The Do it Best kit puts everything contractors need to clean, prime, and cement PVC connections in one package. This professional-grade 3-piece kit handles PVC, CPVC, and ABS materials with NSF certification for potable water systems. Meeting multiple ASTM performance standards, it delivers code-compliant joints for residential and commercial plumbing.
The kit shines for Montana contractors dealing with temperature ranges from 40°F to 100°F — covering most working conditions from spring thaw through fall freeze-up. Compatible with both Schedule 40 and 80 pipe, it handles everything up to 6-inch diameter.
Complete System Components
The kit includes three 4 oz cans: an all-purpose pipe cleaner that flows freely and evaporates quickly, a purple primer that removes gloss and penetrates bonding surfaces, and a medium-bodied clear solvent cement. Each component serves a critical function in creating permanent, leak-proof joints.
The cleaner matters more than most contractors realize. Suitable for ABS, CPVC, and PVC pipe, it flows freely and evaporates quickly. Skip this step and you’re cementing over dirt, oil, and manufacturing residue — a recipe for joint failure when the system goes under pressure.
The purple primer removes gloss, softens, and penetrates bonding surfaces on PVC and CPVC pipe — highly recommended for high-gloss, hard finish bell end pipe or fittings. That purple color isn’t just for show. Inspectors can see you’ve properly prepped the joint, and the primer meets ASTM F-656 requirements.
The multipurpose solvent cement features medium-bodied, medium-set clear cement for Schedule 40 and 80, Type I and II pipes, suitable for pressure pipe, gas, conduit, drain waste, and vent applications. Meeting ASTM D-2564, D-2235, and F-493 standards, this cement creates the chemical weld between pipe and fitting.
Professional Certifications and Standards
| Certification | Standard | Application |
|---|---|---|
| NSF Certification | NSF/ANSI 61 & 14 | Potable water systems |
| Primer | ASTM F-656 | PVC/CPVC surface preparation |
| PVC Cement | ASTM D-2564 | PVC pipe bonding |
| ABS Compatibility | ASTM D-2235 | ABS pipe systems |
| CPVC Compatibility | ASTM F-493 | CPVC hot water lines |
| Code Compliance | UPC Listed | Universal Plumbing Code |
These aren’t just numbers on a label. NSF certification means the products won’t leach harmful chemicals into drinking water. The ASTM standards ensure predictable performance across temperature ranges and material types — critical when you’re working in Montana’s variable climate.
Installation Performance
The cement’s medium-bodied viscosity with medium-set time strikes the right balance between workability and speed. Too thin and it won’t fill gaps. Too thick and you can’t get proper coverage before it sets.
Installation follows standard procedure: cut pipe square, remove burrs, apply cleaner, then purple primer to both surfaces, coat the pipe end liberally with cement and the fitting socket thinly, insert with a quarter turn, and hold firmly for 30 seconds. That 30-second hold time prevents the pipe from pushing out — hydraulic pressure from the cement can actually eject improperly held joints.
The system allows 15 minutes for handling and requires 24 hours for full pressure testing. Temperature matters here. Cold weather extends cure times significantly. At 40°F, double those handling times to be safe.
The kit maintains a 3-year shelf life when stored properly. Keep the cans sealed and away from temperature extremes. Once opened, use within a year — the solvents evaporate even through closed lids.
Montana Construction Reality
This kit handles the temperature swings Montana throws at jobsites. The 40°F to 100°F application range means you can work from April frost through September heat. Below 40°F, the cement won’t properly soften the pipe surfaces for chemical welding. Above 100°F, it sets too fast for proper assembly.
For Montana’s freeze-prone climate, proper joint preparation becomes even more critical. Water trapped in poorly cemented joints expands when frozen, creating slow leaks that might not show up until spring thaw. The three-step process this kit provides — clean, prime, cement — gives joints the best chance of surviving decades of freeze-thaw cycles.
Compared to competitors like the Oatey Handy Pack or Weld-On kits that sometimes only include primer and cement, Do it Best includes all three components contractors need. No running back to the truck for cleaner. No hoping the apprentice remembered to grab primer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this kit handle CPVC hot water lines? Yes, the kit is compatible with CPVC materials and meets ASTM F-493 standards for CPVC cement. The multipurpose cement works on PVC, CPVC, and ABS pipe.
Q: What’s the largest pipe diameter this kit handles? The cement is rated for pipes up to 6 inches in diameter. For larger commercial applications, you’ll need heavy-bodied cement designed for bigger pipe.
Q: How long do I need to wait before pressure testing? Allow 24 hours for full pressure testing at normal temperatures. In cold weather below 60°F, extend cure time to 48 hours minimum.
Q: Does the purple primer stain everything? Yes, that purple color is permanent on most surfaces. It’s designed to be visible for inspection purposes. Keep it off finished surfaces, concrete, and skin.
Q: Can I use just the cement without primer? No — primer is highly recommended, especially for high-gloss, hard finish bell end pipe or fittings. The kit maintains NSF certification when all components are used as directed.
Ready to Get Started?
Our building materials specialists can help you find the right Do it Best products for your project.