The difference between PVC and CPVC is an important one.
CPVC is graded for higher temperatures and tends to be more durable than PVC. Although the chemical makeup of these pipes is different, can you use PVC flue on CPVC pipes?
PVC glue should not be used on CPVC pipes. PVC and CPVC have different chemical makeups that make them incompatible with each other’s glue. For the best results, stick to the glue that is made specifically for the type of material you will be using. Failure to do so could lead to pipe failures.
The decision on what glue to use for PVC is an important one—nobody wants to deal with pipe failures. We will explore some details you should consider when buying PVC glue below.
What Color is CPVC Glue?
CPVC glue comes in a variety of colors. Orange is the most common color, followed by yellow/gold. This differs slightly from PVC cement, which is more often blue, although both can be found in gray.
The different colors of glue will function similarly unless they are an all-in-one product.
All-in-one PVC or CPVC glues don’t need primer. For CPVC, yellow/gold glue tends to be an all-in-one product, while orange typically requires a primer to be used.
- Many PVC and CPVC glues recommend using a primer before the glue, and these come in a wider variety of colors.
Some codes require a colored primer so there is visual evidence that a primer was used. Both PVC and CPVC primers are often purple, which is easy to see when applied, but also easy to distinguish from the gray, orange, or blue of common glues.
Best Glue For CPVC
While most CPVC glues will work well, we recommend going with Oatey CPVC orange cement and Oatey purple primer. Oatey has the most CPVC products with the highest reviews on Amazon. Amazon also offers a great deal on this primer/glue set from Oatey to get you started.
If you’re buying glue online, be careful about how much you purchase.
All of the sizes appear similar in online images. You will also want to consider whether your glue is “no-primer needed” like this Oatey 1-step glue, or if you need to buy primer as well.
Be aware that some codes require a primer to be used before the glue. 1-step glues don’t negate this rule, so you’ll still have to use a primer before applying the glue.
Will ABS Cement Work on Plastic Pipes?
ABS is another common pipe material. It is made out of black plastic.
ABS pipes are more shock resistant and handle colder temperatures better, while PVC can handle greater exposure to sunlight, and is usually better at dampening the sound of running water.
Before you dive into the nuanced differences between these two pipes and stress about which one to use, be aware that some areas have guidelines in place for which kind of pipe should be used, while others leave it up to the plumber’s discretion.
If you are still unsure which one to use, reach out to a local expert for recommendations.
- Do not use ABS cement on PVC or CPVC pipes.
It likely won’t hold well, and it is usually against plumbing regulations to do so. In all possible situations, only use one kind of pipe and get the cement specifically made for that kind of pipe.
Can You Use Gorilla Glue on PVC and CPVC Pipes?
Regular Gorilla Glue cannot be used on PVC and CPVC pipes.
Gorilla Glue works best on materials that are not plastic, as it struggles to bond well with materials that contain oil and plasticizers. Both PVC and CPVC are made using plasticizers and tend to hold oil from our hands, so regular Gorilla Glue is not a good match.
Stick with glue made specifically for the material you’re using.
Nonetheless, Gorilla Glue does make both PVC and CPVC glue that can be used effectively for both types of pipes.
If you want to be sure that your pipes will stay connected and not leak, go with the glue made specifically for the material, no matter what brand you go with.
Is PVC Primer Necessary to Paint PVC and UPVC?
It is a good idea to use a primer when painting PVC and uPVC, especially if you don’t have paints made to adhere to plastic. However, it isn’t required.
Paints made to adhere to plastic and PVC paint are available. These will work best for painting PVC, but they can be difficult to find and are sometimes expensive.
If you can’t get your hands on PVC paint, using a primer is a good idea.
Before applying the primer, wash the PVC to remove accumulated oil and dust. If you can, use acetone for this cleaning process as it will remove unwanted materials and open up the surface of the PVC so it can better hold paint.
Otherwise, use either a mild soap or window glass cleaner. Some experts recommend using sandpaper to roughen the surface of the PVC to help the primer and paint stay on better.
After you’ve done this, you’re ready to apply the primer. Apply a thin, even coat and cover the entire surface of the PVC. Allow this to dry (it should only take 10 seconds to dry completely.)
Now you’re ready to paint.
Spray paint is the most common and easy type of paint to use for PVC pipe, and will likely hold better than normal paint. Use cardboard or an old sheet to protect the surface and surrounding area of the item you will be painting.
It’s easiest to get an even coat by holding the PVC on the ground and twisting it.
Make sure you put light coats of paint on the PVC. Thick layers of paint will run and drip. For best results, apply at least two coats of paint, allowing the paint to dry for 30 minutes between applications.
CAUTION: Always use eye, hand, and mouth protection when using spray paint. Use spray paint in an area that is well-ventilated or outdoors. If you begin to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or experience breathing difficulty, stop spray-painting immediately and seek fresh air. If this occurs, continue spray-painting with extreme caution.
