tank remodeling,sump question? (last page)

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by jjntm

I am a plumber... and I can tell you that primer is only meant to clean the pipe before applying the cement... It is not needed under such low pressure systems like our aquariums.

PVC cementing is a two part process, yes the primer cleans the fitting and pipe, but it is cleaning away oils, dirt, ect and the factory coating on PVC pipe and fittings. Also it acts as a bonding agent by making the surfaces softer allowing the glue to react and soak in to the PVC farther creating a stronger bond.

As for low PSI systems not needing it, PVC is only meant for low PSI systems, the 145 PSI cold is a max pressure, 99.9% of all PVC systems operate at under 70 PSI and probably the majority of that under 30 PSI which is where tanks can operate.

as for getting away with not using primer, .. ya you could, but you would have more leaks with out primer than you would with it. this is a design process shortcuts can work but they are never the right way to do anything.

for people who don't want the purple ugly primer look, (the main reason people want to not use primer) get clear primer and clear glue.

Steve