PVC pipes are popular for their flexibility, durability, and affordability. They are commonly used in plumbing, irrigation, and construction projects. Though they are flexible by nature, bending PVC pipes without damaging them can be tricky. However, with the right technique and some patience, you can bend PVC pipes into whatever shape you desire. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bend PVC pipe:

1. Gather materials: To get started, gather the necessary materials including a PVC pipe of the desired diameter, a heat gun or propane torch, gloves, goggles, fine-grained sand or sawdust, a funnel, measuring tape or ruler, and a suitable mold or jig to hold the bent pipe in place.

2. Measure and mark: First, measure the desired length of the bent section of the pipe and mark it with a permanent marker.

3. Heat-safe work area: Choose a well-ventilated work area that is heat-safe and free from flammable materials.

4. Safety measures: Put on your goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from heat while working with the heat gun or propane torch.

5. Fill the pipe with sand: To prevent the pipe from collapsing while bending, fill it carefully with fine-grained sand or sawdust using a funnel. Make sure there are no air pockets within the sand-filled area.

6. Seal both ends: Seal both ends of the PVC pipe with duct tape or rubber plugs to keep the sand inside during the bending process.

7. Heat evenly: Using a heat gun or propane torch at a low setting, start heating the marked section of the pipe evenly while rotating it continuously to avoid burning one side or creating weak spots.

8. Monitor progress: Keep monitoring the progress while heating and soon enough, you will notice that the heated section becomes soft and pliable.

9. Bend carefully: Once the desired softness is achieved, gently bend the pipe using your hands or a mold/jig to hold the bent section exactly in place. Take your time while bending to avoid cracks or kinks.

10. Cool down: Hold the shaped pipe in position until it cools down and hardens completely. Alternatively, you can also use cold water to speed up the cooling process but ensure not to expose hot PVC directly to cold water as it can cause brittleness.

11. Remove sand: Once the pipe is bent and cooled, carefully remove duct tape or rubber plugs from both ends of the pipe and pour out the sand or sawdust you filled in.

Congratulations! You have successfully bent a PVC pipe into your desired shape, thanks to these 11 simple steps. Now you can continue with your project without any difficulty or worry about damaging your pipes during the bending process.