Everything you need to know about PVC glue

PVC glue, also known as solvent cement, is a chemical solvent that melts the surface of the PVC pipe. When applied to pipe and fittings, the cement melts a thin layer that solidifiesin the second safter being put together, forming a seamless, waterproo seal.

Types of PVC Pipe Glue

There are three main types of PVC, which are polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The first two are similar in make-up. The difference is in their temperature tolerance, the CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) can withstand much higher temperatures than PVC (polyvinyl chloride), is used more for commercial applications, and is more expensive.

The composition of ABS is completely different from the previous two. This type of plastic is an opaque thermoplastic polymer and is commonly used in injection molding. Many use the term PVC glue, which could include superglue, but, to permanently bond two pieces of PVC materials, you need what is called solvent cement. A PVC cement creates a chemical bond and merges the two components in a process called cold welding, whereas glue simply forms a bond. (The difference boils down to regular glue being an adhesive and PVC cement being a solvent.)

You can use glue on PVC; however, this would be more for arts and crafts or other applications.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Cement

This cement is made for PVC piping that falls under 40 and 80 schedules.

Schedule 40: The lower schedule has thinner walls and can only withstand lower water pressures

Schedule 80: The schedule is thicker and can be used in industrial applications.

When applied to the piping, the surface softens and will create a permanent joint or bond that can't be separated unless cut. Applications include drains and plumbing pipes, cable insulation amongst others.

Color-Coded PVC Cement

When you are buying PVC cement, you might notice that products are labeled in various colors. Different colors for different applications.

The transition cement is labeled green.

Blue PVC cement sare for quick setting cement.

Aqua blue PVC cement can be used in water or where there are damp conditions.

Orange is for cold weather uses.

Yellow is a one-step cement that does not require a primer for the CPVC cement.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Cement

The cement cannot be used on the other PVC types. it is strictly prohibited in the plumbing rules never to use the wrong glue.The ABS piping is used a lot for drain, waste, and vent applications, also known as DWV. The correct type of cement you use is important, as you do not want pipe joints to weaken or burst.

Transition Cement

Transition or general-purpose cement can be used to bond different PVC piping, for example, PVC to ABS. The different pipes are joined without creating an intense chemical reaction that does not produce toxic fumes.

CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Cement

Offering higher performance than the cheaper PVC, CPVC cement will also need to offer more for it to be effective, due to the temperature variations. You can use CPVC cement on your PVC pipes and hold PVC pipes together firmly.

When purchasing, always take note of the consistency, because if it has thickened, this means something is not right and it will not bond properly.

How to glue pvc pipe?

PVC pipe is commonly used for irrigation, as well as sewage purposes. In some cases, simple repairs to PVC piping will not be sufficient and you must replace a section. When dealing with water pipes, you must switch the water off at the mains before you begin repairs. Follow the steps of glue PVC pipe below to easily solve your troubles

Tools Required

Pipe Cutter or Handsaw
Vice
Nut driver
Clean rags
Sandpaper

Materials Required

PVC Cement and PVC primer
Pipe and fittings
Transition coupling

Measure and cut

First, you need to remove the damaged area,  measure and cut the pipe to the correct specifications, and mark your new piping with a felt tip pen or pencil.

Place your piping into the vice and line up your marked area and cut the correct size.

Use sandpaper to file off the inner burrs and the outer burrs

Note: The pipe will slip into the fitting easier and you'll get a tighter fit.

Dry fit

To prevent mistakes and provide accuracy, before applying the solvent cements, please take your PVC pipe on a test drive by dry fitting it together. This step will help ensure correct measurements, if the dimensions are wrong, You can make adjustments, get new PVC join

Note: During your dry fitting, draw lines on your pieces for references. Draw lines vertically on the pipe to reference the correct angle of insertion. Draw lines horizontally to show how deep you should push the pipe into its socket.

Apply the PVC Prime

Use the attached brush to spread PVC primer over the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting. Let it dry for about 10 seconds. The primer softens and cleans the plastic.

Apply the PVC Cement

Apply the cement to the primed areas on the inside of the fitting and to the outside of the pipe.

Push and twist

Slide the pipe into the fitting until it bottoms out against the fitting's shoulder, then give it a ¼-inch turn to spread the glue and speed its cure.

If you're attaching a fitting, push it in with the reference marks slightly out of register, and turn the fitting to align the marks. Hold for 30 seconds, then wipe up any excess cement with a dry rag.

Push and twist

Slide the pipe into the fitting until it bottoms out against the fitting's shoulder, then turn it a ¼-inch.
Pro tip: Twisting the fitting helps spread the solvent cement evenly and speed its cure to ensure a solid joint.

If you're attaching a fitting, push it in with the reference marks slightly out of register, and turn the fitting to align the marks. Hold for 30 seconds, then wipe up any excess cement with a dry rag. Recommend allowing the pipe to cure for 24 hours before using it.

Pro tip: If you let go immediately, the pipe may push out of the fitting, resulting in a weak joint.

More Safety Requirements When Gluing PVC Pipe

When gluing PVC and working with toxic materials in a well-ventilated space or outside, it is best to wear protective equipment (for example a respirator mask and nitrile gloves that are resistant to chemicals).

Have all your materials and tools ready before gluing, as you have to work quickly.

Buy a few spare fittings for your project. They can be replaced without delay in the event you make a mistake.

Work quickly but with precision, try to avoid any drips and splashes.

Don't work in areas where there is an open flame as the materials are combustible.