At higher temperatures, PVC experiences accelerated rates of chemical attack, risking faster degradation of the material. PVC has a low melting point of approximately 100°C (212°F) with a maximum operating temperature around 60°C (140°F), making it susceptible to damage when exposed to higher temperatures.
UV rays from the sun are particularly damaging to PVC piping. A PVC pipe that is laid above ground and subjected to direct sunshine may degrade more quickly than it would otherwise. Sunlight's UV radiation can degrade the molecular structure of PVC, making it easy to damage and prone to shattering.
The dissolution temperature of PVC in methyl ethyl ketone is 110 to 120 °C. On the other hand, THF is more efficient in dissolving PVC even at room temperature. Cyclohexanone and cyclopentanone are also good solvents for PVC but at 40 °C.
The longevity of PVC pipe is dependent on stress and time—the greater the stress, the sooner it will fail. PVC pipe is sensitive to ambient temperatures (in low temperatures, PVC becomes increasingly brittle and can break more easily, while in warmer environments PVC becomes weaker).
PVC is resistant to many alcohols, fats, oils and aromatic free petrol. It is also resistant to most common corroding agents including inorganic acids, alkalis and salts. However, PVC should not be used with esters, ketones, ethers and aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Oxidizers, acids, and caustics are examples of drain cleaners that can cause PVC pipes to melt or become soft. Sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are the active ingredients of acid cleaners. Oxidizers normally have sodium hypochlorite while acidic drain cleaners usually contain sodium hydroxide or lye.
Plastic pipe and fittings, such as ABS, PVC, and CPVC, are widely used in both commercial and residential plumbing systems due to their durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. However, prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation can degrade the surface of these popular plumbing materials.
Bleach is a common cleaner found in most homes, but is it safe to use in homes with PVC piping? In short, yes. You can safely use bleach to clean and disinfect your PVC pipes, as long as you dilute it first and avoid mixing it with other chemicals.
Because of its corrosive nature, Drano can cause toilet bowls to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. If any of these things happen, you're going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs.
While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.
Therefore, when you add acetone to a CPVC pipe surface, the acetone can cause the CPVC to break down, and here's why. Acetone is an organic compound and type of ketone that contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. In general, ketones are known to be incompatible with plastics, including CPVC.
Specific electrolyte changes found in those who experience PVCs are low blood potassium, low blood magnesium, and high blood calcium. Alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs are also associated with PVCs as are stimulant-based medications. Patients suffering from sleep deprivation also experience PVCs.
The most common causes of a pipe collapse are: Corrosion and age-related deterioration. Excessive weight or pressure on the pipe. Improper installation.
Informational Note: Extreme cold may cause some nonmetallic conduits to become brittle and, therefore, more susceptible to damage from physical contact. PVC conduit shall be permitted in walls, floors, and ceilings.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is safe to use in drains. It's gentler than many commercial drain cleaners and does not cause pipe corrosion, making it a reliable choice for routine drain maintenance.
Unfortunately, chlorine is a powerful chemical that can eat away at pipes from the inside out. However, because of how PVC and CPVC are designed and its chemical composition, it is resilient against the damaging effects of chlorine - at least in the short term.
Safe and Gentle: Enzyme-based drain cleaners use natural bacteria and enzymes to break down organic matter, such as hair, grease, and food particles, without harming plastic pipes. Examples: Products like Green Gobbler or Bio-Clean are popular enzyme-based options.
The longevity of PVC pipe is dependent on stress and time—the greater the stress, the sooner it will fail. PVC pipe is sensitive to ambient temperatures (in low temperatures, PVC becomes increasingly brittle and can break more easily, while in warmer environments PVC becomes weaker).
Some commonly available solvents such as acetone, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, toluene and xylene would dissolve PVC over time, although I could not tell you which would be the quickest (likely one of the chlorinated solvents).
Poor Heat Stability: PVC's heat stability is very poor compared to other plastics. This is especially true when the temperature is relatively high. So for high stability on exposure to high temperatures, manufacturers combine PVC with additives during production.
Heat the pipe just enough to soften it and use a sharp wood chisel to cut thru the length of it. Now continue to heat the pipe all the way around. Force the end up enough to get a grip on it with a good pair of pliers. Heat the pipe until it softens and you'll be able to twist it out with pliers.
Acetone's impact on plumbing
This is one of the main reasons why you should never pour acetone down the sink or use it to unclog a blocked drain. If your drain pipes are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or at least have PVC junctions, there's a risk the acetone will melt and deform the pipes.
Certain water treatment plant chemicals, including chlorine and ferric chloride, can cause stress corrosion, which can lead to CPVC and PVC pipe failures. Over time, the chemicals used by the water treatment plant can cause the plastic to crack, leading to water leaks.