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How can I Repair PVC Pipes and Joints?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

The use of PVC pipes and joints has become commonplace around the home. As with all types of pipes, there will be opportunities arise when there will be a need to repair PVC pipes. Here are some tips on how to handle PVC repair.

One of the most common types of repairs you may have to make will be repairing cracks in PVC pipes around the house. Depending on the severity of the crack, you may be able to repair PVC pipe by applying a sealant to the cracked area. However, it is important to remember that the sealant will have to be allowed to set, which may or may not be practical. In addition, silicone solvents used on PVC pipes and joints is not meant to be used for anything other than hairline cracks, and even then not in main lines in your home, only lateral ones. Fine quality silicone sealant compounds can be purchased at home repair and hardware stores.

PVC pipe fittings.
PVC pipe fittings.

If the crack is on a main line in the home, or is longer than an inch, then the prudent thing to do would be to not attempt to repair PVC pipe that is cracked. Remove the cracked section and replace it with a new segment of PVC pipe. You can do this by draining the section of pipe and then cutting at least six inches on either side of the crack, using a hacksaw. The idea is to make sure you are far away enough from the visible crack to not miss any hairline cracks that could cause a problem later.

Silicone sealant in a caulk gun, which can be used to repair PVC pipes.
Silicone sealant in a caulk gun, which can be used to repair PVC pipes.

Prepare a replacement section by obtaining a length of PVC pipe the same thickness as your original pipe. Apply sealant around each end of the pipe and then add a coupling to both ends. Slide the pipe into place, taking care to apply sealant to the ends of your original piping and sliding the couplings over both the new segment and the original line, creating a sealed portion. Depending on the location, you may want to apply channel locks to each of the coupling until the sealant has cured and set in place.

When repairing cracks in PVC pipes, a hacksaw should be used to cut six inches on either side of the cracks.
When repairing cracks in PVC pipes, a hacksaw should be used to cut six inches on either side of the cracks.

To repair PVC joints, follow the same guidelines. Use the sealant for smaller cracks that are not located on main lines. But in the event that the crack is too big to be handled by sealant alone, or is found on a main line, then you will need to replace the joint altogether. Be sure to add a little sealant around the threads of the new joint as you put it in place, or you may find yourself with another repair job to handle.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including HomeQuestionsAnswered, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including HomeQuestionsAnswered, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon329186

A quick fix for PVC pipes would be to use Perma-Wrap. It's sure saved me a couple times. It's fast and easy. Good luck to all of you!

anon268054

@anon29782: Magic? Sorry, you have to dig it up or pull another pipe through it. It's a very expensive process either way.

anon102995

A product called Aqua Welder from Extreme Adhesives in NH lets you cut a saddle from the next larger size of pipe and bond it in place either 180 or 360 degrees (2 pieces) around the break. It will fill a gap to 1/8" and is ready to use in 30 minutes! It's not yet certified for potable water so use it on irrigation, hut tubs and DWV systems only. It's around $15.00 per cartridge.

tnt1946

pzyh: how can I remove a pvc elbow without cutting it off? Can they be heated to loosen the glue?

anon76145

i want a suggestion for PVC repair to be attended while it is cracked and has started a water leak. In wet conditions, which type of sealant can I use?

sweeper

How can I fix a section of pvc pipe that is on my solar heater for my pool? A section can't be taken out and where it is nothing can be wrapped around it. I need something to seal it.

anon29782

Can anyone suggest how to seal a cracked pvc pipe that is underground? ie. a pump through sealant?

This is a return pipe on a swimming pool.

space4grace

I'm looking for someone who can replace my stolen copper pipes at a reasonable price. Can someone please email me?

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    • PVC pipe fittings.
      PVC pipe fittings.
    • Silicone sealant in a caulk gun, which can be used to repair PVC pipes.
      Silicone sealant in a caulk gun, which can be used to repair PVC pipes.
    • When repairing cracks in PVC pipes, a hacksaw should be used to cut six inches on either side of the cracks.
      By: simonkr
      When repairing cracks in PVC pipes, a hacksaw should be used to cut six inches on either side of the cracks.
    • Polyvinyl chloride pipes, or PVC pipes, are very versatile and used for a wide array of things in modern society.
      By: thejimcox
      Polyvinyl chloride pipes, or PVC pipes, are very versatile and used for a wide array of things in modern society.