Ethan Clarke
Coiled plastic pipes can be a challenge to straighten, and while they may eventually return to their natural shape over time, there are several methods to speed up the process. One common suggestion is to utilise the sun's heat by laying the pipes outside, allowing them to absorb sunlight and gradually straighten. This method can be time-consuming, especially in regions with limited sunshine. Alternatively, some individuals recommend using hot water, running it through the pipes to reshape them, followed by cold water to maintain the straight form. Another approach is to secure one end of the pipe and uncoil it, either by walking it down a trench or using a pipe straightener, although these tools may not be readily available for larger pipes. It is important to exercise caution when using heat guns or ovens as they can alter the physical properties of the pipes, leading to potential breakage.
Characteristics and Values Table for Straightening Coiled Plastic Pipe
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 20-foot, 10m, 15mm, 1-1/4 inch, 500 feet |
| Techniques | Leave uncoiled in the sun, run hot water through it, tie to a straight piece of timber or metal, use a pipe straightener machine, walk it down a trench, place a rock on one end and roll it out |
| Downsides | Length of tubing, time-consuming, risk of breaking, pinhole leaks, heat damage |
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What You'll Learn
Leave the pipe in the sun for a few hours or a couple of days
Leaving your plastic pipe in the sun for a few hours or a couple of days is a good way to straighten it out. This method is effective because the sun's heat will cause the pipe to return to its original, straight state.
To do this, first, unravel your coiled pipe and lay it out in a yard or another sunny spot. If you don't have access to a yard, you could try securing one end of the pipe and uncoiling it in a trench, which will allow it to straighten itself out over time. If you're in a sun-deprived location, such as the UK, this process might take longer, so be prepared to leave the pipe in the sun for a week or two.
While this method is simple and requires little effort, it may not be a permanent solution. Even after leaving the pipe in the sun, it may still want to return to its coiled state, especially when used in close quarters. To speed up the process, you could try securing the pipe to a straight piece of timber or metal.
Additionally, if you have access to hot water, you can try running it through the pipe while it's laid out flat. This will help reshape the pipe more quickly, but make sure to run some cold water through it at the end to ensure it stays straight.
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Run hot water through the pipe
Running hot water through the pipe is a great way to straighten coiled plastic pipes, especially if you have a long coil of the pipe. This method is also preferred because it does not create a mess. The process can be done in three stages, and it is best done outside.
First, run hot water through the coil. Ensure that the coil's end is placed somewhere where the excess water can drain away. Run the hot water for a few minutes. After this, you should be able to straighten the pipe very easily.
Once the pipe is straightened, you can either hold it and wait for it to cool down, or you can run cold water through it to help 'set' the pipe and hold its shape. Running cold water through the pipe is a more convenient, 'hands-off' method. Simply run some hot water in your kitchen sink and place the pipe coil in it.
Alternatively, you can leave the pipe in hot water for about an hour (or more if the water stays hot). This will soften the material and make it easier to straighten. Remove the pipe from the water and bend it straight. Then, you can wait for it to cool down, or run cold water through it to set its shape.
If you do not want to deal with water, you can use sunlight to warm the pipe up. Leave the coil out in the sun for a few hours to warm up and become malleable, then straighten it out and bring it inside to cool down. However, PEX piping manufacturers design this pipe to withstand only a few hours of UV light. Leaving it outside for too long will reduce the lifespan of the pipe.
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Use a pipe straightener
Using a pipe straightener is an effective way to straighten coiled plastic pipes. This method is especially useful for larger pipes, as they are more challenging to straighten by hand.
Firstly, you will need to secure one end of the pipe to a fixed object. This can be done by tying the pipe to a heavy object, such as a large rock, or fixing it to a solid structure. Once secured, you can begin to feed the pipe through the pipe straightener.
There are various types of pipe straighteners available, including manual and powered options. Manual pipe straighteners typically use a series of rollers or gears to bend the pipe gradually. This process may be more physically demanding and time-consuming but can be a cost-effective option. Powered pipe straighteners, on the other hand, use motors to bend the pipe, making the process faster and less labour-intensive. These machines can be expensive to purchase, so renting may be a more feasible option.
When using a pipe straightener, it is important to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the pipe. Take care not to bend the pipe too aggressively, as this can cause kinks or cracks. It is also crucial to ensure that the pipe is securely fastened to the straightener to prevent slippage, which could lead to inaccurate bends or damage to the pipe.
After straightening, it is a good idea to lay the pipe flat and allow it to settle, ensuring that it retains its new shape. This process may take some time, but it will help to ensure that your pipe remains straight and functional.
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Tie the pipe to a piece of timber or metal
One method to straighten coiled plastic pipe is to tie the pipe to a piece of timber or metal. This process can be lengthy but requires the least effort and carries no risk of breaking the pipe.
To do this, first secure one end of the pipe to the timber or metal. The pipe can then be uncoiled and laid out flat. This will allow the pipe to slowly return to its natural shape. This method can be used in conjunction with other techniques, such as leaving the pipe in direct sunlight.
When securing the pipe to timber or metal, it is important to ensure that the pipe is firmly attached. This can be done through the use of ties, clamps, or other fastening methods. The number of securing points will depend on the length of the pipe. For longer pipes, it may be necessary to have multiple securing points along the length of the pipe to ensure that it stays straight.
Additionally, the type of timber or metal used should be considered. A straight and sturdy piece of timber or metal will be most effective in keeping the pipe straight as it dries. It is also important to ensure that the pipe is secured evenly to the timber or metal to prevent any uneven straightening.
This method is a safe and low-effort way to straighten coiled plastic pipe. While it may take some time, it is a reliable technique that allows the pipe to gradually return to its original shape without the use of heat or other potentially damaging methods.
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Roll the pipe out with rocks at either end
Rolling the pipe out with rocks at either end is one method to straighten a coiled plastic pipe. This method is ideal if you do not want to use heat to straighten the pipe, as applying too much heat can cause the pipe to break, crack or split.
Firstly, gather some rocks that are similar in size to the inner diameter of the pipe. The rocks should be large enough to fill the pipe and provide some weight but not so large that they get stuck. If the pipe has a bend, you may need to adjust the size of the rocks at either end to ensure the pipe straightens properly.
Next, place the rocks at either end of the pipe, ensuring they are securely lodged inside. You may need to use some force to get the rocks in, but be careful not to damage the pipe. Once the rocks are in place, the weight and rigidity of the rocks will help to keep the pipe straight as you roll it out.
Slowly and carefully begin to roll out the pipe, ensuring the rocks remain in place. If the rocks shift, adjust them and continue rolling. You may need to gently tap the pipe with a mallet or a flat piece of wood to encourage it to straighten. Take your time with this process, as rushing may cause the pipe to kink or the rocks to dislodge.
Once the pipe is straight, carefully remove the rocks. You can do this by knocking gently on one end of the pipe to loosen the rocks and then using a tool such as a coat hanger or a vacuum hose to retrieve them. Alternatively, you can try tying a string to one end of the rock and carefully pulling it out, or using a plastic bag and a vacuum at the opposite end of the pipe to push the rocks out.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to straighten a coiled plastic pipe. You can leave it in the sun for a few hours or a couple of days, weigh down one end with a rock and roll it out, or run hot water through it.
Anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
Place a rock on one end of the pipe and roll it out, then put a rock on the opposite end.
Connect one end of the pipe to a tap that runs hot water. Lay the pipe out flat and pump hot water through it, then run some cold water at the end to ensure it stays straight.
Yes, you can try inserting a dowel inside the pipe and heating it in the oven, or using a pipe straightener machine.
