How to Stop a Leak in PVC
PVC pipe is used almost universally these days for most all pipes where copper or galvanized pipe used to be the norm. PVC pipe is made with oil, something we have a diminishing supply of, so if we can keep from using more and patch what we have, we are saving oil. Replacing PVC is cheap and easy, but patching it is much easier. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Clean the PVC as well as you can. If the PVC carries water and is leaking, you can still use the epoxy and it will work well, but still clean as much as you can.
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2
Remove the wrapper from the epoxy. Be sure you have gloves on. If you do not wear gloves, you will be wearing the epoxy until it wears off. Epoxy comes in a tube that looks like a wide piece of chalk. You can usually find it in the paint department of a big box store.
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3
Use as much epoxy as you need to make a ring around the PVC pipe. Seal the tube and put it in a plastic baggie. It keeps for a long time and you never know when you will need it again.
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4
Knead the epoxy in your hands. You probably noticed there were two layers in the tube of epoxy. When these layers are kneaded together, it activates it and makes it workable.
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5
Knead the epoxy until you can feel it getting warm, almost to the point of discomfort.
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Roll the epoxy into a length about 3/8" wide and as long as you need to go around the PVC pipe.
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Wrap the length of epoxy around the PVC where the leak is. Make sure the length of epoxy is wide enough to cover the hole.
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Smooth the epoxy around the PVC if looks are important. If not, just ensure the epoxy has covered the leak and you have made a tight ring around the PVC. Your PVC pipe will stop leaking.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear gloves. Epoxy sticks to your hands and takes days to remove.
