Do-it-Yourself PVCer's

2 things
You can cut it with a chop saw but it will dull your blade big time, but it's fast and straight
It really smells awful, so use outside

 

Use a pvc cutter. Costs 5 bucks and makes clean and straight cuts. No need to sand anything.

 

Remember that when using PVC cement, you are actually "welding the two pieces of PVC together.

PVC cement actually melts the PVC so both pieces weld to each other. That is why it is important to put PVC cement on both pieces that are being attached.

 

Primer is not needed primer is for when you are out side doing sprinklers and you have dirt mud and dead bugs in all the fitting. When your plumbing a fish tank all the PVC has been clean. And Also primer is purple messy and looks like 10 in 2! My dad is an experienced plumber that's where I got this info from.

 

Primer presoftens the surface. It then allows the cement itself to penetrate deeper. A joint will seal without primer, but will be less strong. i will continue to use the primer.

 

Kay.

 

One piece of advice, no matter how many fittings you have on hand, you will always need one more so plan at least one extra trip to the hardware store.

 

+K and true words of wisdom right there! lol.

 

I find the extra trip a perfect time to take advantage of the depot dog/drink/chips combo lol

 

+1 on sanding all the intended glue spots. A recipricating saw melts right threw PVC. I dry fitted, sanded, primer, then pvc cemented. A little cement goes a long way IMO, and i turn the pipe 1/4 of a turn into place. I wish I added more union fittings in my set up, and check valves were useful as well. Triple check all the fittings you need. I made at least 4 Lowes trips. :-D Just my .02