A leaky pipe can cause decreased water pressure and even flooding in your home if left unchecked. So, what can you do to stop it? Will PVC glue work?
You cannot stop a leak with PVC glue because PVC is only used for joining pipes together. Though the substance is sticky, it does not have the strength to prevent water from leaking if the pipes break or have not been properly adjoined. It is best to replace leaky pipes instead.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss why PVC glue isn’t an excellent leak fix, some methods to stop a leak, and some of the reasons these pipes leak in the first place.
The Reason PVC Glue Doesn’t Work on Leaks
The main reason PVC glue doesn’t work on leaks is that it’s not designed for that purpose.
PVC glue works by melting the pipes it’s applied to. This melted surface then adheres to the melted surface of another pipe, joining the two together.
Once these two pieces are joined, they become virtually impossible to remove without being cut apart.
So, if you try to apply PVC glue to a leaky pipe, it isn’t likely the glue will hold.
And if, by chance, you do manage to get the leak stopped using this method, there’s still a high likelihood that the conjoined pieces will eventually spring a leak again under constant pressure.
Methods That Stop Pipe Leaks
There are several effective methods for repairing leaky pipes, none of which include using PVC glue.
It’s important to note that repairing a leak in a pipe will only give you more time until you have to replace the whole thing — which is, frankly, the best way to fix the problem, even if it’s a bit more expensive.
That said, here are a few methods that can stop a leaky pipe for the time being.
1. Epoxy Repair
One of the easiest ways to repair a leaky pipe is by using epoxy.
This sealant does a great job of patching up holes, and it’s easy to use, especially if you don’t work with pipes often.
In addition, the entire process will only take a few minutes.
For epoxy repair, you need:
- Epoxy
- Gloves
- A damp and dry towel
Here’s how to apply epoxy to a leaky pipe:
- Clean the surface of the pipe thoroughly.
- Remove all moisture from the pipe using the towel.
- Mix the epoxy according to the package.
- Apply the mixture to the leak.
- Allow the epoxy to dry.
- Test that the epoxy holds when the water is turned back on.
- If the leak is still there, you may need to repeat the above steps.
If you don’t have epoxy glue already, I suggest buying one Gorilla All Purpose Epoxy Putty Stick (available on Amazon.com). It works for a wide variety of materials, is waterproof, and turns gray when it dries — perfect for PVC pipes.
2. Fiberglass Wrap Repair
Fiberglass wrap uses fiberglass (hence its name) and water-activated resin.
So when the wrap comes into contact with moisture, it can mold into the desired shape before hardening.
But keep in mind that you must always wear gloves when working with this material, as fiberglass isn’t fun to get on your skin.
For this leaky pipe repair method, you’ll need:
- A fiberglass wrap
- Water
- Gloves
To apply a fiberglass wrap to a leak:
- Clean the surface of the leaky pipe.
- Dry the pipe completely.
- Apply a generous amount of the wrap, overlapping the leak on both sides.
- Cut the wrap once you’ve applied as many layers as the directions say. Make sure the wraps adhere tightly.
- Give the wrap time to cure as per the instructions.
- Test the fiberglass wrap by turning the water back on.
One decent fiberglass wrap is the Fiberglass Repair Kit (available on Amazon.com). Its vapor barrier prevents the buildup of moisture that can damage your pipes over time, and you can install it even if you’re not a professional.
3. Rubber Hose Clamp Repair
Rubber is another easy and effective option to plug up a leak.
However, you need metal clamps to keep the rubber in place.
This method also requires a little more cutting and precision to work.
For this project, you need the following:
- Rubber patch
- Worm-gear hose
- Wet rag
To apply a rubber hose and clamps to repair a leak:
- Clean the pipe’s surface.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Cut the rubber patch to a size that fits around the whole pipe.
- Wrap the rubber patch around the pipe.
- Place and tighten the hose clamps around the pipe.
- Turn on the water to see if the repair holds.
The great thing about this repair method is that you can undo it if needed.
It also won’t leave your pipes sticky if you need to remove the patch.
4. Replace the Damaged Pipe
Lastly, the only surefire way to stop a leaky pipe for good is to replace it.
You can cut away the portion of the leaky pipe and replace it with a new one using PVC glue.
If you feel overwhelmed by a project like this, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional.
Reasons Why PVC Pipes Leak in the First Place
Pipes will start leaking for several reasons, so it’s important to know what those are to prevent them.
If a leaky pipe isn’t fixed ASAP, it can wreak havoc on your home and its drywall.
Common reasons pipes start leaking include:
- Poor installation
- Using the wrong type of glue
- Rapidly changing temperatures
- Pipe already has a crack, and something heavy manages to hit and break it
Conclusion
You can’t stop a leak with PVC glue once it happens. If the glue is used correctly, it’s fantastic for preventing leaks in the first place.
Even though PVC glue doesn’t work well for leaks, there are other methods you can use.
Of course, the best way to fix a leaky pipe is to have it replaced — preferably with the help of a professional.
Cheers, tools owners!
