However, despite its popularity, acetone was recently added to a list of chemicals that can potentially break down and dissolve
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.
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.
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 most commonly in use as PVC solvent is a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and cyclohexanone. This mixture is known as THF/cyclohexanone or simply PVC solvent.
However, despite its popularity, acetone was recently added to a list of chemicals that can potentially break down and dissolve CPVC, PVC, and ABS pipes.
For PVC glue that has started to set, you'll need to use acetone on a clean cloth to wipe it away.
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.
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).
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.
Effects on Metal and PVC Pipes
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.
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.
4 – Bleach can damage pipes.
Bleach reacts with metal and is very corrosive, with rust or oxidation caused by the trading of electrons between the metal and bleach molecules. Copper pipes can also be damaged making them more prone to plumbing leaks. With PVC pipes, bleach dissolves the sealant used around the pipes.
Like other polymeric materials, PVC pipe can experience some forms of slight degradation, but not disintegration, as a result of long-term UV exposure.
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).
The estimated durability of PVC pipes is over 100 years [82].
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.
There is a marvelous solvent that is called THF. It is the major component in PVC pipe cement. This solvent will melt PVC and Urethane. You can use this melted compound to actually coat bare spots on a boat, or to help seal up pinholes in the material.
If you decide to use WD-40 on PVC pipes, make sure to use it sparingly. too much WD-40 can actually make the problem worse. Apply a small amount of WD-40 to the affected area and then try to loosen the pipe. If the pipe does not come loose, don't force it.
Too much salt may only exacerbate the clog by creating a solid salt barrier that makes it harder to dissolve any remaining debris. If you have PVC pipes, the risk of corrosion is less, but salt can still cause a build-up of salt deposits over time, potentially leading to further blockages.
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.