Steps for Repairing PVC Pipe in the Ground

Wondering what that unusual puddle is in your yard? PVC piping is known for its durability, but trees, freezing temperatures, or even heavy traffic can sometimes cause these pipes to break. If you think your underground pipes are leaking, these are some simple steps you can take to repair the leak quickly.

Suspect you may have an underground leak? Puddling in your yard in an unusual spot is often a telltale sign. Before you break out the shovels or heavy machinery, though, be sure to check that there is, in fact, a leak. Start by locating your water meter. It’s often near the driveway and the street under a heavy ground cover. Mark the gauge inside the box.

Next, locate your shut-off valve inside your house and turn it off, along with all faucets inside. After 30 minutes, check the water meter again. If the gauge inside has moved, you likely have a leak in the area where you noticed the puddling or soft ground.

Before you get started, be sure to have the right tools and materials on hand. Each repair is unique, but you’ll likely need the following:

• Shovel
• Hack saw
• Coupling joints (Gray if Needed)
• Sandpaper
• Clean cloth
• Epoxy, tape, or solvent

1. Again, before you do any repair work on your pipes, be sure that the water has been shut off at the main line.
2. Carefully dig around the area you believe the pipe to be. Once the pipe is located, dig a small trench on either side of it as well as over the top.

It’s understandable if you’d prefer to call in a professional. However, there are some simple DIY solutions you can tackle before they make it out to your house. Options include:

• Fiberglass Resin Tape—This temporary option is best for small leaks. Clean the area with a damp rag. Then, wet the tape and wrap it around the leak area, keeping in mind that hairline fractures could extend up to 6 inches from the leak and are often difficult to see. It should harden in about 15 minutes, but you’ll need a more permanent solution soon.

• Rubber and Silicone Repair Tape—This tape comes in a roll and can easily be wrapped around the PVC pipe. However, it adheres to itself, not the pipe, so be sure to wrap the tape several times tightly to ensure a seal.

• Rubber Tape and Hose Clamp—This temporary fix could buy you time before a professional can assist you in repairing the pipe. Wrap the rubber tape tightly around the leak. Then fix and tighten the hose clamps around the area.

1. Determine whether you can just replace the impacted section or if the whole pipe will need to be replaced.
2. Use the saw to cut out the damaged section of pipe, as well as six inches or so on either side. This will ensure that any hairline fractures that may not be visible will also be removed and replaced.
3. Allow any remaining water to fully drain from the pipe and dry it with a cloth.
4. Cut and dry fit a new piece of PVC to fill the gap.
5. Apply PVC solvent to each end of the new piece of pipe and attach the fittings. Twist the fittings to create a seal.
6. Hold in place for at least 10 seconds to set.
7. Next, apply the PVC solvent to the ends of the existing pipes and attach them to the new fittings. Twist and hold in place for at least 10 seconds.
8. Let the pipe sit for 2 hours, then turn the water back on to check for leaks. Allow the system to run for at least 20 minutes.
9. If no leaks can be detected, place the soil back in the trench and cover up the pipe.

It’s never fun to spend an afternoon repairing a broken PVC pipe in your yard, but if the issue that caused damage to your pipe isn’t fixed, it could happen again. Did you notice roots in the trench? It could be that the root system of a tree or bush has begun to encroach on your piping. The best solution to the problem is to remove the plant and its root system.

Another common cause of PVC pipes bursting is a frozen irrigation system. If water is left in the pipes for your sprinkler system during the winter, there’s a chance that it could freeze and cause the pipes to burst. If you live in an area where hard freezes are common, you should consider winterizing your system. This involves removing all the water from the pipes prior to the arrival of cold temperatures.

Not everyone is comfortable tackling this DIY project on their own. Calling a professional ensures that the leak is repaired properly. They will also help to determine the cause of the leak so you can remedy the situation. In addition, if you can’t find the source of your leak, it’s best to call a professional who can locate the problem without digging up your entire yard.

Suspect a leak in your yard? First, confirm it by checking your water meter, then turn off your water and gather your tools. You should be able to find the source of the leak by looking for unusual puddling in your yard. Carefully dig a trench around your pipe and assess the situation. You may want to use a temporary product like fiberglass or silicone tape, which can repair small leaks for short periods of time, until a professional can provide a permanent fix. If you want to tackle the project on your own, follow the steps above and be sure to determine the cause of the leak so you can prevent it from happening again.