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.
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.
On the other hand, PVC encounters severe damage when exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid at any temperature.
Acetone works great for cleaning PVC but it also removes the marking on the pipe. It cleans just as good as PVC primer without removing the gloss and softening the pipe.
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.
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.
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.
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can break down, dilute, and dissolve anything it touches, including certain types of plastic pipe.
Polishing PVC to Remove Scratches
For finer scratches, you can use more complex compounds such as Novus™ or 3M™ products; however, toothpaste or a paste made from baking soda and water will remove most scratch marks.
CLR products are safe for all pvc products.
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.
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.
What is PVC SOLVENT? PVC solvent is a liquid chemical that is in use as to dissolve PVC and make it more pliable. Several types of PVC solvents are available, each with its unique properties and uses. The most commonly in use as PVC solvent is a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and cyclohexanone.
In short, the answer is no, they cannot.
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.
No matter what your pipes are made of, pex, pvc, copper, etc. Vinegar will not harm your water pipes.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Pour it undiluted into a spray bottle and spray it on the surface to be cleaned, but let it sit on the surface for 8 minutes and wipe dry with a clean cloth. For use of other sanitizing agents, please contact the manufacturer to ensure compatibility to PVC and PC prior to use.
Plasticizers are chemical additions used to increase the pliability and softness of plastics and rubbers. Because of their softening effects, plasticizers are sometimes referred to as softeners. Phthalates are a common form of plasticizer.
For PVC glue that has started to set, you'll need to use acetone on a clean cloth to wipe it away.
Most solvents like acetone and paint thinner or lacquer thinner will work, but it may also etch the PVC and cause you more grief.... Work on trial piece to see how it reacts before trying anything on "finished" work....
Drano is Bad for Your Pipes
Most plumbers will advise you not to use Drano to unclog your drains. This is because the chemical compounds are hard on your pipes, causing corrosion and other long-term damages. Drano is designed to continually react and generate heat within your drain until the clog dissolves.
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.
The most popular tool for fixing clogged drains is a plunger. Put the plunger over the drain and press down firmly. Pull it straight up with gentle force. To enhance the plunger's effectiveness, add a small amount of water to the sink, toilet, or shower before plunging.