Mold growth, peeled paint, damaged drywall – don’t let them put a dent to your room aesthetics. Usually, these are caused by a leaking PVC pipe. They create muddy spots and cause erosion around your foundation.
Most people have wild ideas when it comes to repairing leaks in PVC pipes. Truth is, you don’t always have to fix the entire unit. Find the underlying cause first, and treat the disease with the right cure.
That’s why we’re not only going to explain how to stop the water leak in your PVC. Let’s break down the whole issue from start to finish.
What Usually Causes PVC Pipe Leaks?
PVC pipe leaks are often caused by one huge culprit: improper installation. Let’s see the steps where trouble usually begins.
1. Not Enough Cement
If you see your PVC drain pipe leaking at the joint, it’s usually because an insufficient amount of PVC cement was used. As a result, only a small portion of the pipe and fitting surfaces fuse together.
Meanwhile, the rest of the contact area remains dry and smooth, leaving microscopic gaps not visible to the eye.
Water under pressure will force its way through these gaps, and alas, a leak will burst out. I’ll discuss how to fix a leaking PVC joint later.
2. Forgetting Primers
Most people assume that priming the PVC cement prior to the pipe installation is not important.
This step is not just there for the looks. It actually helps prepare the surface of the pipe and the fitting, removing any dirt and grease that comes in the way.
Once the hardened outer layer of PVC exposes a softened surface, it’ll be easier for the cement to penetrate through. Therefore, if you skip the primer, you’ll risk leaving behind weak spots prone to leaks under the slightest pressure.
3. No Reaming or Chamfering
After cutting the PVC pipe, the inner edge often leaves a sharp burr or a square edge. If left unchampered, it scrapes the surface of the pipe as it bleeds deeper into the fitting, wiping away most of the cement applied to the fitting wall.
Naturally, what comes next is a PVC pipe leaking at a glued joint. The contact area becomes weak, preventing a complete solvent weld and creating tiny gaps where water will eventually spill through.
5 Best Ways to Fix a Leaking PVC Pipe
Here’s how to stop water leakage from a plastic pipe:
1. Reassemble With PVC Primer and Cement
If too little PVC solvent cement was applied during the installation, you first need to shut off the entire household water system – but not for too long, only for 30 minutes.
This pause gives you enough time to repair the joint properly before restoring the water flow. Locate the faulty connection, cut that part, and reassemble the area with PVC primer and cement. Remember, a generous amount of cement goes a long way.
Take a look at the product’s cure time chart. Usually, it only takes 20 minutes for the joint to repressurize.
2. Use an Epoxy Putty
One of the best ways to fix a leaking PVC pipe joint is with an Epoxy Putty. This is a two-part compound that you knead together until it forms a uniform color. Apply directly over any leaks or cracks, and it’ll magically turn into a solid, watertight seal.
Remember, before applying this, always shut off the water supply and dry around the leak. Depending on the brand, it usually takes 15 to 60 minutes for the putty to harden and fully set.
3. Cover With a Fiberglass Resin Tape
A fiberglass resin tape is one of the most effective PVC pipe leak sealants for quick and temporary fixes. When an incomplete weld leads to tiny gaps, slow the leak with a fiberglass resin tape.
This water-activated tape wraps tightly around the leaking joint. As the resin gradually hardens, it’ll form a tougher outer shell to contain the leak. It’ll do the job well for small, slow leaks, but for bigger cracks, I advise other solutions.
4. Reach for a Pipe Burst Tape
If you forgot to use a primer when initially setting up the PVC join, it’s not the end of the world. A practical way to manage the leak without immediately obstructing the system is with pipe burst tape.
It’s a silicone-based repair tape that can stretch flexibly, wrapping itself around a leaking joint in a perfect shape.
Due to its elasticity, it can even withstand pressure fluctuations in household water lines, making it ideal for temporary or semi-permanent fixes.
5. Replace Your PVC
How do you know if your PVC pipe is too damaged? When you see a split, repairs like epoxy or tape will no longer hold.
If the damage is more than a pinhole, usually wider than ⅛”, a patch won’t last. Brittleness, discoloration, and deformation are other signs.
Most of all, if you’ve tried out the previous methods outlined here and the leak keeps making an appearance, it’s time for a replacement.
How to Prevent PVC Pipe Leaks in the Future?
In Australia, the cost of a new PVC starts from approximately $15 per square metre to $80 to $110 for solid fencing.
An average suburban yard, though, will usually need 20 to 30 metres worth of PVC fencing, costing you around $300 to well over $3,300 in total!
To avoid costly PVC pipe leak repairs or replacements, it all starts with small habits:
- Only Flush Toilet Paper. Paper towels, wipes, facial tissues, and sanitary products do not break down quickly in water, clogging the toilet and pipe.
- Never Pour Oil Down the Sink. Grease belongs in the garbage can, not the sink, where it can harden inside the PVC pipes. Make it a household rule to store used oil in a sealed container, recycled can, or disposable cup, let it cool, and toss it straight into the trash.
- Use a Sink Strainer. This will catch rice, pasta, and coffee grounds that can expand when they enter the pipes, leading to clogs.
- No Harsh Chemicals. Sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and chlorine-based cleaners can weaken PVC joints if used regularly. Opt for hot water flushes, enzyme cleaners, or baking soda instead.
- Report Small Leaks Early. They’re a sign of more serious and deeper issues. Call a professional glass plumber if necessary.
FAQ about Fixing a Leaking PVC Pipe
Any questions on PVC repairs, answered.
1. Does Flex Seal work on PVC pipe?
Yes, Flex Seal can cover leaks on PVC pipe, but only for a short time. It can indeed seal small cracks or pinholes, but water pressure, pipe movement, and long-term exposure will eventually break this seal.
For a lasting solution, using an epoxy putty or reassembling the crack with PVC cement and primer will do the trick.
2. Can JB Weld be used to stop leaks in PVC pipe?
Yes, J-B Weld epoxy products, such as WaterWeld and PlasticWeld, can stop PVC pipe leaks. It’s a waterproof, strong bond that can survive water pressure and temperatures up to 250°F.
Here’s a plumber’s trick: prime the pipe surface and apply the putty to the leak. Review the product’s cure time chart until the water flow is fully restored.
3. What is the best solution to fix a leaking PVC pipe?
It depends on the severity of the problem, but it’s best to always go with the most permanent solution. Turn off the household water system to avoid further leaks, find the cracked area, and rejoin it with primer and PVC cement.
Conclusion
If the issue is beyond repair, call Lightning Bult to replace the entire unit, and negotiate with us for the best costs.
As for now, let’s practice the best household rules, like not flushing anything else except for toilet tissue, to prevent bigger problems in the foreseeable future.
