When it comes to anything drying whether it is paint or cement, it always depends on what type of brand you are using.
All different types of cement have different properties and this will dictate how long it takes for it to dry.
It also depends on how much you are using because we all know the thinner something is, the quicker it is to dry.
This guide will be running through the different aspects you need to consider when it comes to waiting for your PVC cement to dry and what to expect from different types.
What Is PVC Cement Used For?
When you think of cement you are probably visualizing the kind of stuff you see on building sites to build houses with.
However, this kind of cement is different because it is more of a liquid texture that is for joining PVC pipes.
When pipes are cut, they need something to put them back together and this is the perfect way to assemble them. This cement is also called PVC glue.
With this particular cement, there is a process it goes through in order to put them together.
The pipe cement will first start to soften the plastic at first.
Over a short period of time, the plastic hardens as the cement adheres. It is able to withstand water pressure, which is why it’s so popular for plumbing systems.
How Long Does PVC Take To Dry?
On average, most cement like this will take about 2 hours to dry completely but it does depend on what type you are using.
It should say on the product that you have bought the exact amount of time it will take to dry.
There are certain factors that can affect the PVC glue dry time:
- Having larger pipes because you will need to use a larger amount of PVC primer and cement which means there is more to dry and the mount is thicker.
- It also depends on the temperature it is drying in. If you are in a warmer setting, it will take less time for the cement to dry like anything. However, if it is quite cold where you are doing this, you could be waiting slightly longer.
- You won’t be able to have any water flow going through your pipes while this process is happening. Even though people usually take 2 hours to leave PVC pipe glue to dry, it is a great idea to let it dry for slightly longer, maybe a few hours to be absolutely sure that it is completely dry. If any water were to hit the cement before it is completely dry, it can have negative effects causing the material to break down.
Other Aspects That Make A Difference In Dry Time
- What is in the cement – It also depends on the particles the PVC cement consists of and what has been added to speed up the drying process. For example, PVC cement is great for drying time because it actually dissolves the plastic material and then makes a bond between the pipes. This is a much stronger bond by using the solvent cement to dissolve the plastic to bind them together.
- Primers – for certain types of cement they will need a PVC primer to be added to the surface evenly but some do already contain this.
- Excessive glue – Make sure to use a PVC pipe cutter to ensure you don’t use too much or too little glue on the pipe diameter.
Drying In Warm Areas
- If you are working in a warm environment, it is better to move the cement to a cooler area while you work because it means you will be able to use it for longer periods of time before it dries up faster.
- Understanding how to properly cap PVC pipes is also crucial in such scenarios.
- You need to make sure that the plastic piping is cooler before putting them together. This is because if the pipes are too hot it will dry up before you have even attached it.
- You need to make sure you are wiping up any extra bit of excess before finishing because this can cause exterior issues.
Working In Colder Environments
- Obviously there are not just pipes inside of your home but also outside too. Therefore if you are working on an outdoors pipe, you need to make sure that you have removed any of the water or snow from the pipe because this could affect the drying and applying.
- It is a really good idea to be using extra amounts if you are working in colder areas. You need to make sure that the bond has been made properly between both ends.
- Give the pipes extra time to dry in the cold environments because it will take longer to dry like anything in the cold.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many things you need to consider when using PVC cement to attach your pipes together.
It is really important to consider the temperature you are working in and the different brands you are using.
It is important to always check the packaging before use to ensure the cement has been through pressure testing.
Hopefully this guide has given you a good idea of how long to leave the PVC cement to dry to have effective use of the pipes afterwards.
It can be really damaging with water pressure if you have not let the cement dry properly on the pipes and there can be leaks and breaks in the cement. Let it dry!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should You Wait After Gluing PVC?
After holding the pipe in place for 30 seconds, give it at least 20 minutes before handling it further so the cement can set properly.
Refer to the product’s instructions for how long the glue needs to cure before you can use it for your project, usually within 24 hours.
Will A PVC Pipe Leak Without Glue?
PVC and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) cement actually break down the external layers of the pipe, allowing the material to literally combine. Alternatively, learn about methods to connect PVC pipes without using glue.
This permanently bonds PVC pipe and fittings.
If you are trying to use PVC pipe to transport fluid or gas, PVC cement or special push-on fittings are necessary to assure there are no leaks.