PVC Questions and Answers

Q. How do I remove the markings from plumbing grade PVC pipe?
A. It's pretty easy, actually. It's best to clean the pipe BEFORE you begin using it. Take a piece of 000 or 0000 steel wool, soak it in acetone and simply begin rubbing off the marks. Then dry the pipe with an old rag. (Be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye shield, and follow the directions on the acetone container.)

Q. Why is PVC pipe used in furniture and other items?
A. Basically, because of it's strength and versatility. Plus it's really easy to work with. Furthermore, since PVC pipe and fittings come in a variety of colors and styles (like "bamboo," internal fittings, and beveled-edge fittings) the furniture looks modern featuring clean, pleasing lines.

Q. How long will PVC last?
A. Items made with PVC can virtually last a lifetime. I'm still using a greenhouse made with PVC and fiberglass that I built in 1981. Also, chairs I made over 20 years ago look as good as new... and they've been outside all this time! (Well, nearly as good as new... they've faded a bit over the years and I haven't done much to keep'em clean.)

Q. How do I clean PVC?
A. To keep your PVC furniture looking good, simply clean with most any household cleaner like 409 or Fantastik. Stubborn marks can be cleaned with 0000 steel wool and acetone, as mentioned above.

Q. Where can I get PVC pipe and fittings?
A. Any of the home improvement stores, like Home Depot and Lowes; some local hardware stores and plumbing supply outlets. Sources of "furniture grade" PVC can be found by clicking here.

Q. Is Working with PVC safe?
A. Nothing I've ever read makes me believe it's not as long as you follow common sense rules, which can be said for most anything we do in life.

Before heating PVC pipe know that there is a potential of discharging dioxins along with other toxic and potentially cancer causing gasses.

The greatest risk comes from vinyl chloride, a primary component of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and an odorless gas which could be released with very high heat. Vinyl Chloride is a toxic carcinogen which can cause a deadly primary liver cancer.

Therefore, simply make sure the room you're working in is well ventilated and you take common sense precautions when heating/bending PVC pipe.

And in case you want to make and use PVC projects for your kitchen, read this from Robert L. Wolke, The Washington Post...

"At the other end of the PVC hardness spectrum is PVC pipe. It is made of hard, rigid PVC that contains no plasticizer. What isn't there cannot leach out into food. So clean, room-temperature PVC pipe can be used as a perfectly safe food utensil. And that's a fact."

CONSUMER WARNING: It's advised that you do not eat PVC. Because PVC tastes something akin to tofu (please don't ask how I know), you may be tempted to spice it up with salt, pepper, oregano, rosemary or, perhaps, salsa (not made in New York City) and serve it as a side dish at your next dinner party. As tempting as that may be, again... do NOT eat PVC!

Of course, always carefully read, understand and follow the label instructions on PVC pipe cement containers before gluing. (Do not eat PVC glue, either. Yuk.)

Making things with PVC is loads of fun, but, as in all things when you use tools, use common sense. When you heat the pipe for bending, wear gloves because the pipe and heating device can get hot. I don't want you to burn your little fingers or toes, depending on how you hold the heat gun.

Read, understand and follow manufacturer's labels or ask a knowledgeable representative of the manufacturer.

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