I recently noticed that our family plumber installed the trap in our bathroom (pvc) with pipe dope instead of pvc glue. He said that he noticed problems in using the pvc glue (cracking and leakage) and prefers the seal of pipe dope. Since I have never seen this performed before using pvc (I'm a carpenter), I was curious if it's a dependable seal and what most plumbing codes call for. Anything you can offer will be warmly received. Thanks in advance, matt

Building codes dictate what's permisable and what is not. Permits and inspections will flag errors and cause things to be corrected.

PVC is a two step process where one is a primer/cleaner and the other is a solvent weld. Pipes should be square and free of burrs. It also requires a minimum wait time for full strength. CPVC usually requires a different set of cleaners/primers/solvents.

I suppose that he may be doing something wrong.

KISS said it right... something wrong here.

Talk to your plumber and ask him what he did again... There is no way he used pipe dope in place of PVC primer and cement... is there..

If so... I would report this individual to your town inspector right away... must be a total nutcase!


PVC is not a glue process... it is actually a weld process in which the primer presoftens the plastic and the cement actually finishes the welding of the two plastic pieces so they virtually become one with each other (how I describe it to new helpers anyway... ).

Talk to your plumber again.. something is wrong!

If my answer helped please rate this answer below. Thank you.

Although not needed, he may have put pipe dope on threads of the nut and compression fittings (this is ok). If he put pipe dope on actual non compression slip joints I must agree about the nutcase reference.

Good point CG67... forgot to mention that! Imagine a plumber stating to customer that he noticed problems with PVC glue so used pipe dope instead... that would be a riot huh... *laugh* I am still hoping there was a miscommunication and he was talking about pipe dope in the way you suggested! *crossing fingers*. Have good day!