How To Attach PVC Pipe To Wood
If you’ve worked with PVC pipe before, you know that it doesn’t just screw into wood. It’s amazing what you can do with a hacksaw, a drill and some glue when building a small cabin. But the task is harder if you don’t have all those tools at your disposal. The good news is that there are other ways to attach PVC pipe to wood and get the job done quickly.
There are a few ways to attach PVC pipe to wood. One way is to use a PVC solvent to weld the two pieces of pipe together. Another way is to use a PVC adhesive to glue the two pieces of pipe together. A third way is to use screws or nails to attach the PVC pipe to the wood.
PVC Glue
There are a few circumstances in which glue is the only appropriate choice for attaching PVC pipe to wood. If the wood is new and clean, or you are attaching PVC to metal, it’s best to choose a solvent-based PVC glue. After cleaning the wood with a lightly solvent-infused rag, apply the glue and clamp the wood pieces together. Let the glue set for at least an hour before proceeding with attaching other pieces. If you are attaching PVC pipe to concrete or brick, a solvent-based glue is not a good choice due to the risk of the glue damaging the surface it’s applied to. In this situation, a structural epoxy is a good choice.
Carefully Cut Wood to Fit Around PVC Pipe
If you are using PVC that has been in use for a while, or is covered in a material such as paint or adhesive, you may want to consider cutting the wood to fit around the PVC pipe. This is a good idea if you are planning on using epoxy or PVC glue for the job. If you are using a solvent-based glue, you can still use this method, but you are encouraged to be very careful with the blade. With a sharp blade, carefully cut a notch in the wood to fit around the PVC pipe. Be sure not to cut too deep into the wood; a couple millimeters is enough. If you will be gluing wood pieces together, you should make sure that they fit as close together as possible. This will create a tight seal to prevent water from entering the wood.
Epoxy and cord-coated pipe
If you are building a project that will require a very strong bond between the PVC pipe and wood pieces, epoxy is your best bet. Epoxy is a great choice for seasoned builders who know the right way to use it, but for those who don’t, it can be a tricky substance to work with. First, clean the wood with a solvent-infused rag to ensure that there is no dirt on the surface. Next, wrap the PVC pipe generously with the epoxy. Let the epoxy set up for at least an hour before proceeding to attach the pipe to the wood pieces. If you are attaching the pipe to a wall or concrete, you may want to let the epoxy cure for two or three days to ensure a strong and long-lasting bond.
Silicone Caulk
Caulk is another excellent choice for attaching PVC pipe to wood. Unlike epoxy, it is a quick-drying, low-temperature glue. However, it is less durable than epoxy and will lose its bond over time. First, clean the wood and the PVC pipe with a solvent-infused rag. Let the wood pieces and PVC pipe air dry before proceeding. Next, cut the tip off a tube of silicone caulk and apply it to the wood and the PVC pipe where they will connect. Let the silicone dry for at least an hour before moving the project forward. Silicone caulk is not a good choice for pipes that will see a high amount of pressure. If you are attaching PVC pipe to a wall, for example, silicone caulk is not a good choice.
Summary
You can use copper cement for copper or galvanized pipes or PVC glue for PVC pipe. For copper pipe, cut the wood to about a quarter of an inch wider than the pipe. Clean both the pipe and the wood pieces with a solvent-infused rag and apply copper cement between the pieces. For PVC pipe, clean the PVC pipe and the wood pieces with a solvent-infused rag and apply PVC glue between the pieces. Let the glue set for at least an hour before proceeding with attaching other pieces. There are times when you might not have the tools or experience needed to attach PVC pipe to wood. In these cases, silicone caulk or a solvent-based glue such as epoxy is a good choice.
