How to Remove PVC

Removing PVC is a matter of knowing what type of fitting it uses to make a connection.

Many homes now use PVC pipes for water supply and drainage. The PVC does not require plumber's tape or pipe dope around fittings. PVC connects in one of two ways. The PVC uses threaded slip nuts to attach to threaded fittings such as drain baskets. The PVC pipe also uses slip fittings to join two pieces of PVC pipe together. These fittings are usually on long lengths of pipes and where a line turns direction. This type of fitting uses a special glue to secure and seal the connection. Removing PVC depends upon what type of fitting needs to be disconnected.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Hacksaw
• Pipe wrench
• Slip-joint pliers

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Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the pipe if the PVC is part of a water supply connection. If necessary, cut off the main water supply valve to the house.

2. Place a bucket under the PVC connection if working on sink pipes. The bucket helps prevent any residual water in the pipe from getting all over the cabinet floor. If working on drainage or water pipes under the home, the bucket is not necessary.

3. Find the fittings for the PVC that do not have threads. These fittings have a small hump where the PVC pipe fits into the fitting. Unlike slip nuts, the end of the slip fitting does not have grooves or notches on the outside.

4. Cut the PVC pipe at the point where it meets one end of the fitting with a hacksaw. If you are not removing the entire pipe, this usually leaves you with enough pipe to attach another slip fitting. Using the outside edge of the fitting as a guide when cutting also helps ensure that you cut the pipe straight.

5. When cutting faulty fittings from the center of a long run, hold the PVC pipe on the opposite end of the fitting once you cut off the first pipe. Hold the pipe away while cutting the remaining end of the fitting to prevent the unattached end from moving.

6. Loosen the slip nuts that connect the PVC to threaded fittings with a pipe wrench or slip-joint pliers. Once the slip nut is loose, continue turning it by hand until it is free.

Tips & Warnings

• When cutting fittings away from PVC, but not replacing pipe, leave yourself at least 6 inches of pipe. This provides plenty of pipe for attaching a new slip fitting.

References

• The Family Handyman; How to Glue and Join PVC Plastic Pipe; November 2004
• PVC Fittings Direct: How to Cut PVC Pipe