Principles of PVC Pipe
One of the greatest gifts to the do-it-yourselfer is the PVC pipe. Traditional copper pipe is a very nice material, but cutting and soldering it is a relatively advanced-level project.
In contrast, PVC pipe is easy to cut and easy to put together. You don’t need a propane torch; just some pipe cleaner for each joint and the special glue for this material. While you cut copper piping with a pipe cutting tool, you can cut PVC with a hack saw.
You can buy an amazing array of pipes and fittings and you can also buy materials that will transition between the PVC and other types and sizes of pipes. If you are replacing existing materials, such as a drain pipe under a sink, take note of the pieces that are currently there. You will want to buy pieces that are just like that. Or if you want something different, you will still need to buy the pieces that will connect your new piping to what is already there.
If you are putting in new piping, choosing what to buy can be a challenge. It is frustrating when you are half way through putting something together and you realize that you don’t have enough of the right fittings. Sketch out what you want to do and the size (not just diameter, but also length) the major parts need to be. Take that sketch to the store with you. You can even dry fit everything you are thinking of getting right there in the store to make sure you have enough materials and that they work together.
PVC pipe is not just for plumbing, either. It is lightweight, yet the larger-diameter pipes are very rigid. There are lots of things that can be built with PVC pipe. For example, people who are interested in training their dogs for agility make home-made practice jumps and other equipment out of PVC pipes. The jumps are easy to move around and store. If you want to build a little play house for children with a simple frame and a blanket or tarp for the walls, you can create lots of different possible formations with PVC pipe. If you look at some of the climbing and sleeping toys they make for cats, you can see that the do-it-yourself version of the frame could be accomplished with PVC pipe. Sew some cloth with hems that create tubes on both ends that you can slide the pipes through, and you have your own cat toy in your own configuration.
If you have not done very many home projects, start out with something involving PVC. It’s relatively easy to do and it is satisfying to put something together yourself.