When it comes to PVC piping, it’s critical to have complete confidence in the joins and fittings. Choosing the right glue and primer products to connect your PVC pipes plays a crucial role in the integrity and reliability of the entire piping system.
So, to help you make sense of the options available, this article will deep dive into the types of PVC glues and primers, including which applications they suit.
PVC glue
When joining PVC pipes and fittings, using the appropriate glue is vital. PVC glue, also called cement, is a solvent-based adhesive which causes the PVC surface to dissolve and ‘melt’ together. This process is commonly known as ‘cold-welding’ because it bonds the two separate pieces together as one cohesive unit.
Different types of PVC pipe glue are suited to different applications. Whatever your piping needs, you’re sure to find the product you need in the following suggestions:
700 Series
The 700 series is a clear, regular-bodied PVC glue that suits pipes up to 100mm in size. It is not suitable for Sch. 80 PVC or CPVC but is ideal for the following applications:
- General plumbing
- Irrigation
- Swimming pools
- DWV
- Stormwater systems
- Standard series 1 PVC pressures pipes
For good handling strength, it’s recommended you allow 5 minutes, with joins able to withstand 160 psi after a cure time of 30 minutes. These times will vary depending on environmental factors.
Each tin of the 700 series comes with an application dauber and is available in 118ml, 237ml, 473ml, 946ml, and 3785ml on an indent basis.
711 Series
This heavy-bodied grey glue is an industrial grade glue. Being heavy-bodied it has good gap-filling properties and has a medium set time allowing more working time in warmer weather. The 711 series is most commonly used in Series 1 PVC above 100mm and Sch.80 PVC but is suitable for all classes of PVC pipe up to 300mm. However, it should not be used for CPVC joins, so if that is what you need, we recommend looking at the 724 series instead.
The recommended handling time for the 711 series is 5 minutes, and it can withstand water pressure up to 160 psi after a curing time of 30 minutes. These times vary based on environmental factors.
Each tin of the 711 series comes with an application dauber and is available in 118ml, 237ml, 473ml, 946ml, and 3785ml on an indent basis.
717 Series
The 717 series is a clear, heavy-bodied glue suited to any PVC pipe up to 300mm. It’s most commonly used for large bore series 1 PVC of more than 100mm and Sch.80 PVC but is also suitable for applications like DWV and stormwater. Besides the colour, this series is very similar to the 711 series with a medium set time and excellent gap-filling properties.
The recommended curing time is 5 minutes for good handling strength and 30 minutes to take water pressure up to 160 psi. These times will vary depending on environmental factors.
Each tin of the 717 series comes with an application dauber and is available in 946ml and 3785ml. Other sizes are available on an indent basis. The 717 series isn’t suitable for CPVC joins, so if you need a CPVC-appropriate option, check out the 724 series instead.
724 Series
This grey-coloured glue is suited to both CPVC and PVC piping applications, including systems carrying acids, bases, salts, and sodium hypochlorite. The 724 series is ideal for pipe sizes up to 600mm and has good handling strength after 1 hour and a full cure time of 24-48 hours, depending on environmental factors. This versatile PVC glue is typically used in wastewater and water treatment plants because of its excellent durability.
Defining qualities of the 724 series:
- Heavy-bodied
- High-strength
- Chemical-resistant
The 724 series is the only glue suitable for CPVC joins, so if that’s what you’re seeking, look no further. With an application dauber in each tin and sizes 118ml, 237ml, 473ml, and 946ml available, this glue is an all-rounder.
750 Series
This medium-bodied glue is commonly referred to as hot blue glue or quick set glue. It has extremely fast-setting properties that are excellent for damp or cold conditions. The 750 series is ideal for series 1 pipes up to 150mm, and Sch.80 PVC up to 100m and is the only option that will adhere to series 1 PVC joins without a primer.
We recommend allowing 5 minutes for good handling strength and 30 minutes cure time to handle water pressure up to 160psi. These times can vary based on environmental factors.
Each tin of the 750 series comes with an application dauber and is available in 118ml, 237ml, and 473ml.
PVC Primer
Priming your pipes ensures the glueing process is effective. Primer sets off a chemical reaction that softens the plastic and allows the glue to fuse the PVC pipes. The softer the outer layer is, the stronger and more seamless the bond will be.
700 Series Primer
This clear primer works best in conjunction with the 700 series glue on PVC pipes up to 100mm in size. The 700 series primer comes in sizes ranging from 118ml, 237ml, 473ml, and 946ml but can also come in 3785ml tins on an indent basis. Each tin contains an application dauber attached to the inside of the lid.
711 Series Primer
The 711 series primer is an industrial-grade, clear primer ideal for use with the 711, 717, and 724 series glue. It comes in 118ml, 237ml, 473ml, 946ml, and 3785ml sizes with an application dauber provided in every tin.
Purple Primer Range
This industrial-grade purple primer is compatible with the glues from the 700, 711, 717, and 724 series. It is the same as the 711 series primer except for its vibrant colour, because; in some applications, installers must prove they used primer for the joins. Each tin comes with an application dauber and is available in sizes of 118ml, 237ml, 473ml, and 946ml.
Applicators
When working with PVC glues and primers, it’s worth looking into the options for application tools. At Waterworks, we have two tools made for all our glues and primers.
Application dauber for PVC glue and primer
An application dauber is used to dab glue and primer products onto the piping and is best suited to smaller application areas. As a standard inclusion, all of our tins come with the appropriately sized dauber attached to the inside of the lid.
Application rollers for PVC glue and primer
For faster application on large bore PVC or CPVC pipes, our application rollers are ideal. They work the same way as a paint roller, spreading the product quickly and evenly across the pipe joint. The roller sleeves are replaceable and can be bought in twin packs, as required.
At Waterworks, our expert team will connect you with the best products for your application and ensure you’re set up for success. We are here to make your job easier, so contact us for additional details, view our Set and Cure Time Guide, or see our full range of PVC glues and primers on our website.
