PVC is easy to work with but, over time, you may develop leaks. Find out how to fix PVC pipe leaks and diagnose problem areas in the article below.
PVC is an easy-to-use and durable type of pipe, but, as with any material, problems can sometimes occur— in extreme temperature fluctuations, PVC can warp or crack. At times, joints may come loose or start to leak.
If you are seeing puddles or drips coming from your pipes, here are some ways to assess what’s happening.
- Check any attachments, nuts and bolts, and clean-out points on plumbing parts and fixtures. These are more likely to loosen and fail than glued PVC joints.
- Check any rubber gaskets for wear. Gaskets can dry out over time and begin to leak.
- Check PVC joints and fittings. Touch the bottom of the joint with your finger. If it is wet, it is likely due to a leak.
- Replace any pipes that have cracks or have been damaged. If the damage is extensive, replace that section of pipe rather than trying to repair it.
When you have found the damaged areas, it’s time to fix them with epoxy. Epoxy is a two-part adhesive that begins to harden once the components are mixed together. Epoxy cures into a very hard, durable substance with great adhesion to many materials.
Loctite Universal Instant Epoxy Liquid 5 Minute is a great choice for sealing PVC pipe because it is so easy to use and begins to set in just five minutes. The special dua- syringe applicator mixes the components as they are dispensed, so you can apply it directly to the repair. In minutes, a water-resistant, permanent bond will begin to form, adhering to wood, metal, glass, and plastic.
Here is how to proceed:
- Turn the water supply off if possible.
- Clean the surface to be repaired with a household cleaner and dry with a towel.
- Cut off the end of the epoxy syringe and apply Instant Epoxy to the area that was leaking.
- Smooth the epoxy into the gap or crack using a disposable plastic putty knife or similar item.
- Try to “feather the edges” of the epoxy, to ensure a good seal against the pipe surface.
- Recap the epoxy syringe and store in a cool dry place.
- Allow the epoxy to fully cure before turning the water supply back on.
If the leak is at a PVC pipe joint, you will make the repair in the same way, but here are a few additional points to keep in mind.
- Leaking joints or connections between pipes are the sign of a poor bond, so apply the epoxy all the way around the pipe.
- Work the epoxy into the seam between the two pipes, or the pipe and the elbow, using a small disposable brush, a piece of cardboard, or a rag. (Wear disposable gloves to avoid getting epoxy on your fingers.)
- Allow the joint to fully cure before use.