The Spruce / Kevin Norris
PVC pipes are a great asset todo-it-yourself plumbersbecause they join like a dream.
Next to ABS and PEX pipes, PVC pipes are themost secure pipesthat you could join with such ease.
Doing so is truly a challenge, especially when removing PVC glue from PVC itself.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Removing PVC glue from other materials is considerably easier.
Removing PVC Pipe and Glue
How PVC Pipe Glue Works
PVC glue is not glue.
The hardened glue grips one material to the other material.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
PVC glue works completely differently.
PVC glue is a solvent that melts the two pipes and bonds them together.
The result is a continuous section of PVC.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
In many cases, the joint is stronger than the pipe itself.
Another factor that can work to your advantage is that PVC pipes are sometimes poorly joined.
Any voids in the bonding make them good candidates for separation.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
In a hurry, theplumberordo-it-yourselfermay have only partially applied the PVC glue to the joint.
Professional plumbers usually will cut away PVC pipe rather than have a go at separate it.
PVC pipe is soft and easy to cut.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Unlikecopper pipe, PVC is inexpensive to replace.
Use a hacksaw or a PVC pipe cutter to cut off the section you would like to separate.
Keep the cut straight.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Deburr the pipe on both sides with sandpaper.
Warning
PVC pipe has low collapse strength when compared to other pipes.
Be careful about applying pressure to the pipe from pliers.
Aheat gunis like a high-powered hairdryer, and it’s often used forremoving paintor loosening metal pipes.
Start with the heat gun on a lower setting and begin to heat up the PVC pipe.
It’s a slow process, so be patient.
In many cases, you may have to sacrifice one pipe by breaking it away from the other pipe.
Go slow and protect surfaces around or behind the PVC from burning or melting.
Sanding down the distortion and sloughing away the purple color is the best way to remove the glue.
Start withsandpaperin the #220 grit range and work up to finer-grit sandpaper to smooth away any grooves.
