If your PVC pipes aren’t holding up, we’re here to help. Read on to learn how to fix PVC pipe leaks and what you can use to seal around them.
PVC pipes have the tendency to warp and crack under extreme hot and cold temperatures. If your pipe has sprung a leak, here are things to check and consider before starting the repair.
- Over time, joints can loosen from usage. Check and tighten the slip nuts between the pipes. Do not overtighten, too much force can cause them to break.
- Check and replace old worn rubber gaskets in the pipe connections.
- Replace pipes. Do your pipes have long cracks or big gashes? Sometimes pipes are broken beyond repair. Fixing the leaks with epoxy putty is a great temporary fix but in the long run it might be better to replace the PVC pipe wholesale.
Once you’ve assessed the damage and decided to seal the leak, we recommend using Loctite Repair Putty-All Purpose. It’s waterproof and can be applied to wet surfaces. It’s compatible with 99% of materials and can be molded to rebuild any hole or gap.
Here’s how to fix a PVC pipe leak with molding putty.
- Turn off the water supply line if possible.
- Clean the pipe surface. It’s not necessary for the PVC to be dry.
- Cut off enough epoxy putty to circle the pipe.
- Using gloves, knead the putty for one minute or until a uniform color is obtained.
- Wrap the putty around the pipe and work the epoxy firmly into the crack or joint.
- If the pipe surface is wet, apply with force and hold in place for 3-5 minutes.
- Before hardening, rub the putty with a damp cloth for a smooth surface.
- Functional cure time is 60 minutes, full cure time after 24 hours.
If the goal is to seal around a PVC pipe at plumbing penetrations in kitchens or bathrooms, reach for a PVC compatible silicone sealant that provides a watertight seal that is resistant to mold and mildew. Silicone sealants come in a range of different colors such as white, gray, black and clear. Look out for a sealant that is formulated to have a reduced stringing effect, which means no messy application!