Pvc Cement cure time

[HexaReef]

Just curious. But I put together my Sump overflow and return, and I was wondering how long I should let the PVC cement cure before I activate the Sump System and pump. The back of the PVC cement container says 2 hours. It has been 2 hours since I put everything together and the scent of the cement still smells strong. Should I give it a couple more hours?

 

[Matthew Frost]

It doesn't dry as much as the solvent evaporates. In most cases 2 hours would be plenty unless their is excessive pressure in the lines.

 

[maroun.c]

If I'm to run the water through plumbing before 24 hours I make sure to wipe off any excess glue while gluing as some squirts inside the tubing when you push pipes in. that helps reduce the amount of glue that will go in contact with water. Believe this also should be done anytime as that glue will release a few things in the water with time. if it's only a few connections glued I turn on the flow after 1-2 hours (longer is better if you can) if it's many connections 2 hours is a minimum.

 

[ntayler]

For what it’s worth, I have read of many people doing repairs/additions and only waiting 20-30 minutes before starting the system back up.

I have personally done just that with a freshwater system after gluing pvc and only waiting about 20 minutes.

I am NOT recommending/suggesting/implying that anyone take any unnecessary risks, however I have heard that uncured pvc cement is not as harmful as it seems it would be. (Kinda like how super glue is harmless).

I’d be curious to know how the chemistry inclined folks (Randy) feel about the necessary cure time of pvc cement

 

[Chuk]

Before it can hold water for cold water its about 15 minutes hot water it can be up to 4 hrs. It takes up to 24 hrs to fully cure but no one here runs their tanks at 100 psig where it would really matter.

 

[User1]

Great question. Good advise and really depends on the pressure as well. I don't know maybe there is a standard. Having said that yesterday I had to make a repair due to my stupidity the day before and didn't want 10 minutes before turning on the return pump to get stuff moving. The way I handle all my PVC work is the same:

1. Clean fittings I'm connecting
2. Sand fittings I'm connecting
3. Prime fittings I'm connecting
4. Apply PVC cement to one end, then to other, attach, apply pressure firmly, turn 1/4, wait a few seconds, turn to final position, hold 5 seconds
5. Move to next piece and repeat

I can feel the heat being released has I turn it to its final resting spot. You can try and pull, twist, turn, anything but it isn't coming apart. Trust me, I just tried to install a check valve has another layer of protection and left off the threaded coupling. Once I realized what I did I rush back to try and undo the connection I just made but it was too late That connection was not going to be broke for the life of me...anyway that is the repair comment I noted above and why I didn't wait for anymore cure time.

No leaks, drips, or concern for me.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

My rule of thumb is 15 minutes... but I have put newly cemented joints back into to use instantly (as well as dripped cement directly into the tank) without issues.