I have not been able to find much on the internet about using PVC pipe in cake construction so if anyone here has any helpful tips I am listening.

Is there any sanding of surface or special cleaning solution to make PVC food safe ?

Should the pipes be wrapped in parchment paper or some other type of barrier between it and the cake?

Is all PVC the same...I mean can I just got to Home Depot or Lowes and start shopping?

Thanks in advance of any assistance you can provide.

It's fine and totally safe. Since Home Depot is a less than sanitary place, you may want to either wash it with soap and water, or wipe it down with white vinegar (which has antibacterial qualities and is used often for prepping items for food contact), or even a wipe down with a weak bleach solution if you really want to be thorough.

Thanks for the information, I'm one step closer to making a tiki totem