PVC pipe joint leaking

Symptoms

• Water seeping or dripping at a glued joint
• Visible gap or discoloration where two pipe sections meet
• Leak worse under water pressure than when static
• Joint may look slightly separated

Likely causes

• CommonIncomplete or improperly applied solvent weld during installationPVC joints rely on a chemical weld from primer and cement; insufficient coverage or wrong technique leaves weak spots.
• CommonPipe not fully seated before the cement setIf the pipe wasn't pushed all the way into the fitting and held briefly, the joint can be weak or gapped.
• PossibleCracked fitting from impact or freeze damagePVC can crack from a sharp impact or from water freezing and expanding inside it.
• Less commonExcess stress on the joint from unsupported pipeA long unsupported pipe run can flex and eventually stress a joint to failure.

What to do

1. Shut off water to the affected line before attempting any repair.
2. Let the pipe dry completely, then cut out the leaking joint and a few inches of pipe on each side with a PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw.
3. Dry-fit a new coupling and pipe sections to confirm proper length and alignment before gluing.
4. Apply PVC primer to both the pipe ends and the inside of the fitting, then apply PVC cement generously and evenly.
5. Push the pieces together with a quarter-turn twist and hold for about 30 seconds to ensure a solid bond.
6. Let the joint cure fully per the product's instructions (often 15–30 minutes for handling, longer before pressurizing) before turning water back on.
7. Check the repaired joint carefully for leaks once water is restored, and support the pipe run if it was previously sagging.

Tools and parts

• PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw
• PVC primer and cement

When to call a pro

Call a plumber if the leaking section is hard to access, is under a slab, or if you're not comfortable cutting and regluing pipe.

Safety