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PVC Glue Dry Time: How Long Will It Take?

By Author Josh Hurd

Posted on Last updated:

PVC glue that plumbers use to join PVC pipes gets fused by melting the plastic in the glue. You must assemble the pipes quickly because the solvents in the pipes are volatile and the soft plastic evaporates.

You might be asking yourself how long does PVC glue take to dry? PVC glue takes about two hours for the cement to cure.

The Makeup of PVC Cement

Typical glues are made up of bonding agents that must cure and harden while PVC cement consists of a solvent that dissolves plastic. If you apply the PVC cement to the PVC pipe, it softens the plastic, and when you press together the two pieces, they fuse into a single piece. The plastic hardens when the solvent evaporates.

The Curing Process and PVC Pipe Glue Drying Time

If you are joining PVC pipes, you must apply PVC primer to the surfaces of the areas that you will be joining of the pipe and fitting, if the cement you are using requires it. Many if not most manufacturers recommend primer before glueing, but there are all in one product that eliminates that need.

Apply a large amount of cement to both parts and quickly join the pipes before the solvent evaporates. You will only have about a 15 to 20-second window to create this bond, perhaps a little longer in a cooler environment.

After you joining the pipes you need to hold them together for at least 30 seconds so the cement can harden. It will take another 15 minutes for the joint to set to the point that it can withstand water pressure and another two hours to cure fully.

Rain or shine PVC Glue Dry Time and Directions

Rain or Shine is a medium bodied blue cement for use on PVC pipe. It is rated for very fast setting, and it is a hot cement formulated for wet conditions and quick and rapid pressurization. This cement is best recommended for pools, irrigation, and pressure pipes. No primer is needed.

Directions

It should be stirred and used as is. It should not be thinned and should be discarded if found to be stringy. Use within three years of the date stamped on the can.

  1. Cut pipe and wipe clean with a dry cloth. Make sure the joints fit snugly and use the proper applicator.
  2. Apply an even coat of cement to the outside of the pipe and the fitting to be joined. Avoid gaps and puddles. Pipe ends must be coated entirely twice and wet before assembly.
  3. Push and rotate pipe ¼ turn into the fitting until pipe bottoms into the socket. Hold together for 30 seconds.
  4. Recoat if dry. Hold the pipe and the fitting together for 30 seconds to prevent the pipe from pushing out and wipe off any excess cement.
  5. Allow 15 minutes for proper handling and 2 hours for a full cure. Test with up to 180 psi. Do not test with air.

Christy’s PVC Glue Dry Time and Directions

Christy’s is a contractor preferred premium formulation. It sets very fast and can be used without primer. The glue is blue in color.

Directions

Christy’s is to be used on PVC plastics only. It should be stirred and used as is. It should not be thinned and should be discarded if found to be stringy. Use within three years of the date stamped on the can.

  1. Cut pipe and wipe clean with a dry cloth. Make sure the joints fit snugly and use the proper applicator. According to IAPMO specification standard, a purple primer must be used. Be advised you must complete steps 2 and 3 within thirty seconds for a secure joint.
  2. Apply an even coat of cement to the outside of the pipe and the fitting to be joined. Avoid gaps and puddles. Pipe ends must be completely coated twice and wet before assembly. Push and rotate pipe ¼ turn into the fitting until pipe bottoms into the socket. Hold together for 30 seconds. Recoat if dry.
  3. Remove any excess cement and do not disturb joint for at least 10 minutes. After that, leave joint for 24 hours to achieve full strength. Only water pressure test after one hour. Store and use between 40°F and 110°F.
Josh Hurd
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