How to Repair a Broken PVC

A variety of applications around the home use PVC, with drain and vent piping as the most common. Fairly strong, PVC handles a significant amount of pressure, but it can crack and break under certain circumstances--especially in cold temperatures. When a crack or other damage appears, repair the broken section of PVC pipe and prevent the internal contents from spilling out.

• 1

  Position the slip-fix fitting next to the broken PVC pipe and mark the pipe at both ends of the fitting.

• 2

  Cut the broken PVC pipe at the marks with a PVC cutter. You should now have an open section large enough in which to slide the slip-fix fitting.

• 3

  Remove the burr on the edge of the PVC pipe with sandpaper or a utility knife.

• 4

  Apply PVC primer to both ends of the pipe and to the inside of the couplings on the slip-fix fitting. Take care to prevent the primer from running into the slip-fix fitting, as it may interfere with the O-ring.

• 5

  Apply PVC glue to both ends of the pipe and to the inside of the couplings on the slip-fix fitting. Push the stationary end of the slip-fix fitting onto the PVC pipe while twisting it one-third of a turn.

• 6

  Slide the remaining end of the slip-fix fitting over the other end of the PVC pipe and hold both in place for 45 seconds to allow the glue to take hold.

• 7

  Wait at least one hour before pressurizing the PVC pipe with water, if the pipe is normally kept under pressure.