Build a water mortar

Step 6 Check groove depth

Roll the O-ring into the groove and measure the outside diameter of the O-ring with a dial caliper. Rotate the pipe slightly and measure at a couple positions to get an average diameter. The average diameter needs to be about .010" bigger than the inside diameter of the large pipe. The table referenced earlier says the inside diameter of 2" schedule 40 PVC should be 2.049", but measure yours and add .010" to get your target diameter. If the O-ring fits too tightly, it will bind and not slide smoothly, if it is too loose, water will leak past it.

Once the target diameter is reached, remove the pipe from the turning setup. Bevel the inside lip of the outer pipe so that the o-rings will slide into it easier. Clean everything before assembly. Put damp, folded pieces of paper towel over the end of the inner pipe and push them through the outer pipe to clean dust and debris out. Put both O-rings into their grooves, liberally lubricate everything, and check the fit.