Slight PVC Leak; JB WaterWeld?

HeyEng · Aug 19, 2020

I have a small leak (probably 2 drops per 30 seconds) from a previous UV installation. There isn't too much room for replacing the section of PVC and was thinking of trying some WaterWeld on it to see if it would work. Reviews on Lowe's seem mixed on PVC usage so just curious if anyone has given it a try. I have attached pics to see the problem area, the red box is the exact area that the water is seeping from, not the brass cap. Thanks all!

JoyfulNoise · Aug 20, 2020

Is that a Teflon fitting that is screwed into the PVC? It doesn’t look like PVC, ABS, or Nylon.

HeyEng · Aug 20, 2020

JoyfulNoise said:
Is that a Teflon fitting that is screwed into the PVC? It doesn’t look like PVC, ABS, or Nylon.

Your guess is as good as mine! But good catch. I don't know that the WaterWeld would do much good with that material.

Silver_2000 · Aug 20, 2020

it might be easier to just replace the fitting with a PVC or brass one and wrap it in Teflon tape when you reinstall

Desert Dog · Aug 20, 2020

I agree fitting looks like it may be screwed in? I would try taking it out and see if you can fit something else in its place. If that doesn't work you could still remove it, then cut a PVC coupler of the correct in half long ways and glue on top over the hole. Then use a hose clamp over that. I think it would hold just fine has there isn't much pressure. Not the best repair but an option if you don't want to replace a section of plumbing.

HeyEng · Aug 20, 2020

Desert Dog said:
I agree fitting looks like it may be screwed in? I would try taking it out and see if you can fit something else in its place. If that doesn't work you could still remove it, then cut a PVC coupler of the correct in half long ways and glue on top over the hole. Then use a hose clamp over that. I think it would hold just fine has there isn't much pressure. Not the best repair but an option if you don't want to replace a section of plumbing.

I didn't think about the 1/2 PVC solution, I like it! I have been hesitant to unscrew the fitting since I don't know if it would reseat without issue.

JoyfulNoise · Aug 20, 2020

I’m a bit OCD about my plumbing, Id just redo the whole line. You’d need a new coupler for the SWG but I thought those were standard 2” unions. Either way, I’m a “fix it right, fix it once” kind of guy .... which probably explains why I have such a long list of un-started home improvement projects

HeyEng · Aug 20, 2020

JoyfulNoise said:
I’m a bit OCD about my plumbing, Id just redo the whole line. You’d need a new coupler for the SWG but I thought those were standard 2” unions. Either way, I’m a “fix it right, fix it once” kind of guy .... which probably explains why I have such a long list of un-started home improvement projects

Yeah, you are probably right. But, like you, there are about 122 other projects going on and I would really prefer not to deal with it. But as well all know, leaks don't tend to fix themselves.