How to Repair a Leaking PVC Pipe

At some point, almost every homeowner will have a leak somewhere in their home. If you’ve owned a house for some time, chances are you’ve dealt with a leak of your own. No matter where they happen, water leaks are a frustrating, inconvenient, and often a costly downside of home ownership. Thankfully, some leaks don’t require professional intervention and can be repaired by anyone with the right tools and attention to detail.

If you’re currently dealing with a PVC pipe leak in your home, we have some good news: they are some of the easiest leaks to fix without the help of a professional. Learning how to repair a leaking PVC pipe only takes a little time, some simple materials and a bit of elbow grease.

To help you on your journey of home ownership, we’ll teach you about a few different ways to repair a leaking PVC pipe, explain how PVC pipes differ from other pipes and answer a few frequently asked questions about pipe repairs. We’ll cover all of these topics and more in the following sections:

• What is a PVC pipe?
• Different ways to fix a leaky PVC pipe
• FAQs about leaky PVC indoor pipes
• What is a PVC Pipe?

A PVC pipe is a type of pipe made from a synthetic polymer known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC pipes are used for a huge variety of purposes. They have electrical, medical and plumbing applications, and are sometimes used for signage. Today, many pipe systems, including water mains and farm irrigation systems, are constructed primarily of PVC pipes thanks to their resilience, ease of replacement and ease of manufacturing.

In homes, PVC pipes are often used to transport water because of their resistance to corrosion and heat. The smooth surface of these pipes also makes it easier for water to flow effectively. Best of all, these pipes are incredibly durable and stress resistant, making PVC a useful alternative to costly metal pipes.

Of course, no material is perfect, and a PVC pipe can leak at times. Some of the most common reasons that PVC pipes leak include poor installation, repeated exposure to freezing temperatures and incorrect application of adhesive glue. In some rarer cases, PVC pipes can be broken, though this is more common with sprinkler pipes, which are at risk of being shattered by digging on your property.

Different Ways to Fix a Leaky PVC Pipe

No two leaky pipes are the same. Depending on the cause and severity of the leak, you’ll want to employ a different solution. Here are some different ways to fix a leaky PVC pipe:

Fiberglass resin tape: Fiberglass resin tape works well for temporary repairs intended to slow damage. It slows the leaking with water-activated resin that hardens after being applied to the pipe. This method works best for very small leaks that are not urgent or for leaks that need professional attention but cannot be addressed in the immediate future.

Epoxy putty: Epoxy putty essentially plugs the hole, crack or leak in the pipe to create a new surface. Each epoxy works slightly different, so be sure to read the instructions on whatever you purchase. In many cases, the pipe epoxy air cures after a few minutes, after which you can test the seal by running water through the pipe.

Silicone repair tape: Silicone repair tape works well for small repairs. It uses rubber to seal the leaks in a pipe. To use it, tightly wrap the repair tape around the leak and then test the pipe. If the leak persists, use more and ensure that the tape is tightly wound around the pipe.

Hose clamps: Hose clamps use compression to take care of smaller leaks. Apply rubber to the affected area then affix the hose clamps over the rubber and clamp down. Hose clamps are only a temporary fix and should be used while waiting for a professional to come and repair the leak.

Pipe burst tape: Pipe burst tape is a type of silicone repair tape that seals pipes by applying pressure and creating an air-tight seal between the tape and the pipe. In some cases, it can be a near-permanent repair.

Replacement: If a PVC pipe is too damaged to repair, you may need to replace it with a new section of pipe. Fortunately, PVC pipe is cheap and easily found at most hardware stores. To replace a broken PVC pipe, you’ll have to cut out the old section with a hacksaw and remove any remaining water. Once dry, fit the new piece of pipe into the hole and apply the primer solvent to the new pipe’s replacement fittings and to the exterior of the existing pipe. Finally, apply glue, insert the pipe into the replacement fittings and hold it firmly for 10 seconds to create a strong bond.

FAQs about Leaky PVC Indoor Pipes

What is the best sealant for leaking plastic pipes? – Each pipe sealant solution has its own advantages and uses. Generally, the easiest and most effective sealant for leaking plastic pipes is a liquid pipe compound as they can create air-tight seals around a leak. In some cases, a silicone repair tape may be just as effective, provided the leak is small enough.

How long does a leaking pipe take to fix? – Depending on the method you employ to fix the pipe, repairing a leaking PVC pipe can take as little as a few minutes, or up to a few hours. Solutions like sealant tape tend to be the quickest methods, while a full pipe replacement will likely take much longer.

How much should it cost to fix a leaky pipe? – As always, the severity of the leak will influence how much it costs to fix. If you’re fixing a minor leak by yourself, it could cost less than $10 to get all the materials you need. More severe or difficult to access leaks could require plumbing services that cost more than $100.

Can flex tape fix leaking pipes? – Yes. Flex tape is designed to form a water-tight seal around leaks using a combination of adhesive and pressure. Keep in mind that pipe tape solutions are typically considered to be temporary, and should be replaced with a more permanent solution as soon as possible.

What kind of tape stops water leaks? – Both fiberglass resin tape and silicone repair tape can be used to stop water leaks in a PVC pipe. These tape solutions work in slightly different ways (as described above), but are intended to be temporary and should be replaced with a more permanent solution quickly.

Eliminate Leaky PVC Pipes with Help from American Home Protect

If you’ve been frustrated by leaky pipes and other home maintenance mishaps, a home warranty from American Home Protect can help. We provide more than just the home system and appliance repairs that you’d expect from a home warranty service. We also offer access to affordable handyman services through Porch to help you care for your home.

So the next time the plumbing around your toilet or sink is in need of repair, you won’t have to worry about solving it all on your own.