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.
During the colder months, bleach should not be used for drain lines that are made of PVC or ABS plastic. Chlorine bleach can quickly eat away at not only the line but the glue and cement joining the line to the fittings and the condensation pan.
Because chlorine is included in the design of PVC, it has a built-in resistance to its corrosive properties. As such, PVC piping holds up very well against chlorine and doesn't require the addition of additives or antioxidants for external protection.
PVC pipe can be cleaned with paint thinner, turpentine, or any other serious solvent cleaner. Then clean any residue with soap and water. Some pipe lettering will clean up with Propanol, but not rubbing alcohol. If you want to paint it, use Krylon Fusion paint and let it cure for a week.
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.
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.
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).
To clean mould and black mould off uPVC window frames, you should use a hot water and soap solution and a soft cloth. If this doesn't work, you can also try vinegar. DON'T ever be tempted to use bleach or white spirits as uPVC as it can turn white uPVC brown.
CLR products are safe for all pvc products.
During storage or setup, PVC pipes and fittings may gather dirt, dust, and grime. Special cleaners aren't required to remove these loose impurities from PVC. Readily available cleaners, like window or all-purpose cleaning agents, will work effectively.
Bleach is a powerful chemical that can degrade certain types of plastics, particularly those that are not designed to withstand harsh chemicals. When exposed to bleach, these plastics may become brittle, crack, or even release harmful chemicals into the food or beverages consumed by them.
On the other hand, PVC encounters severe damage when exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid at any temperature.
Based on this analysis, the PEX pipe material examined appears to have good resistance to chlorinated water. References 1. USEPA.
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.
If you wanted to, you could flush it through with a little warm water to help maybe flush some of that algae out, but pretty much, you're good to go. All right, so in summary, don't use bleach; use vinegar. That helps with any mildew growth—keeps you running clean.
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.
In order to clean the frame and retain it's white, glossy finish, we have found the following process works wonders: Using a ratio of 1 cup of white vinegar to 4 cups of hot water, mix this solution and add it into a sprayer to help evenly distribute the solution.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning uPVC Windows
To clean, don't use cream cleaners, bleach, white spirits, WD-40, scouring pads, nail varnish remover, or methylated spirits. These can scratch the windows or remove their glossy finish.
It's essential to note that PVC is designed for a maximum service temperature of about 140 degrees, and prolonged exposure to temperatures above this limit (boiling water is typically around 212 degrees) can compromise its structural integrity.
Due to its porous nature, PVC can be damaged by an excess of cement. Conversely, when too little cement is used, it can cause the pipe to leak or break. Any debris, burrs, or other potential residue-causing elements should be eliminated before installation begins.
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.