How to Repair Leaking PVC Furnace Pipes

Most homeowners can repair PVC pipe themselves.

A leaking pipe in your furnace's plumbing system needs to be addressed immediately or it may make for a very cold and uncomfortable living situation. A call to a plumber might get you some help in a few days, but if you want a quick repair you may have to handle it yourself. Fortunately, if the leak is confined to some PVC pipe, anyone with some basic do-it-yourself skills and a few tools can make the repair.

Things You'll Need

• Hacksaw or ratcheting PVC cutting tool
• Clean rag
• PVC cement primer
• PVC cement
• PVC couplings (same diameter as existing pipe)
• Measuring tape
• PVC pipe (same diameter as existing pipe)

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Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the leaking section of pipe, and disconnect the power source.

2. Cut the leaking section of PVC pipe out of the system, using a hacksaw or ratcheting PVC cutting tool. Do this by making two cuts, each about six inches from the leak. Remove and dispose of the leaking section.

3. Clean both exposed ends of pipe with a clean rag. Brush a coat of PVC primer over the last inch of the outside of one of the exposed pipes. Brush a coat of PVC primer on the inside of one of the couplings.

4. Brush a layer of PVC cement directly on top of each area you just covered with PVC primer in Step 3. Immediately slide the coupling over the exposed piece of pipe until you feel it fully seated, and give it a 1/4 turn. Press and hold the connection together firmly for at least 30 seconds.

5. Measure the distance between the coupling you just attached and the remaining exposed piece of PVC pipe. Cut a piece of PVC pipe to this same length.

6. Attach the piece of pipe cut in Step 5 to another coupling, using PVC primer and cement as described in Steps 3 and 4. Attach this coupler and pipe between the coupling in the ground and the exposed pipe, again using PVC primer and cement. Allow the cement to cure for at least 30 minutes to complete the repair.

Tips & Warnings

• If you discover that a fitting is to blame for the leak rather than a piece of pipe, you should replace the entire fitting and pipe as described here.

References

• PPFA: FAQ