5 Easy Ways To Repair PVC Pipe

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are some of the most common plumbing pipes used in homes, typically used for drainage systems. While PVC is relatively durable, many homeowners run into problems with the pipes leaking or breaking over time, which can cause water damage and issues with your plumbing fixtures draining properly.

The beauty of PVC pipe is that it is very DIY-friendly and doesn’t require special skills or tools to repair. This guide will discuss five ways to repair PVC pipes in your home yourself. We’ll also explain how to identify a leak in PVC piping and when you might need to call a professional plumber for assistance.

What Are Common Reasons for Leaks in PVC Pipes?

Unfortunately, there are quite a few things that can cause water leaks in PVC pipes in your home. We’ll list some of the most common issues below.

• Age: PVC piping can degrade over time, often from things like thermal cycling — rapid changes in temperature — and UV exposure. This can cause weaknesses in the walls that can begin leaking under water pressure.
• Failures at the joints: The joints of your PVC pipes are the most likely to fail over time, and failure can happen for many reasons. The joint can fail if the surface of the PVC isn’t prepared properly for a solid connection, the angle of insertion of a pipe into a PVC fitting isn’t exact, the pipe experiences changes in temperature, or the integrity of the PVC in response to UV light causes expansion or degradation.
• Incorrect installation: Improper installation is one of the most common underlying causes of a leaking or damaged PVC pipe. PVC joints are cemented using a two-step PVC glue. If the person who installed your PVC pipe didn’t use the proper amount of glue, activator, or force putting the pipes together, the joints could easily start to leak over time.
• Manufacturing defects: Although rare, PVC pipes can fail because of manufacturing defects. If the PVC pipe walls aren’t uniform or weak spots are introduced, you could experience leaking over time.
• Physical damage: PVC is durable but plastic, so it’s more susceptible to physical damage than metal piping. Damage to your pipes can occur from impact, especially when the PVC pipe is exposed under your sinks. Damage can also occur from ground movement if the lines are run outside, such as those used in sprinkler lines. Expansion and contraction of the soil in response to moisture changes can cause cracks and weakened joints over time.

How To Tell If You Have a PVC Leak

There are a few things you can look out for to identify a leak in a PVC pipe. We’ll list some of the most common telltale signs of a PVC pipe leak below.

• Dripping water sounds: If you hear dripping or running water behind your walls, it could be because of a leak in a drainage pipe. This would most likely occur immediately after using a fixture in your home.
• Foul smells in your home: If you smell moldy or musty odors, it could result from a drainage pipe leaking and causing mold growth. We recommend you check around the visible PVC pipes in your home to locate the problem area, and you might need to access piping behind your walls.
• Mold growth or discoloration: If you see mold growth or any discoloration around a PVC pipe in your home, it could be caused by a persistent leak. To determine the leak location, you should run the fixtures around that area and allow water to flow into the PVC pipes.
• Visible water or moisture: The most obvious sign of a PVC pipe leak is seeing water dripping from your pipes or noticing moisture accumulating outside. Since PVC pipes are usually used for drainage purposes, you’ll likely only see an active leak when water runs and drains into your fixture. As such, you might need to turn on your faucet to detect a leak.

5 Options for Repairing Your PVC Pipes

One of the best parts about PVC pipe being so common in homes is that repairs are usually DIY-able. In the following sections, we’ll discuss five ways to easily fix PVC pipes in your home without calling a certified plumber.

Rating:

Best Service Guarantee

4.6/5

Get Price Estimates 877-316-4964

*

*See quote for terms and conditions.

Use Fiberglass Resin Cloth and Tape

Working time: 5 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Ease: Very easy

Effectiveness: Moderate

Cost: $15

Tools: High-grit sandpaper

Fiberglass resin cloth and tape is a quick and simple option for repairing PVC pipe leaks — although it’s temporary. If done properly, this solution will likely last for a few months and possibly years, but eventually, you’ll need a more permanent fix. It’s best for minor leaks that you plan on fixing permanently later. You can purchase this at your local home improvement store or on Amazon.

The video below shows exactly how to use this product to repair a leak:

You can also follow the steps below to carry out this repair:

• Step 1: Gather all your materials and make sure the drainage pipe is empty.
• Step 2: Clean the leaking area of the pipe and lightly sand it with the included sandpaper or 220-grit sandpaper you buy separately.
• Step 3: Soak the cloth in water based on the manufacturer’s recommendation — usually around ten seconds.
• Step 4: Wring out the cloth and wrap it around the damaged area of the pipe.
• Step 5: Use the fiberglass resin tape to seal over the cloth and let it sit for 15 minutes before allowing water to flow through the pipe again.

Use PVC Epoxy

Working time: 5 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Ease: Very easy

Effectiveness: Moderate

Cost: $8

Tools: High-grit sandpaper

PVC repair epoxy usually comes in two parts — and once you mix them, the epoxy is moldable like putty. The epoxy seals to the PVC and is entirely waterproof. It won’t be as permanent as a pipe replacement, but it’s a simple fix for small leaks that you can complete in about five minutes of work.

The video below provides a good example of how to use this epoxy:

We’ll also include steps to follow below:

• Step 1: The best way to use this epoxy is on a dry pipe, so make sure the drain pipe is empty, and the outside is dry.
• Step 2: Lightly sand the leaky PVC pipe section and clean thoroughly.
• Step 3: Mix the two-part epoxy according to the manufacturer’s directions. We recommend mixing more than you think you need so that you have plenty.
• Step 4: Mold the epoxy over the damaged pipe or joint, making sure not to leave any gaps.
• Step 5: Let the epoxy cure according to the manufacturer’s directions, usually around 25 minutes.

Use Rubber Repair Tape

Working time: 5 minutes

Total time: 24 hours

Ease: Very easy

Effectiveness: Moderate

Cost: $15

Tools: High-grit sandpaper

PVC rubber-based repair tape — also called rubberized waterproof tape — is one of the simplest options for PVC leak repair. It takes just a few minutes of prep time — although it has a long recommended curing time. We recommend this option for DIYers looking for the simplest application method possible.

The video below illustrates how to use this tape, with the example being Flex Tape:

You can also follow the steps below to implement this repair:

• Step 1: We recommend lightly sanding and cleaning the leaking PVC pipe. This tape can be applied even when wet, so you don’t need to worry about draining the pipe.
• Step 2: Wrap the area with the leak with a layer of flex tape. Press and hold the tape firmly against the pipe to create a good seal.
• Step 3: Let the tape cure based on the directions. This tape usually gets stronger over time, so we recommend leaving it for 24 hours before using the fixture again.

Use a PVC Slip Coupling

Working time: 30 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Ease: Moderate

Effectiveness: High

Cost: $10

Tools: Hacksaw, high-grit sandpaper

Using a slip coupling involves cutting and gluing your PVC pipe, so some homeowners may shy away from this repair. Additionally, leaks in pipes that aren’t easily accessible might be difficult to repair using this method. However, since it is considered a permanent fix, we recommend it for long-term peace of mind and especially for leak repairs on underground sprinkler pipes so that you don’t have to deal with another repair down the road.

The video below provides a visual aid for how to use this repair method:

We’ll also include step-by-step instructions below:

• Step 1: Begin by making sure the pipe is completely empty. You’ll need to cut into the pipe, so we recommend having a towel nearby, just in case.
• Step 2: Locate the leaking area and cut through the pipe right on the leak with your hacksaw.
• Step 3: Lightly sand both sides of the pipe, as well as the inside of both sides of the slip coupling. Clean both areas thoroughly before proceeding.
• Step 4: Use a two-part PVC solvent cement on one side of the pipe and apply it to the interior of one side of the coupling as well. Be sure to act quickly, as the cement cures rapidly.
• Step 5: Pull one side of the cut pipe to the side, fit the coupling on, and twist and firmly press it onto the pipe. Hold for about 15 seconds.
• Step 6: Repair steps 4 and 5 with the other side of the pipe and coupling.

Replace the Pipe

Working time: 30 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Ease: Moderate

Effectiveness: High

Cost: $15+

Tools: Hacksaw, high-grit sandpaper

Replacing the leaking section of the pipe is just as permanent as using a slip coupling, but it will be easier if the leak is less accessible. We recommend this option for homeowners who are comfortable with cutting into their pipes and cannot access the leak easily to use a coupling.

The video below provides a quick look at how to replace a section of PVC pipe:

The process for this repair is very similar to that of using a slip coupling. We’ll include step-by-step instructions below.

• Step 1: Make sure the section of pipe you’re repairing is empty.
• Step 2: Cut the two ends of the section you want to replace and remove. We recommend measuring the section and taking about 1/4 inch off to account for two additional couplings and then dry-fit the PVC pipe to ensure you measured correctly. Cut a new piece of the same diameter to that length.
• Step 3: Sand both ends of the new PVC section and the insides of the two couplings or PVC pipe fittings you plan to use. Clean all areas carefully.
• Step 4: Use a two-step PVC cement to attach the new pipe section to one end of the existing pipe, following the directions in the coupling section or the manufacturer’s directions. Twist and hold in place for 15 seconds.
• Step 5: Repeat for the other end.

Find Professional Help With Your PVC Pipes

Repairing PVC pipe leaks in your home is a relatively simple process, although the permanent fixes are a little more involved and might be too intimidating for some homeowners. If you’re ever uncomfortable cutting into your pipes or can’t access the leaking area easily, we recommend hiring a professional plumber to come in to do the repair for you.

We suggest you get estimates from a few different plumbers for the work to find the best deal. You can also save some money by purchasing the supplies yourself, as plumbers typically upcharge supplies for the convenience they provide. If you decide to hire a plumber to repair your leak, you can use the tool below to find reputable professionals in your area.