How to Prime PVC Fittings

Primer solvent-welds PVC elbows to PVC pipe to create a watertight connection.

PVC plumbing connections are made by solvent-welding a piece of PVC pipe into a PVC fitting. Solvent welding is a two-part process that uses a primer and glue. The PVC primer removes contaminates from the outside surface of the PVC pipe and the inside surface of the PVC fitting. The PVC primer temporarily softens a thin layer of the PVC material to which it is applied. This allows the PVC glue to create a strong, leak-free bond between the PVC pipe and the PVC fitting.

Things You'll Need

• PVC pipe
• Clean rag
• PVC fitting
• PVC primer

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Instructions

1. Prepare the PVC connection for the primer. Wipe the outside surface of the PVC pipe with a clean rag to remove dirt and large debris from the pipes surface. Then wipe the inside of both openings of the PVC fitting with another clean rag.

2. Pull the cap with the attached brush from the can of PVC primer and run the brush against the inside of the PVC can to remove excess primer from the brush.

3. Prime the PVC connection by first running the PVC primer brush around the outside of the cleaned PVC pipe and then run the PVC primer brush around the inside of the PVC fitting. You need to ensure the primed area of the PVC pipe is at least the size of the opening of the PVC fitting.

4. Glue the primed PVC pipe and PVC fitting together immediately after the PVC parts are primed or the PVC primer softened layer of the PVC will harden. This could result in the PVC connection leaking after it is installed.

References

• This Old House: Gluing PVC Pipe
• Ask the Builder: How to Glue PVC Pipe