Griffon PVC Solvent Cement and Lubricant: The Right Products for Irrigation Pipework
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Introduction
A PVC irrigation system is only as reliable as its joints. Solvent weld connections, when made correctly with the right products, create a permanent, leak-free bond that is as strong as the pipe itself. Made incorrectly — with the wrong cement, insufficient coverage, or inadequate cure time — they can fail under pressure, causing leaks, system downtime, and costly repairs.
Griffon is a leading European manufacturer of pipe jointing products, trusted by plumbers, irrigation engineers, and contractors across the UK and Europe. IrriSmart stocks the Griffon range of PVC solvent cements and lubricants, giving you everything you need to make reliable, professional-quality joints in PVC irrigation pipework.
This guide explains the different Griffon products available, when to use each one, and how to achieve a perfect solvent weld joint every time.
Understanding Solvent Cement for PVC
Solvent cement (also called solvent weld adhesive or PVC glue) works by chemically dissolving the surface of both the pipe and the fitting socket. When the two surfaces are pushed together, the dissolved PVC fuses into a single homogeneous mass as the solvent evaporates — creating a joint that is chemically bonded rather than simply glued.
This is why solvent cement joints, when correctly made, are stronger than a mechanical connection and will not pull apart under normal operating pressures. It also means that the quality of the joint depends heavily on using the right cement for the pipe material, applying it correctly, and allowing adequate cure time before pressurising.
The Griffon Product Range
Griffon PVC Glue WDF-05 — Fast Dry
The Griffon WDF-05 is a fast-drying solvent cement specifically formulated for PVC-U (unplasticised PVC) pressure pipe and fittings — the standard material used for irrigation mainlines, sub-mains, and metric solvent weld fittings. The fast-dry formulation reduces the time between jointing and pressurisation, making it ideal for irrigation installations where you need to move quickly through a system.
- Suitable for: PVC-U pressure pipe and metric solvent weld fittings up to 160mm diameter
- Drying time: faster cure than standard cements, allowing earlier pressurisation
- Colour: clear
- Available in: 0.25 litre and 0.5 litre with brush applicator cap
The 0.25 litre tin is ideal for smaller jobs and repairs; the 0.5 litre is more economical for larger installations or regular use.
View Griffon WDF Fast Dry PVC Glue
Griffon Glue Uni 100
The Griffon Uni 100 is an all-purpose solvent cement suitable for a broader range of plastic pipe materials including PVC-U, ABS, and CPVC. It is a reliable general-purpose cement for applications where a single product needs to cover multiple pipe types, or where the specific pipe material is uncertain.
- Suitable for: PVC-U, ABS, and CPVC pipe and fittings
- Colour: clear
- Available in: 0.5 litre with cap brush
The Uni 100 is a practical choice for maintenance kits and situations where you need one cement that works across different plastic pipe systems on the same site.
Griffon Lubricant P20
The Griffon P20 is a specialist pipe jointing lubricant designed for use with rubber ring joint (RRJ) PVC pipe and push-fit connections. It lubricates the rubber seal and pipe end to allow the joint to be pushed together smoothly without damaging the seal or requiring excessive force.
- Suitable for: rubber ring joint PVC pipe, push-fit connections, and rubber-sealed fittings
- Important: P20 is a lubricant, not a solvent cement — it does not bond the pipe. It is used exclusively with mechanical push-fit and rubber ring joint connections, not with solvent weld fittings.
- Available in: standard tub
P20 lubricant is essential for larger diameter RRJ pipe installations (typically 90mm and above) where the rubber seal requires lubrication to allow the spigot to be pushed fully home into the socket without rolling or displacing the seal.
WDF Fast Dry vs Uni 100: Which Should You Use?
For standard PVC-U irrigation pipe and metric solvent weld fittings — which is the most common scenario in irrigation — the Griffon WDF-05 Fast Dry is the recommended choice. It is specifically formulated for PVC-U pressure applications and its fast-dry properties are a practical advantage on irrigation installations.
Use the Griffon Uni 100 when you are working with a mix of plastic pipe materials on the same site, or when you need a single general-purpose cement for a maintenance kit that covers multiple pipe types.
How to Make a Perfect Solvent Weld Joint
The quality of a solvent weld joint depends on preparation, speed, and technique. Follow these steps every time:
- Cut the pipe square — use a pipe cutter or fine-toothed saw. A square, clean cut is essential for a full-contact joint. Deburr the cut end inside and out with a file or deburring tool.
- Dry fit first — push the pipe into the fitting socket without cement to check the fit. The pipe should enter the socket to approximately one third of the socket depth with hand pressure. If it goes in too easily, check your sizes.
- Clean both surfaces — wipe the pipe end and fitting socket with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust, moisture, and grease. For best results, use a dedicated PVC cleaner or primer on both surfaces.
- Apply cement quickly — using the brush applicator, apply a generous, even coat of Griffon WDF or Uni 100 to the pipe end, working quickly. Apply a thinner coat to the fitting socket. Work fast — solvent cement begins to skin over within seconds.
- Push and twist — immediately push the pipe fully into the fitting socket with a firm, steady push and a slight quarter-turn twist to spread the cement evenly. The pipe should bottom out against the internal stop in the fitting.
- Hold for 30 seconds — hold the joint firmly without movement for at least 30 seconds to allow the initial bond to form.
- Wipe excess cement — remove any excess cement that has squeezed out around the joint with a clean cloth. A bead of cement around the full circumference of the joint is a good sign that coverage was adequate.
- Allow to cure before pressurising — with Griffon WDF Fast Dry, allow a minimum of 1 hour at temperatures above 10°C before applying water pressure. Allow longer in cold or damp conditions. Full cure takes 24 hours — do not pressure test to maximum system pressure until fully cured.
How to Make a Rubber Ring Joint with P20 Lubricant
For RRJ pipe connections:
- Clean the spigot end of the pipe and the rubber seal in the socket
- Check the rubber seal is correctly seated in its groove — it should sit evenly around the full circumference
- Apply a generous coat of Griffon P20 lubricant to the spigot end of the pipe and a thin coat to the face of the rubber seal
- Align the pipe and push the spigot firmly into the socket until it reaches the insertion mark on the pipe
- Check that the rubber seal has not been displaced by probing around the joint with a feeler gauge
Storage and Safety
Griffon solvent cements contain organic solvents and are flammable. Store in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent solvent evaporation, which reduces the cement's effectiveness. Always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid prolonged inhalation of vapours. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling.
Shelf life is typically 2 years from manufacture when stored correctly. Check the expiry date before use — degraded cement will not form a reliable bond.
Conclusion
Using the right Griffon product for your pipe jointing application is a small investment that pays dividends in system reliability and longevity. Whether you are making solvent weld joints in PVC-U pressure pipe with WDF Fast Dry, using Uni 100 for a mixed-material installation, or lubricating rubber ring joints with P20, Griffon products give you the confidence of a professional-quality joint every time.
Browse the full Griffon range at IrriSmart: WDF Fast Dry PVC Glue, Uni 100 PVC Glue, and P20 Lubricant. For advice on the right products for your installation, contact our team.