Is PVC cement still the right choice for PVC pipe repairs?

PVC cement is still the standard for joining PVC pipes, and it's been the go-to for decades because it actually works - the solvent dissolves the plastic slightly so the pieces fuse together into one solid joint. For repairs specifically, though, you've got to be careful about what you're fixing; cement works great for connecting new sections or replacing damaged segments, but if you're just patching a leak in the middle of a pipe, you'd want to look at epoxy putty or repair clamps instead since cement requires cutting and rejoining. The main thing to double-check is whether your pipes are actually schedule 40 PVC or something else, since different materials need different adhesives.