Is there a big difference in strength when gluing PVC pipe?
As far as the strength factor, epoxy would provide adequate strength to the PVC joint. However, there are some fine points you should be aware of. First, epoxy tightly bonds two pieces together through itself. Epoxy's strength is due to the strength of the cement itself. PVC cement on the other hand, dissolves the surface of the PVC pipe, bonding the PVC sections tightly together when the cement dries. It's as if the two pieces were welded together. Second, PVC cement is approved for potable water supplies. Epoxy is not. Finally, the setting time for epoxy is measured in hours. It's measured in seconds for PVC cement. The PVC cement bonded sections will be ready for service much faster than if you bonded them with epoxy. That's why plumbers use it instead of epoxy.
Both products have specific duties by trying to use one against another product is asking for trouble. Manufactures design a product also design a product to fuse them together with similar items of theirs.And when some bright spark comes along wants to glue these products together with something else makes me wonder the mentality of some people. Epoxy glue glues only epoxy products PVC cement is only for gluing pvc pipes Cheers!
This Site Might Help You. RE: Epoxy glue vs PVC cement? Is there a big difference in strength when gluing PVC pipe?
The PVC glue literally melts the two ends together, the only thing better would be sonic welding them. Epoxy will leech chemicals into the water, the pvc cement is inert once dry, think I'd stick with the pvc cement/glue
