Clogged drains and broken pipes can be highly inconvenient. This is especially true when working in small spaces. If you are familiar with fixing PVC pipes in tight quarters, you can do so before any severe water damage occurs and eats into your budget.

Most PVC pipes are located under walls or floors, so be sure to check for nearby wires and cables whenever working on one—if unsure of either, always hire a professional plumber.

Here are some suggestions for repairing PVC pipes.

Epoxy

Repair PVC pipe leaks and joints can be fixed with epoxy, a putty-like or viscous liquid. Epoxy can be used to repair leaks in pipes and joints, but only after the area has been thoroughly cleaned and dried so that no moisture can seep in.

Use the putty or liquid by the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, put on the epoxy and let it dry for ten minutes. Run water through the pipe to check for leaks after curing.

Fiberglass Resin Tape

Fiberglass resin tape helps make quick, temporary repairs to leaking PVC pipes. Fiberglass tape’s water-activated resin forms a hard coating around the pipe to prevent further leakage and make repairs easier. Before applying the tape, wipe down the damaged section of the PVC pipe with water. Protect the damaged area with tape while the resin is still wet, and give it 15 minutes to dry.

Repair Tape Made Of Rubber And Silicone

Rubber and silicone repair tape is a quick fix if you have a minor leak. Like fiberglass resin tape, rubber and silicone tape can be purchased in a roll and wrapped around the PVC pipe. However, unlike traditional pipe repair methods, the repair tape sticks only to itself.

Wrap the tape around the leak and extend it slightly to the left and right to repair the damage. The tape relies on compression to seal the leak, so ensure it’s tight and secure before reusing the pipes.

Hose Clamps And Rubber Tape

This repair method, like rubber and silicone repair tape, uses compression to repair small leaks in PVC pipes. To stop the leak, remove the hose clamps, wrap them around the damaged area, and tighten them. The rubber tape and hose clamps will eventually wear out and be ineffective against the expanding leak.

Replacement

Sometimes a PVC pipe is too damaged to be repaired quickly. If this is the case, the damaged section must be replaced with a new PVC pipe. To begin replacing the pipe, turn off the water supply to it. You can either turn off the water at the main valve or use a shutoff valve close to the pipe.

Key Takeaway

If you have a broken or leaking PVC pipe, fix it as soon as possible! If you’re unsure, contact a professional plumber to avoid serious water damage, which can be costly for many homeowners. At Bueno Plumbing, we have the experience and knowledge to get the job done right. From fixing small leaks to replacing entire sections of PVC pipe, we can help with all your plumbing needs!