Solvent cement filler for a strap-on boss

MJN · 5 Apr 2014

I thought I'd throw this question out to those in the know...

I intend to fit a strap boss to an internal soil pipe. The pipe is made by Osma so I figured it makes sense to use their strap boss to ensure a good fit. However, I have noticed in the Osma design and installation guide (pg 110) that solvent cement filler should be used for this type of connection.

This struck me as sensible given the nature of this type of join but then I discovered that their solvent cement filler retails at over £20 for a 200g tube!

So, I was wondering if anyone can confirm that it is indeed necessary for the job (compared with standard solvent cement) and therefore I should just swallow what strikes me as rather a high cost? Is it acceptable to use cement filler for other joints too i.e. there's no drawback to it (other than cost of course!)?

bamber · 5 Apr 2014

Use silicone, if you are a tightwad, cost about about a fiver,it won`t last ,buy solvent cement for a lasting repair.

MJN · 5 Apr 2014

You may have misunderstood my question (my fault I'm sure).

I am asking whether I should be using solvent cement filler as opposed to solvent cement. The former seems to be over three times the price of the latter and whilst I can imagine there are benefits to it I've not seen it specified by others discussing strap-on bosses.

PhilPrime · 5 Apr 2014

I use solvent cement and never had any problems in over 20 years

bamber · 5 Apr 2014

You may have misunderstood my question

Use any strap on boss from local plumbers mechants with solvent weld glue. Simples.

TCCHeating · 5 Apr 2014

You will probably get away with using standard solvent weld but in my experience it can be hit and miss on a strap on boss. I always use gap filling cement on boss's. Its much stronger. 20 quid seems a bit on the expensive side. I think i paid about a tenner for mine off ebay

MJN · 6 Apr 2014

Thanks TCC. To be honest whilst I'm surprised at the cost I don't want to cut corners if it's the right stuff for the job. I likely won't be doing it for a while so will keep an eye for anything that crops up.

Perhaps part of the problem is that Osma stuff seems relatively pricey overall from what I can see but that's what the whole house is done in. I guess Persimmon can command some hefty discounts in bulk!

Richardthe3rd · 6 Apr 2014

Forget about Osma, use the best of British. McAlpine make a wonderful range of plumbing fittings here in Glasgow, so use their mechanical strap on boss;
http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/lan...echanical-soil-pipe-boss-connector-black.html

HTH

Richardthe3rd · 6 Apr 2014

Richardthe3rd said:
Forget about Osma, use the best of British. McAlpine make a wonderful range of plumbing fittings here in Glasgow, so use their mechanical strap on boss;
http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/lan...echanical-soil-pipe-boss-connector-black.html

HTH

PS. Available at most good Plumbers' Merchants & sometimes even Plumb Center

MJN · 6 Apr 2014

Interesting; thanks.

I haven't seen mechanical boss's before. Are they really as good as solvent weld? I'd assumed that when it comes to a secure leak-free fixing the latter were unbeatable given how they make the two components effectively become one?

I do like the inherent benefits of a reversible/undoable attachment, not least givenI hhaven't used solvent weld before. But I don't want that freedom to be it's undoing, literally!

Note that the soil pipe is internal, inside my lounge, boxed in and the upstairs bathroom feeding it is on the 3rd floor so it's quite a demanding situation compared to perhaps how it otherwise could be.

Nige F · 6 Apr 2014

MJN said:
Interesting; thanks.

it is on the 3rd floor so it's quite a demanding situation compared to perhaps how it otherwise could be.

Are Percy Mon building skyscrapers now

Osma always did advocate/manufacture their gap filling solvent - not seen it from others

MJN · 6 Apr 2014

Nige F said:
Are Percy Mon building skyscrapers now

Almost! Although I may have exaggerated... it's actually 2.5 floors if you'll forgive what might be regarded as estate agent speak... (the master bedroom is half in the roof).

Osma always did advocate/manufacture their gap filling solvent - not seen it from others

That's interesting to hear. I suppose it's one of those cases where it can only help the situation, and might also help make up for any deficiencies made elsewhere. That, and Osma being able to absolve all responsibility if their instructions aren't followed to the letter!

I must say I'm leaning towards the mechanical boss now. Leaving aside the cost aspect (£10 compared to ~£50 with the Osma setup once I've factored in degreaser and the cement) because I don't want to trade financial cost with one of performance, I am liking the fact that it would be a reversible/removal connection and thus not a one-chance-is-all-youve-got affair. It may well be prudent for me to have an access panel for this connection anyway and so I should be able to sleep at night knowing it isn't leaking. Furthermore, a smear of silicone and a couple of jubilee straps should reinforce the fitment whether it needs it or not.

Thanks everyone for the comments; they've been most helpful.

Richardthe3rd · 6 Apr 2014

MJN said:
Interesting; thanks.

I haven't seen mechanical boss's before. Are they really as good as solvent weld? I'd assumed that when it comes to a secure leak-free fixing the latter were unbeatable given how they make the two components effectively become one?

I do like the inherent benefits of a reversible/undoable attachment, not least givenI hhaven't used solvent weld before. But I don't want that freedom to be it's undoing, literally!

Note that the soil pipe is internal, inside my lounge, boxed in and the upstairs bathroom feeding it is on the 3rd floor so it's quite a demanding situation compared to perhaps how it otherwise could be.

OMG!! It's only a pipe boss!! What's with all the verbal diarrhea??!
My eyes started to glaze over after reading two lines!! You drill the pipe & fit the boss, where's the problem??

MJN · 6 Apr 2014

Apprehension at never using solvent weld before, that's all. That, and the fact that if I do somehow screw it up then I'll likely be in the sh1t... literally!

Richardthe3rd · 6 Apr 2014

MJN said:
Apprehension at never using solvent weld before, that's all. That, and the fact that if I do somehow screw it up then I'll likely be in the s**t... literally!

Apprehension & sleepiness night!! Seriously mate you're in need of help or medication. It's a strap on boss, on a vertical 110mm pipe, a full flush of a bog & a bath draining wouldn't fill the full bore of the pipe that size. Sorry, but just drill it & fit the McAlpine boss.

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Solvent cement filler for a strap-on boss

bamber

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