Best Glue for PVC Pipe Repair All You Need to Know (2023)

Sometimes pipes break and you have water leaks in your house.

When you need to caulk or glue a PVC pipe, you don't want to risk further damage from a failed repair.

That's why you need to use the right adhesive for PVC applications.

That's what we're going to talk about in this article - the best PVC adhesives and how to use them.

PVC is one of the most difficult plastics to bond. It might be tempting to use good old plastic glue.

But you will only sabotage your repairs. PVC is very hard, non-porous and very durable.

In addition, pipes require high resistance to water and shock. For a permanent hold, only the best, most compatible and strong adhesives should be chosen.

Read on for more high performance PVC pipe adhesives and tips on how to use them!

Adhesive Suitable for PVC

You need to make sure your adhesive meets certain criteria to get the best bonding and repair results.

Adhesion to PVC and bond strength are most important. Water, heat and pressure resistance are also required for a durable pipe clamp.

With that in mind, the following stickers are the best options.

PVC cement

PVC cement is the first and most obvious choice. This glue has the highest strength, but that doesn't mean silicone glue can't form strong bonds.

Read more about it in our guidehow to glue silicone.

The main advantage of PVC cement is its high surface compatibility.

It adheres easily to smooth, hard plastics, forming strong, unbreakable bonds.

This is the best option when you need to lock the pipes in place and prevent them from moving.

PVC cement is a strong adhesive; Once it hardens, the materials become immobile.

This can be a problem if you need to work on the pipes again or if you need a more flexible connection.

This PVC adhesive has good pressure and water resistance and ensures a permanent hold.

However, nothing good comes without a downside. Because this glue is usually thick, it takes a long time to dry and harden.

This means you will have to spend some time capturing the materials before curing.

Silicone adhesive

Silicone glue is the next best option for strong, permanent bonds. It has some additional advantages like its high flexibility.

Silicone glue is the best choice when you need a strong bond that isn't too rigid.

It's also a great sealant and waterproof so you can use it to fix leaky pipes.

However, silicone glue can be a bit more difficult to use compared to PVC glue.

It doesn't have the best adhesion to PVC, so you'll need to prepare the surface with an adhesion primer or sand the surface of the material to make it rougher and more adhesive.

You also have to be very careful when applying the silicone glue to the pipes.

Silicone tends to shrink as it dries, and this can be a problem when trying to seal large areas.

For a better leak repair, you should also consider this shrinkage effect if you don't want to be surprised later.

The 7 best glues for PVC pipes

Here are my recommendations for the best PVC pipe repair adhesive.

1. Oatey Hydraulic Cement 31018

Oatey 31018 Hydraulic Cement is our preferred choice due to its high potency and versatility.

This tough cement adhesive is excellent for electrical, printing and a variety of DWV applications.

Even better, it's also great value for money. You get 8 fl oz of product at an affordable price.

This adhesive comes with an applicator that fits tubes up to 6" in diameter and works well for a variety of applications, including wide tubes. It is also extremely easy to use due to its fast setup time.

After the glue has cured, you get a rigid and immovable connection that will last a long time.

This cement will hold PVC pipe in place, even when subjected to a lot of moisture or pressure.

However, you should know that this glue is not very heat resistant. It can only withstand temperatures from 40°F to 110°F.

2. Oatey 30876 Durable Clear PVC Cement

Oatey 30876 Heavy Duty Clear PVC Cement is specially formulated for all PVC pipe applications.

This tough cement provides a fast, durable and powerful bond.

It has high water and pressure resistance and is suitable for pressure hoses up to 12 inches and 18 inches non-pressure hoses.

The thick formula is easy to work with and is great for filling gaps and securing loose pipe joints.

Additionally, compared to other Oatey cement adhesives, this formula is clear and dries without leaving a trace.

This makes it perfect for visible surface applications.

Although this product is excellent for repairing critical water lines, it does not have good temperature resistance.

This cement can withstand temperatures from 40°F to 110°F, making it very useful for high temperature environments.

Many PVC applications involve high temperatures, so this PVC cement is very useful.

3. Oatey 31014 Regular PVC Cement

A strong adhesive is overkill when you need to make simple, small repairs.

In that case, Regular PVC Oatey Cement 31014 is the perfect option for you.

You will get a strong bond suitable for most PVC pipe applications under normal conditions.

This glue is easy to use and is suitable for pipes up to 4 inches in diameter. It is also excellent for portable water, line, pressure pipe and DWV applications.

When used for the recommended applications, it cures quickly to form strong, long-lasting bonds.

This cement adhesive is very affordable and you can buy many different sizes from 4 fl oz to 1 gallon.

Like other types of Oatey PVC cement, this one is easy drying. You can read more about ithow long does pvc glue take to dryin the linked guide.

You can use it for all kinds of visible surface applications without leaving obvious traces of glue.

Despite this, this adhesive is not the best for large area applications or for large pipes that need to withstand heavy pressure.

Like other types of oatey cement, this PVC oatey cement is cold resistant and should only be exposed to temperatures between 40°F and 110°F.

Of course, this pipe cement might not be the best if you want an industrial-grade connection, but it's one of the best products for regular home repairs.

4. PVC Gorilla Cement

Gorilla Glue is a high-quality adhesive that does its job properly. This PVC cement is no different.

The bond it forms is super strong and dries quickly, curing in hours.

After you have glued a PVC pipe with Gorilla PVC Cement you can be sure that it will remain stable for a long time.

The formula is non-toxic, odorless and non-flammable, so you don't need to take any special precautions.

This decal does not require primer so you'll be done in no time.

If you want to make a quick repair without wasting time, Glue Gorilla PVC is your best option.

The formula is a bit runny and you can use too much if you're not careful.

But many users, myself included, agree that their combined strength is worth everything. Also the long curing time!

This super glue works on any type of PVC pipe.

5. Welded PVC Cement 12496 PT 735 Wet and Dry

I recommend welded PVC cement for all PVC pipe applications.

The formula is durable and effective, with a fully waterproof concept and high heat resistance.

You can use the glue in harsh conditions as it will not dissolve even if immersed in water.

Once applied, the glue dries relatively quickly, allowing you to continue the repair and get it done faster.

Welded PVC cement is a good choice for plumbing repairs or emergencies that require immediate attention.

However, after intensive use, the product may start to drip.

It also doesn't give you much working time because it dries quickly. You can still finish the work if you are quick.

Read more aboutPVC adhesives that work on ABS plasticin the linked guide.

6. T Christy Enterprise RH-RHBV-QP Christy's Glue Low VOC

This glue has a thick formula that can get sticky from time to time. It will keep its shape if you use it frequently.

I recommend it for filling cracks, fixing leaks, and other general repairs.

Thanks to its low viscosity and tendency to stick, you can use the adhesive as a putty.

T Christy Enterprise Low VOC Adhesive is perfect for wet and humid environments thanks to its high water resistance.

It's also one of the cheapest adhesives on this list. You should have no problem using it for general PVC pipe repairs or building something from scratch.

7. Loctite Clear Waterproof Silicone Sealant

Last but not least, Loctite Waterproof Sealant is a silicone based adhesive that is both affordable and durable.

It retains its flexibility even after drying and curing, which is beneficial for some PVC pipe applications or future repairs.

The glue is very easy to use but can get dirty if you're not careful.

PVC pipe must be dry before using Loctite Clear Silicone Sealant.

It doesn't work well in humid environments when you first apply it.

But once it's cured and cured, the sticker becomes fully waterproof and you can even submerge it in water with ease.

However, it does not work well in high temperature environments.

Why do you need to glue PVC pipes?

Not all situations require PVC specific adhesives or cements. Sometimes you can use a general glue that doesn't have much tensile strength.

But some circumstances call for greater strength, greater durability, and greater resistance to water, heat, and solvents.

For example, glue is a poor option if you plan to use PVC in a mobile environment where you know you'll have to take it apart and reassemble it.

If it's a non-essential, dynamic project, using glue will only make it more difficult.

But glue or PVC cement is necessary when you are working on a static and important large-scale project.

You don't want your PVC pipes to break which will result in wastage of material.

Even if it leaks at some point, you'll always have to fix it.

This would not happen with a good waterproof PVC glue. I recommend paying more for a proper adhesive and avoiding future repair costs.

Tips for gluing PVC pipes

If you want to glue PVC pipes together or glue them to other materials, you need to use special PVC glues or types of cement.

I recommend reading the instructions for use and the specific requirements for each glue purchased.

But there are some sensible steps you can take when working with PVC cement.

Zunächst benötigen Sie wahrscheinlich eine Grundierung, bevor Sie den Kleber auftragen. Die Grundierungssubstanz sorgt dafür, dass der Kleber besser an PVC-Rohren und anderen Materialien haftet.

You can also grind the pipe surface to make it more abrasive. The glue sticks better to the material if the surface is rougher.

This applies to most glues, whether it's wood glue, PVC glue orplastic glue.

Making the surface more abrasive will allow the glue to get into those crevices and cracks better.

You should also do the same if you want to fill gaps and holes.

Before applying the adhesive, clean the tubing of any contaminants.

For a strong, permanent bond, the adhesive must be in full contact with the surface.

Any contamination between the adhesive and the surface material will weaken the bond.

You can wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dirt and let it dry for a few minutes.

If you need to sand the surface, there will be debris on the surface, so do a thorough cleaning afterwards.

Now comes the collage part. You will have no trouble gluing the materials if you carefully read the instructions on the sticker.

Applying the glue is as easy as it sounds and fixing it isn't difficult.

I recommend strictly following the safety instructions so as not to endanger your health when using the adhesives.

Always wear gloves and eye protection to protect against direct contact with the adhesive.

Some adhesives, such as super glue, cure very quickly and cure within seconds. Washing will be tedious later.

In addition, most adhesives are irritating to the eyes and skin and cause immense damage to internal organs if ingested.

Do not ingest any glue! I also recommend wearing a respirator and working in a well-ventilated area when using a toxic industrial-grade adhesive.

Finally, some glues can be flammable, so avoid using flammable tools near them!

PVC cement is generally non-flammable, so you can safely use Oatey 31018 Hydraulic Cement or any other type of cement.

Wrap up

Gluing PVC pipes is less difficult than you think. As always, you need the right glue to work efficiently.

Oatey Hydraulic Cement 31018 is the best adhesive for PVC pipe.

The waterproof concept and touch-proof connection prevent leakage or unnecessary movement.

The permanent connection keeps the pipes in place for a long time!

If you have any other questions, leave them below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!