How to Use Different PVC Pipe Adhesives

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If you've ever worked with PVC pipe, you will know that it fits together quite snugly on its own. The PVC sizing system is designed in a way that prevents most slipping from occurring, but this does not mean the seal between a pipe and fitting is air (or even water) tight. Whether you are making a plumbing/irrigation system or simply building a structure out of PVC pipe, adhesives can help! There are many types of PVC pipe adhesives, but how do you decide which to use?

When choosing which adhesive to use, there are a few things to consider:

1. What kind of material are you using (PVC, CPVC, CPVC, CTS)?
2. Is the connection a slip or threaded end?
3. Are there any code requirements?
4. What are you hoping to achieve?

The most important thing to remember is that applying PVC adhesives is simple and will save you money if you do it before you encounter a problem! In this blog post we will talk about the different types of PVC adhesives, when to use them, and how to apply them correctly.

What kind of material are you using?

The first step to ensuring you use the correct adhesive is to correctly identify your pipe and fittings material. PVC is generally white, whereas CPVC is usually light gray or cream colored, and CPVC CTS is a tanish/yellow color. If you are still not certain after looking at the color of the pipes, PVC, CPVC, and CPVC CTS pipes all come with the technical specifications printed on them.

Is the connection a slip or threaded end?

One of the biggest factors to consider before buying PVC pipe adhesives is end type. With slip ends, the pipe pushes into a slip or socket fitting and the connection is made. A threaded connections has male and female threads (commonly referred to as MPT and FPT) that screw together. These end types require different adhesives. You cannot use thread tape on a socket fitting, as it would take up too much space. You cannot use PVC cement on threaded connections, as it chemically bonds PVC together, destroying the threads.

Slip connections are easy to make, as all you need is a simple push to make a connection! These types of connections can be made permanent by using PVC primer and cement, two substances that go hand-in-hand. Threaded connections are made with sealant tape or thread sealant ("pipe dope") which create a tight seal between threads. PVC pipe adhesives for threaded connections allow the user to unscrew the connection if desired. It is important to pick the right adhesive for the job.

Are there any code requirements?

Depending on the application, there may be some code involved, particularly in plumbing, when choosing a piping adhesive. It is important to know any codes you might be working under to ensure you pass inspection. For instance, some codes require you use a colored primer, so that they can have visual evidence that primer was used.

What are you hoping to achieve?

Finally, you need to know what you are hoping to achieve. Are you building a sprinkler for your kids that you would like to take down at the end of the summer? PVC primer and cement would not be the choice for you, as it&#;s permanent.

Types of Adhesives

Once you have answered the four questions above, you are ready to start finding the adhesive that is best for your application. PVC, CPVC, and CPVC CTS all use similar adhesives, but each one is used for a particular job. Below are the three most common adhesives: primer and cement, pipe joint compound, and pipe thread sealant tape.

As mentioned before, PVC primer and cement are used on slip connections. These substances are completely different, but should be used together for maximum effect. These are some of the strongest PVC pipe adhesives. Primer acts as a cleaner, preparing the pipe by softening it's surface and removing any glaze that may be present. People often buy colored primer, as plumbing code sometimes requires visual proof of primer use. PVC cement is often referred to as "glue," but it works in a very different way. This substance actually breaks down and chemically bonds two PVC parts together. In effect, PVC cement makes two PVC parts inseparable.

PVC primer and cement are easy to apply and will set in minutes! Most primers and solvent cements include an applicator brush attached to the lid. Apply primer to the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting evenly, with no clumps. Immediately after, when the primer is still wet, apply cement to the same surfaces. Be generous with the cement, as the primary reason for joint failure is insufficient cement coverage. The video below (via Christy Enterprises) shows, in greater detail, how to apply PVC primer and cement.

Threaded connections require different types of adhesives. The main advantage of threaded ends is that they can be unscrewed and re-screwed, so any adhesives or sealants have to allow for that as well. Most DIY-ers use thread seal tape, which is usually made from PTFE (Teflon), due to how easy and clean it is. All you need to do is wrap it around the male threads. A stronger yet messier option is joint compound, also called pipe dope. Joint compound is a liquid solution that fills up any gaps in threads to totally prevent leakage. It never fully dries, so the joint can be unscrewed at any time.

Joint compound and thread tape do not just work with PVC. They are compatible with many different types of piping, including several metals. This makes them widely used by professionals in many industries. Thread seal tape must be wrapped multiple times around the threads so that it covers every thread. Joint compound must be brushed on over all the male threads so that no spots are dry, as this could leave room for leakage. The video below from This Old House shows when and how to use these different types of PVC adhesives.

You now know all the best ways to seal PVC pipe! It all comes down to the material, end type, and application. Make sure you don't overpay for PVC pipe adhesives! PVC Fittings Online has a huge stock of sealants, solvent cements, and thread tapes at the lowest prices anywhere! If you're not sure what you should buy, our staff can help! Call us at (866) 777- to speak to a professional.

Link to Hebei Top Tape