These connections are quick and permanent, as the plastic parts are chemically fused together by the glue.

While PVC pipes are generally white, ABS is a black plastic.

One key in of plastic pipe is not suitable for this key in of repair, however.

4 PVC Pipe Repair Types

The Spruce

It is stretchy and a little gummy so it can be stretched.

Repair tape works best on cracks in a pipe rather than for joints that are leaking.

Test the Repair

Run water through the drain and watch the repair area for leaking.

PVC pipe wiped down with white rag

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

This is the best solution for leaking fittings, though it will also work on pipe cracks.

Use a clean rag to thoroughly clean the pipe or fitting, and confirm it is completely dry.

The epoxy will bond best to a pipe that is completely dry and clean.

PVC pipe wrapped with black repair tape

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Mix the Repair Epoxy

Mix the epoxy patch material as directed by the manufacturer.

Many products come in syringe-form that are self-mixing as you depress the plungers on tubes that are connected side-by-side.

Apply the Epoxy

Thoroughly coat the area of the pipe where the leak is occurring.

PVC pipe installed and tested for leaks with repair tape

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

On leaky joints, it’s usually best to run a bead of epoxy around the entire joint.

Allow to Cure, Then Test

Allow the epoxy to harden as directed by the manufacturer.

Most types set in about 25 minutes but may take an hour or more to reach full strength.

PVC pipe wiped down with clean rag

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

It is best for patching leaks in the walls of a pipe rather than for leaky joints.

Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the pipe clean of residue and moisture.

The patch fabric will bond best if it has a tight seal against the pipe, free of contaminants.

Repair epoxy mixed into small ball with blue gloves

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Cut and Apply the Wrap

Cut a piece of fiberglass wrap to fit around the repair area.

An old bicycle inner tube makes a good source of patching rubber.

It does not work well on contours or on edges where fittings meet the pipe.

Epoxy applied over PVC pipe hole to block leaks

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Position the patch over the damaged area of the pipe.

The clamps should be directly over the ends of the crack in the pipe.

Tighten down the hose clamps until you see the rubber being forcefully compressed.

PVC pipe checked for leaks with epoxy over hole

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Positioned correctly, the clamps should seal the crack completely.

Run water through the drain and watch the repair area for signs of leaking.

The connection to the existing pipes is made with solvent-glued union fittings.

PVC pipe wiped clean with white rag

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

There are also convenient repair couplings available, which have union fittings already attached.

These repair couplings can be especially useful for repairing breaks in PVC irrigation lines.

Black fiberglass wrap covering hole on PVC pipe

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

PVC pipe with fiberglass wrap checked for leaks

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

PVC pipe wiped clean with white rag

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Rubber being cut with scissors to patch PVC pipe

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Rubber patch wrapped on PVC pipe with hose clamps on top

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

PVC pipe checked for leaks with rubber patch and hose clamps

The Spruce / Kevin Norris