When working with a PVC pipe, you have a lot of options for creating a solid bond. For some projects, the pipe itself being properly secured will do the trick. For others, you need the help of an adhesive. Let’s take a look at the best glue for PVC pipe options and see which suits your project’s needs.
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- Thick, easy to manage formula
- Strong bond
- Available in many sizes
- Fast drying
- Works well for smaller projects
- Affordable
- Works well in wet conditions
- Dries relatively quickly
- Very strong bond
- Thick formula
- Works well in wet conditions
- Affordable
- Affordable
- Multi-use
- Durable, flexible bond
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
When working with PVC pipes, the best type of glue to use is PVC cement. This type of PVC adhesive locks the PVC in place with a waterproof and contact-proof bond that works to help ensure it will not move or leak. Due to this, the best PVC adhesive is the Oatey 31018 Hydraulic Cements.
This product creates a permanent bond that locks the pipes in place. As a PVC pipe glue, this product is designed to be easy to use and provide a superior bonding experience on potable water, pressure pipe, conduit, and DWV. The product also dries clear, creating a seamless appearance with the rest of the pipe, making it good for visible areas, as well.
The brand does not that the bond is safe from temperatures ranging from 40°F to 110°F / 4°C to 43°C. It is not heatproof and will fail if exposed to extreme temperatures, though this type of situation is uncommon for the most part. Still, it is worth noting before using it in essential pipe areas to ensure it is a good fit for your project.
Top Features
- Easy to Use
- Strong Bond
- Affordable
Do You Need to Glue PVC Pipes?
Whether or not you choose to use PVC pipe glue on your project is a personal preference for many jobs. That being said, there are situations where using PVC cement is necessary and highly recommended.
For using PVC in a structural setting for a tent or other situation where things will need to be moved, glue is not a necessity. It may make the space more durable but will impede the process of taking the area down. This means for most non-essential DIY projects, you will not need to opt to go about gluing PVC pipe.
However, if you are joining PVC pipe in hopes of having it transport water or serve another important purpose, you definitely need to consider using PVC cement or glue. The last thing you need if for your PVC to come apart or begin to leak if bumped or otherwise impacted. This can cause costly issues that can easily be more expensive than the glue, so paying the extra bit upfront and putting in the extra effort can make a massive impact in the completed project’s durability and longevity while also saving you a lot of time, money, effort, and headache.
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Check out our list below for a summary of our results.
- Oatey 31018 Hydraulic Cement
- Oatey 30876 Heavy Duty Clear PVC Cement
- Oatey 31014 PVC Regular Cement
- Gorilla PVC Cement
- Weld-On 12496 Pint 735 Wet 'R Dry PVC Cement
- T Christy Enterprise RH-RHBV-QP Christy'S Glue Low Voc
- Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant
Types of PVC Glue
When gluing PVC, you have a few different options for adhesives. The two most popular that people use are PVC cement and silicone glue. Both of these are viable options with their own unique pros and cons and both have their own roles they could play on a job site. Let’s explore each a little deeper and see what best fits your needs.
PVC Cement
PVC cement is a great option if you really want to lock everything in place and keep it there. This type of glue is durable and heavy-duty but does provide a level of rigidity, making it harder to move or tweak once set and creating issues if you need a bit of give when installing the pipes or working on them in the future.
This also poses a concern around how long PVC glue dry down, as PVC cement takes a longer time than other types of glue due to the thickness of the material. They also usually do need clamps or consistent pressure until the bond has formed enough to hold everything into place, which is something to keep in mind, as well.
When looking at how strong is PVC cement compared to silicone, PVC cement is definitely stronger but has its place. Silicone is also a viable option.
Silicone Glue
Silicone glue has a similar role to PVC cement, in that it creates a rather durable bond that lasts a long time. The main difference concerns the flexibility of the material. If you want a situation where you can easily perform maintenance and have a bit of movement with the joint, silicone will provide this. That being said, there are situations where it may be prone to leaks and other issues, though these are few and far between.
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How to Glue PVC Pipes
When looking at how to use PVC cement and silicone glue, you generally will need to read the packaging’s specific requirements, though there are some things you can do to assist the process. Many PVC cement products, for example, do need a primer to help them fully adhere. Lightly sanding or abrading the surface of the pipe to be glued also can help to make a difference, due to the glue being able to better grip the material when there is a rougher texture, as it can get into the crevasses and dips in the abraded area.
Furthermore, you should also always clean the pipe before applying adhesive of any sort to ensure it can get a good, durable bond. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris then dry it thoroughly and prep it per the instructions on your packaging. Do this cleaning after abrading the area to remove PVC dust that may have been kicked up by the sanding, too.
All in all, the process of gluing a PVC pipe is an easy one that does not require a lot of effort. The glues generally have rather simplistic instructions and it is as easy as just prepping the pipe and applying the glue.
Always follow recommended safety instructions like wearing gloves or eye protection and always make an effort to keep the adhesives from making bodily contact. Many types of glue are irritants and can cause damage to skin, eyes, throats, and internal organs. Always err on the side of caution and protect yourself. Also, be sure to use the glues in a well-ventilated area and while wearing a mask or protective covering if directed to do so to prevent inhalation. Glues are also rather flammable so make an effort to avoid flames, as well.
The Best Glue for PVC Pipe
The top best product [hide]
Oatey 31018 Hydraulic Cement
Oatey 30876 Heavy Duty Clear PVC Cement
Oatey 31014 PVC Regular Cement
Gorilla PVC Cement
The Gorilla PVC Cement is a high-quality contact cement that dries down quickly and cures fully within hours. It is designed to be non-toxic, odorless, and non-flammable, which is a stark contrast from many other products on the market. With no primer required, you can grab this product and get to work, making it great for quick jobs and essential repairs, too. The brand describes itself as the toughest on the market, which many reviewers will claim is absolutely true.
Weld-On 12496 Pint 735 Wet 'R Dry PVC Cement
T Christy Enterprise RH-RHBV-QP Christy'S Glue Low Voc
Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant
Conclusion
There are hundreds of amazing PVC glue products out there to help you ensure.
