Which term describes the method of joining PVC pipe using a chemical solvent?

Which term describes the method of joining PVC pipe using a chemical solvent?

• A. Solvent welding
• B. Solvent bonding
• C. Fusion bonding
• D. Mechanical joining

Answer: (A)

Solvent welding is the term for joining PVC pipe with a chemical solvent. The solvent softens or slightly dissolves the outer layer of the PVC, allowing the pipe and fitting surfaces to fuse together at a molecular level as the solvent evaporates. This creates a single, watertight joint rather than just sticking parts together. In practice, you prep the surfaces with a primer, apply solvent cement to both pieces, quickly assemble them, and hold them in place to ensure proper alignment. The result is a strong bond formed by chemical fusion, not by heat or mechanical clamping. Other methods don’t describe this chemical fusion process: mechanical joining uses fittings and clamps, and fusion bonding relies on heating to melt plastics, which isn’t the typical PVC plumbing method.

Solvent welding is the term for joining PVC pipe with a chemical solvent. The solvent softens or slightly dissolves the outer layer of the PVC, allowing the pipe and fitting surfaces to fuse together at a molecular level as the solvent evaporates. This creates a single, watertight joint rather than just sticking parts together. In practice, you prep the surfaces with a primer, apply solvent cement to both pieces, quickly assemble them, and hold them in place to ensure proper alignment. The result is a strong bond formed by chemical fusion, not by heat or mechanical clamping. Other methods don’t describe this chemical fusion process: mechanical joining uses fittings and clamps, and fusion bonding relies on heating to melt plastics, which isn’t the typical PVC plumbing method.