How it connects
Primer softens the PVC surfaces; solvent cement chemically dissolves the polymer chains so socket and pipe fuse into a monolithic joint upon insertion and curing.
Male and female halves
Female socket/hub receiving a male plain pipe end or spigot.
Usually connects to
- Plain-end PVC pipe
- PVC spigot fitting end
Common sizes
- 1/8 in to 24 in nominal pipe size (Schedule 40 and Schedule 80)
Where it is used
potable water distributionirrigationindustrial pipingdrain waste and vent (DWV)swimming pools
Variations
- Schedule 40 socket
- Schedule 80 socket
- DWV hub
- metric solvent weld socket
How to recognise it
Smooth cylindrical bore with a subtle internal taper leading down to an internal pipe-stop shoulder, lacking internal threads or sealing gaskets.
Often confused with
| Confused with | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| PVC threaded female socket (FPT/FIPT) | Solvent cement socket has a smooth unthreaded internal bore with an internal pipe-stop shoulder, unlike female threaded ports. |
| Push-fit / push-to-connect socket | Push-fit sockets contain internal elastomeric O-rings and grab rings; solvent weld sockets are bare plastic. |
Also called
PVC slip socketPVC hubsocket weld fitting endfemale solvent weld end
Good to know
Commonly designated 'slip' or 'socket' (SOC) in North American piping catalogs to distinguish from threaded (FPT/MPT) or flanged connections.
Related connections
Dual-Fit PVC DWV Socket and Spigot Port
CPVC CTS Solvent-Weld Socket
PVC Electrical Conduit Solvent-Weld Socket
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