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Engaging in a DIY project and not sure which PVC glue will be best for the purpose?
The kind of glue that would work best depends primarily on the requirements that you have. There are some adhesives that are particularly suitable for potable water, and then there are others that are best for industrial-grade use. When selecting a product, one of the most important things to look out for is ease of use.
However, what is not easy is selecting the right glue for PVC pipes, as the market is filled with hundreds of options. So, to help you, we compiled this list with the top 7 products that you can try. You will also find a buyer’s guide attached at the end of this article that would help you further in the selection process.
Without further delay, let’s dive right in!
Listed below are the Best Glue For PVC Pipe:
- Oatey 30246: The Oatey 30246 is a comprehensive PVC glue kit comprising both primer and cement. It is known for its strong, versatile, and leak-proof bond. It may require multiple applications due to its runny consistency.
- Weld-On 12496: A cost-effective option, Weld-On 12496 works with all PVC pipes and tolerates high temperatures. Its only limit is a quick-drying time, demanding rapid assembly.
- Oatey 30876: Acclaimed for its versatility, Oatey 30876 delivers robust bonds across varied PVC pipes. Its rapid drying time necessitates speed during assembly.
- Weld-On 10098: Weld-On 10098 ensures long-lasting bonds across all PVC pipe types. Its packaging could be improved for better product protection during transit.
- Oatey 31017: Notable for its fast-drying formula, Oatey 31017 excels in quick repairs and withstands diverse weather conditions. Its customer service needs enhancement.
This list will provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision and ensure that your PVC pipes are joined securely. So, without further ado, here's the list of the 6 best glue for PVC pipe.
1. Oatey 30246 - Best Overall
To avoid the hassle of looking for compatible primers for your cement, it is best that you give the Oatey 30246 a try. It is the best glue for PVC pipe and contains both cement and primer in the same pack. That way, you do not have to take the trouble of looking for a suitable primer for your cement separately.
With this kit, joining a PVC pipe will become super convenient. The PVC cement present in the mix delivers excellent strength and works on all types of PVC pipes. In combination with the primer, it provides a leak-proof and solid bond, offering a great deal of strength and versatility.
This primer and the adhesive combo work great on a range of PVC pipe fittings, including pool plumbing and high-pressure fittings. And gluing PVC pipe with this item is pretty convenient as the cement sets quickly but gives enough time to work with it before it dries. You have to provide the bond around 24 hours earlier for it to get cured.
Moreover, using this product for plumbing applications is super easy. Both the primer and the cement glue come with specially designed swabs to ensure that the application is easy and precise. They are of the right sizes for most PVC pipes and will make your experience of working with them super enjoyable.
Unfortunately, the consistency of this PVC pipe glue might not suit everyone’s liking. It is a little runny, and you might have to apply more than one coat to achieve the desired results. In case you face any trouble handling the glue, make sure you read the user instructions well.
What We Like
- Easy applications
- Delivers strong bond
- Offers versatility
- Leak-proof results
What We Don't Like
- Runny consistency
Type: Cement | Color: Clear | Set Time (min): 15 | Max Pressure (psi): 200 | VOC Content (g/L): 250 | Temperature Range (F): -15 to 110
2. Weld-On 12496 - Best in High Temperatures
For our next entry, we have the Weld-On 12496, which is quite popular among users for delivering resistant and long-lasting bonds to PVC pipes. This industrial-grade PVC cement is the best PVC glue that you can try if you are on a budget.
The kind of versatility that this PVC cement puts on the table is nothing short of noteworthy. This PVC pipe cement works on all types of PVC pipes, irrespective of how rigid and stiff they are. Be it Type I or Type II PVC, this PVC cement will work perfectly as glue.
Moreover, what makes this one of our favorites is the fact that it has very low VOC content. This means that it does not produce any toxic emissions and is entirely environment-friendly. Even when you are working with it, there’s no need to take extra measures to ensure that it causes no damage to your skin.
Not to mention, this medium-bodied cement has the perfect viscosity, and therefore it is excellent for smooth application. The thickness is just right, and there’s no way this PVC glue will spill and create a mess. Plus, the cement is highly resistant and can easily withstand higher temperatures, even up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
The only thing that might be a problem is that this PVC cement settles very quickly, and you need to work pretty fast before it dries. This might be quite challenging if you have no prior experience of working with PVC solvent cement. In that case, keep all equipment closed before you begin working.
What We Like
- Delivers excellent resistance
- Can handle high temperature
- Bond lasts for a long time
- Short curing span
What We Don't Like
- Dries up a bit fast
Type: Cement | Color: Clear | Set Time (min): 20 | Max Pressure (psi): 400 | VOC Content (g/L): 510 | Temperature Range (F): -15 to 110
3. Oatey 30876 - Best in Versatility
If you are on the lookout for a solvent cement glue that is easy to use, it is best that you give the Oatey 30876 cement a try. It is well-loved by users for the kind of versatility that it offers.
As we have already mentioned, this product is truly versatile and works well with a range of PVC pipes. The kind of bond that it delivers is durable and lasts for a long time, and ensures that there is no leakage.
This product is specifically designed for working with critical water pipes and PVC pipes that require full-proof and heavy-duty PVC cement. You will definitely love how this PVC glue delivers an industrial-quality bond.
Not to mention, it is a clear PVC glue, and it won’t show when you use it to join PVC pipes. This high-pressure PVC glue is perfect for filling in gaps, and loose pipe joints as the formula is pretty thick and does not require recoating.
To be honest, unless you have prior experience working with adhesives, you might face some difficulty as this PVC glue dries up pretty fast. So, it is essential that you are very fast with the work after you apply it and do not delay the process. In order to make things easier, we would suggest that you keep all your equipment handy.
What We Like
- Easy to manage formula
- Clear glue delivers better-looking results
- Delivers strong bond
- Thick formula
What We Don't Like
- Dries up quickly
Type: Primer and Cement | Color: Purple | Set Time (min): 15 | Max Pressure (psi): 200 | VOC Content (g/L): 750 | Temperature Range (F): -15 to 110
4. Weld-On 10098
There’s no doubt that you want the bonds to be long-lasting when you are joining PVC pipes. And for that purpose, the Weld-On 10098 is the best bet. It never fails to deliver a strong, resistant, and leak-proof bond.
No matter how rigid the PVC pipes are that you are working with, this PVC glue will ensure that the bond is strong and durable. Be it Type I or Type II PVC, it will work on all. So, we scored this product well for the versatility it offers.
Moreover, we were pretty impressed with how easy it is to use this item. This medium-bodied polyvinyl chloride is of the right viscosity and therefore is pretty easy to apply. The thickness is perfect and ensures all your applications are smooth and mess-free.
Apart from that, you can use this for DIY projects that have a close deadline. The curing time is very less, and you can have your PVC pipes completely fixed within 24 hours of time. And not to worry, the bond will be rock-solid once it dries up.
There’s no doubt that this is one of the strongest glue that we tried. However, we were not really happy with its packaging. The box in which it was delivered was a little tapered around the corners, and we were worried that the product got damaged during transit. Luckily, that wasn’t the case.
What We Like
- Suitable for all types of PVC pipes
- Delivers excellent bond
- Easy to apply
- Bonds are long-lasting
What We Don't Like
- Packaging needs improvement
Type: Primer and Cement | Color: Clear | Set Time (min): 20 | Max Pressure (psi): 400 | VOC Content (g/L): 775 | Temperature Range (F): -15 to 110
5. Oatey 31017
We are almost reaching the end of our list, and next up, we have the Oatey 31017. This PVC glue does a great job at joining pipes and ensures that they are entirely leak-proof. It settles pretty quickly and delivers excellent results.
The best thing about this PVC glue is that it can be used in all types of weather conditions. It is completely environmentally resistant and can be used in both hot and cold temperatures. This factor enhances its versatility and makes it score well on our list.
Other than that, applying this glue is as easy as pie. Right under the cap of the package, you will find a swab that you can use to apply the glue. With this, the application becomes super convenient and enables you to spread the cement precisely over the fittings as per your requirements.
Moreover, DIY enthusiasts love this product as it delivers quick results. It has a very small setting time, and you would just need to hold the pipes together for 30 seconds after you apply this glue. Once it dries, you can rest assured that the bond won’t break easily.
Unfortunately, their customer support team is not that great. We had some queries and reached out to them for help. They did not respond to our calls, and only after we dropped them a few emails did they get back to us. We expected better support from a brand as good as this one.
What We Like
- Easy to work with
- Fast curing time
- Delivers strong bond
- Bonds tend to last long
What We Don't Like
- Customer service needs to be better
Type: Cement | Color: Blue | Set Time (min): 15 | Max Pressure (psi): 200 | VOC Content (g/L): 250 | Temperature Range (F): -15 to 110
6. Christy’s RH-RHBV-QP
We could not have wrapped up our list without having mentioned Christy's RH-RHBV-QP. This option is an excellent choice for joining PVC pipes as it delivers sturdy bonds and makes sure that there are no leakages once the glue dries up. To know more about it, keep reading!
The best thing about this item is that it is super convenient to work with it. You just have to give it 5 minutes, and the power of the glue will set in and join the pipes.
For best results, we suggest that you hold the pipes in place for a minute. And within a day’s time, the bond will get completely cured, and you will have a leak-proof pipe.
Moreover, it is pretty versatile and offers users a great deal of flexibility as it works well on all types of PVC pipes that are up to 6 inches in thickness. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for plumbing options, and you can use it for sewer, gas, or pool plumbing.
Apart from that, from the tests that we conducted, we noticed that the glue is pretty strong and delivers a long-lasting bond that won’t break under any circumstances. You can rest assured that the bond will stay in place for a long time with little maintenance.
The only problem that you might face while working with this glue is the kind of viscosity that it has. It is a bit runny, and unless you have prior experience of working with glues like this one, the chances are that you will create quite a mess. In order to avoid such a situation, we suggest that you take the help of an online tutorial.
What We Like
- Durable hold
- The bond lasts for a long time
- Versatile
- Easy to apply
What We Don't Like
- Low on viscosity
Type: PVC Cement and Primer | Color: Clear | Set Time (min): 15 | Max Pressure (psi): 315 | VOC Content (g/L): 250 | Temperature Range (F): -20 to 180
What Is the Best Glue for Pvc Pipe?
For individuals seeking to bond PVC pipes, a number of adhesive options are available, each with distinct characteristics. The following table provides an overview of specific glues along with their properties for PVC pipe applications. Each product is evaluated based on its Type, Color, Set Time (measured in minutes), Max Pressure (expressed in psi, pounds per square inch), VOC Content (termed in g/L, grams per liter), and Temperature Range (denoted in Fahrenheit).
| Product | Type | Color | Set Time | Max Pressure (psi) | VOC Content (g/L) | Temperature Range (F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oatey 30246 | Cement | Clear | 15 | 200 | 250 | -15 to 110 |
| Weld-On 12496 | Cement | Clear | 20 | 400 | 510 | -15 to 110 |
| Oatey 30876 | Primer and Cement | Purple | 15 | 200 | 750 | -15 to 110 |
| Weld-On 10098 | Primer and Cement | Clear | 20 | 400 | 775 | -15 to 110 |
| Oatey 31017 | Cement | Blue | 15 | 200 | 250 | -15 to 110 |
| Christy’s RH-RHBV-QP | PVC Cement and Primer | Clear | 15 | 315 | 250 | -20 to 180 |
Buying Guide For The Best Glue For PVC Pipe
Now that we have given you a detailed round-up of the top products to try, were you able to make a choice? It is normal to still feel a bit confused. In order to help you eliminate that confusion, you need to take into consideration a few more important factors.
And in this section, we are going to take a look at some of the most important things that you need to keep in mind when purchasing glue for PVC pipes. Let’s quickly take a look!
1. Drying Time Of PVC Cement
One of the most important things to take note of when buying glue for PVC is to make sure that you get one that dries quickly.
It will be a mess if you have the PVC pipe hanging from the ceiling and the glue dripping all over the floor before it completely dries up. In order to avoid such a mess, it is best that you select an option that dries up within a few minutes.
2. Strength
Unless PVC glue delivers a strong bond, it is of no good. When you are selecting PVC cement, you need to keep in mind that it delivers a strong hold and does not break when faced with extreme pressure or weight. To give you a rough estimate, PVC bonds should be able to withstand at least 160 pounds per square inch.
So, before you purchase, make sure your glue can deliver a bond that can handle this weight. In case you find any difficulty understanding whether a particular product is up to the mark or not, make sure you talk to the seller about it.
3. Viscosity
The resistance of a liquid to flow is what determines its viscosity. A high-viscosity glue simply means that it is thicker and more likely to stay in place after you apply it. When you are purchasing glue for PVC piping, we would recommend that you go for an adhesive that is medium to high in viscosity.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that glues that are high in viscosity tend to take longer to set and might slow down your work speed. To play safe, we would suggest that you use medium viscosity glue for PVC piping. This is of the right thickness and perfect for smooth application and does not take forever to dry up.
4. Odor
When you are working on a DIY project, it becomes very problematic if the PVC cement glue you are using has a strong odor. In case you are allergic to this toxic smell, it is best to look for low on VOC products.
To know whether a product is odorless or not, make sure you read the label carefully as all necessary information is printed there.
5. Temperature Resistance
Before you decide on a particular PVC glue for the pipes, it is crucial to take note of the climatic conditions that you are working in. For the best results, it is vital that you check how much heat or cold an adhesive can withstand and still deliver a strong bond.
If you want the bond to last, choose a PVC glue suited to the temperature that you stay at. In case you are planning to work in very high temperatures, select a glue that can easily deliver strong bonds at high temperatures.
It is best to look for glue with a high-temperature resistance as most PVC pipes provide functionality up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Working Time
When choosing an adhesive, it is best to go for one that is not too runny and sets quickly, but not so quickly that you are hardly left with any working time. You should get enough time to get all your bearings in place before the power sets up and sticks the pipes on its own.
Unless you are a pro at working with PVC adhesives, we would suggest that you do not go for ones that dry up too quickly as they are pretty challenging to handle.
Toggle TitleCan PVC cement be used to repair a leak in a PVC pipe?
Yes, PVC cement can be used to repair a leak in a PVC pipe. However, it is important to properly clean and prepare the surfaces before applying the cement, and to use an appropriate amount of adhesive to ensure a strong bond.
How do I remove excess Glue For PVC Pipes from a joint?
Excess Glue For PVC Pipes can be removed from a joint using a PVC pipe cutter or a hacksaw. It is important to wait until the adhesive has fully cured before attempting to remove any excess.
How strong is a joint made with Glue For PVC Pipes?
A joint made with Glue For PVC Pipes can be very strong, with a strength of up to several hundred pounds per square inch (psi). However, the strength of the joint can be affected by factors such as the quality of the adhesive, the condition of the PVC surfaces, and the type of PVC being used.
Can Glue For PVC Pipes be used for other types of plastic pipes?
No, Glue For PVC Pipes should only be used for PVC pipes and fittings. Other types of plastic pipes, such as ABS or CPVC, require specific types of adhesive.
Is there a difference between PVC cement and PVC primer?
Yes, there is a difference between PVC cement and PVC primer. PVC primer is used to clean and prime the surfaces of the PVC pipe and fit before applying the cement. The primer helps to prepare the surfaces for bonding and improve the strength of the joint.
That’s all we have for you today, folks!
Always make sure that you use the right PVC primer and cement in the correct proportion to ensure that the bond is right. Also, do not forget to prep the pipes well before you use adhesives on them. If there’s rust or mold on them, the chances are that PVC glue won’t really work that well.
Before we sign off, we want to let you in on our favorites - the Oatey 30246 takes the award for being our favorite overall. Apart from that, if you are looking for a product that can handle high temperatures, it is best that you try the Weld-On 12496.
In case you have any suggestions that you would like to share with us, write to us in the comments box below. And for more exciting reads, do not forget to keep a watch on this space.
