If you’ve ever worked with electrofusion welding machines, you already know they can make pipe joining much easier and more reliable than traditional methods. But here’s the thing: these machines are only as good as the way they’re used.
We have seen people make small mistakes and end up wasting time, material, and money. So, if you’re new to electrofusion welding machines, or even if you’ve been using them for a while, here are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
When you use electrofusion welding machines, here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
This is the biggest mistake people make with electrofusion welding machines. You might think a quick wipe is enough. It’s not.
Your pipes need to be perfectly clean. Any dirt, oil, or rust will make weak joints. You should scrape the pipe surface until you see fresh, clean plastic. This takes a few extra minutes. But it saves you from redoing the entire job later.
Rain and moisture are enemies of electrofusion welding machines. Even a little humidity can cause problems. You should always check the weather before starting work.
If it’s raining or very humid, wait for better conditions. Use covers to protect your work area when needed. Your joints will be much stronger when you work in dry conditions.
Every electrofusion welding machine comes with a manual. This manual tells you exactly what settings to use for different pipe sizes. Don’t guess these numbers.
Each pipe size needs specific time and temperature settings. Always check the manual before you start. Write down the correct settings if that helps you remember.
Your pipes must be perfectly straight before welding. Even a small gap can make weak spots in your joint. These weak spots will break later.
Use good clamps to hold everything in place. Cheap clamps often slip during welding. This creates crooked joints that don’t last long.
Take your time with this step. A few extra minutes here can save you hours of repair work.
After welding, your joint needs time to cool and harden. This is when the real strength develops. Many people try to rush this step.
Don’t touch or move the joint during cooling time. The plastic is still soft inside. Any movement can make it weak.
The cooling time in your manual is the minimum time you should wait. It’s better to wait a bit longer than to rush.
Your electrofusion welding machines need regular cleaning and care. Dirty contacts make poor connections. This leads to weak joints.
Check your equipment before each job. Clean the contacts and check all cables. Well-maintained machines work better and last longer.
Most problems with electrofusion welding machines happen when people take shortcuts. Good welding takes patience and attention to detail.
You don’t need to be an expert to do this well. You just need a reliable electrofusion welding machine and to follow the basic steps every time.
