Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are used in assorted residential applications. As such, at one point or the other, you will need to make joints using them. That’s where gluing PVC pipes come into play; as a DIYer, you must be aware of the process of gluing a PVC pipe for the smooth operation of your home plumbing tasks.
Gluing PVC pipes is actually quite straightforward. Once you have taken the necessary safety considerations, you will need to make square cuts on the PVC pipes at hand. After that, deburr the inside and outside of the pipes and mark the desired alignment of the pipes. Finally, apply the PVC cement and set the pipes in place.
In this guide below, we will be taking a dig into all the steps involved in gluing a PVC pipe, and more. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Required Supplies
- Handsaw
- Saw blade, around 3-4 inches wide
- 80-grit sandpaper
- Torpedo level
- Nut driver
- Rags
- Tape measure
- Primer
- PVC Cement
- PVC pipe
- PVC pipe fittings
- Transition coupling
Having acquired the required supplies, it is important to mention that you must take all the mandatory safety precautions before getting on with the process.
PVC cement and primer can irritate your eyes and skin, so be sure to wear protective gloves and safety goggles.
Also, be sure to choose a well-ventilated area as your workspace as PVC cement is a chemical solvent.
Step 1: Making Square Cuts
First off, you need to make the desired cuts on the PVC pipe at hand. For that, you will require a handsaw along with a blade of around 3-4 inches width. There is also a much better alternative of a special saw, especially if you do loads of plumbing.
It is recommended that you make square cuts as they can easily get attached to fittings until they are flush with the surface. There is enough contact area for the working of solvent cement.
Step 2: Smoothen the Burrs
Having made the desired cuts, make a rolled tube out of a quarter sheet of 80-grit sandpaper and flatten it so that it matches the curve of the pipe(s).
Now, hold the sandpaper at an angle, and both the internal and external of the PVC until slightly beveled edges are produced.
Note that if you don’t deburr the inside of your PVC, the burrs will end up snagging dirt, thereby causing clogs.
As for the external deburring, it helps in a much easier, tighter, and secure fit.
Step 3: Marking the Desired Alignment
When it comes to PVC joints, orientation is vital, so it is always a good idea to make alignment marks beforehand.
Accordingly, dry-fit the PVC pipe and its connectors fitting so that you are able to make a mark across pipe and fitting. Be sure to use a torpedo level if needed.
Step 4: Applying the PVC Cement
Having marked the desired alignment, it is time for you to apply the PVC cement.
Accordingly, use a PVC primer to wipe the outside of the pipe, as well as the inside of the fitting. Leave the PVC to dry for about 10 seconds.
Once dried, immediately spread an even layer of PVC cement outside the pipe and the inside of the fitting. Be sure not to apply too much pressure on the inside of the socket on the fitting; else, the excess solvent cement could end up being pushed into water piping.
Step 5: Pushing and Twisting
Now, align PVC pipe and fitting, such that they are only a quarter-turn from their final orientation.
Force the pipe into the fitting of PVC pipe connectors and twist the fitting so that the marks are in alignment.
This pushing and twisting motion ensures that the solvent cement is evenly spread and the joint is solid.
Be sure to press and hold the pipe, afterward, for about 30 seconds, or you could end up compromising the strength of the joint.
After 30 seconds, give another 20 minutes to the joint to properly settle. Finally, the right time for you to start working on your project is the time, that the glue will take to cure. This time will be mentioned on the product’s instructions and it is usually 24 hours.
Utilizing the Coupling Method
If your PVP pipes are unable to reach the pre-drilled hole, or some other mishap occurs, you need to resort to the coupling method.
To execute this method, saw out the troubling part of the pipe connection and rejoin it by adding the required new part. You may also need to apply prime and cement.
In case you are dealing with different types of pipes, you should use transition couplings. These couplings are made up of a flexible rubber sleeve, surrounded by band clamps and a metal sleeve.
Anyhow, slide the ends of the pipes into transition fitting and turn the screw clockwise, using a nut driver, so that the bands are tightened up and the joint is sealed.
How to Connect PVC Pipe Without Glue?
Since it is difficult to eliminate the joints between PVC pipes, made using glue, you may prefer a method of connecting PVC pipes without glue.
In such a case, you have a variety of different options;
- Using 0-ring
- Using RTV Silicone
- Using Mechanical Connectors
- Using Flex Couplings
- Using Threaded Couplings
Conclusion
And there you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to glue PVC pipe. We hope that it has addressed each one of your queries at one point or the other.
To reiterate, here are the basic steps that you need to take for gluing a PVC pipe; putting on the safety gear, making square cuts on the pipes, smoothening the burrs, aligning the pipes, pushing and twisting, and finally, coupling, if needed.
