How to Bend PVC Pipe 90 Degrees

PVC pipe is a versatile and durable material that is widely used for plumbing, electrical, and irrigation projects. However, it is also rigid and inflexible, which makes it difficult to bend without breaking or kinking. If you need to bend PVC pipe 90 degrees for your project, you may think that you need to buy special fittings or tools, but there is actually a simple and inexpensive way to do it yourself.

In this blog post, we will show you how to bend PVC pipe 90 degrees using a hair dryer and some sand in four easy steps.

What You Will Need

Before you start bending your PVC pipe, you will need some tools and materials. You will need:

• A PVC pipe of the size and length that you need
• A hair dryer or a heat gun
• Some sand
• A funnel
• Some duct tape
• A marker
• A measuring tape
• A saw
• A metal can or object of the same diameter as your PVC pipe

You can find these tools and materials at your local hardware store or online. Make sure that you buy the correct size and type of PVC pipe for your project.

Step 1: Fill the Pipe with Sand

The first step is to fill the pipe with sand so that it can hold its shape when you bend it. Sand acts as a support for the pipe and prevents it from collapsing or kinking when heated.

• Use a saw to cut your PVC pipe to the length that you need. Leave some extra length for the bend.
• Use a funnel to fill the pipe with sand until it is about two to three inches past the point where you want to bend it. You may need to use some duct tape to seal one end of the pipe to prevent the sand from falling out.
• Use a marker to mark the center of the bend on the pipe. Then mark an extra six to eight inches on either side of the center mark. This will be your heat zone, where you need to apply heat to bend the pipe.

Step 2: Heat the Pipe Evenly

The second step is to heat the pipe evenly around your heat zone. The sand inside will make this take longer, but it will also ensure that the pipe bends smoothly and uniformly.

• Use a hair dryer or a heat gun to heat up the pipe around your heat zone. Keep the heat source at least two to three inches away from the pipe to prevent burning or melting the PVC.
• Turn the pipe regularly, applying heat to all sides of the pipe within your heat zone. Do this until the pipe becomes soft and pliable, but not too hot or saggy.
• Be careful not to overheat or underheat the pipe, as this can cause cracks or bubbles in the PVC.

Step 3: Bend the Pipe Slowly

The third step is to bend the pipe slowly, applying more heat as necessary. You can use a metal can or object of the same diameter as your PVC pipe as a guide or mold for your bend.

• Place the metal can or object on a flat surface and align it with your center mark on the pipe.
• Use both hands to gently bend the pipe around the metal can or object until you get a 90-degree angle. You can use some gloves to protect your hands from the heat.
• Apply more heat to the pipe if it becomes too stiff or hard to bend. Do not force or twist the pipe, as this can cause kinks or breaks in the PVC.

Step 4: Let the Pipe Cool

The final step is to let the pipe cool and harden in its new shape. Do not try to adjust or move the pipe until it is completely cool and solid.

• Remove the sand from the pipe by shaking it out or using a vacuum cleaner. You can save the sand for future use.
• Let the pipe cool down naturally or use some cold water or ice to speed up the process.
• Trim any excess length from the ends of the pipe if needed.

Conclusion

We hope that this blog post has helped you learn how to bend PVC pipe 90 degrees using a hair dryer and some sand. By following these four simple steps, you can create custom bends for your PVC pipe without buying any special fittings or tools. PVC pipe bending is easy and fun, and it can open up new possibilities for your projects.