About Schedule 40 PVC Fittings
Spears schedule 40 PVC pipe fittings are intended for a variety of liquid handling applications, including hot (up to 140°F) and cold water in irrigation, pool, golf projects and others. They are installed using compatible PVC cement and primer in a manner similar to DWV PVC and CPVC pipe and fittings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What do the terms “socket” and “spigot” mean?
A: Socket, Hub or Slip all refer to a female fitting outlet (into which the pipe is glued/solvent welded). Spigot is the equivalent of a pipe and thus is a male connection. FIP or MIP connections refer to female NPT or male NPT threaded connections respectively. NPT is the U.S. standard thread.
Q: Are these fittings approved for potable water use?
A: Yes, they are. However, these fittings are not intended for potable hot & cold water distribution applications in residential/commercial applications. For such purposes, either copper, PEX or CPVC pipe and fittings should be used.
Q: What are the temperature and pressure ratings of Sch 40 PVC fittings?
A: Maximum temperature is 140°F. As for the pressure – it varies depending on the size. See any product listing and click on the “Literature” tab for detailed information on max. pressure.
Q: What kind of glue/cement/primer should I use for Schedule 40 PVC fittings?
A: PVC glue and cement are not interchangeable terms in this case. Glue is used for non-pressure, liquid-free applications only (i.e. furniture or greenhouse construction) – since it does not provide a sufficiently strong seal. Cement, used in combination with primer (sometimes 2-in-1) is the proper means to make a liquid-tight, pressure-rated connection. At present moment, we do not sell glue, so all of the cement and primer labeled for “PVC” we stock would be compatible.
Q: What’s the difference between Schedule 40, 80, DWV and CPVC fittings?
A: Schedule 80 fittings have thicker walls than Sch 40 and are therefore preferred in industrial, sprinkler and chemical handling applications. DWV (Drain, Waste, Vent) fittings are intended only for non-pressure waste handling or vent piping applications, such as drain piping in a residential dwelling. CPVC pipe and fittings are designed for hot and cold water distribution and are capable of replacing copper and PEX where allowed by code.
Q: How to properly cut PVC pipe?
A: PVC pipe is best cut using a regular hand saw or a saw designed specifically for use with PVC. Roller-blade type pipe cutters are incompatible with PVC pipe. It is also advisable to ream inside the pipe to ensure better flow and to prevent clogs.
Q: Can these fittings be used for compressed air distribution?
A: No. They can neither be used for air/gas pressurized application, nor tested using these.
Q: What is a nesting coupling?
A: A nesting (or nested) coupling is a fitting which connects two same size pipes together in a straight line and can also connect inside a next size up fitting. For example, a 1/2" PVC nesting coupling has OD equal to 3/4" PVC pipe and can be glued inside a 3/4" socket in the same manner a regular 3/4" PVC pipe would be.
Q: What is a deep socket fitting?
A: Deep socket in PVC fittings simply refers to an extra-long (extra-deep) socket (hub) connections on this fitting. This feature allows for a more stable connection, desirable for joining long runs of pipe and in settings with excess vibrations (such as from a pump motor).
Q: Can these fittings be painted?
A: Yes, however, you would need to ensure the paint is compatible with PVC surface.
