If you are wondering how to cap your PVC pipes, you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re trying to fix a leak, or you’re finishing off a renovation, capping your PVC pipes is very important.
Read on to find out how to cap your pipes!
Why Do I Need To Cap My PVC Pipes?
There are a few reasons that capping your PVC pipes is a great idea that will save you headaches and money in the long run.
These include:
- Uncapped pipes can cause a water leak or an overflow in the water supply. This can become a very big problem with unwanted consequences. If you cap your pipes you can prevent these unwanted leaks.
- Capping your pipes will also ensure that your pipes are much more durable and will therefore last a lot longer and are more economical.
- Capping your pipes reduces any waste that you see because of leaks. You will save lots of water if you cap your pipes.
You would cap your PVC pipes for both safety and prevention of damage.
This protects you and the people around you, as well as protecting your wallet!
A PVC pipe bursting or leaking can be extremely expensive (especially if it’s hard to access) so it is best to do everything you can to prevent the PVC pipes from causing you problems.
Installing A Cap
There are two types of capping methods when it comes to capping your PVC pipes.
These methods are either temporary capping or permanent capping. Just make sure the cap fits the diameter of the pipe. and ensure the end of the pipe is even by cutting it if necessary.
If you are doing it permanently, you will need to cement the cap in place.
How To Install A Rubber Cap
If you wish to install a rubber cap, follow these steps below:
- Turn off the water supply and allow residual water to drain. Make sure to do this before unscrewing any pipes.
- Measure and cut the pipe to your chosen length. Cut the area with a hacksaw, and then clean the end with a cloth. You might need to sand down the area if the edge isn’t smooth.
- Now comes the easiest part! Simply put the cap on top of the exposed pipe and press it down. Make sure to push it down far enough so that it is stable. Then fit the stainless steel clamp and tighten it to seal the rubber cap onto the PVC pipe.
- Once the cap is applied, fit the pipes back into position and turn on the water supply. If there is a leak, you’ll need to put more pressure on the cap and stainless steel clamp.
A rubber cap is a temporary solution to capping your PVC pipe, so while it works for short-term problems, it won’t be suitable for long-term issues.
How To Install A Threaded PVC Cap
If you wish to install a threaded PVC cap, follow the details and steps below:
- Apply a PVC primer to the surface of the pipe. Apply this same primer to the inside of the PVC cap. This works to ensure adhesion between both parts.
- Put PVC cement on top of this primer in both places.
- Slide the cap onto the end of the pipe and turn it 90 degrees to ensure that the cement is evenly spread.
- Hold this in place to allow the cement to seal. You only need to hold it for around 35 to 10 minutes for the cap to set.
- Wrap a few layers of plumbers tape clockwise onto the exterior of the caps male thread.
- Install and tighten the male-threaded part of the cap onto the fitting.
- Once the glue is dry, turn the water back on and make sure that it is properly attached and does not leak. If it does leak, make sure to tighten the cap with a wrench.
If you’re looking to expand your plumbing skills further, learn about connecting PEX to PVC for versatile pipe configurations.
As this is a permanent method, you will have to cut the entire cap off with a hacksaw in the future if necessary. Once glued to the pipe, the cap cannot be separated easily.
Where To Source PVC Caps?
PVC caps are available in any home store and they come in lots of different colors.
PVC caps are quite a standard size and so will fit any of the pipes that you are looking to cap.
They are cheap and easy to install, as well as being easy to remove when you need to use the water pipe.
If you’re unsure of which cap to purchase, or you don’t feel confident about capping your PVC pipes yourself, simply call in a plumber.
They will do this for you instead of you worrying about it yourself.
For alternative methods of pipe connection without using glue, discover how to connect PVC pipes without glue for clean and efficient fittings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need To Use PVC Glue?
Yes you do need to use PVC glue if you want the job to hold.
You will also need to use primer otherwise the pipes won’t be joined together properly.
You can’t join the two PVC pipes together without using primer and glue.
How Long Will My Temporary Solution Last For?
These temporary caps may last for around a year.
You should ensure that you are planning to fix it with a permanent solution.
How Long Does PVC Glue Need To Dry?
It only needs to be held in place for around 30 seconds before it will begin to set.
After this, you should allow 24 hours for the glue to dry properly before you put any pressure on the pipes.
What Is A Water Pipe?
A water pipe is usually made of PVC, metal or concrete. In this case, we are talking about pipes made from PVC plastic.
Water pipes are used to transport water between taps. These pipes protect people from flooding and other problems.
This is why a cap is so important as you don’t want to start getting leaks occurring and causing mayhem.
When they are used properly and taken proper care of, a water pipe can last for many years without having any problems.
Final Thoughts
Now you have all the information you need on how to cap your PVC pipe, you can get started right away!
However, if it still all seems quite daunting, don’t be afraid to hang up the plumbing attempts and let a professional come in and do it for you.