Set & Cure Times

Note: The following set and cure times are average times based on the use of IPS Weld-On P-70 Primer and IPS Weld-On #717 and/or IPS Weld-On #719 Solvent cements as applicable for joining Schedule 40 & Schedule 80 PVC Piping, and the use of IPS Weld-On #714 as applicable for joining Schedule 40 & Schedule 80 CPVC Piping. Actual set and cure times are dependent on the pipe material and solvent cement system utilized, pipe size, temperature, relative humidity, pressure and tightness of fit.

Set Time: The initial set times shown below are the recommended waiting periods before handling newly as sembled joints. After initial set, the joints will withstand the stresses of normal installation. (A badly misaligned installa tion will cause excessive stresses in the joint, pipe and fittings.

 

Average Set Times
Temperature Range Pipe Sizes
1/2 to 1 1/4		 Pipe Sizes
1 1/2 to 2		 Pipe Sizes
2 1/2 to 8		 Pipe Sizes
10" to 15"		 Pipe Sizes
16" to 24
60° - 100°F
40° - 60°F
0° - 40°F		 2 Min.
5 Min.
10 Min.		 5 Min.
10 Min.
15 Min.		 30 Min.
2 Hrs.
12 Hrs.		 2 Hrs.
8 Hrs.
24 Hrs.		 4 Hrs.
16 Hrs.
48 Hrs.

 

Cure Time: The cure time is the recommended waiting period before pressurizing newly assembled joints. These times depend on type of cement used, pipe size, fit, temperature, humidity and pressure. Follow appropriate cure times carefully. Allow longer cure periods for high humidity and/or cold weather - consult solvent cement manufacturer.

 

Average Cure Times
Relative Humidity
60% or Less*		 Pipe Sizes
1/2 to 1 1/4		 Pipe Sizes
1 1/2 to 2		 Pipe Sizes
2 1/2" to 8"		 Pipe Sizes
10" to 15"		 Pipe Sizes
16" to 24"
Temperature Range During Assembly and Cure Periods Up to 160 psi Above 160 to 370 psi Up to 160 psi Above 160 to 315 psi Up to 160 psi Above 160 to 315 psi Up to 100 psi Up to 100 psi
60° - 100° F 15 Min. 6 Hrs. 30 Min. 12 Hrs. 1 1/2 Hrs. 24 Hrs. 48 Hrs. 72 Hrs.
40° - 60° F 20 Min. 12 Hrs. 45 Min. 24 Hrs. 4 Hrs. 48 Hrs. 96 Hrs. 6 Days
0° - 40°F 30 Min. 48 Hrs. 1 Hr. 96 Hrs. 72 Hrs. 8 Days 8 days 14 Days

 

* In damp or humid weather allow 50%, more cure time. The cure schedules shown are provided as a courtesy and are suggested as guides only. They are based on laboratory test data, and should not be taken to be the recommendations of all cement manufacturers. Individual solvent cement manufacturer's recommendations for the particular cement being used should be followed. The above cure schedules are based on laboratory test data obtained on Net Fit Joints (NET FIT = in a dry fit, the pipe bottoms snugly in the fitting socket without meeting interference). Contact the appropriate solvent cement manufacturer for additional information.

Important: Installers should verify for themselves that they can make satisfactory joints under varying conditions and should receive training in installation and safety procedures.

Avoid puddling of cement or primer on within fitting and pipe that causes excess softening of the material and could cause damage to the product.

Hot Weather
There are many occasions when solvent cementing GF Harvel piping products in 95°F temperatures and over cannot be avoided. If a few special precautions are taken, problems can be avoided. Solvent cements contain high-strength solvents that evaporate faster at elevated temperatures. This is especially true when there is a hot wind blowing. If the pipe has been in direct sunlight for any length of time, surface temperatures may be 20°F to 30°F above air temperature. Solvents attack these hot surfaces faster and deeper, especially inside a joint. Thus, it is very important to avoid puddling inside sockets, and to wipe off excess cement outside.

 

Tips to Follow when Solvent Cementing in High Temperatures:

  1. Store solvent cements in a cool or shaded area prior to use.
  2. If possible, store the fittings and pipe, or at least the ends to be solvent welded, in a shady area before cementing.
  3. Cool surfaces to be joined by wiping with a damp rag. Be sure that surfaces are dry prior to applying solvent cement.
  4. Try to do the solvent cementing in cooler morning hours.
  5. Make sure that both surfaces to be joined are still wet with cement when putting them together.

 

Cold Weather
Solvent Cement products have excellent cold weather stability and are formulated to have well balanced drying characteristics even in subfreezing temperatures. Good solvent cemented joints can be made in very cold conditions provided proper care and a little common sense are used. In cold weather, solvents penetrate and soften surfaces more slowly than in warm weather. The plastic is also more resistant to solvent attack, therefore, it becomes more important to pre-soften surfaces. Because of slower evaporation, a longer cure time is necessary.

 

Tips to Follow when Solvent Cementing in Cold Temperatures:

  1. Prefabricate as much of the system as possible in a heated work area.
  2. Store cements in a warmer area when not in use and make sure they remain fluid.
  3. Take special care to remove moisture, including ice and snow.
  4. Use special care to ensure joining surfaces are adequately softened; more than one application may be necessary.
  5. Allow a longer cure period before the system is used.

 

Follow appropriate set and cure times prior to pressure testing.