Master Plumber’s Hack: How to connect PVC pipe without glue
(And Bonus: PVC pipe connection substitutes for gluing at ease)
Working with PVC pipe cement and primer can be a messy process sometimes.
But did you know that……… it is totally possible to connect a PVC pipe without glue? Yes, Learn how to connect PVC pipe without glue.
If you want to make temporary pipe connections, this could be a great idea because you will save not only money but also time.
Why?
If you are planning to connect the PVC drain pipe, glue is the way to go to avoid leakage and damage. PVC pipe connected without glue cannot carry liquid or gases.
But, how to connect PVC pipe without glue that truly works?
Today, I’m giving you a sneak peek into the process of how I connect PVC pipe and share some unconventional hacks so that you don’t have to give yourself an undeniable edge.
How to Connect PVC Pipe without Glue & Fittings with just 4 steps?
Before jumping into the main connecting process, first, you have to collect all the tools.
Gather your PVC pipe fittings
Even if you don’t need glue for this task, there are still other tools required. For instance, pipe fittings will always be required whether or not you use glue. The fittings are created specifically for connecting PVC pipes, and thus the process would be difficult without them.
No follow step by step guide on how to connect PVC pipe without glue below:
Step #1: Cut the pipes
For your PVC pipes to perfectly join without glue, it is important that you cut them into either a square shape or circular shape, depending on the shape of the fittings.
How do you secure PVC pipe without glue?
When your PVC pipe is perfectly cut, not only does it fit snuggly into the fittings, but it also provides a sufficient contact area to allow for the cement to work.
This will allow great adhesion as well as the interior surface of the PVC pipe to be smoother, thus enabling better liquid flow.
You can use a variety of materials to make these cuts, including a miter saw and other tub cutters out there designed specifically to produce accurate cuts.
Will a PVC pipe leak without glue?
But for better results, consider using a 3 to 4-inch wide saw with fine teeth. With that in mind, avoid hacksaws since their blades tend to be narrower and thus can wander.
Consider investing in a specific type of pipe cutter if you plan on doing lots of plumbing work, though fine teeth saw will still do the job perfectly.
Step #2: Sand the burrs
The next step is sanding out the burrs. One of the mistakes most people make when it comes to PVC pipe fitting is not deburring.
Deburring is necessary as it allows you to remove any jagged or loose pieces of material from the pipe ends, allowing the pipe to have a smooth surface for adherence.
You can also use a pipe-deburring tool or utility knife to remove all the burrs from the inside and outside of your PVC pipe.
Consider applying a small amount of primer to the inner surface of the fitting until you feel a bit of drag from the tempering material. Then repeat the same but to the outside of the pipe and go somewhat beyond the connection’s width.
Step #3: Mark the pipes
This is an important step since the type of adhesive you will use may allow only a couple of seconds before drying up.
How do you join PVC pipes together?
Mark the alignment on your PVC pipe joints in advance to save you trouble and time. You can also bring out torpedo levels so that you can achieve a precise alignment.
The marks will help you designate the correct connection point.
Step #4: Do some pushing and twisting for no glue PVC fittings
Once you have your marks ready, it is time to put an adhesive of your choice, other than glue, of course. Add a uniform layer of liquid cement over the mating surface. Remember that putting the adhesive on only one surface of the joint will not be sufficiently strong for complete adhesive. How to join PVC pipe without glue?
Also, you should consider wiping down the joints in advance. This allows you to remove any additional debris that can gather on the surface, which can stop clean and uniform seating.
Once the surface is clean, apply a uniform layer of the liquid cement onto the surfaces, ensuring it is even since you don’t want to apply excess cement as it will be pushed into the piping.
When you have your adhesive ready, line the fitting with the marks while ensuring that they are about a quarter a turn away from where they will end up.
How do you connect PVC pipes without connectors?
As you push the pipes into place, turn that last quarter and keep twisting as this will help spread out the adhesive uniformly, allowing for a strong connection.
PVC pipe connection substitutes
Depending on the use of the piping system, you may want to disconnect the pipes in the future. In case it comes to this, you should avoid joining your PVC with cement.
But the real question is: how to connect PVC pipes together?
However, without cement, these joints tend to be unable to carry liquid. Non-cement joints don’t have soundness though they can be convenient.
There are other ways in which you can connect PVC pipes with glue. In fact, any method that can keep the pipes from falling apart is good enough, provided you are not using them to carry substances.
What can you use instead of PVC glue?
With that in mind, the option for achieving a water-tight connection is a little bit limited. And you’re actually aiming for a temporary seal for PVC pipe.
Hopefully, our guide helps you learn how to connect PVC pipe without glue. If you try it and success, let me know by commenting here.
Also Read: