Plumbing Tips | January 31, 2022

What Is Solvent Cement: Everything You Need

Solvent cement, often known as PVC glue, is a type of adhesive that people use to form an airtight seal between PVC pipe and connection fittings. You can use solvent cement to join pieces of PVC pipe and fittings.

It’s a simple process that you can accomplish yourself. Solvent cement is relatively inexpensive and can be a great aid in joining PVC pipes and fittings.

If you’re going to join PVC pipes and fittings with a watertight seal, you’ll need to learn how to use solvent cement.

Table of Contents

What is Solvent Cement Used For?

CPVC resin, stabilizers, and fillers dissolve in a mixture of solvents to make solvent cement. We use these solvents for two things: to prepare the surface of the pipe and fitting and to dissolve CPVC resin.

When you apply the solvents, the top layer of the pipe and fitting material softens and dissolves. An interference fit between the pipe and the fitting is created by a taper in the fitting socket. When the two pieces join, the material might fuse to itself.

These fused joints contribute to the system’s long-term durability, pressure rating, chemical resistance, and safety.

Solvent cement helps fuse PVC pipe joints for a long-lasting fit.

Is Solvent Cement Permanent?

Because the cement binds the parts together, once it dries, it’s tough to separate or remove them. It’s far easier, in the long run, to carefully apply the cement than it is to remove it.

Types of Solvent Cement

Solvent cement is often a proprietary mixture of solvents, stabilizers, and fillers mixed with resin. Resin is the basic raw material of plastic. The amount of resin in a solvent cement determines its viscosity. The viscosity increases as the percentage of resin increases.

The viscosity of the solvent cement determines how well it can fill gaps within the joint it is bonding. In general, you can categorize solvent cement viscosity into 3 types:

Regular bodied
Medium bodied
Heavy bodied

Solvent cement comes in three different viscosities (regular, medium, and heavy). They should be clearly marked, so read the label carefully to make sure you get what’s right for your job.

What Makes Solvent Cement Different Than Glue?

When it comes to thermoplastic piping installation, the phrases “glue” and “solvent cement” are frequently interchanged. Although both achieve the immediate purpose of linking pipes and fittings on a basic level, they are not the same.

Glue, regardless of the type of adhesive, can only hold materials together. This means that if a significant enough force is applied to the attached area, the bond will be broken and the joint will deteriorate.

As a result, glue is an unstable option for plumbing. The chemicals in some glues can deteriorate or weaken the piping material. Therefore, glue is not a suitable solution for joining PVC together. Solvent cement is far more reliable in PVC plumbing applications.

Solvent cement is not the same as glue. It should never be used to join pipes together (any kind of plumbing pipe) because it will deteriorate and weaken.

How to Apply Solvent Cement

1. Cut the Piping

When cutting with a saw, use a miter box to guarantee the pipe is squarely cut.
The highest bonding surface area is obtained by cutting the pipe as squarely as possible.

Using a miter box allows you to ensure that the PVC is cut perfectly straight. In turn, this ensures that the fitting will adhere properly and create a watertight seal.

2. Prepare the Pipe for Fitting

Burrs and filings can inhibit solid pipe-to-fitting contact and place strain on the pipe-to-fitting assembly. As a result, you must remove burrs and other debris from both the exterior and interior of the pipe. This can be done using a chamfering tool, a file, or 80-grit sandpaper.
With a clean, dry cloth, wipe away any loose soil or moisture from the fitting socket and pipe end. Moisture can prolong the curing process, and too much water at this stage of the construction may weaken the joints.

Deburring the PVC pipe after it has been cut is essential to a proper fit.

3. Apply Primer

Use an ASTM F656-compliant primer.
Primer is necessary to prepare the bonding region for the addition of solvent cement.
Apply the primer to the inside of the fitting socket first, then to the outside of the pipe, and then once more to the inside of the fitting socket.
It is critical to use the correct applicator. Use a dauber, swab, or paintbrush that’s half the diameter of the pipe. Do not use a cloth.

Apply your primer to the inside of the fitting first. Then to the outside. Then again to the inside. This will ensure that you have properly primed the fitting before solvent cement is applied.

4. Apply Solvent Cement

You should apply solvent cement, like primer, with a natural bristle brush or swab half the diameter of the pipe. Apply a thick, even application of cement to the outside of the pipe end, then a medium coat to the fitting’s inside.
On the pipe end of pipes larger than 2 inches, you should apply the second coat of cement. Do not allow the solvent cement to puddle within the fittings and pipe.

Make sure to apply a thick, even coat of cement to the inside and outside of the pipe end. But be careful not to let the cement “puddle” on the inside of the pipe.

5. Connect Pipe & Fitting

Insert the pipe into the fitting socket immediately after applying the cement and rotate 1/8 to 1/2 rotation until you reach the fitting spot.
The pipe must reach the bottom of the fitting socket at this stage, and you should properly orient it for installation.
Hold the assembly in place for approximately 30 seconds to ensure initial adhesion and avoid push-out.

Final Thoughts

To be perfectly clear, solvent cement is not a type of glue. But we don’t mind if you call it that. Just make sure to apply it properly. Otherwise, your plumbing is going to leak and cause flooding or water damage to your home.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help joining PVC or any other plumbing pipe.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.