Connecting the outdoor water faucet to PVC pipe is a pretty easy task. You do not need to spend extra money on installation and getting professional help. This simple procedure will let you know how to connect outside water faucet to PVC pipe, wherever you want effortlessly. PVC pipes are pretty easy to work. You can install them even if you are a newbie. And that is the reason which makes it a do-it-yourself task.
PVC pipes are a common choice for the connection of outdoor units and make an excellent replacement for metal pipes. PVC is a short form of Polyvinyl chloride, and these are known for their use in plumbing and drainage in houses. These pipes are great for outdoor fittings because of their thermoplastic material.
How to Connect Outside Water Faucet to PVC Pipe? Material and Methods
Here is the protocol to connect outside water faucet to PVC pipe.
Measurements
Ensure that you have the correct measurements before getting your hands into the procedure. It helps you buy the right size and length of the PVC pipe. Always consider having extra parts in case something goes out of plan. Beware that PVC pipes tend to expand and contract due to temperature variation. These pipes tend to contract and expand up to 5 times compared to iron and steel pipes. Remember to measure a bit extra tube as this pipe is for the outdoor faucet.
Choose the Perfect Coupling.
Coupling is the adaptor that allows PVC pipe and faucet to attach. It fits perfectly on both and ensures bonding. Here, you have to measure the diameter correctly because it has to adjust on the PVC pipe and on the faucet, too. Its one end should be without threads, which you have to join to PVC pipe. However, the other end should be threaded for the faucet to connect.
Connecting these pipes is easy. Grab the required tools and get basic know-how to avoid any mishap. Given below are the tools you will need for this project.
Tools
- PVC pipe
- PVC primer
- Glue
- Teflon tape
- Sandpaper
- Old cloth or towel
- Eye protection
Procedure
Follow the below steps to connect the PVC pipe with outdoor faucet
Turn off the water supply.
Before starting any task relating to plumbing, make sure to turn off the water supply because you don’t want any mess during the work. Release the pressure by opening any indoor faucet. This step will also drain leftover water in the fitting. This additional step is necessary. Because if you don’t, you will get sprayed with air and water left in the pipe.
Cut the Required Section
After that, cut the small section of the existing PVC pipe. Here you can measure it with the T or couplings that you have to install. Usually, you have to cut half-inch to one inch to fit the new pipe with the previous one exactly. Make sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes while performing this task. You can use a sharp knife or handsaw for this purpose.
Trim the PVC pipe
Once you finish the cutting process, you will find brittle and pointy ends on the edge of the pipe. Use a sharp knife to shape any large spikes. File the rest to smooth it out. Use 80 grit sandpaper and fold it to work on the curved surface. Use a cloth to wipe out any dust or particles left by the shaping process.
Now you have a clean canvas to work further. Before applying any liquids, it is better to go for alignment marks. Because after spreading primer or glue, you will have a few seconds for perfect alignment of the pipes. You can use torpedo level for this purpose if you have one.
Apply PVC primer
The next step is to apply the PVC primer. It ensures a strong bond between the joints you are trying to fit. Primer will only work best when it is wet. Otherwise, you will not get the results. The only work of primer is to soften and smoothen the surface of the PVC pipe. It softens the surface by initiating a chemical reaction. You can achieve this by applying an even layer of primer on the outside and inside of the pipe. In which you have to fit the tube. Use the dauber usually available on the lid of the container of primer. Here you have to work quickly.
Note: PVC primers release strong fumes that may irritate people who are not used to these products.
Apply Glue
It is time to cover the pre-primed surface with glue. The glue will ensure that the pipe fits perfectly and does not leak. Spread an even layer of glue on the primed surface and connect the tubes quickly. Here alignment marks will help. Hold it for a few seconds. So it does not move and fit perfectly.
Make sure you do not apply too much glue as it will ooze out in the pipelining. Use the product as much as required. You have to connect the coupling on both ends using a threaded neck.
Note Always use good-quality glue for this purpose. And also the ones which are specifically available for these plumbing tasks.
Secure the Connection
You can even secure the connection with the help of Teflon tape. Apply it on top of the required pipes in a clockwise direction. This step will further ensure the seal. Clean the internal threads of the faucet and attach them snugly to complete the process. Use pressure to fit the coupling on it as it is the only way to secure the attachment.
Now, let it dry. After that, turn on the water supply and check. If you have followed the above steps carefully, it should work perfectly. The correct measure of the pipes and the area where you have to place the faucet is crucial.
The only money you have to spend is to buy the PVC pipe, couplings, and PVC primer. If you already have the faucet, make sure to get the perfect fitting pipe and connector. Else you have to pay one more visit to the store. If you forget to leave the margin for expansion and contraction, you can add a piece of pipe. You can do it by adding couplings.