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Repairing a leaky PVC joint is
easy to do, as long as you have access to the leak. With a hacksaw, a
replacement PVC joint fitting, a small length of PVC tubing, a couple of PVC
coupler joints, and some PVC cleaner and glue, you can quickly repair a
leaky PVC joint.
When it comes to plumbing leaks
it usually comes down to one of two basic culprits. It is either associated
with the supply lines or the drain lines. This is normally easy to confirm.
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If the leak stops when the faucet
is turned off, then more than likely the problem is associated with the
drain lines and most likely at a joint.
PVC drain pipes are commonly used
in residential plumbing. As a result, PVC joints and tubing are readily
available and inexpensive. PVC is also easy to work with, as unlike copper
supply line pipes, it does not require any type of soldering or sweating of
joints.
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To repair a leaky PVC joint,
purchase the same angled PVC joint along with a small length of replacement
PVC tubing, and a couple of straight coupling joints. Make sure you purchase
the right size diameter consistent with the rest of the PVC drain plumbing.
Next, turn water off to the
affected plumbing fixtures.
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Assuming you have identified the
leaky PVC joint and have made access to it, use your hacksaw to cut out the
leaky PVC joint. Cut approximately 2 inches beyond either end of the PVC
joint.
After removing the leaky PVC
joint section, clean the edges of the PVC pipe with a file, sandpaper,
and/or rag. As your final step in the cleaning process wipe the PVC pipe
ends with a PVC cleaning solution.
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Next, measure the space between
the two cut PVC ends and then cut a couple of small sections of PVC tubing.
Clean all newly cut pieces of PVC
tubing and PVC joints with the PVC cleaning solution.
Dry fit the small sections of
tubing together with the PVC joint, and connect them to the two ends of the
exiting PVC plumbing lines. Use the PVC coupler joints to tie them in to the
existing PVC drain pipe. Use a marker to create a line over the pipe ends
and the joints for alignment marks.
After you have confirmed that the
dry fit PVC joint assembly is of the proper length and angle, disassemble
the joint assembly.
Next, working one joint
connection at a time, apply glue to the inside edge of the PVC joint and one
end section of PVC pipe. After applying the PVC glue to each piece, push
them together while aligning the marks. Hold them tight for 10 seconds
before letting go.
Repeat this process on all of the
joint sections to make the joint assembly up, again being careful how you
position the alignment marks.
Once the PVC joint assembly is
glued together, apply glue to the ends of the existing drain pipes, and the
inside edges of the straight coupling joints. Then quickly position the new
PVC joint assembly into place in between the existing pipe sections and hold
for 10 seconds.
Finally, turn water back on to
the plumbing fixtures, and test your repaired PVC joint. With any luck, your
leaky PVC joint should be history.
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