How Do You Temporarily Fix Leaking PVC Pipes?

Has your PVC pipe sprung a leak? Don’t despair! We understand that faulty PVC fittings are problematic as they are chemically fused using solvent glue. For many, the most obvious solution is to cut away the leaky pipes. However, it is possible to fix PVC pipes without cutting them.

If your PVC pipes are leaking, you’ll need to call in plumbing experts to help address the issue. In the short term, however, there are a few measures you can take to prevent further leakage and protect your home from water damage while you wait for a plumber to arrive. These include:

1. Pipe Tape

One of the easiest ways to temporarily fix your PVC is to wrap it in specialist pipe repair tape. Manufactured using robust silicone, this tape is available in most homeware stores and is relatively inexpensive. It is also self-fusing, meaning it binds tightly to itself when wrapped around a leaky pipe, creating a lasting seal.



Remember to turn off your property’s main water supply when addressing the leak, particularly if the flow of water is strong. To apply the tape, you should try to wind it around the damaged part of the pipe several times to enhance the integrity of your seal.

2. Repair Bandages

If your plumber won’t be able to reach you for a few days, you may wish to use a repair bandage on top of your pipe tape. Such bandages are wraps made from fibreglass and coated with a layer of resin. When a bandage comes into contact with water, this resin will become rock hard within a matter of minutes. Pipe repair bandages are usually white in colour, meaning they’ll blend in perfectly with your pipework and provide a reliable repair solution in the short to medium term.

3. Repair Putty

If your PVC pipe is in an awkward position that is difficult to reach, you may not have the space available to apply pipe tape or repair bandages. In this circumstance, you can use an epoxy repair putty to cover up the leak and prevent further water damage.



Epoxy repair putties are sued to fuse different materials together and can be used for a wide range of applications, including plugging holes in PVC pipes. Typically putties take around ten minutes to install and set, depending on the product used. Some putties take a little longer to harden, however, so you should wait at least two hours to turn your water supply back on.

Call Flowwise Today!

Okay, so you’ve temporarily quelled the leak in your PVC pipe – what next? It’s time to call Flowwise! Our pipe relining and no-dig repair services mean we can offer practical and long-lasting solutions to your leaky pipe, without having to resort to excavation. We can carry out the repair quickly with minimal disruption, allowing you to get on with your day undisturbed. If that weren’t enough, we offer unbeatable prices and free quotes. Get in touch today if you’d like to find out more or discuss your situation with an expert.