Avoid One Common Slip-Up When Gluing PVC Pipe To Prevent Future Leaks

Let's say you've busted out your DIY gloves and want to glue some PVC pipes together. PVC gluing, or cold welding, is an easy way to get two PVC pipes to stick together. Once you've avoided the big mistake of getting the wrong glue, you might assume it's smooth sailing from there. However, even if you get the correct glue, cut your pipes properly, and sand the edges smooth, you can still slip up by not waiting. Yes, just a little bit of time can be the difference between a successful PVC joint and a leaky mess.

Despite the name, PVC glue/cement is not an adhesive, it's a solvent, meaning it doesn't simply stick the two pipes together. Instead, it actually dissolves the outer layer of the PVC pipe so that the two pipes can fuse together on a molecular level. The great thing about this type of glue is that it creates a strong, watertight and airtight bond by turning the system into a continuous pipe. However, to ensure your joint achieves this watertight seal, you have to hold the pipes together firmly for the solvent to set — then leave your new creation to fully cure before using it. If you try and rush this process, you could be left with a leaky joint. While it is technically possible to fix a leaky pipe without replacing it, it's better to simply get things right on the first try.

The reason many people end up using their glued together pipe quickly after assembly is because they incorrectly assume that the bond is ready to go once the pipes are combined. However, while the exact setting time required to hold pieces together can be relatively short, curing time — or how long it takes to fully bond and become ready for use — can be significantly longer.

PVC glue cure time is dependent on a few factors. Socket fit, pipe diameter, humidity, glue type, and even ambient temperatures can all affect cure time. Areas with high humidity, in particular, can face greatly increased cure time. Because these factors vary per situation, professionals have different opinions on exactly how much time is sufficient for curing. Some suggest two hours while others say twenty-four. Always consult the instructions included with the PVC glue you've purchased. Most manufacturers have charts on their products informing you of how long to wait for curing to finish depending on your temperatures and pipe diameters. 

Also, a savvy trick for gluing PVC pipes that could reduce your total drying time is to twist the pipes after applying the glue, then holding them in that position for thirty seconds. This can help to spread the cement evenly, creating contact between all sides of the surfaces and breaking down any clumps that might exist.