How to Connect PVC Pipe without Glue?

Different residential works need to join pipes. PVC pipes are widely popular for these applications. PVC pipes are comparatively easier to connect than other pipes. Customization is easier. Assembling is also easier with these pipes. Our finding, in this article, is about ‘how to connect PVC pipe without glue’. PVC pipes can be joined to each other with glue. But we will find out if there are other ways to connect them.

For connecting, PVC glues are used. Due to some issues, some people do not prefer gluing PVC pipes. The common advantage of connecting PVC pipes without glue is that both ends of the pipe are sealed tightly. There are several alternatives to this glue. The most convenient way is to buy PVC fittings from your nearest hardware shops. Also, using two slices of duct tape can be another easy option.

In this article, I will try to discuss some methods to connect these pipes without gluing. Do not worry. I will elaborate on those methods so that you will be able to apply them easily if needed. But before jumping into the methods, it is better to know what PVC glue is and why people try to avoid gluing. So, I am going to have some words about PVC glue and then dig into some methods to connect them without glue.

Some Words About PVC Glue:

Traditional glue and PVC glue are not the same things. PVC glue is also called PVC cement. This solvent is basically a mixture of some chemicals: methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, tetrahydrofuran and acetone. This mixture is not adhesive. When you apply this glue, the surface of PVC pipes gets melted and particles of pipes come together. It softens plastics. That means it works as a bonding agent. This process of applying PVC glue and attaching two pipes together is called cold welding. Sometimes PVC pipes are connected to hold liquid or gases. In those cases, PVC glue is used. For durability, PVC glue is a good option.

Now, the question may raise if you can use regular glue to replace PVC glue. The answer is, no. super glue or gorilla glue can be used for short-term uses. On the other hand, if you want durability, then PVC glue is not replaceable with these options. I mean very light tasks requiring holding pipes are good with other regular glues. AS I mentioned earlier that other glues are adhesive. Adhesives connect two things to just stick. It means that you will be able to separate those two things with special chemicals or greases. If the task is to make a bond between pipes so that the connection can stay for a long time, then PVC glue is the option you should pick. Also, you will find some solvents that are graded as okay to work with under pressure. Some plumbing tasks or DIY works for your garden or home are okay with these alternative solvents. But, construction works under high pressure need PVC glue.

Since we are talking about PVC glue it is better to mention also some issues here. PVC glue needs to be applied along with the primer. Otherwise, the glue alone will not be able to soften the pipes. Applying primer and glue can get really messy. The most important thing to remember is both PVC glue and primers contain chemicals that are harmful to our lungs. So, always put on a mask to stay safe while working with these two chemical solvents.

But, those are precautions. So, what can be the issue to seek alternatives for PVC glue? Dismantling PVC pipes is an issue. PVC glue or cement makes it a way harder job.

What Are the Methods to Connect PVC Pipes Without Glue?

Fittings are good alternative options unless pipes are carrying liquids or gas. I am going to discuss some methods here. But every method has some crucial steps. I will also mention them so that you can get an easy guideline. If you need to apply any of these methods this article will help you.

Method 1: Push-O-Connect Fittings

These fittings are also known as O-ring fittings. The purpose of manufacturing these fittings is solely to connect PVC pipes. Especially, these are good for pipes with larger diameters. O-rings are designed to be waterproof. The adjacent steel ring is to seal tight.

So the Steps for This Method are:

Find the plug that turns on and off the water. Make sure that the plug has a 12-15 degree angled edge. This edge or corner is called a chamfer and the plug is called a spigot. Take the O-ring chamfer joint’s measurements. Locations should be witness marked.
At this point, you need to clean the socket. You will have to keep in your mind that the ring groove cannot be skipped. I must tell you not to use lubricant-soaked rags.
You will have to replace the O-type rubber ring. But before installing that rubber ring, both the ring and the groove need to be cleaned and dry. The box comes with instructions. Read it before cleaning them.
The rubber ring has to be installed in such a manner that the whole ring is equally distributed throughout the groove. There should be no bents. It means that the rubber ring has to be seated uniformly and properly. How to ensure that? Well, just run your finger slowly around the lead-in angle.
It is important to see the witness mark clearly. To see it clearly it has to be blur-free. You will have to start cleaning from the spigot end back to the witness mark.
As I instructed you to clean from the spigot end back to the witness mark, the lubrication also has to be in that manner. Be careful while lubricating the chamfer area.
Put the spigot into the socket. But it needs a forceful thrust. Before doing so, line up the spigot with the socket and make sure the thrust is firm. These points will help you to seat the spigot into the plug properly. Sometimes previously joined pipes can close. To avoid this closure, you need to create firm support at the line’s socket.
Make sure that the pipe is not inserted into the socket as far as possible. How can you do this? Put the mark on the joint in such a manner that it is barely visible with naked eyes.
Keep mechanical aids nearby if you need to dismantle the pipe joints after the lubrication is dried.

Method 2: Connecting Through Mechanical Connectors

This system is also widely known as ‘coupling’. This method is very commonly practiced and popular for domestic works. It is simple to assemble, cost-effective and the balance is good enough to work. The steps for this method are:

Smoothen and clean your pipe. Better to use a wool wire. It will bring out residues, or sticky dirt and help you make the pipe neat.
Make sure that the compression nut (or washer) pile is fully opened.
Next, the nut, the washer and the rubber washer have to be connected. To connect them, reverse them at first. Then, put them according to mentioned order onto the pipe. Pay attention to the rubber washer. It should be close-fitting. Also, a minimum 15-20 mm extension of the rubber washer beyond the pipe is supposed to happen.
Move the joint body smoothly onto the pipe. And fit it tightly against the rubber washer.
Skate the washer and bolt through the connecting pipe. Make sure to do it before the connecting pipe came in contact with the joint.
After completing the 5^th step, make a waterproof connection. And then, use a plumber’s wrench to fit the bolt tightly.

Method 3: Connecting Through RTV Silicone

If you are looking for a simple and quick option, then silicone could be your pick to seal PVC pipes. In the case of PVC, you have to seal both piping, openings, joints and seams. With silicone, it is easy to do and time-saving. But make sure that the pipe is absolutely dry before adding the silicone.

To make the whole thing waterproof, sealing properly and tightly is vital. That would prevent water leakage. To ensure that, it is wise to plan the pipe in advance and buy enough tubing. I am going to discuss steps for using RTV silicone sealant here. This method is also applied without glues. So the steps are:

At first, take a damp cloth or rag. And then clean the PVC pipe. Remove all dirt or litter, or any unwanted scattered pieces.
You need to trim ¼ inch from the tip of the tube of the silicone caulk. You can easily do that with a utility knife. Then, insert a thin wire into that tip. After that, punctuate the seal with your nail if sharp enough or that thin wire.
Place the silicone caulk tube into the caulk gun. Then, find the push plate and push that plate against the tube’s rim.
The push plate needs a force to be set into that silicone tube. So, push the trigger to create that required force.
You will have to seal the gap or seam in a piece of pipe at the joint. To do it neatly measure the gap or that seam beforehand and then place the tube’s tip on the joint. That will seal perfectly.
Keep pressing the button. Keep doing that until you see the emersion of the silicone tip.
Dip your finger in water and wet it. Then, swipe your wet finger over the silicone gently. It will smoothen the silicone texture.

Method 4: Flex Couplings

Flex coupling is the short form of ‘flexible coupling’. This method is applied to connect two PVC pipes. Usually, this coupling is used for channeling the pipe that connects the irrigation tube to PVC sewer pipes. The advantage of this method is you can get a variety of flex connectors in the market. These connectors come with a handful of options for facilitating the different types of configurations. You can configure them as per your desired dimensions and operating pressure. Also, you can get your job done quickly and securely by applying this coupling.

The Steps of This Method are as Follows:

Take a power pipe cutter or saw and trim a section of the sewer with it. That replacement area should be about 20 mm long.
Take out the extra disconnected area. Lubrication is not required at this point at all.
A BAND-SEAL connection point must be at each power source ends. This needs to be combined into the production line using a new pipelining technique. Determine the width of the BAND-SEAL and calculate half of that width. Put a pencil mark having the length of that half-width at each joint.
Take one pencil mark. Make that a circle point and put a BAND-SEAL over that circle. Then secure other bands one by one. Then you need to tighten those bands properly before they break down.
Place the BAND-SEAL properly and put even pressure on the exposed pipeline. This will bring out the best result. Then, cut the plastic pipe in half. This will make a square tip on both ends. Use bush saws to do this.
Notice if both the PVC pipes have a BAND-SEAL mounted. If so, then squeeze the bushes. This will put the front edge in a parallel position to the PLANAR. Again, lubrication is NOT needed at all.
Press the bands around and under the tubing firmly while installing BAND-SEAL. It is better to stay careful at this step.

Method 5: Connecting Through Threaded PVC Pipe

There are several available threading options in the market. We will talk about PEX tubing here.

A PEX tube vise, a rag and a grip-type vise are things you will need. So, the steps are:

Enclose the rag around the middle of the pipe and place it tightly with the vise.
This step has several tasks. First, put the threading device on the edge of the pipe. Then, press the threading device into the pipe. Turn the tool clockwise. And keep pressing until that tool’s edge comes to contact with the pipe’s edge.
Bring out the pipe. Then clean the fresh thread with a clean cloth.

What Are the Applications for PVC Pipe Connection?

At the beginning of the article, I mentioned some really useful advantages of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The methods I discussed today make it suitable for construction or infrastructure, sewerage systems, or wastewater disposal systems. Especially, wastewater management systems widely use PVC nowadays.

Final Thought

Using PVC glue has various reasons. We discussed the wide advantages of using glue. But, many people do not like the mess it creates or the health hazard issues rise because of the glue. In those cases, fittings are absolutely suitable. Also for preventing water leakages, fittings are wonderful and easy options.