Explore the range of plumbing adhesives at Ace Hardware, from Oatey, Weld-On, RectorSeal and other brands. Whether you're working on home irrigation or commercial drain systems, these solvents and cements are designed to help you create strong, reliable bonds across various pipe materials and project conditions. For broader project needs, you can also browse the full plumbing department at Ace.
Solvent Cements and Adhesives at a Glance
Selections may vary by store, but Ace typically carries a range of solvent cements, primers and specialty adhesives across the following categories.
| Category | Common Materials | Typical Options May Include | Best Suited For |
|---|
| PVC and ABS Solvent Cements | PVC, ABS | Standard, heavy-duty, all-weather, fast-setting "hot" or "lava hot," Rain-R-Shine, Arctic formulas | General plumbing, drain lines, cold or wet conditions |
| Multi-Purpose and Transition Cements | ABS, CPVC, PVC | All-purpose formulas, ABS-to-PVC transition cements | Mixed-material joints, dissimilar pipe connections |
| Potable Water Cements | CPVC | FlowGuard Gold one-step, all-weather CPVC formulas | Hot and cold water supply lines |
| Specialty and Flexible Cements | PVC, vinyl | Pool and spa cements, flexible PVC, conduit-rated, root-inhibiting | Pools, spas, irrigation, electrical conduit |
| High-Heat and HVAC Cements | Metal flues, ducts | Furnace cements in white or gray | Sealing flues, ducts and high-temperature furnace components |
| Primers, Cleaners and Combo Kits | PVC, CPVC | Purple or clear primers, cleaners, Handy Pack combination kits | Surface prep before cementing |
Sizes typically range from 1.5 oz to 1 gallon, and colors may include clear, blue, gray and green. For projects that call for a different joining method, push fittings can offer an alternative approach to connecting plastic pipes and fittings. For other sealing needs, you can also explore plumbers putty and sealers to round out your project.
Surface Preparation Essentials
Proper surface preparation is a key step in creating lasting bonds between pipe and fittings. Selections may include purple or clear primers and cleaners designed to remove contaminants and soften pipe surfaces before cementing. Available options often feature "Handy Packs" or combination kits that bundle primer and solvent cement together for DIY plumbing or repair jobs. These preparation products are typically intended for use with CPVC and PVC systems to help improve the integrity of the final joint.
Common Plumbing Projects and Recommended Cement Types
The right cement often depends on the pipe material, the environmental conditions and the specific application. The table below outlines cement types frequently recommended for common project scenarios.
| Project Type | Cement Type Often Recommended |
|---|
| Residential drain repair | Standard PVC cement, optionally with root inhibitor |
| Hot and cold water supply lines | CPVC cement, such as FlowGuard Gold |
| Pool or spa plumbing | Flexible PVC or pool-specific cement |
| Irrigation in wet conditions | Rain-R-Shine or other wet-condition formula |
| Cold-weather installation | Arctic or all-weather cement |
| Joining ABS to PVC | Transition cement |
| Furnace flue sealing | High-heat furnace cement |
How Do You Choose the Right Solvent Cement?
Selecting the correct cement typically depends on the pipe material, the pipe diameter and the environmental conditions of the installation. You should identify if the pipe is PVC, ABS or CPVC and check if a specialty formula like a wet-condition or "hot" cement is needed for your specific job site.
Do You Need Primer Before Applying Solvent Cement?
Using a primer is often a required step for many PVC and CPVC applications because it helps clean the surface and begins the chemical softening process. This preparation can help create a more reliable and permanent bond when the solvent cement is applied to the joint.
Shop PVC Cement Near You at Ace Hardware
Finding the right supplies for your plumbing project is simple with our flexible shopping options. You can browse our selection online to compare specifications and have your order shipped directly to your home. If you prefer to see products in person or need advice, our helpful staff is ready to assist you at when you shop PVC cement at your local store.
