If you’ve ever worked with PVC pipe cement and primers, you know how confusing it can be to use them. They are sticky and dripping and difficult to clean up. However, they are also very useful when connecting PVC pipes as they form an airtight bond. At PVC Fittings Online, customers often ask us if we can join PVC pipes without glue. Our answer depends on the purpose of this PVC joint.

What kind of connection will this be?
PVC cement (or glue) is not like regular glue, it sticks to the substance and acts as the adhesive itself. PVC and CPVC cement actually destroys the outer layer of the pipe, allowing the material to really bond together. This will permanently bond PVC pipes and fittings. If you are trying to transport fluids or gases with PVC pipes, you will need PVC cement or special push-fit fittings to ensure there are no leaks.

However, not all applications require a permanent seal like this. If you’re assembling a structure out of PVC, you’re likely to have a lot of joints and connections. Applying cement to all these PVC joints can be time consuming and cumbersome. This also makes it impossible to disassemble the structure later, so it may not be the most practical option. Let’s look at some options for non-permanent PVC pipe connections.

Alternatives to PVC Pipe Connections
If you want to disconnect the fitting at some point, you need to avoid PVC cement. However, joining PVC without cement often renders these joints incapable of carrying gases or even liquids. What imperfections do non-glued joints make up for in convenience! There are several ways to join PVC pipes without glue, so we’ll cover them here.

The first and most obvious way to join PVC pipes and fittings without using glue is to simply push the parts together. Compatible parts fit snugly together and won’t come apart without some kind of external pressure. This isn’t the safest method, but it can be very effective if the joints aren’t under too much stress.

White pvc push-in couplings A more creative approach is to push the pipe and fitting together, drill a hole on both sides, and slide the pin into the hole. Whenever you want to separate pipes and fittings, you can remove the pins and separate them. This approach leaves the part mostly stationary and is ideal for joints that require frequent deconstruction.

The type of accessories you use will also affect whether you need to use PVC cement. We sell cheap PVC push fittings with rubber o-rings. Unlike the first two cementless methods, they provide a permanent connection strong enough to transport water or other substances.