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Solvent Cement and Primer Selection Chart

How to match solvent cement and primer to PVC, CPVC and ABS pipe, what the ASTM standards cover, and how pipe size affects cement body.

Ref PV-0062ASTM D2564ASTM F493ASTM D2235ASTM F656

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Solvent cement joins plastic pipe and fittings by softening both surfaces so they fuse together. Each plastic needs a cement made for it. Primer cleans and softens the surface before cementing and is required by many plumbing codes for PVC and CPVC pressure joints. Each cement and primer is made to its own ASTM standard, which is printed on the can.

How to use it

Identify the pipe material from the print line on the pipe.
Pick the cement made for that material.
Pick a cement body (viscosity) that suits the pipe size.
Check whether the code and the cement maker require primer.
Check the temperature range and cure times on the can.

Selection chart

Pipe material	Cement standard	Primer	Common cement color	Notes
PVC	ASTM D2564	ASTM F656	Clear, gray or blue	Purple primer where the code wants it visible
CPVC	ASTM F493	ASTM F656	Orange or yellow	Some one-step CPVC cements are listed for use without primer; check code
ABS	ASTM D2235	Not usually used	Black	Mostly DWV; some codes allow a cleaner
ABS to PVC (transition)	ASTM D3138	Per maker	Often green	Non-pressure DWV only, where code allows

Cement body by pipe size

Body	Typical pipe sizes	Why
Regular	Smaller sizes	Thin, fast-setting
Medium	Small to mid sizes	Fills small gaps
Heavy	Larger sizes and Schedule 80	Fills larger gaps; slower set
Extra heavy	Largest sizes	Use where the maker lists it

Use the cement maker's size range for each product.

Key points

Cement and primer are flammable. Use them with good ventilation and away from flame.
Use cement before its shelf life ends. Thick, jelly-like cement should be thrown out.
Cure time before pressure testing depends on size, temperature and humidity. Follow the maker's chart.
"All-purpose" cements may not be accepted for every pipe and service. Check the code and the listing.
Use the right applicator size so the cement covers the joint fully.

Common mistakes

Using PVC cement on CPVC hot water lines.
Skipping primer where the code requires it.
Using thin regular cement on large-diameter pipe.
Pressure testing before the cement has cured.
Joining ABS to PVC in a pressure line with transition cement.

Governing standards: ASTM D2564 (PVC cement); ASTM F493 (CPVC cement); ASTM D2235 (ABS cement); ASTM F656 (primer); ASTM D3138 (transition cement); the local plumbing code.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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