Cutting the Way: Dismantling PVC and CPVC Piping Systems

When dismantling PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) piping systems, cutting of the joints is recommended. Both PVC and CPVC are thermoplastics, meaning they soften when heated to a certain temperature. As a result, attempting to dismantle the pipes by heating could damage both the pipes and the fittings, making it hard to reuse them.

Welding is not a viable option as it can similarly harm the material. Freezing does not help in dismantling but is more suitable for temporary repair work to stop the flow of liquid and enable work on the system. Cutting the pipes, typically using a handsaw, ratchet cutter, or a pipe cutter, is the safest and most effective way to dismantle these systems. It allows controlled removal with minimal damage to the remaining pipe segments.