A PVC saddle tee (snap tees) offers an easier way to introduce a tee into existing PVC pipelines.
It doesn’t not only save you from extensively digging around buried water lines but it also usually creates a leak-free connection, if done correctly.
Here is how to install PVC saddle tee in your irrigation system.
How to install PVC saddle tee
Before moving on to the actual steps, you want to have everything with you.
Here are the requirements:
Things Needed
The appropriate PVC saddle T fitting
Purchase the saddle tee size that will suit the pipe you’ll be teeing into.
Of course, manufacturers make a ton of sizes of PVC saddle T fittings and it’s important to get a matching size depending on how big your currently installed pipe is.
PVC primer and PVC cement
Primer penetrates and nicely softens the PVC surface prior to the addition of cement and helps create high-strength bonds and seals when welding plastic pipes and fittings.
Here is the thing: There are various types of primers (and cements) formulated for different kinds of plastic piping out there.
Be sure to read labels carefully when buying.
The names you can trust for these materials include Weld-On (Here is a great primer from them WELD-ON 10227 P-70 Industrial Grade PVC/CPVC Non-Bodied Primer - Fast Acting and Low-VOC, Purple, 1/2 Pint (8 fl oz)) and Oatey (Check this cement Oatey 16 Oz. Regular Bodied Clear PVC Cement - 1 Each).
Others
The other essentials are:
- A rag (or piece of cloth/towel)
- Sandpaper . we recommend 120 to 3000 Assorted Grit Sandpaper for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and Automotive Polishing, Dry or Wet Sanding, 9 x 3.6 Inch, 36-Sheet
- A drill (with the correct bits)
- PVC Cleaner (optional)
Preliminaries
Even the best laid plans can go awry without the proper preparation.
Here is what to tackle before you go ahead:
Expose the pipe
You can use different tactics to access the PVC pipe you’ll be working.
For instance, you can use your hands (wear protective gloves before this) to dig up the soil covering the PVC pipe.
This should work unless the pipes are buried too deep (quite rare) or you’re dealing with hardened soil.
We recommend using a shovel if you’re facing these difficulties.
Tip: Uncover the pipe just to the degree necessary. Remember that you’re not fixing a conventional PVC tee fitting (which requires that you dig up the sides and below the pipes).
Remove dirt and other contaminants from the exposed area
With the pipe adequately in the open, you proceed to the ever-important pipe cleaning step.
You see, there’s no way you’re going to succeed if contaminants such as dirt, oil, grease, etc. are on the surfaces you’ll be teeing (your goal is the best bonding possible, right?).
In fact, even minor residuals may cause problems down the road so you need to ensure a clean surface.
Simply sand the elements off the area then use the rag/ towel/ piece of cloth to wipe the debris away.
Tip: Apply an adequate amount of PVC cleaner on the section should the dirt prove stubborn.