PVC pipes are used in homes and commercial buildings for plumbing, heating and other essential functions.
However, if things go wrong, like a leak, you might need to know the best sealant for leaking pipes in addition to cleaning and cutting techniques.
Therefore, it is important to know how to clean and cut them in a safe, quick, yet effective way.
In this guide, we’ll discuss various methods for handling PVC pipes and, in addition, learn how to cap PVC pipe as a fundamental skill.
Cleaning PVC Piping
Pipe cleaning does not require you to take the pipes apart and is actually a very easy process overall.
Heat a few liters of water, then let it cool for about two minutes to remove grease accumulation in the pipes.
Pour the mixture down the drain after adding a few drops of dish soap. The following step, employing an enzyme drain cleaner, is required if it is still clogged.
Enzyme Drain Cleaners
Enzyme drain cleaners are useless for completely blocked drains that won’t let water pass through them.
Although they are milder than other types of drain cleaners, they will still function on partially clogged drains.
Enzyme cleansers are often devoid of dangerous pollutants and are non corrosive on both new and used plastic and metal drain pipes.
Heavy strength drains cleaners that are caustic and acidic can hurt the skin, eyes, and lungs.
PVC Pipe Cleaning Tools
A blocked PVC pipe may occasionally require more cleaning than an enzyme drain cleaner, or another kind of cleaner can provide.
There are several types of tools for cleaning sewer pipes, and each one is best suited for a particular task.
One is a water ram, which is useful for bathtubs that drain slowly and get blocked. To clear blockages, it fires compressed air bursts that may go down the pipeline.
A closet auger may be used to clear up and unclog drains in the bathroom, kitchen, and urinal. This tool has a flexible spring that allows it to fit within a bent pipe.
The additional three feet of cable that is concealed in the handle of a telescopic auger makes it even better. Slide it out by pressing a button.
Cleaning The Exterior Of A PVC Pipe
On a PVC pipe, sprinkle cleaning powder, then wet the pipe with water. To remove marks and debris from the pipe, use the scrub pad in tiny circular motions on the wet powdered cleanser.
Once the marks or dirt have been cleaned off, thoroughly rinse the PVC pipe.
Steel wool pad should be soaked in acetone to remove any remaining dirt or marks. Use the steel wool to delicately scrub away any stains or grime.
When using the acetone, work in little segments, no more than two feet of pipe at once.
Wipe the pipe clean of the acetone using the lint-free white towel. Before any installation, thoroughly rinse the PVC pipe with water.
Cutting PVC Piping
There are various pvc cutting tools and pvc accessories that you can make use of .
However, no matter which method you choose, you must wear safety gear such as gloves and eye protection when you are cutting PVC piping as debris can fly off and cause injury.
Deburring
Small burs on the interior and outer margins of PVC pipe are frequently left behind after a cut.
These bursts have the potential to degrade pipe connections and disrupt liquid flow. It is useful and easy to get rid of them.
Deburring a pipe involves smoothing off the burred regions with a utility knife. If you wish to stop plastic shavings from falling into the pipe, insert paper towels into it.
After you’ve finished using the knife, finish off the edge smoothing with sandpaper. Deburring is normal practice for projects; however, it is not always needed.
Hacksaw
Cutting PVC pipe with a hacksaw is the easiest and most versatile cutting method.
Hacksaws are the best tool for straight cutting PVC pipe since they can efficiently cut pipe of any thickness. They also function well if you need to make a lot of little, exact cuts.
The best way to use a hacksaw is in conjunction with a vice, but any clamp that holds the pipe firmly in place while you cut will do.
Then, use a back and forth motion to cut through the inside edge of the pipe.
Use caution when using a hacksaw since the sharp teeth on the hacksaw blade can easily cut you and cause serious harm.
Hacksaws need more time to operate than PVC cutters, but they can be less expensive and produce more of an accurate straight cut than ratchet style cutters.
PVC Cutters
The quickest and cheapest way to cut PVC is by far using a tiny PVC cutter. The tool cuts PVC pipe with little power and has no sharp edges for you to injure yourself on.
To use a PVC cutter, first use a tape measure to create a cut mark where you want to cut the pipe.
Then, line the blade up with the intended cutting point and alternately open and close the device until the required length of the cut is achieved.
Regular PVC cutters normally only have the ability to cut pipe that is 1″ or less in thickness. So, for larger diameter pipes, you may benefit from more heavy duty pvc cutters.
Therefore, operations with relatively modest pipe diameters are where these tools work best.
Cable Saw
A relatively unknown technique for cutting PVC pipe is the cable saw. In contrast to the other methods mentioned, the cable saw does not prepare PVC pipe for a project.
Instead, cutting on tasks that have already been finished is where the cable saw excels.
Until the cut is complete, alternating pushing up on the left and right ends of the cable as you wrap it around the pipe you wish to cut in a “U” form.
Plumbing projects can benefit from the usage of cable saws since they are excellent tools for cutting through difficult-to-reach areas.
If any of the above methods do not seem right for you, then you could also try using either a miter saw, ratchet style pipe cutter, a miter box or scissor style pipe cutters.
All of these cutting tools you can find at your local hardware store, and will give you a clean cut for your DIY project.
Summary
Cleaning and cutting PVC pipe is a skill that anybody can master. When you need to repair a PVC pipe that is leaking, it will definitely come in handy.
There is a good chance that you will not make a perfect cut to begin with, which is why you should always mark it out with a tape measure first.
But, do not be disheartened as it will take practice. In addition, you could simply de burr the pipe surface for a smoother finish.
There is a selection of tools that you can use to get cut PVC pipes efficiently, but the one you choose is up to you.