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Glossary of Terms

Bell end

a pipe with an expanded end that serves as a socket for the next pipe. Care is required when joining bell end pipe so as not to “burn” the inside.

Blue Glue

Typically our 222, although could be another's blue colored irrigation, pool or spa solvent cement product. These are not glues, but the name “sticks”.

Burr

A rough edge or area remaining on material, such as metal, after it has been cast, cut, or drilled - shavings.

Cure

the process of the solvents migrating and evaporating from the joint. This can take an hour to days.

Dauber

The typical applicator for solvent cements. Made of wire and a ball of polyester. Good for small pipe sizes.

Gelled

Cement gone bad by becoming so thick it no longer flows. Can happen for many reasons.

Hot

Typically means active or quick solvent cement - likely because aggressive cements will “melt” small and thin wall pipes. Hot cements contain more THF as a basic rule.

Interference fit

Plastic pipe fittings are often smaller in diameter than the pipe itself. This creates and interference fit needed for a good solvent welded joint.

Schedule

a certain design set for pipe and fittings (Sch. 40 or 80 for eg.)

Set

When the fitting takes a set - it is no longer able to move, push off or be twisted by hand - this happens quickly, typically a few seconds to a few min.

Snake(d)

properly installed long runs of plastic pipe need to be placed underground with expansion and contraction room as plastic pipe dimensions change with the weather. This undulating shape can resemble a snake.

Viscosity

Liquid “thickness” resistance of a liquid to sheer forces (and hence to flow)