Omar Khalid
Poly pipes are well-known for their flexibility, which makes them a popular choice for plumbing. However, this very flexibility makes it challenging to unroll and straighten them. Various methods have been attempted, including boiling water, heat guns, and leaving the pipe in the sun, but the pipe always seems to revert to its coiled state. While pipe straighteners are available, they can be expensive, and some people have even tried constructing their own. Ultimately, it seems that poly pipes will always retain some curvature, and the best method for unrolling them may simply be to secure one end and uncoil it, allowing the pipe to straighten itself.
Characteristics and Values Table for Unrolling Plastic Poly Pipe
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of unrolling | Challenging for larger pipes |
| Techniques | Use of pipe straighteners, securing one end and uncoiling, placing rocks on both ends, leaving in the sun |
| Drawbacks | Poly pipes are prone to pinhole leaks, heat guns can cause cracking or splitting |
| Alternatives | PVC pipes |
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What You'll Learn
Secure one end and uncoil into a trench
When unrolling poly pipe, it is important to secure one end and uncoil it into a trench, allowing it to straighten itself out. This method is recommended by a licensed master plumber with over 50 years of experience.
To do this effectively, start by securing one end of the pipe at the beginning of the trench. This can be done by placing a heavy object, such as a rock, on top of the pipe to hold it in place. With the end secured, begin to uncoil the pipe by walking it down the trench. Having an assistant can be helpful as they can throw sand on the pipe every few feet to keep it in place and prevent it from coiling back.
For larger diameter pipes, the process can be more challenging. One technique is to use pipe straighteners, but these are often only available for pipes with a diameter of 1 inch or less. Another option is to create your own pipe straightener by examining models available online.
Leaving the pipe in the sun for a few hours can also help to straighten it out. However, it is important to note that applying too much heat can change the physical properties of the pipe and lead to cracking or splitting over time.
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Use a pipe straightener
Using a pipe straightener is a great way to straighten poly pipes. There are a few different types of pipe straighteners available, and they can be purchased online or potentially rented from hardware stores. Pipe straighteners are compact and easy to use, especially if you frequently install poly pipes. They are fastened to the floor or a nearby surface, and you simply run the pipe through the tool as you unroll it. Some pipe straighteners can also be adjusted to accommodate different pipe sizes.
If you don't have access to a pipe straightener, you can try using a pipe bender to help straighten the pipe. This method may require some assistance, but it could be worth trying if you have a pipe bender available.
Another option is to secure one end of the pipe and uncoil it in a trench, allowing it to straighten itself. You can also try laying the pipe flat and running hot water through it, followed by cold water to ensure it stays straight. This method can also be done by leaving the pipe in the sun for a few hours or even a week or two, allowing the heat to help straighten it.
For smaller pipes, it may be possible to straighten them by hand. Simply bend the pipe back and forth every half metre, being careful not to overdo it, as this could cause it to buckle.
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Leave in the sun
Leaving poly pipe in the sun is one method that can be used to straighten it. While it may not permanently remove the curve from the pipe, it can help to straighten it out. This method can be used in conjunction with other techniques, such as placing a rock on one end of the pipe, rolling it out, and then placing another rock on the opposite end.
The sun's heat can help to soften the plastic of the poly pipe, making it more malleable and easier to straighten. However, it is important to note that too much heat can also cause the physical properties of the pipe to change, potentially leading to cracks or splits. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the pipe while it is left in the sun and not to leave it for too long.
When leaving the poly pipe in the sun, it is recommended to place it in an area that receives direct sunlight and to ensure that the pipe is securely anchored to the ground to prevent it from rolling away. The length of time needed in the sun may vary depending on the climate and the intensity of the sunlight, but a few hours are generally sufficient.
It is important to note that leaving poly pipe in the sun may not be a permanent solution, as the pipe may revert to its coiled state when used in close-coupled situations. Additionally, this method may not be effective for larger pipes, as they are tougher to straighten. In some cases, a pipe straightener may be necessary, but these can be expensive.
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Use boiling water
Boiling water can be used to straighten poly pipes. While plastics are generally resistant to high temperatures, extended exposure to boiling water can lead to structural changes, warping, or even failure. Polypropylene pipes exhibit good resistance to high temperatures and are much less likely to be affected by boiling water. Therefore, when using boiling water to straighten poly pipes, it is important to limit the time the pipe is exposed to the boiling water.
One way to do this is to submerge the pipe completely in boiling water, but this method can be annoying to deal with. An alternative is to use an oven to heat the pipe, as this is simpler and gets the pipe hotter. Boiling water with salt added to raise the boiling point can also work. However, it is important to note that using a heat gun can prematurely cause the physical properties of the piping to change, eventually causing the pipe to break, crack, or split.
Another method that can be used is to flatten the poly pipe with weights or a clamp, and then pour boiling water over it. This method takes advantage of the fact that boiling water stays pliable longer than other methods. However, it is important to note that this method may not work for all types of poly pipes, as some pipes may be too thick to flatten with weights or a clamp.
It is also important to be mindful of the type of plastic being used for the poly pipe. Some plastics, like polypropylene, have better heat resistance than others. If the poly pipe is made from any metallic material, boiling water poses no danger whatsoever. In addition, it is always a good idea to check your local plumbing code before using any material, as not all jurisdictions allow for the use of plastic pipes, and some restrict where and how they can be used.
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Apply heat with a heat gun
When using a heat gun to unroll poly pipe, it is important to be cautious and pay close attention to the process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Work Area: Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area. Plug in your heat gun and put on a pair of heavy-duty, heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the high temperatures.
- Apply Heat: Hold the heat gun 3 to 4 inches away from the poly pipe. Move the heat gun side to side along the pipe, covering a section of about 12 inches, or more if you are aiming for a larger bend. Remember, the goal is to soften the pipe gradually, so avoid overheating any single spot for too long.
- Rotate and Repeat: After a few passes with the heat gun, rotate the pipe so that a different side of the same section is heated. Continue this process of heating and rotating until the material has softened to your desired level of pliability. Be mindful that overheating can cause the pipe to burn or change its physical properties, leading to future cracks or splits.
- Bend the Pipe: Once the pipe is soft enough, slowly bend it towards the desired shape. Be cautious during this step, as it is easy to kink the pipe, even with careful movements. If you are concerned about kinking, consider filling the pipe with sand and capping both ends before heating and bending.
- Hold the Shape: Once you have achieved the desired shape, hold the pipe in your hands for a short time to prevent it from bending out of shape. You can also try hosing the pipe down with cool water or placing wet rags over the heated section to help it retain its new form.
- Cooling: Finally, allow the pipe to cool down completely. You can let it sit in a well-ventilated area to cool on its own, or you can speed up the process by applying cool water or wet rags as mentioned in the previous step.
Remember to practice this technique on a scrap piece of poly pipe before working on your actual project. This will help you get a feel for how the material reacts to heat and how much bending force is required.
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Frequently asked questions
Unrolling poly pipes can be cumbersome, especially with larger diameter pipes. One way to do it is to secure one end and uncoil it in a trench, and it will straighten itself out. You can also place a rock on one end and roll it out, then put a rock on the opposite end.
Poly pipes are known for their flexibility and memory, so it is difficult to permanently remove kinks. Some methods you can try are leaving it in the sun, using a heat gun, or boiling water. However, using too much heat may cause the pipe to break, crack or split.
You can use a pipe straightener, but these can be expensive and are usually only available for pipes with a diameter of 1 inch or less.
If you don't want to use a pipe straightener, you can try constructing your own pipe straightener. You can also walk the coiled pipe down a trench with someone assisting by throwing sand on it every few feet.
Poly pipes tend to have a lot of memory and will try to return to their coiled state. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a way to permanently prevent curling, but leaving the pipe in the sun for a few hours may help temporarily.
