You just installed brand CPVC pipes and everything looks great. The plumber did a job.. Three months later you notice a damp patch on your brand new wall.. Six months later water is actually dripping from a joint behind the sink.

This happens a lot.. The frustrating thing is that the pipe itself is usually fine. The problem is always with the joints. I talked to plumbers. Looked at failure reports. Now I know the reasons why CPVC joints fail within the first year.. I know exactly how to fix them.

 1. Using the Wrong Solvent Cement

This is the mistake people make. They use any cement they have lying around. Maybe from a PVC project. And use it on CPVC pipes. This is a mistake. PVC and CPVC are materials. They have chemical makeups. If you use PVC cement on CPVC pipes it will not create a bond. The joint might hold for a while. It will eventually fail.

How to fix it? Always use cement that is made for CPVC pipes. If you are using Dolphin CPVC pipes check the label on your cement. It should say that it is compatible with CPVC systems. Do not assume it is check.

 2. Skipping the Primer

Some people skip the primer to save time. This is a mistake. The primer cleans the pipe surface. Softens it slightly. This helps the cement bond with the pipe. Without the primer you are just gluing the pipes together. Not creating a bond.

Note:  Some CPVC cements are "one-step". Do not require a separate primer.. If your cement requires a primer skipping it will guarantee a weak joint.

How to fix it?  Read the instructions on your cement carefully. If it says to use a primer use one. If you are using a one-step cement make sure it is approved for CPVC pipes.

 3. Not Preparing the Pipe Surface

Pipes, greasy pipes and pipes with rough edges can all prevent the cement from bonding properly. When you cut a CPVC pipe it leaves edges. If you do not remove these edges they can scrape off the cement when you put the pipe in.

How to fix it? Use a tool to smooth out the edges of the pipe after you cut it. Wipe the pipe clean with a cloth. Make sure there is no dust, moisture or grease on the pipe.

 4. Applying Little Cement

Some people do not use enough cement. They think that less cement is better.. With CPVC pipes this is not true. If you do not use cement the bond will not be strong. Gaps will. Water will leak out.

How to fix it? Apply an amount of cement to both the pipe and the fitting. When you put the pipe in give it a quarter turn to spread the cement evenly. You should see a small bead of cement come out around the joint.

 5. Applying Much Cement

Using too much cement can be just as bad as using too little. Much cement can pool inside the pipe and soften the CPVC. This creates spots. It can also form clogs that restrict water flow.

How to fix it? Apply an amount of cement to the pipe but use less on the fitting. When you put the pipe in the cement will spread naturally.

 6. Waiting Too Long to Assemble

Solvent cement starts to set soon as you apply it. If you apply the cement and then wait long to assemble the pipes it will not form a strong bond.

How to fix it?  Have everything ready before you open the cement. Apply the cement. Assemble the pipes immediately. You usually have a minutes but it is best to do it right away.

 7. Turning the Water On Too Early

This is a mistake that people make when they are impatient. They think that the joint is ready so they turn on the water. Weeks later they find a leak.

 The outside of the joint may feel dry. The inside may still be soft. If you turn on the water early it can compromise the entire installation.

How to fix it?  Read the instructions on the cement container. It will tell you how to wait before turning on the water. Generally you should:

- Handle the pipes carefully after 15-30 minutes

- Test the pressure after 2-4 hours

- Turn on the pressure after 24 hours

If you are unsure wait longer. It is better to be safe than sorry.

 8. Environmental Stress Cracking

This sounds like a term but it is simple. Certain chemicals can attack the CPVC. Cause it to crack.

For example a food processing facility installed CPVC pipes.. Within three months cracks appeared at the joints. It turned out that food residue had decomposed inside the pipes and created chemicals that attacked the CPVC.

How to fix it? If you are using CPVC pipes for something than clean water you need to check with the manufacturer. Dolphin CPVC pipes are designed for water and standard residential use.

 9. Approved Sealants or Contaminants

Sometimes the problem is not the pipe or the cement. It is something entirely. Certain thread sealants, pipe dope or even hand creams can migrate into the CPVC. Cause it to soften or crack.

How to fix it?  Only use sealants and accessories that are approved for CPVC pipes. If you are using Dolphin CPVC pipes use Dolphin-recommended products.

 Why Dolphin CPVC Pipes Are Different

You might be wondering if CPVC pipes are worth it. The answer is yes if you do it right. Dolphin CPVC pipes are manufactured to standards. They are NS certified and meet ASTM D-2846 specifications.. More importantly their joint system is designed to minimize problems.

Plumbers in Nepal report that Dolphin CPVC pipes are easy to work with. The pipes and fittings fit together precisely leaving room for error. When you use the recommended cement the bond forms reliably.

That is why most of the plumbers in Nepal prefer Dolphin CPVC pipes. They are not immune to mistakes. When installed correctly they stay installed.

Quick Checklist for Leak-Free CPVC Joints

Before you finish your plumbing project go through this list:

 -  The pipe and fittings are the same brand

 -  The cement is specifically made for CPVC pipes

 -  The primer is used if required

 -  The pipes are cut cleanly and deburred

 -  The surfaces are wiped clean and dry

 -  The cement is applied evenly to both surfaces

 -  The pipe is inserted immediately with a slight twist

 -  A small cement bead is visible at the joint

 -  The full cure time is waited before turning on the water

 -  No unapproved sealants are used

 The Bottom Line

CPVC joints that fail within the first six months usually fail because of installation errors, not pipe quality. The pipe itself. A quality brand like Dolphin CPVC. Is designed to last 50 years. It is the element that introduces problems.

Take your time. Follow the steps. Use the materials and do not rush the job. If you are hiring a plumber make sure they do the same. A few extra minutes, during installation can save you from breaking walls open later.

Your plumbing should be something you never think about. Get the joints right. That is exactly what it will be.