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How to Fix a Broken PVC Water Pipe Outside

Fixing an exterior PVC pipe that has broken is one of the easiest plumbing fixes, which is why most homeowners will attempt this kind of fix themselves. How you will go about fixing it depends on what your goal is. If you just need to keep it from leaking until a plumber can come out to fix it, that’s going to be one kind of solution – a patch of sorts that will keep the pipe functional until a long-term fix can be implemented. If you want to fix it yourself with a solution that will be permanent, that’s a different kind of fix. Let’s look at both approaches:

The most common “just for now” fix for a broken PVC pipe is a hose clamp. Hose clamps use a sleeve of rubber with clamps on top compressing the rubber against the sides of the pipe to patch a leak for the time being until it can be fixed properly. The benefit of using this kind of approach is that you don’t have to turn off the water and drain the pipe, which is helpful if you need to use the water coming from that pipe. However, hose clamps are not meant to be a permanent solution, and you should stop using that pipe as soon as possible until it can be properly fixed. Once you have your hose clamps in place, call a licensed plumber to have someone come out and provide you with a longer-term fix.

If you want to fix the issue yourself, you have several options: putty, repair tape, or a pipe replacement. Epoxy putty is used to plug up the pipe break, getting into the crevasse of the hole or crack to form a seal. One of the main benefits of using putty is that it typically dries pretty quickly; however, applying putty requires that you turn off your water and drain that pipe before use and keep the water turned off as the putty cures, and only after it has been allowed time to cure should the water be turned back on to test it. Silicone repair tape (also referred to as pipe burst tape) uses a rubber base to seal small leaks. It is wrapped tightly around the pipe to provide a firm connection, allowed to bond, and then tested in much the same as epoxy putty would be. While these bandage-type solutions can fix small leaks rather well, they are also more prone to failing over time compared to a new piece of pipe. For that reason, replacing the pipe is always going to be a better solution. For larger cracks or holes you will not have any other option, you will need to replace the pipe. But for smaller leaks, you can choose whether you would like to replace the pipe or not. If you do replace the pipe, turn off your water and let it drain out of that area and then use a hacksaw to cut out the damaged portion of pipe and attach a new portion using glue and the proper fittings.

If you need the help of a local plumber, give us a call today at 1 (800) 674-9130. We offer top-rated outdoor plumbing repair services. One of our plumbers would be happy to come out and take a look at your broken PVC pipes and get them fixed right away!

Additional resources:
Who Can Fix an Outdoor Plumbing Problem?
When Do Pipes Freeze?
What to do for a Leaking Outside Faucet
Low Water Pressure Explained
Fixing a Broken Pipe
How to Fix a Pipe Underground
Who Can Fix a Broken Pipe in My Home?
Pipe Repair Company
Getting to a Pipe in a Concrete Wall