This Oatey "Extra Special" ABS cement is superb for welding, repairing and connecting (black) ABS plastic drain pipes and connectors (i.e., elbows, tees, etc..). Others have posted reviews about using this cement to repair ABS parts and trim for automobiles and...
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This Oatey "Extra Special" ABS cement is superb for welding, repairing and connecting (black) ABS plastic drain pipes and connectors (i.e., elbows, tees, etc..). Others have posted reviews about using this cement to repair ABS parts and trim for automobiles and motorcycles. This review is solely about using this cement to complete plumbing drainage repairs within your home.
I''m a general contractor and, on occasion, I run into a cracked ABS drain pipe or drain-pipe connector (for a shower drain or other plumbing drain) located within the wall- or ceiling-space of a home. This Oatey cement allows me to weld the cracked ABS pipe or connector without having to remove and replace it. This is immensely helpful in those instances when there''s insufficient space to cut out the existing, damaged ABS pipe section or connector and install a new one.
To effectively weld the damaged ABS pipe or connector, I simply coat the crack and the surrounding area (of the ABS pipe or connector) sufficiently with two or three coats of this ABS cement (in accordance with the instructions on the can) and allow the cement to cure. It''s important to "push" the cement into the crack and, if possible, use a clamp or your hand to hold the crack tightly together for a few minutes until the cement initially sets. Then, after the cement fully cures, I water-test the repair (for water tightness) by running sufficient water through the repaired pipe and connector before I close the wall or ceiling drywall back up. I''ve never once had any repair using this cement fail, even after months or years of continuous water exposure following the repair. In short, this cement restores the integrity of the cracked ABS pipe or connector -- the cement welds the two halves of the crack together permanently.
Here are some salient pointers for using this ABS cement:
1) Of significance, this cement softens (i.e., semi-dissolves) the existing ABS plastic that you apply it to. This dissolving action allows the cement to permanently bond/weld itself to the existing ABS plastic. So work quickly and efficiently -- mentally plan ahead each step of your repair. Furthermore, don''t allow this cement to "pool" in puddles on the existing ABS plastic -- such puddles will actually weaken the integrity of the existing ABS plastic due to the cement''s softening/dissolving action. If you leave large puddles, you''ll actually permanently warp and damage the existing ABS plastic.
2) Second, this cement will drip everywhere, so be sure to provide adequate protection to surfaces that you don''t want the cement to drip onto. This cement will almost instantly permanently stain and damage your vinyl flooring, wood flooring and carpet. Use cardboard or other heavy paper material, if possible, to protect your surfaces. Heavy plastic sheeting will work in a pinch; however, be aware that the cement may dissolve the plastic sheeting, leaving the underlying surface exposed to potential damage.
3) Be sure to keep the can closed whenever you''re not using the cement. This cement applicator will dry fairly quickly it you don''t keep it immersed in the can.
4) If you drip cement onto the male threads of the can''s lid, be sure to use a paper towel or rag to wipe off the cement. Don''t screw the lid onto the can with wet cement on the threads -- you''ll find the lid very difficult to remove the next time you use the cement.
5) If you forget to close the can and the cement becomes too thick or viscous, pour a tiny amount of MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) into the can to thin the cement. If you let the sponge applicator dry, you''ll need to buy a new, separate applicator.
6) Ensure adequate ventilation when using this cement -- read the warning on the can.
7) Lastly, one reviewer indicated that this cement is green in color -- wrong! This cement is jet black, just like the ABS plastic pipes and connectors.
This 16-ounce can has doubled in price since I bought mine in November 2015. Nevertheless, the current price is still very reasonable for the quantity. Most importantly, this is THE CEMENT to use for repairing and connecting all ABS plastic pipes and connectors.