5 Easy Ways To Repair PVC Pipe

PVC pipes are a common and cost-effective choice for home plumbing pipes, but leaks can develop over time due to age, poor installation, or damage. A small PVC leak may seem minor, but left unchecked, it can lead to water damage, mold growth, and expensive repairs.

The good news? Most PVC pipe repairs are DIY-friendly and easy to fix with inexpensive materials like epoxy, fiberglass tape, or slip couplings. In this guide, I’ll walk you through five effective ways to repair PVC pipes, from quick patches to permanent solutions. I’ll also cover how to spot a leak early and when it’s time to call a professional plumber for help.

What Are Common Reasons for Leaks in PVC Pipes?

PVC pipes are durable, but they’re not indestructible. Here are the most common reasons they start leaking:

• Aging pipes: Over time, PVC can weaken due to temperature changes and UV exposure, leading to cracks and leaks. Pipes that are 20+ years old are more likely to fail.
• Joint failures: PVC joints are the weakest points in your plumbing. If you didn’t properly seal them during installation—or if the pipes shift due to temperature changes—they can start to leak.
• Poor installation: PVC joints need the right type and amount of cement to form a strong, watertight bond. Too much or too little glue can lead to leaks years later.
• Manufacturing defects: Rarely, a defective pipe will have thin walls or weak spots that cause leaks under water pressure.
• Physical damage: Unlike metal pipes, PVC is easier to crack if something bumps into it. Leaks can happen from something that drops under the sink, shifting soil around buried pipes, or even improper support brackets.

How To Tell if You Have a PVC Leak

Wondering if you have a leaking PVC pipe? Here are the biggest warning signs:

• Dripping or running water sounds – If you hear water trickling inside your walls after using a sink or shower, a drainpipe leak could be the culprit.
• Musty or moldy odors – A persistent damp smell may mean a slow leak is causing mold growth behind walls or under sinks. For more on mold issues, read our guide on how to prevent mold in your home.
• Mold growth or wall stains – Water leaks can lead to dark spots, peeling paint, or visible mold near pipes. Run your faucet and check if new moisture appears.
• Pooled water or condensation – If you notice water collecting near PVC pipes, check whether the moisture appears when you run the sink or flush the toilet.

5 Options for Repairing Your PVC Pipes

One of the best parts about PVC is that most leaks are fixable without a plumber. Whether you need a quick patch or a permanent fix, here are five ways to repair your PVC pipes—ranked by ease, cost, and durability.

Use Fiberglass Resin Cloth and Tape

Working time: 5 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Ease: Very easy

Effectiveness: Moderate

Cost: $15

Tools: High-grit sandpaper

Fiberglass resin cloth and tape is a quick and simple option for repairing PVC pipe leaks — although it’s temporary. If done properly, this solution will likely last for a few months and possibly years, but eventually, you’ll need a more permanent fix. It’s best for minor leaks that you plan on fixing permanently later. You can purchase this at your local home improvement store or on Amazon.

The video below shows exactly how to use this product to repair a leak:

You can also follow the steps below to carry out this repair:

1. Step 1: Prep the pipe – Drain the pipe and lightly sand the leaking area.
2. Step 2: Wet and wring the cloth – Soak the fiberglass cloth per the instructions (usually 10 seconds).
3. Step 3: Wrap the cloth – Apply it tightly around the damaged pipe.
4. Step 4: Seal with resin tape – Wrap tape over the cloth for added strength.
5. Step 5: Let it cure – Wait at least 15 minutes before running water.

Use PVC Epoxy

Working time: 5 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Ease: Very easy

Effectiveness: Moderate

Cost: $8

Tools: High-grit sandpaper

PVC repair epoxy usually comes in two parts — and once you mix them, the epoxy is moldable like putty. The epoxy seals to the PVC and is entirely waterproof. It won’t be as permanent as a pipe replacement, but it’s a simple fix for small leaks that you can complete in about five minutes of work.

The video below provides a good example of how to use this epoxy:

We’ll also include steps to follow below:

• Step 1: The best way to use this epoxy is on a dry pipe, so make sure the drain pipe is empty, and the outside is dry.
• Step 2: Lightly sand the leaky PVC pipe section and clean thoroughly.
• Step 3: Mix the two-part epoxy according to the manufacturer’s directions. We recommend mixing more than you think you need so that you have plenty.
• Step 4: Mold the epoxy over the damaged pipe or joint, making sure not to leave any gaps.
• Step 5: Let the epoxy cure according to the manufacturer’s directions, usually around 25 minutes.

Use Rubber Repair Tape

Working time: 5 minutes

Total time: 24 hours

Ease: Very easy

Effectiveness: Moderate

Cost: $15

Tools: High-grit sandpaper

PVC rubber-based repair tape — also called rubberized waterproof tape — is one of the simplest options for PVC leak repair. It takes just a few minutes of prep time — although it has a long recommended curing time. We recommend this option for DIYers looking for the simplest application method possible.

The video below illustrates how to use this tape, with the example being Flex Tape:

You can also follow the steps below to implement this repair:

• Step 1: We recommend lightly sanding and cleaning the leaking PVC pipe. This tape can be applied even when wet, so you don’t need to worry about draining the pipe.
• Step 2: Wrap the area with the leak with a layer of flex tape. Press and hold the tape firmly against the pipe to create a good seal.
• Step 3: Let the tape cure based on the directions. This tape usually gets stronger over time, so we recommend leaving it for 24 hours before using the fixture again.

Use a PVC Slip Coupling

Working time: 30 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Ease: Moderate

Effectiveness: High

Cost: $10

Tools: Hacksaw, high-grit sandpaper

Using a slip coupling involves cutting and gluing your PVC pipe, so some homeowners may shy away from this repair. Additionally, leaks in pipes that aren’t easily accessible might be difficult to repair using this method. However, since it is considered a permanent fix, we recommend it for long-term peace of mind and especially for leak repairs on underground sprinkler pipes so that you don’t have to deal with another repair down the road.

The video below provides a visual aid for how to use this repair method:

We’ll also include step-by-step instructions below:

• Step 1: Begin by making sure the pipe is completely empty. You’ll need to cut into the pipe, so we recommend having a towel nearby, just in case.
• Step 2: Locate the leaking area and cut through the pipe right on the leak with your hacksaw.
• Step 3: Lightly sand both sides of the pipe, as well as the inside of both sides of the slip coupling. Clean both areas thoroughly before proceeding.
• Step 4: Use a two-part PVC solvent cement on one side of the pipe and apply it to the interior of one side of the coupling as well. Be sure to act quickly, as the cement cures rapidly.
• Step 5: Pull one side of the cut pipe to the side, fit the coupling on, and twist and firmly press it onto the pipe. Hold for about 15 seconds.
• Step 6: Repair steps 4 and 5 with the other side of the pipe and coupling.

Replace the Pipe

Working time: 30 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Ease: Moderate

Effectiveness: High

Cost: $15+

Tools: Hacksaw, high-grit sandpaper

Replacing the leaking section of the pipe is just as permanent as using a slip coupling, but it will be easier if the leak is less accessible. We recommend this option for homeowners who are comfortable with cutting into their pipes and cannot access the leak easily to use a coupling.

The video below provides a quick look at how to replace a section of PVC pipe:

The process for this repair is very similar to that of using a slip coupling. We’ll include step-by-step instructions below.

• Step 1: Make sure the section of pipe you’re repairing is empty.
• Step 2: Cut the two ends of the section you want to replace and remove. We recommend measuring the section and taking about 1/4 inch off to account for two additional couplings and then dry-fit the PVC pipe to ensure you measured correctly. Cut a new piece of the same diameter to that length.
• Step 3: Sand both ends of the new PVC section and the insides of the two couplings or PVC pipe fittings you plan to use. Clean all areas carefully.
• Step 4: Use a two-step PVC cement to attach the new pipe section to one end of the existing pipe, following the directions in the coupling section or the manufacturer’s directions. Twist and hold in place for 15 seconds.
• Step 5: Repeat for the other end.

Find Professional Help With Your PVC Pipes

While many PVC pipe repairs are DIY-friendly, some situations call for a professional. If the leak is in a hard-to-reach area, involves multiple pipe joints, or you’re not comfortable cutting into your plumbing, a licensed plumber can ensure a safe, permanent fix. Keep in mind that emergency plumbing costs can be higher than a standard plumbing call.

💡 Pro Tip: Get multiple estimates before hiring a plumber—prices can vary. You can also buy the materials yourself to save money, as some plumbers mark up supply costs.

If you’re unsure whether to tackle the repair yourself, it’s worth hiring a qualified plumber to assess the damage and recommend the best fix. Use the form below to get an estimate from a plumber in your area: