, 4:04pm
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Author:
packy (MA)
there is a difference between cleaner and cleaner/primer. we must use the primer variety.
any instructions i have read say to apply the cement while the primed pipe is still damp.
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Author:
plumberj.d. (MD)
i believe the only reason we use purple is code required so the inspector can see that you did prime your pipe and fittings
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
I have seen mechanics pour a little primer,purple.Into the glue.Glad I don't have to follow around after them.Have enough failures due to things beyond are control,don't need the dumb stuff.Good Luck.If your buying gold bond cpvc.Call the factory .There tech,In class said no,primer is better.Of course if your buying from the big box ???
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Author:
whodey (OH)
Good responses. Thanks.
It must be a code thing for the inspecter to see the primer. Looking at the bottom line on the cans...
Oatey for cpvc or pvc or abs - clear
Cleaner
Contains: Methyl Ethyl Ketone 78-93-3, Tetrahydrofuran 109-99-9, Cyclohexanone 108-94-1 and Acetone 67-64-1.
Oatey for pvc, cpvc
Purple Primer
Contains: Methyl Ethyl Ketone 78-93-3, Cyclohexanone 108-94-1, Tetrahydrofuran 109-99-9, Acetone 67-64-1.
So it is apparently the same except the purple stuff "will stain most materials and surfaces" according to the can.
Back to the quick wipe on my part. That was just to remove any dirt or ink on the pipe that might contaminate the joint. I don't recall whether I reprimed after wiping, but I certainly didn't take the time to wipe it completely dry.
--whodey
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Author:
PlumberManDan (IA)
CLEANER is exactly that CLEANER It is NOT PRIMER.....
It is designed to remove the gunk and grime on the exterior of the pipe.
Primer is designed to start the solvent welding process It SHOULD NEVER BE WIPED OFF, If the pipe has that much stuff on the OD of the pipe, you should have wiped it off prior to applying the PRIMER, There is a CLEAR PRIMER on the market, it is labeled as such it is not labeled as Cleaner it is labeled as CLEAR PRIMER. There is a difference.
PlumbCat TM 2003
Plumbermandan
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Primer softens the surface to make it more receptive to the glue. Unless your cleaner states it is a primer, (and if so, why are you wiping it off), then it is not the proper last step before applying the cement to both surfaces.
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Author:
whodey (OH)
Found the following on Oatey's website in the FAQs.
1. What is the difference between pipe cleaner, primer / cleaner and primer?
All pipe surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with pipe cleaner. The cleaner is formulated to remove surface dirt and any oil or grease that exists on the pipe from the manufacturing process. Primer/cleaner and primer contain more aggressive solvents and will soften the pipe surface to allow the solvent cement to penetrate more effectively. Primer is often required by plumbing code and sometimes a purple colored primer (purple primer) is needed.
9. Should primer or primer/cleaner be allowed to dry before applying solvent cement?
Because the primers will soften the pipe surface, it is important to apply solvent cement to the pipe and fittings while the primer is still wet to achieve maximum bond strength.
10. How can purple primer stains be removed?
The pigments or dyes in Oatey Purple Primer and Oatey Purple Primer/Cleaner are permanent. Depending on the type of material stained, its porosity and the length of time the stain has set, it may be possible to remove or lighten the stain. We recommend blotting a clean, dry towel with Oatey Clear Cleaner to attempt to remove the stain. It may not be possible to remove the colorant from particular fabrics or surfaces. The finish and/or color of certain fabrics or materials may be dulled or discolored when in contact with solvents in Oatey Clear Cleaner. You may want to try the cleaner on an inconspicuous spot before using on the stained area. Please use our purple primers and colored cements with caution.
Also on the cans:
Oatey cleaner with dauber for ABS, PVC and CPVC pipe and fittings.
Directions: Do not breathe vapors. Yadda yadda yadda... wear rubber gloves.
1. Square pipe ends...
2. Check dry fit...
3. Use the dauber applicator to apply the cleaner on the pipe and inside of the socket.
4. Use appropriate solvent cement for pipe being joined. Oatey Cleaner may be used on ABS, PVC, and CPVC plastic pipe. Use sparingly on ABS pipe and fittings.
(Now for the purple primer)
For priming PVC or CPVC pipe and fittings in preparation for solvent welding.
Directions: Do not breathe vapors. Yadda yadda yadda... wear rubber gloves. Handle with care! Will stain most materials and surfaces.
1. Square pipe ends...
2. Check dry fit...
3. Use the dauber applicator to coat thoroughly the outside surface of the pipe to the depth of the fitting and inside of the fitting socket.
4. Use the appropriate solvent cement for the pipe being joined.
So from all this info found in your responses, the Oatey cans and website, I think that the cleaner and primer are essentially the same thing. The chemical contents listed on the can are exactly the same. The purple primer is said to be a stronger solvent, but interestingly is not mentioned as a step prior to cementing on the cleaner can and no mention of the cleaner on the primer can. I think I will use them as the names imply though. I will clean with the cleaner and prime with the purple primer just before cementing.
--whodey
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
And ABS does not use a primer.
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
Sorry do not clean or prime gold bond.
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Author:
PlumberManDan (IA)
What YOU THINK and WHAT is PROVEN is 2 TOTALLY different thngs. You asked we responded and still you will do it the way you had originally planned, Good Luck, It will work BUT will it work for a duration of time that neither you nor I will care about. I have replaced MANY Ill-fitted, Improperly prepared PVC joints.
PlumbCat TM 2003
Plumbermandan
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