Leak Test/PVC Setting Curing Time

[cmcimino]

I just finished plumbing my first tank that's not an AIO, and was wondering how long I needed to wait to do a leak test. I wan't to check and make sure there is no leaking in the plumbing before I put this thing in the house! The drain lines were done over a week ago so I know those are fine, but the return lines were finished yesterday around 6 PM.

 

[Gareth elliott]

It pvc cement cures in 24 hours.
You are going to get a bunch of pvc shavings that come out of the pipes though.

 

[cmcimino]

It pvc cement cures in 24 hours.
You are going to get a bunch of pvc shavings that come out of the pipes though.

Why shavings? I used PVC cutters so it was a straight cut.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Why shavings? I used PVC cutters so it was a straight cut.

Unless you connected each piece to a hose and washed out you will still get the shavings from manufacturing.

 

[AdamNC]

I tested my recent build the following day after piecing it all together and have no problems.

 

[mfinn]

After gluing up pvc, I give it about a 1/2 hour.

 

[cmcimino]

Sounds like I should be okay to fill it up during lunch today. I also checked the manufacturers cure times, and 6 hours was the max for high pressure applications, I believe only 30 min for low pressure. Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

15 minutes, been doing that for years

 

[ourcoralreef]

Personally i would wait the 6 hours for the return because of the pressure but for the drain lines can be used within a fifteen minutes to a half hour

 

[litenyaup]

15 min is enough to test for leaks

 

[ca1ore]

I've put solvent welded PVC lines back into service after 5 mins. The pressure were talking about even with a sizable return pump are really quite modest. I d only put the PVC solvent into the pipe, not into the fittings, to ensure that no globs are pushed inside the piping can could get into the tank water.