How to Attach a Pressure Gauge to PVC
PVC or polyvinyl chloride can withstand pressures up to 200 psi commonly found in irrigation and structural water plumbing applications. To monitor the pressure, you can attach a pressure gauge to the line using a special "T" coupler. Use a T coupler that reduces to the correct thread size, usually 1/2 inch, for your gauge. Also, if your gauge will monitor anything but water, purchase a gauge guard that allows it to read the pressure while remaining separate from the fluid. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- PVC primer
- T coupler
- PVC solvent cement
- PVC reducer (optional)
- Gauge
- Gauge guard (optional)
- Teflon tape
Instructions
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Dip the primer can's lid brush into the primer and wipe the brush around the inside of the T coupler and the outside of the pipe where the T coupler will slip on. Apply solvent cement, using the cement's lid brush, to the primed areas of the pipe and T coupler. Slip the T coupler onto the pipe by hand, twisting the T coupler until it's pointing in the desired direction -- where you can best view the gauge.
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Wrap Teflon tape around both the gauge and gauge guard's protruding threads, three times, in a counterclockwise direction. This ensures a complete seal between the PVC and the threads of the gauge and gauge guard. Screw in the gauge guard, clockwise, until tight. Screw the gauge's protruding thread clockwise into the gauge guard, completing the attachment of the gauge to the PVC coupler.
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Paint the top inside section of the T coupler and the outside of the exit pipe, where the fluid runs after passing the gauge, with primer. Apply the solvent cement to both freshly primed areas of the T coupler and the exit pipe. Push the slip joint together to marry the T coupler to the exit pipe.
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Tips & Warnings
PVC pipes larger than 1 inch do not have T couplers that reduce to 1/4 inch. If your gauge thread is 1/4 inch you'll need to install a threaded reducer from the 1/2 reduced coupler to the 1/4 inch gauge thread.
Purchase a gauge guard if you're monitoring sea water, high purity water, solvents or chemicals to avoid damaging your gauge.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
