PVC and CPVC cement actually break down the external layers of the pipe, allowing the material to literally combine. 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.
PVC pipes under sinks include the P-trap that connects the drain to the house plumbing. Such pipes can be connected using threaded pieces or with glue. Gluing your PVC pipes creates a much stronger and permanent hold that can only be broken by cutting off the pipes.
The best bonding agent for PVC pipes and fittings is PVC solvent cement, and there are no substitutes that are good enough to replace it, especially for high-pressure applications.
PVC primer maximizes the strength and longevity of the joint connection. A joint will still weld together without the primer, but the connection will not be as strong as the primer allows the cement itself to penetrate deeper into the material.
We recommend you use primer on any joints that will have liquid media passing through them. The purpose of primer is to begin the chemical reaction that softens PVC and to provide an even prepped surface for the solvent cement.
Joining a pipe to a pipe fitting requires specially formulated primer and cement—no ordinary adhesive but a chemical solvent that melts the surface of the PVC and then quickly re-hardens to fuse the pieces together. The result is an airtight, leak-proof bond similar to what you get with welding metal.
Plumber's tape is recommended for use with most threaded connections that don't have a built-in rubber seal. It also helps lubricate the connection, making the threading a bit smoother, and it helps to prevent pipes from sticking when you want to disassemble the joint.
Plumber's putty is recommended only for setting bowls, fixtures, faucets, sink frames and strainers and is compatible with stainless-steel fixtures.
Allow enough cure time: After holding the pipe in place for 30 seconds, wait a minimum of 20 minutes before handling it further to allow the cement to set. Check the product's instructions for cement cure time — most require 24 hours to properly cure.
PVC Glue Dry Time
You may need to wait up to an additional 30 minutes for quick-drying adhesives to dry properly. Some products suggest waiting up to two hours before continuing or turning your plumbing back on.
There are two ways for connecting PVC pipe and fittings together for a structural project. They are the PVC solvent (cement) method, and the fastener connect technique. Both versions work well, but we ALWAYS recommend using PVC cement, as it is the most secure and permanent answer.
Titebond Ultimate PVC Trim Adhesive and Sealant is a one-component, advanced polymer adhesive sealant designed for a variety of PVC trim, moulding, deck railing and beadboard installations. It adheres and seals PVC trim to virtually any material including wood, metal, masonry, other PVC trim and more.
I used silicone on the outside of the bulkheads around the pipe. Works fine. Nah no need to take it back apart.
Make sure the depressed area around the sink drain is also clear of any built-up material. Afterwards, apply a bead of silicone caulk around the drain hole in the sink. Then, apply a second bead along the underside of the drain flange.
Plumber's tape is just as effective as plumbers' putty but much easier to use: just wrap a piece of tape around each threaded connection between your pipes and P-trap. Wrap self-securing silicone tape around the pipe if there's a minor leak.
The main difference between plumbers putty or silicone for sink drain is how easy the substances are to manipulate or remove. Plumbers putty is very easy to manipulate into tight areas, and it's also easier to remove. That makes silicone putty better for waterproofing, even if it's more difficult to work with.
According to the manufacturer, one class requires the application of primer, such as All-Purpose cement, Regular Clear PVC cement and Medium Gray PVC cement. The other class does not require the application of primer, such as Hot Medium Blue Lava PVC cement and Rain-R-Shine® Medium Blue PVC cement.
The compression nut is loose: This is probably one of the most common reasons for a leaky drain pipe at the connection. Sometimes the reason for the leaky drainpipe is simply that the compression nut is a little loose—simple as that.