ASTM F656-21

Standard Specification for Primers for Use in Solvent Cement Joints of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings

ABSTRACT
This specification covers requirements for primers for use with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) pipe and fittings that are to be joined by PVC solvent cements. The primer shall be an organic liquid with water-like viscosity and shall not contain any undissolved particles. Materials shall be tested and shall conform to the specified values of dissolving ability and stability.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers requirements for primers for use with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) pipe and fittings that are to be joined by PVC solvent cements meeting the requirements of Specification D2564.  
1.2 These primers are used in pressure and nonpressure applications with plain end pipe and either socket-type fittings or bell end pipe. These primers prepare the surface of pipe and fittings before the application of solvent cement. The primer's effect on the set and cure time of the joint is dependent on the cement, pipe size, application method, temperature, and humidity.  
1.3 A procedure for using the primer with cement is given in Practice D2855.  
1.4 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.6 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 6, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2021
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• ICS: 23.040.45 - Plastics fittings
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.20 - Joining

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D2855-20 - Standard Practice for the Two-Step (Primer and Solvent Cement) Method of Joining Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Pipe and Piping Components with Tapered Sockets
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2564-20 - Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM F412-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1784-20 - Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM F412-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2564-12(2018) - Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM F412-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-16a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM F412-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Refers: ASTM D2855-15 - Standard Practice for the Two-Step (Primer and Solvent Cement) Method of Joining Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Pipe and Piping Components with Tapered Sockets
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM F412-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM F493-14 - Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1600-14 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014

Overview

ASTM F656-21: Standard Specification for Primers for Use in Solvent Cement Joints of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings sets essential requirements for primers utilized when joining PVC pipe and fittings with solvent cements. Published by ASTM International, this specification ensures that primers used in plumbing and piping applications are suitable for both pressure and nonpressure systems. The standard covers primer composition, material properties, labeling, testing, safety, and suitability for potable water contact, helping industry professionals achieve secure, reliable, and code-compliant solvent cement joints.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application: Primers under ASTM F656-21 are designed for use with PVC pipes and fittings, specifically when solvent cements compliant with ASTM D2564 are required.
• Primer Properties: The primer is defined as an organic liquid with low viscosity (water-like) and free from undissolved particles. This ensures thorough surface preparation before cement application.
• Material Testing: Primers must demonstrate effective dissolving ability for PVC resin and possess long-term stability, as verified by standardized testing protocols.
• Surface Preparation: The primary function of the primer is to prepare PVC pipe and fitting surfaces, promoting maximum adhesion and optimal joint strength during solvent welding.
• Safety and Handling: The standard highlights safety measures due to the flammable nature of organic solvents, including requirements for proper labeling and adherence to relevant regulatory and safety practices.
• Potable Water Compliance: For applications involving potable water, primers must conform to NSF/ANSI 61 or the health effects section of NSF/ANSI 14, ensuring no adverse health effects.
• Container Labeling: Specifies mandatory markings such as manufacturer details, designation as “ASTM F656,” instructions for use, lot number, end-use application, and hazard warnings.

Applications

ASTM F656-21 is widely referenced across the plumbing, water supply, and industrial piping sectors for:

• Plumbing Installations: Ensures pipe and fitting joints for residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing meet safety and durability requirements.
• Pressurized and Nonpressurized PVC Piping: Enables proper solvent welding for both water supply and drainage systems using plain end, socket-type, or bell end PVC pipes and fittings.
• Potable Water Systems: Supports compliance with health standards for pipes carrying drinking water, when required by local authorities.
• Construction and Maintenance: Guides contractors, maintenance teams, and inspectors in choosing and applying primers that are fit-for-purpose and code-compliant.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures that products labeled under ASTM F656 undergo appropriate manufacturing and testing, reducing the risk of joint failure due to poor surface preparation.

Related Standards

When working with PVC plastic pipe and solvent cement joints, consider the following related standards for comprehensive compliance and best practice:

• ASTM D2564: Specification for solvent cements for PVC piping systems.
• ASTM D1784: Classification system and basis for specification for rigid PVC and CPVC compounds.
• ASTM D2855: Practice for the two-step (primer and solvent cement) method of joining PVC or CPVC pipes and fittings.
• ASTM F402: Guidelines for safe handling of solvent cements, primers, and cleaners in plastic pipe installation.
• ASTM F493: Specification for solvent cements for CPVC pipe and fittings.
• NSF/ANSI 14: Plastics piping system components and related materials.
• NSF/ANSI 61: Drinking water system components-health effects.

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM F656-21 helps installers, manufacturers, and inspectors ensure that PVC pipe joint primers are consistently effective, safe, and suitable for their intended applications. By following this standard, projects benefit from improved joint integrity, regulatory compliance, and safer handling practices, ultimately leading to longer-lasting and more reliable plastic piping systems.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F656 −21 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Primers for Use in Solvent Cement Joints of Poly(Vinyl
Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF656;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers requirements for primers for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
usewithpoly(vinylchloride)(PVC)pipeandfittingsthatareto D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
be joined by PVC solvent cements meeting the requirements of
tics
Specification D2564. D1784 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlo-
1.2 These primers are used in pressure and nonpressure
rinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
applications with plain end pipe and either socket-type fittings
D2564 Specification for Solvent Cements for Poly(Vinyl
or bell end pipe. These primers prepare the surface of pipe and
Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems
fittings before the application of solvent cement. The primer’s
D2855 Practice for the Two-Step (Primer and Solvent Ce-
effect on the set and cure time of the joint is dependent on the
ment) Method of Joining Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or
cement, pipe size, application method, temperature, and hu-
Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Pipe and
midity.
Piping Components with Tapered Sockets
1.3 Aprocedureforusingtheprimerwithcementisgivenin
F402 Practice for Safe Handling of Solvent Cements,
Practice D2855.
Primers, and Cleaners Used for Joining Thermoplastic
Pipe and Fittings
1.4 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes,
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These
F493 Specification for Solvent Cements for Chlorinated
notesandfootnotes(excludingthoseintablesandfigures)shall
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
not be considered as requirements of the specification.
2.2 NSF/ANSI Standards:
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Standard No. 14 for Plastics Piping System Components and
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
Related Materials
information only.
Standard No. 61 for Drinking Water System Components –
1.6 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
Health Effects
test methods portion, Section 6, of this specification: This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
3. Terminology
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
nology F412, and abbreviations are in accordance with Termi-
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
nology D1600, unless otherwise specified.
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2 Definitions:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.1 fluorescent primer—a primer which is clear and col-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
orless when viewed under visible light such as sunlight and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
indoorlighting,butwhichisreadilyvisiblewhenviewedunder
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
UV light (also known as, black light).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F17 on Plastic contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published April 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F656 – 15. DOI: Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd.,Ann
10.1520/F0656-21. Arbor, MI 48113-0140, http://www.nsf.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F656 − 21
3.2.2 primer—an organic solvent or a blend of solvents, tests omitted, substituted, changed, or modified, nor shall
which enhances adhesion, applied to plastic pipe and fittings specification limits be changed. If upon retest, failure occurs,
prior to application of a solvent cement. the quantity of product represented by the test(s) does not meet
the requirements of this specification.
4. Material Requirements
8. Report
4.1 The primer shall be an organic liquid with a viscosity no
8.1 Report the following information:
greater than 65 centipoise at 25 °C and shall not contain any
8.1.1 Name of primer manufacturer,
undissolved particles.
8.1.2 Lot number,
4.2 The solvent system to be used in the formulation of this
8.1.3 Dissolving ability, pass or fail, and
primer is not specified.
8.1.4 Stability, pass or fail.
NOTE 1—If required for identification purposes, colorants shall be used
in the primer. It is recommended that orange not be used, since this is the
9. Container Labeling and Marking
recommended color for CPVC solvent cement covered under Specifica-
tion F493.
9.1 Containerlabelingofprimershallincludethefollowing:
NOTE 2—When colorants are used in the primer for identification
9.1.1 Manuf
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F656 − 15 F656 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Primers for Use in Solvent Cement Joints of Poly(Vinyl
Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F656; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers requirements for primers for use with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) pipe and fittings that are to be
joined by PVC solvent cements meeting the requirements of Specification D2564.
1.2 These primers are used in pressure and nonpressure applications with plain end pipe and either socket-type fittings or bell end
pipe. These primers prepare the surface of pipe and fittings before the application of solvent cement. The primer’s effect on the
set and cure time of the joint is dependent on the cement, pipe size, application method, temperature, and humidity.
1.3 A procedure for using the primer with cement is given in Practice D2855.
1.4 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes and
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.6 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 6, of this specification: This standard
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D1784 Classification System and Basis for Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
D2564 Specification for Solvent Cements for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2015April 1, 2021. Published August 2015April 2021. Originally approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
F656 – 10.F656 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/F0656-15.10.1520/F0656-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F656 − 21
D2855 Practice for the Two-Step (Primer and Solvent Cement) Method of Joining Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or Chlorinated
Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Pipe and Piping Components with Tapered Sockets
F402 Practice for Safe Handling of Solvent Cements, Primers, and Cleaners Used for Joining Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
F493 Specification for Solvent Cements for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
2.2 NSF/ANSI Standards:
Standard No. 14 for Plastics Piping System Components and Related Materials
Standard No. 61 for Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Terminology F412, and abbreviations are in accordance with Terminology
D1600, unless otherwise specified.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 fluorescent primer—a primer which is clear and colorless when viewed under visible light such as sunlight and indoor
lighting, but which is readily visible when viewed under UV light (also known as, black light).
3.2.2 primer—an organic solvent or a blend of solvents, which enhances adhesion, applied to plastic pipe and fittings prior to
application of a solvent cement.
4. Material Requirements
4.1 The primer shall be an organic liquid with a viscosity no greater than 65 centipoise at 25°C25 °C and shall not contain any
undissolved particles.
4.2 The solvent system to be used in the formulation of this primer is not specified.
NOTE 1—If required for identification purposes, colorants shall be used in the primer. It is recommended that orange not be used, since this is the
recommended color for CPVC solvent cement covered under Specification F493.
NOTE 2—When colorants are used in the primer for identification purposes a fluorescent primer meeting the requirements of this specification and visible
under UV (black) light may be acceptable.
5. Detail Requirements
5.1 Dissolving Ability—The primer shall be capable of dissolving at least 10 % by weight of PVC resin at 73.473 °F 6 3.6°F
(234 °F (23 °C 6 2°C)2 °C) within 60 min, as specified in 5.1. The PVC resin shall be a resin used to make poly(vinyl chloride)
molding or extrusion compound meeting the requirements of Class 12454-B, as classified in Specification D1784.
5.2 Stability—The 10 % resin-primer solution mixed in accordance with 6.1.1 shall be tested for stability in accordance with 6.2.
6. Test Methods
6.1 Dissolving Ability:
6.1.1 Weigh 270 g of the primer being te
...