PVC primer myth

[Butuz]

Guys, I see many posts showing the use of primers. I thought I’d share the study I read a while ago and ultimately decided not to use primer on my build (or other household uses) by only using PVC cement. Not only its easier and cleaner that way, the primer actually weakens and deforms furniture grade colored PVC from my experience. Here is a detailed side-by-side study.

https://www.plumbingsupply.com/the-great-pvc-primer-debate.html

 

[TMB]

Great read! This will really help speed up builds for me, as well as helping me get a cleaner look without primer. Thank you for sharing!

 

[ca1ore]

Yeah, I have literally never used separate primer in any of the hundreds of welded joints on my various tank builds. I did use the gorilla solvent on my flex PVX joints which 'claims' to be primer and solvent in one can. Professional plumber buddy of mine told me decades ago that primer was not necessary on any diameter PVC below 3" ..... so I followed his advice. Never had any reason to regret it.

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

never used primer ever. Although when i use pvc cement and plug/join pvc together i turn and twist it till it locks and never had a leak ever.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Never use primer on anything above ground. I do primer fittings that will be buried.

 

[trido]

I quit using PVC primer on fish tanks a decade ago. As long as the PVC hasn't been laying outside in the dirt and sun for a year primers isn't necessary.

 

[madweazl]

I havent used it but the decision was purely cosmetic...

 

[LMDAVE]

I was looking for a discussion on this since I'm about to start my plumbing. Primer seems way over kill for basically gravity draining and low PSI return. And I also read the articles on strength test of PVC with and without primer. Both are way above what most reef system will see.

 

[YES]

I havent used it but the decision was purely cosmetic...

There is one in Lowe’s 2 in 1 primer and cement and it is clear so looks really good cosmetic and also primes that’s what I use on all my plumber projects for aquariums.

 

[Waters]

I have always used primer just because it is required by plumbing codes.....has to be a reason? I am sure for our applications it doesn't matter either way.

 

[Coastie Reefer]

I use Oatey Fusion. It's clear primer and cement in one... that way I don't worry about keeping up with two cans.

 

[cracker]

Only time I use primer is when the pipe has been stored & dirty.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

Guys, I see many posts showing the use of primers. I thought I’d share the study I read a while ago and ultimately decided not to use primer on my build (or other household uses) by only using PVC cement. Not only its easier and cleaner that way, the primer actually weakens and deforms furniture grade colored PVC from my experience. Here is a detailed side-by-side study.

https://www.plumbingsupply.com/the-great-pvc-primer-debate.html

It seems like I am the only one here that just head their mind blown. Haha not sure when this became common knowledge. I prime everything, well at least I use to.

 

[Even Further]

PVC primer has its place and purpose. Can you get a good join without it - yes. Does your average reef tank need it - no. PVC/CPVC pipe comes in many sizes, much larger than most work with here. I noticed the study only tested the small easiest size to work with.

My home was built in 2007, plumbed with CPVC on the supply lines. The plumber used the one-step "all in one" yellow cement. I've had two joints develop nuisance drip leaks that damaged drywall, after 1-2 years. Not saying I know it was the one step cement, but it makes me curious. I primed all of the repairs, and nothing leaked.

 

[roberthu526]

It seems like I am the only one here that just head their mind blown. Haha not sure when this became common knowledge. I prime everything, well at least I use to.

I use primer on everything too. I am sure it’s fine either way.

 

[S-t-r-e-t-c-h]

As someone that has posted that article before, I still prime all my pvc joints. I don't think it matters much for aquariums either way, but I can see some 'real world' instances where priming can help (even if just to ensure the pipe & connectors are clean).

For reference, 1000 newtons is about 225 lbs of force, so we're talking about failures caused by several hundreds of pounds of pressure on each joint before failure...