🧿1. How to repair a leaking PVC pipe?

The repair method depends primarily on the severity of the leak, its location, and the purpose of the pipe (water supply or drainage).

An important first step before repairing:

Shut off the relevant water valves! If it's a water supply pipe, close the main valve; if it's a drainage pipe, make sure there's no water accumulating in the pipe.

Depending on the type of leak, there are several main repair methods:

1. Small holes or cracks (most common)

Method 1: Using PVC glue (for non-pressure-bearing drainage pipes)
Suitable for: Very small cracks or pinholes in the drainage pipe that are not in a pressure-bearing or stress-bearing area.
Steps:
Sandpaper the leak and surrounding area, clean them, and ensure they are completely dry.
Apply PVC glue evenly to the crack and surrounding areas.
You can also cut a small piece of PVC pipe, sand it, apply glue, and attach it to the crack as a "patch" to strengthen it. Wait for the glue to completely cure (usually several hours, as specified in the instructions) before turning on the water.
Note: This method is for emergency or temporary repairs on non-essential drain pipes and is not recommended for pressurized water pipes.
Method 2: Using Epoxy Leak-Proofing Sticks/Plastic
Applicable to: All types of pipes, suitable for low-pressure applications.
Steps:
Turn off the water supply and dry the leak.
Mold the epoxy stick like playdough and press directly onto the leak, ensuring complete coverage.
It will cure on its own to form a hard protective layer, which is more effective than using glue alone.

2. Large Cracks, Breaks, or Leaking Joints

Method 1: Cut and Replace (Most Thorough and Reliable)
Applicable to: Long cracks, noticeably aged pipes, or leaking joints.
Steps:
Use a pipe cutter or hand saw to neatly cut off the damaged pipe section.
Purchase a new section of PVC pipe of the same diameter, two PVC straight connectors, and an appropriate amount of PVC glue/primer. Apply glue to the joint between the new pipe and the fitting, quickly insert, and rotate slightly to ensure a tight seal.

Wait for it to cure before you can flow water.

Method 2: Using Leak Repair Clamps (Quickest and Most Convenient)
This is the method we'll focus on below; see Section 3 for details.

🧿2. Which Connection Methods Are Most Likely to Leak?

PVC pipe leaks often occur at the joints, not the pipe itself. The following connection methods are particularly prone to problems:

1. Glued Joints:
Causes of Leakage:
Uneven or Insufficient Glue Application: Failure to Form a Complete Seal.
Failure to Use Primer: Primer softens the PVC surface, allowing the glue to penetrate deeper and provide a stronger bond. Omitting this step significantly increases the risk of leaks.
Insufficient Insertion or Failure to Rotate: The pipe is not fully inserted into the fitting, or a slight rotation is not performed to evenly distribute the glue.
The joint is not thoroughly cleaned or dry: Dust, water stains, or oil can affect the glue's adhesion.
Expired or poor quality glue: Decreased adhesion.
2. Union (with rubber seal):
Causes of water leakage:
Aging, deformation, or damage to the rubber seal: This is the most common cause, especially after years of use.
Incorrect tightening: Overtightening can damage the seal or cause thread stripping; undertightening can result in a loose seal.
Thread damage: Damage to the threads caused by bumps or overtightening during installation.
3. Flange connection:
Causes of water leakage:
Aging or damage to the gasket.
Uneven tightening of the bolts causes uneven stress on the flange, leading to leakage.

Summary: Regardless of the connection method, improper construction is the primary cause of water leakage. Standard construction and high-quality materials are key to preventing water leaks.

🧿3. What are the advantages of using leak repair clamps?

Leak repair clamps (also called leak repair clamps or pipe patchers) are effective tools for repairing cracks and holes in pipes and are particularly suitable for non-professionals.

The advantages are clear:

1. Extremely easy and quick to use:
No special tools are required, usually just a wrench.
No complicated steps like cutting pipes, applying glue, and waiting for it to cure are necessary. Once the water supply is shut off, the repair can be completed in minutes.

2. No need for hot metal or specialized tools:
Unlike welding or hot-melting pipes, leak repair clamps are purely mechanical connections, ensuring safety and no potential risks.

3. Wide adaptability and excellent sealing:
They typically contain a high-quality rubber sealing ring. Tightening the bolts applies pressure to the ring, ensuring a tight fit around the damaged area, instantly sealing the leak.
They are suitable for a variety of pipe materials, including PVC, PPR, cast iron, and steel.

4. Water-operated (to a certain extent):
For leaks with low pressure, some leak repair clamps can be used without completely shutting off the water supply. This is very useful in emergency situations where prolonged water outages are unacceptable. (However, to ensure effectiveness, it is still recommended to shut off the water supply if possible.)
5. Can be used as a permanent or semi-permanent repair:
High-quality leak repair clamps have a long-lasting rubber seal and, if installed correctly, can be considered a permanent repair solution.

Limitations of leak repair clamps:

If the damaged pipe is severely deformed or out of round, the sealing effect will be affected.

The housing is typically made of metals such as ductile iron and carbon steel, which are corrosion-resistant and high-strength. It can last the same life as the original pipe, eliminating the need for frequent repairs. Baoshuo brand carbon steel half joints are available in a variety of rubber materials, including NBR, EPDM, FKM, and silicone rubber. The half joint body is available in Q235 carbon steel and 304 and 316L stainless steel.

The following are Baoshuo brand oil-resistant pipe repair clamps, high-temperature-resistant pipe repair clamps, acid- and alkali-resistant pipe repair clamps, stainless steel pipe repair clamps, high-pressure-resistant pipe repair clamps, and large-diameter pipe repair clamps.

🧿 Summary and Recommendations

Summary and Recommendations

Minor cracks/pinholes: Try epoxy sealant.

Significant cracks or pipe damage: Use leak repair clamps; this is the fastest, most reliable, and easiest solution.

Leaking joints or severely damaged pipes: Cut off the damaged section and replace it with new fittings and glue. This is the most fundamental solution.

We hope this information helps you successfully resolve your water pipe leaks!