PVC drain pipe repair - tape?

Binky

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,046
4
81
I have a gash and a leak in a vertical section of a toilet drain. It's under the house (ugh), and from a toilet (yuk), so I'd really prefer to repair it rather than replace it. Sewer gases are coming out, so it needs to be fixed soon.

Would some type of pipe tape work? I see several types available, but some list specs of up to 1 inch pipe, etc. What works well for a 4-6 inch PVC drain pipe?
 

Micrornd

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2013
1,338
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106
Fixing it right is best.

If you can't or don't want to, go to a plumbing supply house and ask for a "wrap-around repair clamp".
They come in different lengths and for different size pipes, so you need to know both.
 

mindless1

Diamond Member
Aug 11, 2001
8,639
1,691
126
Why do you have a gash? Did the ground (or home) shift and tear it apart?

I agree with the others, cut out the bad piece and cement in new with a couple, couplers or just one and a new run all the way up to the toilet.

Pics would be nice, of the pipe, or anything really. :p

skpic-cougar-under-deck.jpg
 
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Binky

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,046
4
81
I went down into the crawl to get a better look and the cut mark extends all the way up to the end of the piece, so I don't think it's fixable with tape or clamps. It looks like a cut mark that eventually cracked all the way up. Some genius cut it while he was down there, most likely during foundation repairs that were done.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
69,778
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www.anyf.ca
Best way is to fix it right by replacing that joint.

Though as a temp fix you could probably get away with tons of duct tape and then clamps to hold the duct tape tight. Could maybe throw some caulk in the crack itself too. Heck construction adhesive might also work. Suppose it's worth a shot, just check it regularly to make sure it does not start to leak again. Make a mental note that if ever you want to change out the toilet you can fix the whole pipe too while you're there.
 

Meghan54

Lifer
Oct 18, 2009
11,684
5,225
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Again, as has been said before, why waste your time, effort and money doing a quick fix that won't last and have to end up doing the job twice at twice the time, effort and additional money? Makes no sense on any level.