Heat can be used to soften and weaken the PVC. Direct heat onto the joint you are trying to break. Then, as the PVC heats, start pulling the connection apart. If you use heat to separate a pipe from a fitting, both the pipe and fitting should not be reused in pressure applications.
spray it liberally with WD-40 and let it sit overnite. then use a pipe wrench. Sometimes I heat the fitting with a torch first and let it cool to warm before spraying the WD-40.
Whether you've made a mistake or you're replacing an old fixture, there are times you'll need to unglue Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe. However, this is impossible, as nothing will dissolve the solvent between the pieces of PVC [source: This Old House].
Heat the PVC Pipe
So, by applying heat to the pipe with a heat gun, you may be able to soften the joint enough to separate the pipes.
Use a soft, clean cloth dampened with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Then dab at the spot. Be careful not to soak the area. Now you can pry away the loosened glue; but do so gently.
To bend the PVC, you will need to use a heat gun to soften the material enough to shape it. Master Appliance's HG Heat Gun works perfectly due to its high airflow and robust heat. In a well-ventilated area, plug in the heat gun, prepare your PVC, and put on a pair of heavy-duty, heat-resistant gloves.
Heat Up the Joints
Heat can be used to soften and weaken the PVC. Direct heat onto the joint you are trying to break. Then, as the PVC heats, start pulling the connection apart. If you use heat to separate a pipe from a fitting, both the pipe and fitting should not be reused in pressure applications.
To undo plastic fittings, simply use your fingers or a compression ring puller to loosen the ferrule. You can also try a special tool, like a joint heater, to break the bond. A joint heater is specially designed for plastic pipes, and is tuned for each size of pipe.
Separating Threaded PVC Pipes and Fittings
In projects where solvent cement has not been used or has not dried, you may be able to twist and pull the threaded fittings with your hands or a pipe wrench. WD-40 or another lubricating product may also help to loosen your fittings.
Apply heat to the stuck fixture or plumbing nut with a hair dryer or heat gun. You may not want to drain all the water out of the fixture before applying the heat since the water will be a heat sink for the inner part and the fastener will have a bigger variation in temperature quicker.
Pour some baking soda down your drain and then pour boiling water down after. Sometimes this will clear the clog. Use a plunger on your sink drain to try to force the clog out of the trap.
Can you fix a leaking PVC joint without cutting it? In many cases, yes. Minor leaks at joints can often be repaired using epoxy putty or repair tape without the need for cutting. However, for more severe joint issues, cutting and replacing the section may be unavoidable.
While PVC glue is still wet, it will come off easy. Once it has set, however, you need to use some acetone on a clean rag to wipe it up. Fully dried glue on a PVC pipe can be dealt with, but you'll need a special solvent to loosen it up. Using acetone won't do the trick here.
Once you have applied PVC cement and glued two pieces of PVC together, it is impossible to unglue them. This type of cement creates a bond that is stronger than the joints around them.
Here are some of the top tips: Use butter on your hands, followed by baking soda. The butter's oil helps unstick the sealant, while the baking soda acts as an abrasive. White vinegar is strong enough to wash some stubborn silicone sealant.
Get a heat gun (electric, not a flame type) and heat the piece of pipe inside the fitting, very carefully, without overheating the fitting itself, at the same time use a small, flat-bladed screwdriver to start to separate the pipe inside the fitting and the fitting itself.
For those wondering how to get plumbing glue off hands or how to remove plumbing adhesive after an unintended spill, reaching for a natural oil might be the solution. Olive oil or vegetable oil can effectively break down many adhesives. Apply the oil generously onto the affected area, gently massaging it.
The heat from the hairdryer is enough to bend the pipe.
Softening and Distortion:
PVC as a material softens at elevated temperatures, and boiling water can cause the pipe to lose its shape. This softening of the PVC may lead to distortion, warping, or sagging.
We concluded that a 50% solution of acetone rapidly softens PVC and that a longer-term study would better define the ef- fects of lower concentrations.