Oatey

Oatey pipe cement joins plastic pipe and fittings for contractors and homeowners handling plumbing repairs or new runs. It softens and fuses the mating surfaces into a continuous piece of plastic. Match the formulation to your pipe and the conditions you’re working in.

Oatey is a plumbing-products manufacturer based in Cleveland, Ohio. L.R. Oatey founded the company in 1916. Its rough-plumbing range includes solvent cements, which it began manufacturing in 1972.

Match the cement and primer to the pipe

PVC, CPVC and ABS each need a specific cement formulation. Start with the material marked on your pipe, then match the cement’s application and temperature and pressure ratings to the system. Check the maximum pipe size on the can.

For PVC, plan on primer: many jurisdictions require purple primer on PVC and CPVC joints so inspectors can verify surface preparation. Some locales permit one-step CPVC products; others require separate primer. Follow the cement label and local requirements. With ABS, use the specified ABS cement and leave primer out.

Prepare the joint before opening the cement

Cut the pipe square, deburr the inside edge, bevel the outside edge and remove dirt and debris. The bevel helps the pipe enter the fitting without scraping cement off. Preparation matters here. Dry-fit the parts and establish alignment; the pipe should enter one-third to two-thirds of the fitting hub easily before resistance is felt.

Where primer is required, prime the fitting interior, pipe exterior and fitting interior again, re-dipping between applications. Stir or shake the cement thoroughly. Coat the pipe exterior, then the fitting interior without re-dipping, then re-dip and coat the pipe exterior again. Apply cement while the primer remains wet and assemble while the cement is fluid.

Give the pipe a quarter-turn as you insert it fully to the bottom of the fitting. Hold the joint together for 30 seconds to prevent push-out, then wipe away excess cement. Colder conditions and larger pipe may require additional holding time.

Let the joint cure fully before testing or service. Cure time depends on pipe size, temperature, humidity and application. Use the cement’s cure schedule for your job conditions before putting the line into service.

Other plumbing and soldering supplies

For toilet hookups, match both connections and measure a relaxed hose route: Oatey braided stainless steel toilet supply lines include 12- and 20-inch lengths with either 3/8-inch compression or 1/2-inch FIP at the valve and 7/8-inch ballcock at the toilet.

Other Oatey plumbing supplies include roof flashings, pipe clamps, water-heater drain pans and outlet boxes.

Oatey’s soldering products include solder, flux and flame-protection products.

Cement specifications

Formulation	Pipe material	Recommended applications
Oatey PVC Heavy Duty Medium Set Clear Cement	PVC	Drain, waste and vent; pressure pipe; potable water; electrical

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Oatey PVC cement without primer?

Plan on using primer with Oatey PVC cement, and check the cement label and local requirements before starting. Many jurisdictions require purple primer so inspectors can see that the joint was prepared. Permission to use a one-step CPVC product doesn’t establish permission to skip primer on PVC.

How do you use Oatey primer and cement?

Start with square-cut, deburred, beveled and clean pipe, then dry-fit the joint before applying Oatey primer and cement. Where primer is required, prime the fitting interior, pipe exterior and fitting interior again, re-dipping each time; apply cement while the primer is wet and assemble within five minutes of priming. To apply the cement, coat the pipe exterior, then the fitting interior without re-dipping, then re-dip and coat the pipe exterior again. Assemble while the cement is fluid, insert fully with a quarter-turn and hold for 30 seconds to prevent push-out, allowing extra holding time for colder conditions or larger pipe.

What is Oatey PVC cement used for?

Oatey PVC cement chemically softens and fuses PVC pipe and fittings into a continuous piece of plastic. The heavy-duty, medium-set clear formulation is recommended for drain, waste and vent; pressure pipe; potable water; and electrical applications. Match the can’s maximum pipe size and temperature and pressure ratings to your job, because those uses aren’t permission to use every PVC cement on every system.

How long is the warranty on Oatey Quiet Pipes water hammer arrestors?

Oatey Quiet Pipes water hammer arrestors have warranty coverage for the lifetime of the plumbing system they’re installed in. When comparing coverage, use that product-specific period rather than Oatey’s general one-year warranty term.