What is the difference between pipe cleaner, primer/cleaner and primer?
All pipe surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with pipe cleaner. Pipe cleaner is formulated to remove surface dirt and any oils or grease that remain on the pipe from the manufacturing process or from the work environment. Primer/cleaner and primer contain more aggressive solvents and will soften the pipe surface to allow the solvent cement to penetrate more effectively. Primer is often required by plumbing codes and sometimes a purple colored primer is specified. Colorless primers, visible under UV or black lights can be used in place of purple primers as permitted in ASTM F656.
