What Are The Different Types of PVC Glues?

If you have actually ever dealt with PVC pipes, you will understand that it meshes rather snugly by itself. The PVC sizing system is designed in a manner that prevents most slipping from occurring, however this does not suggest the seal between a pipe and fitting is air (and even water) tight. Whether you are making a plumbing/irrigation system or just constructing a structure out of PVC pipe, adhesives can help! There are numerous types of PVC pipeline adhesives, however how do you decide which to utilize?

When choosing which adhesive to utilize, there are a few things to think about:

1. What sort of product are you utilizing (PVC, CPVC, CPVC, CTS)?
2. Is the connection a slip or threaded end?
3. Are there any code requirements?
4. What are you wishing to achieve?

The most essential thing to bear in mind is that applying PVC adhesives is simple and will conserve you money if you do it prior to you experience an issue! In this article we will discuss the various kinds of PVC adhesives, when to utilize them, and how to apply them correctly.

What kind of material are you using?
The first step to guaranteeing you utilize the proper adhesive is to correctly determine your pipe and fittings material. PVC is usually white, whereas CPVC is typically light gray or cream colored, and CPVC CTS is a tanish/yellow color. If you are still not sure after taking a look at the color of the pipes, PVC, CPVC, and CPVC CTS pipes all include the technical requirements printed on them.

Is the connection a slip or threaded end?
Among the biggest aspects to think about prior to 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 described as MPT and FPT) that screw together. These end types need various adhesives. You can not use thread tape on a socket fitting, as it would use up too much area. You can not use PVC cement on threaded connections, as it chemically bonds PVC together, ruining the threads.

Slip connections are easy to make, as all you require is an easy push to make a connection! These types of connections can be made permanent by utilizing PVC primer and cement, 2 compounds that go together. Threaded connections are made with sealant tape or thread sealant (” pipeline dope”) which produce a tight seal between threads. PVC pipeline adhesives for threaded connections enable the user to unscrew the connection if preferred. It is important to pick the right adhesive for the task.

Are there any code requirements?
Depending upon the application, there might be some code included, particularly in plumbing, when choosing a piping adhesive. It is necessary to understand any codes you might be working under to ensure you pass inspection. Some codes need you utilize a colored primer, so that they can have visual proof that guide was utilized.

What are you wishing to achieve?
You want to know what you are hoping to achieve. Are you constructing a sprinkler for your kids that you want to remove at the end of the summer season? PVC primer and cement would not be the option for you, as it’s permanent.

Types of Adhesives
As soon as you have actually answered the four questions above, you are ready to begin discovering the adhesive that is finest for your application. PVC, CPVC, and CPVC CTS all use similar adhesives, but each one is used for a specific job. Below are the three most common adhesives: pipe joint compound, primer and cement, and pipe thread sealant tape.

As pointed out before, PVC primer and cement are used on slip connections. These substances are totally different, however ought to be utilized together for maximum result. These are some of the strongest PVC pipe adhesives. The primer serves as a cleaner, preparing the pipe by softening it’s surface and getting rid of any glaze that might be present. Individuals typically buy colored primer, as plumbing code sometimes needs visual evidence of primer usage. PVC cement is often referred to as “glue,” however it operates in a very different method. This substance in fact breaks down and chemically bonds 2 PVC parts together. In effect, PVC cement makes two PVC parts inseparable.

PVC primer and cement are easy to use and will set in minutes! The majority of primers and solvent cements include an applicator brush attached to the lid of the can. Apply primer to the end of the pipe and the inside of the fitting uniformly, without any clumps. Immediately after, when the primer is still damp, apply cement to the same surface areas. Be generous with the cement, as the primary factor for joint failure is insufficient cement coverage.

Joint Compound and Thread Tape
Threaded connections need a different type of adhesive. The main advantage of threaded ends is that they can be unscrewed and re-screwed, so any adhesives or sealants have to enable that too. A lot of DIY-ers use thread seal tape, which is generally 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 more powerful yet messier choice is joint compound, also called pipeline dope. Joint compound is a liquid option that fills up any spaces in threads to absolutely avoid leakage. It never fully dries, so the joint can be unscrewed at any time.

Joint compound and thread tape do not only work with PVC. They are compatible with several kinds of piping, consisting of numerous metals. This makes them widely used by specialists in numerous markets. Thread seal tape should be wrapped multiple times around the threads so that it covers every thread. Joint compound needs to be brushed on over all the male threads so that no spots are dry, as this might leave room for leakage.

South End Plumbing specializes in all plumbing services, so remember, we are just a click away. We also specialize in tankless water heaters – give us a call! South End Plumbing is one of the only companies that will give you a free estimate. Call us at 704-919-1722 or fill out the form online to schedule a visit.