Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

PVC pipe for irrigation is joined by connectors/couplings that are to the pipe.

1. Soldered

2. Solvent Welded

3. Clamped

4. Wired

The correct answer is: Solvent Welded

PVC pipe for irrigation systems is commonly joined using solvent welding. This method involves using a solvent cement that chemically softens the surface of the PVC, allowing the pipes and connectors to fuse together as the cement cures. This creates a strong, durable bond that is essential for maintaining the integrity of the irrigation system under pressure. Using solvent welding ensures that the connections are watertight and resistant to leaks, which is crucial in irrigation applications where water flow needs to be consistent and unhindered. The solvent cement typically requires specific preparation of the pipe ends, and once applied, it quickly sets, enabling efficient assembly of the irrigation system. Other joining methods like soldering are not suitable for PVC, as that technique is intended for metal pipes. Clamping is not as effective and may lead to leaks over time, while wiring is not a method used for joining PVC, making those options less applicable in this context. Solvent welding remains the industry standard for connecting PVC irrigation pipes effectively.