How to fix a leak in a PVC fitting without cutting it out

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By rainal
User-Submitted Article

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This article gives instructions on fixing a PVC leak without cutting the fitting out.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

PVC primer and glue, enough caps and/or plugs to seal the openings in the system, shop vacuum

Step 1

When installing PVC pipe for plumbing systems you may have the occasional leak. This can be quite annoying but it can also become expensive. The time it takes to cut out the fitting ( sometimes more than one fitting ) can really take a bite out of your profit on the job. When you are dealing with small fittings it's bad but when you start cutting out 3" and 4" fittings the costs start to escalate.
Step 2

Start by using the caps and/or plugs to seal all of the openings in the system except for one. Keep the opening closest to the leak open.This opening will be used by the vacuum. Attach the vacuum to the plumbing system so that you can pull a vacuum on the entire plumbing system.
Step 3

Once the vacuum is attached and the vacuum is running check the leak. You should notice some suction taking place through the leak. Now take the PVC primer and place the brush at the leak. Allow the vacuum to pull the primer into the leak. When you have allowed enough primer into the leak to prep the joint shut the vacuum off.
Step 4

Next take the PVC glue and repeat the same procedure you followed for the primer. Make sure that you shut the vacuum off quickly so you don't pull the glue out of the leak. This will leave you with the same leak in place.
Step 5

Now let the glue set up and you are ready to test the system for any remaining leaks.