Tag Archives: PVC Cutters

What You Need to Remove PVC Pipe Glue

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Whether you are a DIY plumber, or attempting some other sort of project that requires PVC piping, you will likely be faced with the imminent need to remove some pipe glue. This can pose a challenge since pipe glue is not really glue it all; instead, it is a solvent that melts two PVC pipes together, forming a lasting bond. Fortunately, this type of glue removal is usually only necessary when you need to separate two PVC pipes from one another.

Continue reading to learn what you need to remove PVC pipe glue, including some basic instructions on how to get through the process.

Indianapolis Plumbing Services
Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Supplies Needed to Remove Glue From PVC Piping

To remove PVC pipe glue, you will need a few materials, including a quality heat gun, a PVC pipe cutter (or hacksaw), tongue and groove pliers, sanding paper, and a pair of thick gloves. You can find all of these materials at your local home improvement store or in the home-improvement section of your local department store.

What You Need:

⚒ Heat Gun (or Hacksaw)
⚒ PVC Pipe Cutters
⚒ Tongue-And-Groove Pliers
⚒ Sandpaper
⚒ Utility Gloves

How to Get Started

The easiest and most effective way to remove PVC pipe glue is to simply cut the pipe below the adhered surface. Simply pick a new point of the pipe, and use your PVC cutters to create a new cut. If reducing the length of your PVC pipe is not an option, you can look to your other materials on hand, starting with your heat gun. A heat gun in the construction world is basically like a super high-powered blow dryer. It is typically used to remove hardened materials on surfaces, such as paint, or in this case, solvent. Just be sure to leave enough room to install new coupling if that’s your intended plan.

If you haven’t already tried twisting the two PVC pipes in opposite directions to disconnect them from one another, you can try this now. Or use your heat gun on a low setting to heat the adhered joint of the PVC pipe. The heat will quickly soften the glue. After heating the glue, try twisting the pipes again. If they still don’t disconnect from one another, apply more heat and try again. Your tongue and groove pliers can help you twist the two pipes in opposite directions with higher torque than just your hands, so you might want to incorporate those into the process for better results.

After Pipes are Separated

After you have successfully separated your two PVC pipes, you will still have some solvent residue left over. To remove this residual glue, grab your sandpaper and get to work. A 220 grit sandpaper sheet is a good abrasive level to start with. If there’s a lot of glue left over on the pipe, you might want a coarser grit sandpaper.

Where to Get Trusted Plumber Advice and Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing service and home plumbing inspections at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well. Whether you need routine water heater service at home, or a major pipe replacement for a commercial building, our licensed Indianapolis plumbers can do it all, and in a time frame that’s convenient for you!

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Easy Tips for Cutting PVC Pipe

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Whether you are building an epic tree house in the back yard, installing some sprinkler gear, or replacing a plumbing pipe in your basement, you might find yourself faced with the need to cut PVC pipe. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a thermoplastic material that is commonly used in the plumbing and construction industry due to its excellent and useful properties. It can last indefinitely, and requires zero maintenance other than routine inspections. In the plumbing industry, you will see PVC in the form of white plastic piping material that is typically used for piping and drainage systems, but it is also commonly used to create valves, fittings, and other liquid-management supplies.

As a valuable and useful material, you do not want to waste any of your PVC pipe by cutting into incorrectly. Continue reading to learn some tips for cutting PVC pipe to help you get started on the right track.

Indianapolis Master Plumber Service
Indianapolis Master Plumber Service 317-784-1870

What You Can Use

There are several ways you can cut PVC pipe, but the top three include using a miter saw, handsaw, or an actual PVC pipe cutter, which you can purchase online or at any local home improvement store. The method you choose will depend mostly on your skill level, comfort-level, and supplies on hand. If you are not experienced with using heavy-duty, dangerous tools like saws and cutters, it is recommended to have someone help you that is experienced. Otherwise, you can lose some fingers in a flash!

Miter Sawing

A miter saw is easily affordable at any home improvement retailer. They are powerful electric sawing devices that come in a wide array of designs, sizes, brands, and prices. Choose one that is a good fit for the frequency and type of miter sawing you plan on doing. When using a miter saw to cut PVC, be sure to slowly low the blade onto your mark in order to ensure control and accuracy. Anything electric can easily cause you to lose control or slip your grip. If you cannot pass the saw all the way through the pipe, stop the blade and twist the pipe a few degrees so the saw can finish cutting.

Hand Sawing

To hand saw, all you need is a standard hacksaw or carpenter’s saw. Just keep in mind that you will be using a lot of elbow grease to cut through PVC piping this way. To help increase your luck, be sure you use a quality saw with sharpened edges. A dull blade will not stand a chance against PVC pipe. Since you are cutting by hand, it is more challenging to get a perfectly, 90 degree square cut. So, use a miter box to help guide your cuts. You want to move your saw slowly to ensure quality and control.

PVC Cutters

You can purchase PVC pipe cutters at any home improvement or hardware store. They come in a selection of brands and styles, all of which range in quality and function. As with a miter saw, you want to be sure you choose one that will be of use again for future projects. If you are cutting smaller pipe, 2 inches in diameter or less, you can use squeeze-style PVC cutters. For pipes larger than 2 inches in diameter, you will need a heavier, rotary-style PVC cutter. As with all saws, scissors, and cutters, be sure to keep your blade sharp for better cutting results.

⚠ Got a PVC plumbing repair that might be out of your league? Call a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help!

Indianapolis Plumbing Services You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing repair service at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well.