If you are a DIY homeowner who finds working with PVC piping an easy process, then this article is for you.
PVC pipe is undoubtedly less expensive than other forms of piping as it is far lighter and does not rust like alternative forms of metal piping.
Working with PVC piping will require you to make cuts of various lengths using a hacksaw or handsaw.
This process can leave uneven pieces of plastic around the periphery of the PVC piping which needs to be smoothly removed prior to the pipe being connected to another joint.
Luckily, you can learn how to easily deburr PVC piping by using the proper tools and following the instructions that I have outlined below.
Deburring PVC Pipes Using A Utility Knife
- Grab onto your PVC piping towards the open end of the pipe and hold on firmly using one hand. You should ensure that you are wearing safety goggles and wearing gloves in order to protect your eyes and hands during this process.
- Next, insert paper towels into the open end of the PVC pipe to avoid any plastic residue from being left over during the demurring process. These towels will provide a much-needed seal in order to stop residue from falling directly into the PVC piping.
- Then, remove all of the leftover burrs from the periphery wall of the PVC pipe using your utility knife. Move the blade slowly across the inner walls of the PVC pipe.
- After you have removed the burrs from the inside of the pipe, remove all the burrs from the outer periphery using the same method.
- Clean the inside of your PVC pipe using sandpaper, medium-grade sandpaper is the best to use in this instance. For more insights on understanding the importance of deburring PVC, check out our detailed guide.
- Clean the outside of your PVC pipe end using sandpaper.
- Finally, remove the paper towels that you have placed inside the PVC pipe and discard them accordingly. You can also use needle-nose pliers in order to retrieve the towel if required.
Deburring PVC Pipes Using A Deburring Tool
- Select an appropriately sized deburring tool to debut the inner and outer diameter of your cut pipe.
- Then, grip your pipe towards the open end and hold onto it firmly using one hand. Again, ensure that you are wearing safety goggles and wearing gloves to protect yourself whilst working.
- After this, you should place any paper towels into the open end of your PVC piping.
- Next, insert the reamer end into your PVC pipe until it has become seated securely. Then, rotate this tool in one specific direction for 3 full turns.
- Remove your tool and examine the inner periphery of your PVC pipe to ascertain whether all the burrs have been appropriately removed. Repeat the above step if required.
- Position the outer end of the reamer over the external periphery of your PVC pipe and firmly turn it in one direction for 3 full turns.
- Remove your tool and examine the outside periphery carefully in order to ascertain whether or not all the burrs have been removed. Repeat the above step if required.
- Clean the edges of your newly demurred PVC pipe using medium-grade sandpaper, before removing any paper towels that you have placed into the pipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Pipe Deburring Tool?
A deburring tool is used for plastic piping and tubing.
These tools are usually made from high-grade steel and have been uniquely and specifically designed to deburr edges.
They also come with a slip-resistant hand grip that is perfect for removing burrs on PVC piping.
Do I Need To Deburr PEX And CPVC Also?
PEX and CPVC do not have to be reamed or deburred.
However, if your CPVC pipe has rough edges around its inside edge, then you will be able to use fine sandpaper in order to ream this edge efficiently.
You should always ensure that you remove any unwanted debris from your piping afterward.
Why Is Deburring A Necessary Process?
When piping is cut, it will leave sharp edges.
The deburring process eases these edges so that the piping can be joined together without the risk of not getting a water-tight seal.
To learn about the proper methods to mark or score PVC pipe before cutting, read our comprehensive article.
A deburring machine is also imperative to maintain the efficiency of the joining process.
How Can I Deburr A Pipe Without Tools?
The vast majority of plumbers will use sandpaper in order to deburr any pvc piping, as this is easily accessible and cheap to purchase.
You can deburr a pipe without tools by taking a piece of sandpaper and wrapping it around a solid object before sanding down the sharp edges of your PVC piping.
Is Reaming The Same As Deburring?
Reaming and deburring are similar processes.
Reaming tools are typically used in order to expand holes, whilst demurring tools can be used in order to remove debris and burrs from your PVC plastic pipe.
However, both can be used during the deburring process.
Conclusion
To conclude, I have outlined the correct way to use deburring tools on PVC plastic pipe.
The deburring process is crucial in order to remove any leftover burrs or debris that cause interference when connecting piping together for a water-tight seal.
This is also an essential process to undertake in order to maintain worker’s safety, as pipes from sharp edges after they have been cut.
Thus, deburring PVC piping is crucial in order to ensure that these open edges become smooth and do not cause unnecessary harm to workers. For guidelines on preparing PVC piping for cutting, be sure to read our related post.
As always, you should ensure that you are wearing safety goggles and wearing gloves in order to protect yourself during the deburring process.
It is also important to note that you can deburr some piping by simply using sandpaper in order to sand down any irregular edges.
However, you should always use your utmost discretion when choosing the right tool and method of deburring PVC piping.