Can cracked PVC be repaired?

[JimK]

I noticed the other day that the collar that the flow sensor screws into (I have a SWCG) has a fine crack and is leaking a little.

I thought about just putting some epoxy (I have some marine epoxy on hand that I used to repair a Hayward Viper cleaner) on it, but someone mentioned they didn't think epoxy would stick very well to PVC.

Because of the way the flow sensor pipe was installed, very close to other joints, replacing the whole piece would be difficult, so I was hoping to be able to patch/seal it somehow.

Suggestions are greatly appreciated.:)

[jwhouse]

I've done a good bit of work with PVC and have never attempted to "patch" using glue or epoxy. If there's any pressure at all, I would think that just trying to patch the crack wouldn't work. I have, however, used repair couplings to "fix" cracks in pipe. These couplings are without the stop ribs inside and allow the coupling to slide all the way onto a piece of pipe. Not an easy thing to do depending on where the crack is but possible. Only problem is that the pipe would have to be cut to patch in this manner. This still doesn't help since it sounds like the crack you are dealing with is on a collar.

Good Luck Jim!

[JimK]

I've done a good bit of work with PVC and have never attempted to "patch" using glue or epoxy. If there's any pressure at all, I would think that just trying to patch the crack wouldn't work. I have, however, used repair couplings to "fix" cracks in pipe. These couplings are without the stop ribs inside and allow the coupling to slide all the way onto a piece of pipe. Not an easy thing to do depending on where the crack is but possible. Only problem is that the pipe would have to be cut to patch in this manner. This still doesn't help since it sounds like the crack you are dealing with is on a collar.

Good Luck Jim!

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, the crack is in the collar that sticks up perpendicular to the pipe. You've got me thinking though, perhaps I could make a patch out of a small piece of PVC and attached using PVC glue? It would only need to be a very small piece since the crack is very small. I'll take a closer look at it and see if that may be feasable.

Meanwhile, keep the suggestions coming.

[jwhouse]

I would think that the key would be to have something that went completely around the collar to take stress off the crack. If you could somehow glue it then put a hose clamp around it, that might work temporarily. I would recommend changing it during the off season though.
When using PVC glue, you are essentially "melting" the plastics together and when it cures, it forms a solid piece.
Be sure if you try anything, to make sure that the glue you use is wet applications and you will need to shut your pump off for a bit to relieve pressure from the line to give the glue ample time to cure.

Here is the information link to Rain-R-Shine PVC Cement: http://www.oatey.com/Channel/Shared/ProductGroupDetail/164/PVC_Rain_R_Shine__Blue_Cement.html

[JimK]

I would think that the key would be to have something that went completely around the collar to take stress off the crack. If you could somehow glue it then put a hose clamp around it, that might work temporarily. I would recommend changing it during the off season though.
When using PVC glue, you are essentially "melting" the plastics together and when it cures, it forms a solid piece.
Be sure if you try anything, to make sure that the glue you use is wet applications and you will need to shut your pump off for a bit to relieve pressure from the line to give the glue ample time to cure.

Here is the information link to Rain-R-Shine PVC Cement: http://www.oatey.com/Channel/Shared/ProductGroupDetail/164/PVC_Rain_R_Shine__Blue_Cement.html

So you think the marine epoxy would stick to the PVC well as long as I can support it with a hose clamp?

BTW, just for clarification, there's no water squirting out, just a very, very slow drip. I only noticed it because the concrete pad underneath was a little wet. Even then it took me awhile to find the small crack in the collar.

[jwhouse]

Jim, I'm not sure about marine epoxy but something that was made for use on PVC might. As for the amount of or speed of leakage, I don't think it would matter when attempting to patch it. Any pressure forcing even the smallest amount of water past the glue during the patch phase could cause channeling in the patch spot and allow the leak to continue.
If I were going to try to patch it temporarily, my steps would probably be something along the lines of:

1) Turn pump off to remove as much pressure as possible. Also close any valves that would prevent any natural pressure from the pool itself.
2) Apply a portion of the Rain-R-Shine PVC glue to the affected area.
3) Attempt to bond the two sides of the crack together with a small piece of PVC cut off of of some spare pipe.
4) Secure it with a hose clamp around the cracked area to relieve tension from the outward pressure
5) Allow glue to cure for at least 15 minutes before reapplying pressure.

One more thing to consider would be that the reaction the glue has with the PVC during application, the more glue you use the weaker the PVC will become so this wouldn't be a "the more the better" scenario.

Remember, all this is definitely not a recommendation but merely a thought thread on the possibility of patching the crack. My actual recommendation would be to replace the collar. :)

[JimK]

Jim, I'm not sure about marine epoxy but something that was made for use on PVC might. As for the amount of or speed of leakage, I don't think it would matter when attempting to patch it. Any pressure forcing even the smallest amount of water past the glue during the patch phase could cause channeling in the patch spot and allow the leak to continue.
If I were going to try to patch it temporarily, my steps would probably be something along the lines of:

1) Turn pump off to remove as much pressure as possible. Also close any valves that would prevent any natural pressure from the pool itself.
2) Apply a portion of the Rain-R-Shine PVC glue to the affected area.
3) Attempt to bond the two sides of the crack together with a small piece of PVC cut off of of some spare pipe.
4) Secure it with a hose clamp around the cracked area to relieve tension from the outward pressure
5) Allow glue to cure for at least 15 minutes before reapplying pressure.

One more thing to consider would be that the reaction the glue has with the PVC during application, the more glue you use the weaker the PVC will become so this wouldn't be a "the more the better" scenario.

Remember, all this is definitely not a recommendation but merely a thought thread on the possibility of patching the crack. My actual recommendation would be to replace the collar. :)

Thanks for the great tip.

Would you suggest I remove the flow switch before trying the repair? Or is that likely to cause more problems when I try to reinstall it? Also, I'm guessing I should leave the hose clamp on to counteract any outward pressure? And do I need to use PVC cleaner before applying the glue?

Thanks again.

[jwhouse]

Unless the flow switch is in a place that would require the glue to be put on it, I would leave it in. If you will end up with glue on the flow switch without removal, I would take it out.
As for the hose clamp, yes, leave it on.

Hope it works out for you. Will be a cheap temp fix with very little labor involved so even if it doesn't work, the worst case scenario would be that you have to replace the collar anyway.

Let me know how it turns out.

[JimK]

Unless the flow switch is in a place that would require the glue to be put on it, I would leave it in. If you will end up with glue on the flow switch without removal, I would take it out.
As for the hose clamp, yes, leave it on.

Hope it works out for you. Will be a cheap temp fix with very little labor involved so even if it doesn't work, the worst case scenario would be that you have to replace the collar anyway.

Let me know how it turns out.

Thanks.

While you were posting, I added this question;

Do I need to use PVC cleaner before applying the glue (like you would when connecting PVC pipes)?

[jwhouse]

I doubt it will matter for this.

[JimK]

Thank you everyone for all the great suggestions. I'll let you know how it goes.

[JimK]

I found this:

http://www.itwconsumer.com/projects/project.cfm?id=Leaking%20PVC%20Pipe

Says it will fix leaks in PVC.

Anyone have any experience using this?

[waterbear]

I have never had any putty epoxy last in a pressure side leak.

I have found only one product that works to repair PVC and stands up well to pressure side leaks. It is called Plast-aid. I have used it successfully several times now and have not had it fail but it does take a bit of practice to get used to. It cures in about 15 minutes to repairs are fast.
http://www.plast-aid.com/
Their website has some excellent demo videos of how to use it.
The nice thing about it is that you can apply it as a glue or a putty so it can fill a crack. My only advice is use it outdoors if possible since the smell is really strong until it cures.

[jwhouse]

I have never had any putty epoxy last in a pressure side leak.

I have found only one product that works to repair PVC and stands up well to pressure side leaks. It is called Plast-aid. I have used it successfully several times now and have not had it fail but it does take a bit of practice to get used to. It cures in about 15 minutes to repairs are fast.
http://www.plast-aid.com/
Their website has some excellent demo videos of how to use it.
The nice thing about it is that you can apply it as a glue or a putty so it can fill a crack. My only advice is use it outdoors if possible since the smell is really strong until it cures.

Interesting... That looks like it might work (apparently, it does). The putty stuff I doubt seriously but this plast-aid appears to be a filler and bonding agent and filler all in one. I may have to order some and give it a whirl myself.

[JimK]

I have never had any putty epoxy last in a pressure side leak.

I have found only one product that works to repair PVC and stands up well to pressure side leaks. It is called Plast-aid. I have used it successfully several times now and have not had it fail but it does take a bit of practice to get used to. It cures in about 15 minutes to repairs are fast.
http://www.plast-aid.com/
Their website has some excellent demo videos of how to use it.
The nice thing about it is that you can apply it as a glue or a putty so it can fill a crack. My only advice is use it outdoors if possible since the smell is really strong until it cures.

Thanks. I'll check that out.

I also did a Google search and found this:


3M 08101 Structural Adhesive worked for me for PVC pressure piping. It's urethane, not epoxy. In shear adhesion test with rigid PVC,
the PVC breaks before the adhesive bond (2000 PSI).
For even more strength, fiberglass cloth can be embedded in the patch. I patched our sand filter base which was broken into 3 pieces and used fiberglass mat for reinforcing.

Wear disposable gloves, and plan your application, because it sets rapidly.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_U...CglXQ8JG35VSMbl

http://www.handsontools.com/3M-08101-Struc...90-reviews.html

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[PoolDoc]

If you have a friend who is a pipefitter, most outfits today have a plastic welder and PVC rods. Cracks like you describe can be partially ground and then refilled. It does require a deft touch however, since there's a pretty fine line between melting PVC and burning it.

[JimK]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.:)

I decided to give the Plast-Aid a try. I'll report back after I receive it and do the repair.

[waterbear]

Get the middle or big kit so you can practice with the stuff first. Make a marble (the vid is on the website) so you can get used to it. I have not only used to to repair pvc, I have also used it for countless repairs on my RV

[JimK]

Get the middle or big kit so you can practice with the stuff first. Make a marble (the vid is on the website) so you can get used to it. I have not only used to to repair pvc, I have also used it for countless repairs on my RV

Thanks for the tip. I ordered the 1.5oz size (I think that's the middle size). Does it come with instructions on how to prep the surface?

I did watch the video and it looks like it should work well for fixing the PVC leak.

[waterbear]

surface just has to be clean. There are several videos on the website. Be sure to watch them all.

[JimK]

surface just has to be clean. There are several videos on the website. Be sure to watch them all.

I watched the video (I only see one on their website) and looked at the slideshow demos.

Any tips you can offer based on your experience?

I received the Plast-Aid today and will try the repair tomorrow. I'll report back.

[waterbear]

really the only tips are don't breath the fumes from the liquid, use in a well ventilated place, and make a marble like in the video so you can see how the stuff cures and the stages it goes through. For fixing PVC wait until it is almost honey like pout it in the leak and then as it continues to thiciken add more and shape it (just like in the slideshow). It's pretty straightforward and easy stuff to work with once yo get used to it, which is why I say make a marble like in the first slideshow. http://www.plast-aid.com/applications/marble/marble.htm

[JimK]

really the only tips are don't breath the fumes from the liquid, use in a well ventilated place, and make a marble like in the video so you can see how the stuff cures and the stages it goes through. For fixing PVC wait until it is almost honey like pout it in the leak and then as it continues to thiciken add more and shape it (just like in the slideshow). It's pretty straightforward and easy stuff to work with once yo get used to it, which is why I say make a marble like in the first slideshow. http://www.plast-aid.com/applications/marble/marble.htm

Thanks.:)

[PoolDoc]

It's also available at Amazon -- the price is the same as on the Plast-Aid site, but shipping is included at Amazon and added at Plast-Aid:

Plast-aid Repair Plastic 6oz 80400 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004DFHSM6//poolbooks)

I'm going to have to get some and try it.

[waterbear]

I forgot to add that the two times I ordered it I got it from Amazon. Only got the small one the first time but once I worked with it and realized all the potential it had I reordered the large one!

[JimK]

I tried the Plast-aid today. The cracked part is no longer leaking and it seems to be holding even with the flow sensor installed.:cool: Time will tell if the fix will hold long term.

Ain't this forum great!:D

Now I need to fix a leaking pump (looks like it needs new seals).:rolleyes: