4 Ways to Repair a PVC Pipe
PVC piping, short for polyvinyl chloride pipe, is incredibly popular for household plumbing, sewage, and irrigation needs. Because of its durable, lightweight construction, it’s an inexpensive yet sustainable option for homeowners and contractors to work with.
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But even with a track record for durability, these pipes can damage and need repair or replacement over time. Here, we’ll go through some frequent reasons your PVC pipes may be leaking and how to repair the damage.
Common Causes of PVC Leaks
Below Frozen Temperatures
Before temperatures plummet during the winter, a household preparation checklist must be completed to take care of your property through the cold months. If checking your PVC piping isn’t on that list, it should be.
While PVC is remarkably tolerant of cold and resistant to freezing, it can still become brittle and prone to cracking during bouts of extremely icy weather. So consider insulating your PVC pipes proactively to cut back on risk.
Incorrect Initial Installation
Things are more likely to go wrong if the foundation was shaky from the start. If PVC was not adequately installed, to begin with, problems are bound to arise. PVC fittings must be tightly secured attached to the joining pipe. If not, the loose-fitting can allow water to seep through.
Wrong Adhesion Method
Not all adhesive is created equally. There are specific glues and types of cement made for joining PVC materials. Make sure you read labels on the products you purchase to ensure they are compatible with PVC. Otherwise, the adhesion is likely to deteriorate more quickly than it should.
Even if you use the correct cement, it will still degrade with time. Therefore, regular inspection and routine upkeep are necessary to ensure your PVC systems remain intact long-term.
How to Repair Damaged PVC Pipes
While no two circumstances require the exact same fix, here are some popular, effective methods to repair damaged PVC pipes. Of course, when in doubt, you can always call in a professional to advise or tackle the problem for you.
Fiberglass Wrap
Never heard of fiberglass wrap? Don’t sweat it. It’s essentially cloth made of fiberglass that is coated with water-activated resin. And it’s remarkably easy to use, even for beginners. First, clean the damaged PVC area. Next, wet the cloth to activate the resin. Snugly wrap the cloth around the surrounding area of the damaged pipe and allow it to harden for 15 minutes. To cure the resin, shine it with some bright UV light or, if possible, let the pipe rest under sunlight.
Fiberglass resin tape can also be used in the same way! Clean the area, wrap the tape around the damage, and repeat the steps above. It really is that easy!
Epoxy
Epoxy is one of the most well-known solutions for PVC leaks, and for a good reason! With many forms and different manufacturers, viscous liquid or putty epoxy is an accessible and simple solution that has proven highly effective.
To use epoxy, read the instructions listed by the specific manufacturer first. Then prepare the pipe for repair by cleaning and thoroughly drying the damaged area. If there is any wetness on the pipe, the epoxy will not set correctly. When dry, generously apply epoxy to the damage and let sit for at least 10 minutes. Once ready, try to run water through the pipe to check the leak.
Silicone & Rubber Repair Tape
Silicone and rubber repair tape is not like other tapes you’ve encountered. It is designed so that it sticks to itself, not to other objects. Because of that, it’s a great way to get the incredibly tight compression needed to fix cracks and leaks in PVC pipes effectively. In addition, the tape is stretchy, which allows you to get a tight seal on the pipe so that no water can creep through.
To begin, wash the damaged area of the pipe and allow it to dry completely. Then, carefully wrap the tape around the PVC, ensuring the compression on the pipe is airtight. Make sure you wrap in a way that the tape is adhering to itself for maximum hold.
Rubber Tape & Hose Clamps
This method is ideal for temporary repairs or small leaks. Plus, you likely have the supplies needed lying around in your garage, which saves you a trip to the store and allows you to quickly take care of the problem.
If the leak is isolated to one small part of the pipe, clean the pipe and wrap a piece of rubber around the leak. Then, use hose clamps to secure the rubber to the pipe and tightly as possible. If the leaking continues, you can easily adjust the rubber and clamps to fit the PVC better. This should buy you enough time to get supplies for a more permanent solution.
Conclusion
Even with all of these effective and easy solutions for leaking PVC pipe, it is still possible that you’ll need to repair the piece of PVC. Even tough materials wear over time and will need to be updated.
When in doubt, call in the experts from All Dry USA. Our professional team has over a decade of experience helping folks like yourself troubleshoot issues and offering effective, affordable solutions that’ll last. So whether you need repair or replacement for your PVC piping, we’ve got you covered. Call today!
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
