PVC piping, like many other forms of cold water piping, is a bit tricky to repair. That’s why when pipes wear out and breach, it takes a professional with top-notch tools and years of experience to get them back in working order. If you want to learn more about cracked PVC pipe repair and how professionals handle it, allow Triangle Plumbing Services, a leading plumber in Midlothian, VA, to explain everything you need to know.
Why Do PVC Pipes Crack?
When looking at PVC pipe failure in your Midlothian home, there are a few causes that immediately come to mind. Here are a few common causes that experts look for when determining if you need cracked PVC pipe repair in Midlothian.
Joint Malfunction
Joints are, inherently, the weakest point of any pipe. Gaskets are places of weakness compared to the rest of your pipe, which is why when you need cracked PVC pipe repair, it’s usually near a curve or other joint bending area. Temperature changes and age can wear down a pipe’s joints until the weakest part breaks, causing a crack that expands into a full-on breach.
Physical Breakage
Another common culprit of PVC cracking is blunt physical force. Because PVC is made from plastic, hard impacts can cause it to crack. Shifting foundations and tree root intrusion cause PVC pipes to crack over time.
Faulty Installation
If your PVC piping is installed incorrectly, this can cause breakage down the line. If your local Midlothian plumber fails to use the correct glue when connecting each pipe, the glue will eventually break down, damaging the pipe’s integrity. Using too much force can also damage pipes, causing them to crack from stress once their durability is put to the test.
Frigid Temperatures
Frosty winters can do a real number on your PVC pipes. In cold weather, the water in your pipes can freeze, which might cause the pipes to burst.
How Pros Handle Cracked PVC Pipe Repair in Midlothian
PVC pipe damage can cause water damage in your yard. This is why it’s important to take inventory of where your leaks are, keeping tabs on where potential water buildup begins in your yard, walls, or home. Depending on leak location and severity, there are many ways to handle cracked PVC pipe repair. Such methods include:
Slip Coupling
If you need cracked PVC pipe repair, one way a professional plumber can fix it is by coupling two whole sections of the pipe with a cut-and-glue method called slip coupling. With this tactic, plumbers can connect two pipes by cutting them apart and gluing them back together. The only problem with this method is that inaccessible pipes, such as those underground or behind walls, are more challenging to get to.
Patch Clamping
Another way professionals can try cracked PVC pipe repair in your Midlothian home is by using patch clamping. This method involves simply relining the pipe with patches, which is why it is the preferred method for pipe fixing. This method does not involve unearthing the entire pipe, although it does involve removing a section, which can be tricky even for experienced plumbers.
Epoxy Putty
Professionals can undertake cracked PVC pipe repair with epoxy, a waterproof sealant that is just as repellent and protective as the base PVC piping itself. This is a temporary measure, only meant to hold the fort until a professional can get in there with true replacement work.
Rubberized Tape
Rubberized tape is yet another option for quickly patching up cracked PVC pipes. Note that this is a temporary fix. This method involves strapping the tape around the area, creating a tight seal that can hold until a professional can remove the damaged section of the pipe and replace it with new, whole portions.
Schedule Cracked PVC Pipe Repair in Midlothian
When your pipes need fixing, get an expert on it who makes your priorities as important as their own. Now that you know everything you need to know about how cracked PVC pipe repair works, why not trust Triangle Plumbing Services with your piping needs? We specialize in everything from plumbing problems that cause indoor flooding to leak detection both outside and inside. You’ll love the long-term reliability you get when you work with us.
When we send an expert to your Midlothian home, we send someone who is a veteran of professional repair methods, whether it be pipe replacement or appliance installation. If you want to work with Triangle Plumbing Services, consider us as your long-term solution. To schedule an appointment, call 804-550-6336.
