Renovation
HOW TO REPAIR PVC PIPE IN THE GROUND 12 STEPS
Because of its ease of cutting and installation, PVC pipe is one of the more accessible plumbing vessels to work with. Underground PVC can damage by encroaching trees or plant roots or due to animals digging down into the earth. A busted pipeline can cause water leakages or a defective sink. It is possible to repair the line by cutting out and replacing the damaged portion with a new segment and then cementing it in place.
Once you start your repair, there are few steps to follow. So it is necessary to know before the job how to repair PVC pipe in the ground. Here we are assembling the main key point once should acknowledge making it work.
HOW TO REPLACE A SECTION OF PVC PIPE
Step 1
Locate the spot where the damage takes place. It will be easy to identify if there is a flood soggy ground or puddling. The sprinklers attached to the broken line will not operate due to the injury.
Step 2
Close the primary shut-off valve on the pipeline. Your water may need to be switched off by the city if your home is on municipal water, or you may be able to do it yourself if you have access to the water main at your property.
Step 3
The leaky spot can find by digging carefully along the area where it places. Uncover 3 feet of line on either side of the leak. Ensure plenty of space to work around and below by removing the soil below.
Step 4
Decide if the entire PVC line, or only that part of piping, has to be replaced. The cost of replacing a long stretch that looks in good condition could be prohibitive.
Step 5
Section off the damaged region by sawing 6 inches on each side of the injury site. Use this method to make sure all hairline fractures and other damaged portions in that location to remove. To dry the remaining, use a cloth to wipe both ends. Then, using a utility knife, remove any PVC debris from the cutouts.
Step 6
Both PVC fittings should be dry-fitted on each segment of pipe.
How much new tube do you need?
Measure from one pipe fitting to another’s center to find out. Be sure to remove all of the fittings before you begin to work.
Step 7
Investigate the soil around to determine what may have caused it to be damaged. Tree or plant roots that appear to be the perpetrator should be clipped completely around the piping. Whenever possible, move the tree or plant to prevent future issues along the same line.
Step 8
Cut a new PVC pipe to fill in any gaps in the line. Using a scraper, remove any shavings from the ends. Ascertain that it will fit firmly and tightly without any gaps.
Step 9
Silicone sealant should apply to the ends of the new portion on both sides. Securely attach the new segment to the existing line by placing it along the line and securing it. Then, hold it for a few minutes to make sure it won’t fall off.
Step 10
Install the coupling joints over each of the sealant lines to complete the installation. Securely tighten them into place and let them sit for at least 2 hours before using them.
Step 11
Run your hand along each joint to check for moisture. Then turn on the water again and check for wetness. Let the system operate for a minimum of 20 minutes before making any changes.
Step 12
Place a thick layer of rocks under the new portion and fill the earth around it for added support. Then, once you’ve verified that the new line is working correctly, place the soil back over and cover it entirely, as you did before.
HOW TO REPAIR PVC PIPE IN THE GROUND
The majority of PVC leaks can control by repairing the existing tube. We’ve included five options to restore or replace your PVC tubes in the following for your convenience.
A few of the most prevalent reasons for adjustments and replacements include the following.
- Inappropriate installation
- Wrong sticking glue
- Freezing temperatures
01. Fiberglass Resin Tape
You can use fiberglass resin tape as a temporary fix for leaking. Using a moist rag, wipe the damaged segment before putting the strip. Wrap the tape around the injured area while it’s still wet, and let the resin sit for 15 minutes.
The water-activated resin solidifies around the tube and inhibits leakage on the fiberglass tape, making it easy to fix the line.
02. Rubber and Silicone Repair Tape
With minor leaks, rubber and silicone repair tape is your best bet, and it’s easy to use. Rubber and silicone tape, like fiberglass resin, comes in a roll. It can wrap directly around the PVC pipe. As a result, rather than adhering to a tube, the repair tape sticks to itself instead. Using duct tape to repair the damage, wrap a small amount of tape to the left and right of the damaged region. Because the tape uses compression to seal the leak, make sure the wrap is rigid and protected before reusing the pipes.
03. Epoxy
Epoxy is a putty-like or viscous liquid that use to repair leaks and joints. To repair a pipe or joint with epoxy, first clean and dry the damaged area, ensuring no water gets in.
If necessary, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the putty or liquid. Then apply the epoxy and wait ten minutes for it to cure. Allow water to flow through the pipeline after curing to check for leaks.
04. Rubber Tape and Hose Clamps
Small leaks in PVC pipes can repair by compressing them, just like the rubber and silicone repair tape. First, wrap a piece of rubber around the damaged region. You can also use hose clamps to stop or slow down the leak. The rubber tape and hose clamps will lose their effectiveness as the leak worsens. Thus this should only be a temporary cure.
05. Replacement
In some cases, the damage to a PVC tube is too severe to repair quickly. Replace the damaged part with a new PVC pipe if this is the case. The method of replacement is as above. Follow those steps to make it work.