All households frequently experience PVC plumbing issues like leaking toilets, dripping faucets, and leaky pipes. Headsup B2B, an online platform for PVC plumbing materials, helps customers by educating them about common plumbing problems. This guide offers workable fixes for DIY enthusiasts and those who prefer hiring licensed plumbers.

Introduction

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, plumbing pipes are prominent for being strong and lightweight, which makes them an environmentally friendly choice for plumbing, irrigation, and sewage systems. PVC pipes are typically distinguished by their white or cream colour. To join them, couplings and solvent cement are used, which melt the pipes' outer coating and bond the materials together.

PVC is most frequently used as drain piping because of its cost and convenience of usage. The current pipe can be repaired to keep the leak under control for most PVC plumbing problems. On the other hand, the pipe can require a complete replacement if the damage is too great. We've provided five different methods for repairing or replacing PVC pipes to make the process easier for you.

​Common Reasons for PVC Plumbing Pipe Leaks

These are a few of the most typical reasons why PVC plumbing pipes need to be replaced or repaired:

Inadequate installation

A leak may happen if a PVC fitting is not fitted onto the joining pipe correctly. Usually, a loose-fitting that lets water leak through is the cause of this.

Incorrect adhesive glue

To prevent premature deterioration, make sure you choose the right PVC cement. Make sure the glue is made to stick to PVC by reading the label before choosing one. With time, age, and the right glue, it won't stop it from breaking down and needing to be repaired.

Freezing temperatures

Although PVC is resistant to freezing, severe winter conditions can still cause it to become brittle and broken. If you reside in a cold climate, insulate your pipes to keep them from freezing.

The Most Common PVC Plumbing Issues in Homes

Leaking Pipes

Leakage under sink is one of the frequent problems that are considered as a regular part of plumbing systems maintenance, but in the meantime can become the reason for such consequences as water damage or rotting, mould formation and many others. This is another area where leaks in the supply and drain pipes are frequently noted by home inspectors. The survey revealed that a majority of Americans do not inspect their pipes for leaks; this causes water damage and mould formation. Leakage whether big or small can lead to very severe consequences. Annual checkups are important since pipe leaks can be a risk to your investment, and safety of your family members.

Improperly Pitched Drains

Pipes must have the right pitch towards the sewer for drainage to be successful. Although 1/3" per foot is permissible for pipes 3" in diameter or larger, the usual slope is ¼" per foot. Incorrect pitching can cause leaks and sluggish drainage.

Water Heater Safety Concerns

A modern water heater must have a temperature and a pressure relief valve and the pipe needed to discharge it, in order to avoid any explosions or damage due to overheating or overpressure. The valve opens when there is enough pressure build-up or a rise in temperature thus protecting the water heater from exploding or bringing harm to the structure of the home.

Corrugated Drain PVC Plumbing Pipes

Although easily found in hardware stores, corrugated drain pipes are not advised because of their propensity to clog and difficulties in maintenance. Because they were installed incorrectly by a homeowner or an untrained plumber, I frequently encounter corrugated drain pipes beneath kitchen or bathroom sinks. These kinds of drain pipes are prohibited by plumbing standards because of their propensity to clog and difficulties in cleaning. Plumbing standards call for smooth interior walled pipes.

Missing Traps in Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fittings must include drain pipe traps in order to prevent vermin and sewage gases from entering the house. For example, traps in toilets keep rodents and sewage gases out of the house through drain pipes. Yet, untrained plumbers and homeowners often ignore and remove these fixtures. A strong sewage stench at sites of entry, such as laundry and dishwasher drains, indicates a lack of traps. Drain lines should have no more than one trap in order to avoid clogs.

Overheated water heaters

Hot water in homes should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding and energy consumption. Mixing valves in boilers can regulate temperatures to safe levels, adding cold water to prevent heat spikes. Even a 4-6-second splash can cause burns, especially in young children and the elderly.

Missing Traps in PVC Plumbing Fixtures

Drain pipes in plumbing fixtures block sewer gases and pests from entering homes. They are often overlooked by unqualified plumbers and homeowners. A lack of traps results in a strong sewage smell at entry points like laundry and dishwasher drains. Limit traps to 1.

Slow Drains

Clogged drains, may be due to hair accumulation or foreign mechanisms, point serious issues such as blocked or damaged main sewage, especially in the aged structures. A licenced home inspector can locate drain problems through the line with a small camera being passed through it. WIN Home Inspection provides a sewer scope inspection to confirm that a sewage system is clear of obstructions, leaks and invasions. Regarding unclogging, drain-clearing chemicals are prohibited because they are likely to cause the backsplash. For more details about WIN home inspection kindly contact the local home inspector.

Loose or Leaky Toilets

Toilets can loosen over time, causing water leaks and subfloor damage. A moisture metre can detect unseen moisture around the base, indicating a need for repair or resealing with a new wax ring. Discoloured flooring is another indication of moisture buildup. Maintenance of toilets usually entails the process of reseating which mainly involves replacing the wax ring. Consulting a licensed professional evaluation is advised in order to assess toilet-related problems while ensuring that the judgement is made without infringing on the health and safety consideration.

Dishwasher Drainage Issues

Most home installations incorporate high loops and air gaps to separate contaminated water from the dishwasher, an aspect that is often disregarded. These loops help to stop dirty water from getting into the dishwasher’s water system on discharge.

Non-Functional Drain Stoppers

Bathtubs especially have problems with their drain stoppers whether the bathtub is an old type or a contemporary one. These parts can be fixed and replacing them often helps to enhance the functionality of the tub. However, sometimes, the chains detach and become stuck, requiring a licensed plumber to fix them. Replacing these parts is an easy fix, but a licensed plumber can also help mitigate this issue.

Learn More:- Pvc Pipe Grades and Uses

How to Repair Damaged PVC Plumbing Pipes

Fibreglass Resin Tape or Clothes

Fibreglass resin tape is a temporary solution for a leaking PVC plumbing pipe. It uses a water-activated resin that hardens around the pipe, slowing the leak. To apply the tape, clean the damaged area with a damp rag and wrap it around the pipe. Allow the resin to harden for 15 minutes. For a permanent repair, use fibreglass resin cloth. Clean the area around the leak, lightly sand the surface, and place the cloth over the damage. To cure the resin, shine UV light or expose the pipe to direct sunlight.

Rubber and Silicone Repair Tape

Rubber and silicone repair tape is an easy fix if you're having little leaks. Rubber and silicone tapes are also rolled and can be wrapped directly around the PVC plumbing pipe, just like fibreglass resin tape. Nevertheless, the repair tape sticks straight to itself rather than the pipe.

To repair the damage, wrap the leak with tape, leaving a small amount of space to the left and right of the harmed region. Before utilising the pipes again, make sure the tape is tight and secure. The tape uses compression to stop the leak.

Rubber Tape and Hose Clamps

Similar to silicone and rubber repair tape, this fix for minor PVC plumbing pipe leaks involves compression. To halt or delay the leak, wrap rubber around the damaged region. Next, take the hose clamps apart and position them around the afflicted area. Tighten them. The rubber tape and hose clamps will lose their effectiveness as the leak gets bigger, therefore, this repair should only be done temporarily.

Epoxy

Putty, or a viscous liquid called repair epoxy, can be used to fix leaks in PVC plumbing pipes and joints. Make sure water cannot enter the damaged area by cleaning and drying it before applying epoxy to fix your pipe or joint.

As directed by the manufacturer, combine the putty or liquid if needed. After that, apply the epoxy and give it 10 minutes to cure. Allow water to flow through the pipe after it has cured, and look for any leaks.

Replacement

A PVC pipe may occasionally be too broken for a straightforward fix. If so, you will have to install a new PVC plumbing pipe to replace the damaged portion. Make sure the water supply to the pipe is disconnected before replacing it. You can accomplish this by either turning off the water at the main water supply or by using a local water shutoff valve that is situated close to the pipe.

• Using a ratchet cutter or hacksaw, cut the pipe about an inch to the left and right of the damaged region.

• After letting any extra water exit the pipe, wipe it off with a fresh cloth.

• After removing the damaged pipe, dry-fit the replacement pipe into the opening, making sure that the fitting is securely fastened around the PVC that is already there.

• Apply PVC priming solvent to the exterior of the old pipe and the inside of the fittings on the replacement pipe.

• After that, glue the exposed PVC pipe that is currently there as well as the interior of the replacement fitting.

• After inserting the old pipe into the replacement fittings, twist the pipe to firmly hold it in place with glue. To guarantee a solid connection, hold the pipe firmly for ten seconds.

Learn More: PVC Pipe Installation Tips

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