Loosening Plumbers Glue

Minor plumbing repairs may result in dripped plumbers glue.

Plumbers glue or cement, effective in adhering plumbing pipes or fittings to one other, can be a challenge to loosen and remove if you drip it onto other areas. The adhesive dries in seconds, making it almost impossible to wipe off unless you catch it immediately. Loosening the glue is also necessary when you are replacing pipes or making repairs. Use the right type of solvents to loosen and remove it from the surface.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic scraper or old credit card
• Metal paint scraper (optional)
• All-purpose adhesive remover
• Acetone

Instructions

1. Read the glue's label, which tells you how to remove it safely or has a toll-free number to call for instructions.

2. Scrape the plumbers glue off a flat surface, using a plastic scraper or old credit card. If the glue fell onto an area that was dusty or oily, sometimes this method works quickly. Another option is a metal paint scraper, although only use this on surfaces you don't mind scratching or damaging.

3. Spray a small amount of all-purpose adhesive remover on the plumbers glue. Follow instructions on the can to loosen the glue properly. Wipe the remover off with a clean cloth after the time indicated on the label.

4. Pour 1/2 teaspoon of acetone onto a cleaning cloth and lay the wet section on the plumbers glue for about five minutes. Rub it off with the clean cloth. You may need to use this industrial solvent three or four times to loosen and dissolve all the glue, reports Dow.com.

Tips & Warnings

• Naphtha and toluene solvents are also effective in cleaning up plumber's glue. Follow the directions on the containers for best results.

• The solvents and adhesive remover are available at hardware, discount and home improvement stores.

• Ventilate the area as solvents emit fumes.

References

• Housekeeping Channel: Acetone
• Dow: Product Safety

Resources

• Gorilla PVC: The Greenest Toughest PVC Cement on Planet Earth