How to Repair a Burst PVC Water Pipe

Repair your burst PVC pipe.

PVC pipe can be found connected to sinks, showers, commodes, washing machines and just about any other fixture that uses water. PVC pipe is a hard, plastic pipe that is more durable and easier to repair and replace than galvanized or metal pipe. Sometimes PVC pipe will burst because of cold weather and from extended water pressure. You can repair a burst PVC pipe yourself with the proper tools.

Things You'll Need

• Black electrical tape
• Adjustable wrench
• Measuring tape
• Pencil/marker
• Hacksaw
• Clean rags
• PVC glue or cement
• PVC collars

Instructions

1. Locate the burst PVC pipe and mark it with a piece of black electrical tape. Wrap the tape near the source of the leak.

2. Locate the main water shut-off valve and use an adjustable wrench to shut the water off. If your plumbing has a water shut-off valve between the burst PVC pipe and the main water shut-off valve, shut the nearest one off first. This will keep the water flowing to other areas of the house. Otherwise just shut the main water valve off. Turn the valve clockwise to shut the water off completely.

3. Inspect the burst pipe carefully to locate the source of the leak. If the pipe is cracked, measure 6 inches on both sides of the damaged area (or a minimum of 3 inches on either side) of the PVC pipe. Mark the 6-inch measurements with a pencil or a marker. Then take the hacksaw and cut the pipe at both 6-inch measurements and remove the 12 inch area of PVC pipe.

4. Use a clean rag to wipe off both ends of the remaining PVC pipe. Clean off the rough edges made by the hacksaw so that the PVC glue or cement will adhere better to the pipe and the pipe collar.

5. Spread a generous amount of PVC glue or cement around one end of the remaining pipe. Then apply a generous amount of the PVC glue or cement on the inside of the PVC pipe collar. Push the pipe collar onto the pipe until it stops. There is a lip on the inside of the pipe collar that will hit the pipe when it is pushed all the way in.

6. Glue the other end of the remaining pipe and the pipe collar. Slide the collar onto the pipe until it stops.

7. Measure the distance from the middle of one of the new collars to the middle of the other collar. This will be the measurement that you will need to cut the new pipe.

8. Measure the new PVC pipe the same distance as the middle of the collars. Mark the measurements on the pipe with a pencil or a marker. Cut the PVC pipe on the markings. This is the pipe that will be used to run from one collar to the next collar to finalize the repair.

9. Spread a generous amount of the PVC glue or cement onto one end of the cut pipe. Then spread a generous amount of the PVC glue or cement into the collar that the pipe will be going into.

10. Push the new pipe into one of the collars. Then inspect to make sure that the other end of the newly cut pipe reaches the middle of the other collar.

11. Spread a generous amount of the PVC glue or cement onto the other end of the newly cut pipe. Also spread a generous amount of the PVC glue or cement inside the collar. Pull the pipe with the collar on it out enough for you to slide the new pipe into the collar. Slide the new pipe into the collar and push it back straight. Inspect everything to make sure that the repair job is complete and let the newly repaired PVC pipe sit for about a half an hour.

12. Turn the water valve back on and inspect the repaired PVC pipe to check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Accurately measuring the distance of the pipe from one collar to the other collar will make it easier to slide the pipe into the last collar.

• The reason for replacing 3 to 6 inches around the damaged area of PVC pipe is to ensure that you have gotten all of the damage before repairing the pipe.

• Make sure that any water that is leaking around electrical outlets is wiped up before repairing the pipe or you could get shocked.

References

• Wise Geek: How Can I Repair PVC Pipes and Joints?

Resources

• AGSC.tamu.edu: Repairing and maintaining Outdoor Plumbing.