This Wiki page supplements Swimming Pool Plumbing Repair in TFP Pool School. The Wiki provides additional details on tools, products, and methods for PVC repair. All links to products and vendors are provided for the convenience of TFP Members, and TFP receives no compensation from them.
Types of PVC
Rigid Schedule 40
Shopping for pool PVC parts can be confusing, especially at the "big box" stores where PVC is suitable for house plumbing mixed with PVC for pools. It is essential to check the markings and select the correct PVC pipes and fittings for use in a pool.
Pool PVC (polyvinyl chloride) should be marked "Schedule 40". Schedule 40 PVC is made for water under pressure. If the pipe has ASTM D 1785 on the pipe, it's suitable for pressure applications. A rating of ASTM D 2665 means non-pressure applications and should not be used for pools.[1]
A pipe can be dual-rated ASTM D 1785 and ASTM D 2665, but it has to say ASTM D 1785 if used for pressure.
The pipe should also be labeled NSF-PW (National Sanitation Foundation - Potable Water) and Schedule 40 PVC.
You may also find Schedule 80 PVC in stores. Schedule 80 PVC is designed for higher-pressure applications and can be used instead of Schedule 40 PVC.
Note: ASTM D1785 is for pipe.
ASTM D1784 is the specification for the PVC material.
ASTM D2466 is the correct rating for the fittings.
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2683/energy_efficient_sweep_els_specification_2020.pdf
Clear Schedule 40 PVC
PVC Fittings Online sells Spears brand clear PVC pipe as 5' sticks.
They also have Clear PVC Couplings and Clear PVC Tees.
DWV (Drain, Waste, Vent)
You will find PVC pipe and fittings marked DWV (Drain, Waste, Vent) in the plumbing areas of big box stores. DWV is for non-pressurized plumbing and should not be used for a pool. DWV PVC has thinner walls than Schedule 40 PVC.
You can see the difference between pool-rated Schedule 40 PVC and DWV PVC parts. Schedule 40 PVC parts have deeper hubs (ends) than DWV PVC parts. The shallower ends on DWV parts are used to identify their incorrect use in pool plumbing.
The socket depth for schedule 40 is about 1.3" deep.
CPVC
You may also see CPVC products. Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a thermoplastic produced by chlorinating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, which is significantly more flexible and can withstand higher temperatures than standard PVC. CPVC is sometimes used in pump unions. CPVC can withstand heat and can safely carry drinking water.
Flex PVC
Flex PVC has its uses as long as it is good quality schedule 40 flex PVC. Around spas and in spa walls is one of them. Rigid PVC has more puncture resistance for long buried runs and can last longer.
Flex is great if you’re a pool builder installing a pool you’ll never have to maintain. Flex is terrible for the pool owner who has to live with the pool.
Sources for flexible PVC are:
The following is from the Flexible PVC Pipe FAQ.
When is "schedule 40" not schedule 40?
There are two "Schedule 40" ratings.
One is for dimensions, and the other is for usage. Our flexible PVC is the same dimensions as Sch 40 pipe, but it's different from rigid pvc pipe in 2 very big ways:
1) Flexible PVC pipe is not rated for potable (drinking) water, and
2) Flexible PVC pipe will not take the same pressure rigid pvc will. (See PVC Pipe pressure & dimension chart.)
Also, Flexible PVC pipe is treated as a hose by the building industry, not a pipe.
Thus our hose fits Schedule 40 fittings (dimensionally) and can be used in place of schedule 40 pipe for many applications, but it does not meet all the requirements for schedule 40 pipe. (If you look at the specification on the PVC Pipe pressure & dimension page you'll see the pressure ratings are not the same as schedule 40 pipe.)
So, while we call it "flexible pvc pipe" in reality it's a hose that fits perfectly into schedule 40 fittings, but it has a lower pressure rating, can't take dead head pressure and it not approved for potable water. (Potable water means approved for human consumption.) Irrigation, fish, nurseries, farming, livestock, etc are all okay provided you don't exceed the pressure ratings.
There is also some information on this on Understanding and Identifying Your Pipe & Fittings.
Flex PVC has a minimum bend radius and can be kinked if bent too sharply. Minimum bend radius for 1 1/2" flex PVC is 5" and 2" flex PVC is 8".[2]
AWWA C901-20 Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe and Tubing
Not PVC, but polyethylene pipe can be found in pool plumbing. PE pipe[3] is intended for potable, reclaimed, and wastewater service use. PE pipe ranges in nominal size from 3/4 in. (19 mm) through 3 in. (76 mm) and conforms to the outside diameter (OD) dimensions of iron pipe size (IPS). PE tubing ranges in size from 3/4 in. (19 mm) through 2 in. (51 mm) and conforms to the OD dimensions of copper tube size (CTS).
PE pipe is joined to PVC using a barbed fitting and worm clamps. PE Pipe Joining Procedures contains additional information on joining PE pipe.
How to connect Poly pipe to PVC pipe is a YouTube video explaining how to transition from PE to PVC.
PE pipe is long lasting and may not be as pliable as it ages.
You can make PE pipe more workable by using a heat gun to mildly warm it.
Standard pipe clamps can be used or tight seal bolt clamps that give more even tension on the joint.[4]
Cutting PVC
Cutting PVC is described in the Pool School article.
If you work with 2" or larger PVC, a Sawzall cuts it easily. They do not sell a PVC cutter that works for larger PVC unless you pay a LOT of money for it. The $20 ones don't work at all.
If you have one, a power miter or band saw is handy for cutting the new pieces to length.
Standard dimensions of PVC Pipe
| Nominal Pipe Size | Outside Diameter | Inside Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4 | 1.050 | 0.824 |
| 1 | 1.315 | 1.049 |
| 1 1/2 | 1.900 | 1.610 |
| 2 | 2.375 | 2.067 |
| 2 1/2 | 2.875 | 2.469 |
| 3 | 3.500 | 3.068 |
Standard dimensions and weight of PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride - and CPVC - Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride is a complete chart of PVC pipe specifications.
Uncoupling Existing PVC Components
Hub Saver
Sometimes, plumbers assemble valves, elbows, and couplers tightly together without much PVC between them to cut into. That requires removing a large plumbing section before you get to a piece of PVC pipe you can put a coupler onto.
A "hub saver" or "socket saver" is a "drill bit"-type device that allows you to drill out a 1.5" or 2" pipe that is glued inside a valve body or connector.
See this page at plumbingsupply.com for pictures of how their PVC Fitting Savers work.
Home Depot sells a less expensive 2 in. Socket Saver by JONES STEPHENS.
Pasco has a PVC Ram Bit on page C-1, like the Jones Stephens socket saver. Unfortunately, Pasco says they don't sell to the public.
There are videos on YouTube showing how a socket saver works.[5] See PVC/ABS Socket Saver Instructional Video By: Everything Home TV and 4 GENIUS Ways To Remove Glued PVC Fittings | GOT2LEARN
Using a Heat Gun if working with couplers
Rather than cutting out the existing PVC plumbing a member devised a successful method of uncoupling the piece and just gluing on the new coupler:[6]
- Using a heat gun, soften the PVC coupler in one spot, peel it up, and expose the male PVC pipe the coupler is glued to.
- Then, work the heat gun around while prying up the softened coupler until all coupler material is removed.
- Using 80, 150, and 300 grit sandpaper, clean the surface and ensure a proper fit for the new coupler.
- Primer and glue the new coupler to the existing male PVC pipe.
- Check for leaks.
Unpeeling union using heat gun
PVC after union peeled off
PVC after sanding
PVC with new union
PVC SWG connected
Coupling a Pipe Cut Flush with Concrete
Should a pipe be cut off flush with concrete or buried underground, a MagicMend will solve the problem. The MagicMend insider connector will join two pieces of PVC schedule 40 pipe together.
It is an "inside slip connector." They are designed to slip inside a PVC pipe. They're available in 1.5" or 2".
The MagicMend is in the middle of the picture below. It slides into the 2" pipe inside the elbow to the right.
Note that CPVC has a slightly smaller inside diameter (1.939") compared to regular PVC (2.067"). A standard MagicMend won't fit without modification as they are made for standard PVC. Force the extender into a CPVC pipe, and it will split. Using a Magic Mend with CPVC can be made to work, but it is best tried by someone who has a lot of experience with PVC.[7]
Stripped Screw Holes in Valves
Sometimes this works, and sometimes it does not.[8]
Take off the lid and set it aside. Then using two-part slow-setting epoxy, fill all the screw holes, and then before the epoxy sets up, dip the screw threads into Vaseline and screw them into the holes. Let dry overnight.
In theory, the screws should back right out. Clean up the lid area and replace the o-ring or seal.
Install the lid and make sure not to torque the screws to 100-foot lbs.
Gluing PVC
Follow the basic gluing instructions in the Pool School article.
Tips
- Wear gloves, latex, or nitrile since PVC primer contains xylenes, which dissolve the PVC to make a fused joint. Xylene is not good for getting on your skin or inhaling.
- Use unions to connect to pumps, filters, and SWG.
- Gluing PVC to CPVC: you can use regular PVC glue if you give it 12 hours to set.[9] Or you can use the Oatys red can All Purpose Cement.
- All brands have fast set glue types. There's nothing special about any brand. Faster setting glue is harder to work with. As long as you use good quality glue and give it plenty of time to dry, it's fine.[10]
- While the Oaty website[11] says, “Can I use All Purpose Cement to join PVC to CPVC? No. It is not recommended because it takes longer for CPVC to finish the curing process necessary to complete a strong bond after the cement is applied. CPVC is also rated for hot water use, which will affect cure times. PVC is not rated for hot water temperatures.” We feel that for pool uses, it is acceptable.[12]
- Prefit the pipe using soapy water to get full penetration. It's still hard to get it to fit up, but you have to do this to get a trued-up and square installation with good penetration at each fitting. Then, when everything is square, mark the edges of each fitting with a pencil. Also, mark a perpendicular line from the pipe to the fitting. Use a pencil, not a magic marker, since the glue will dissolve anything other than a pencil. When you glue the fittings, line them up with the marks. The pipe will be perfectly square and look like a pro did it!
- You can use the "face" to "face" measure, then add in the total makeup (socket depth), in this case, 3". Depending on your measuring and cutting technique, you will need to adjust that measure further (after a few tries, you will have a very dependable standard). You can use a few scrap pieces as gunners (as in, I'm not gunna to use that piece) to hold it together to get the actual measures. This only works when you use a tool that gives a nice square cut.
- Dope threaded PVC and do not glue. The biggest mistake is over tightening threaded connections.[13]
Primers
Purple PVC primer chemically cleans the surface of the pipes. Primer also softens the pipe surface so they bond together tightly. The primer should be used before PVC cement.
Purple primer is colored to let inspectors or anyone else tell whether primer was used. If you are not very careful, it can look messy.[14]
You can use clear primer and clear heavy-duty glue for the above-grade pad connections for neatness.
Glues
Links for products the TFP members have used are provided for Members' convenience.
PVC glue is clear, white, or blue.
- Try to get a good "blue" glue. They have more PVC in them than clear. Makes a better joint.
- If you're going to use a fast set glue, be well prepared and organized. You do not get a large window to join the pieces. Otherwise, use a slow set glue and give yourself more time to adjust the joint.
- Oatey Hot Medium Blue Lava PVC Cement is formulated for wet conditions, quick pressurization, and fast installation, and is easy to apply with included in-lid dauber. This is a blue, medium-body, very fast-setting PVC cement.
- Oatey Rain-R-Shine® Medium Blue PVC Cement is formulated for wet conditions and quick pressurization, and is easy to apply with included in-lid dauber. This is a blue, medium-bodied, fast-set cement.
- Red Hot PVC Cement has been used without primer.[15]
- 10159 White 719 Extra Heavy-Bodied PVC Professional Industrial-Grade Cement Slow-Setting Low-Voc
- Oatey Cements & Primers
- Oatey® All Purpose Cement is a medium-bodied, milky-clear cement for use on all schedules and classes of ABS, PVC and CPVC pipe and fittings up to 6 diameter with interference fit.
- 795 glue is required for spa flex to rigid PVC.
Other glues that should not be used but sometimes are:
- ABS glue is black, and the solvent in ABS glue does not dissolve into the PVC as proper PVC glue does so that it might adhere, but it does not provide the actual chemical weld that takes place in a properly glued joint. ABS glue should be able to be peeled off a PVC pipe.[16]
- Electrical PVC glue is grey, and pipes glued with gray glue, designed for use with electrical conduit, must be given overnight to cure before putting it under pressure. Many people like using it because it gives more working time with the joint. Joints glued with grey glue can blow apart even after a few days in the cold weather.
- Oatey and Weld-On have PVC glue that is fine for schedule 40 PVC and is grey.
Assembling Threaded Plastic Fittings
The "Do's and Don'ts" of Assembling Threaded Plastic Fittings from Lasco Fittings, now Westlake Pipe & Fittings, provided a great explanation of the Do’s and Don’ts not to have threaded fittings crack.
From the Lasco article:
- Don't over-tighten joints by giving them "one more turn to be sure.”
- Do finger tighten plus one or two turns - No More.
- Don't use "stronger" Schedule 80 threaded fittings, assuming they may solve the problem of splitting through over-tightening.
- Use only Schedule 40 threaded fittings with Schedule 40 pipe and fittings.
- Don't wrap Teflon tape, paste, or pipe dope to add bulk or lubricate the joint.
- Do use a sealant for threaded joints.
- A sealing compound must be compatible with plastics. Many brands of pipe sealant contain oils, solvents, or carriers that can damage plastic. A proper sealant must be certified by the manufacturer to be harmless to the fitting material and not to contaminate fluid in the pipe. Finally, a sealing compound must not lubricate the joint to encourage over-tightening. Several sealants on the market meet all these requirements.
Pentair has the label below on some MPVs saying to use Plasto-Joint Stik only and not Teflon paste or pipe dope on the threads. Take the Plasto-Joint Stik and drag it across the threads as you rotate. Pentair also says to tighten hand tight, plus 1 1/2 turns maximum.
Hayward MPV valves have the sticker below:
Supporting a Long PVC Pipe Run
Long PVC runs in the air should be supported so a joint does not crack if the pipe is leaned on. The picture below shows pipes that need support.
To support a 1 1/2" pipe, take a 2" T and cut off the top so it is open in a U and will slip onto the outside of the pipe. Then, put a leg on it of the height needed for support. No water flows through it.[17]
PVC Parts Sources
Schedule 40 parts are hard to find in the home improvement stores. If you want to shop locally, find the places a plumber goes, not a store with a plumbing aisle. Ferguson is a nationwide plumbing chain with many locations.
Below are online sources members have found helpful:
Supply House has a good selection of Schedule 40 PVC.
PVC Fittings Online has a TON of PVC parts you can't find at HD or Lowes, and shipping is affordable. They have a lot of hard-to-find stuff, like a 2" 90 with a 1" tee.[18]
Lasco Fittings has all sizes, schedules, and configurations of Pool/Spa fittings. They can be found in many big box stores and online retailers. Lasco Schedule 40 Fitting Catalog
Spears Manufacturing has an Online Sourcebook of Schedule 40 parts.
Anderson Manufacturing has Kwik Repair Fittings that makes installing or repairing PVC lines faster, easier, and more cost efficient by requiring just one fitting. Repairs can be made without bending or flexing the existing pipe using tapered sleeves that slide onto the pipe. The sleeves have been known to leak and should not be buried underground. Above ground, they can be helpful and replaced if they begin leaking.
Anderson Manufacturing also has Extender Fittings used when replacing a standard glued-in fitting, valve, etc. Extends the length of the new fitting so it can be re-glued onto the existing pipe. One end of this fitting goes over the existing PVC pipe, and the other fits inside another plumbing fitting. Use this to repair plumbing or replace fittings where at least 1-1/4" of exposed pipe remains.
Tools for Pools Catalog has many problem solving products.
Use of 90 Degree Sweeps
There is no real difference between a 90-degree elbow and a sweep 90 degrees. As long as you keep the water velocity below 6 ft/sec on the suction and below 8 ft/sec on the pressure side of the pump, the difference between a sweep 90 and sharp 90 is minimal.[19]
- Size.......6 ft/sec......8 ft/sec.
- 1.5"...........38...............51 gpm
- 2"..............63...............84 gpm
- 2.5............90.............119 gpm
- 3.0".........138.............184 gpm
Lasco provides the following chart on the reduction in head loss for their 90-degree sweeps.[20] While the percentages look significant unless you have many 90-degree turns in the plumbing, you will see no operational differences in the performance of your equipment using the sweeps.
PVC Joint Leak Repair
Marine Epoxy
For a leak at a joint on the pressure side near the pump, run the pump and have some "marine epoxy" mixed and ready, then wait for the leak.[21]
Shut off the pump and quickly dry where the leak is. Apply the epoxy immediately.
Once the pump is off, the water in the filter is no longer pressurized and wants to fall out, but atmospheric pressure needs to get in for that to happen. This results in a suction situation where the leak is present. The atmosphere will "push" the epoxy into the gap where it was leaking. It may take 2 applications.
Let it set for a day before starting the pump.
This works like magic and has fixed leaks that otherwise would have been a significant undertaking, mainly due to access issues.
Look for LOCTITE marine epoxy, widely available. Slathering PVC glue on the joint can also work.
Leak-B-Gone Ring
A member successfully repaired a slow drip joint at a coupler in 2" PVC using “Leak-B-Gone rings.” [22] Essentially little snap on PVC collars that repair bad joints.[23] They may be worth a try before you do more elaborate surgery to a leaking PVC joint.
Leak-B-Gone PVC Pipe Repair rings are intended to permanently repair leaks at PVC pipe joints where the glue has not adhered correctly during installation, or the joint has come loose. They are available in seven sizes between 3/4 in. and 4 in. pipe. Leak-B-Gone rings are easily installed within 60 seconds, as they do not require any outside tool. Apply primer and cement to the pipe and slide the Leak-B-Gone ring around the leaking pipe joint to install.
Leak-B-Gone rings are available at Amazon, Home Depot, and other supply stores. You will find videos on YouTube showing its use.
PVC Crack Repairs
Repair products members have used include[24]:
Plast-aid has been used to repair cracks in skimmers and SWGs. It bonds well with PVC, and it's solid.
The fitting saver or Frankenplug can repair leaking return fittings, skimmer lines, and main drain lines within 14" of a wall:
Painting PVC
Some jurisdictions, like Sacramento County, California, require pool PVC to be painted.[25]
Some PVC manufacturers recommend PVC pipes exposed to the direct effects of UV radiation be painted with a light-colored acrylic or latex paint that is chemically compatible with the PVC/CPVC products. Compatibility information should be confirmed with the paint manufacturer. The use of oil-based paints is not recommended.[26]
Preparation is the key to painting anything. Scuff with a Scotch Bright pad or sandpaper and clean with acetone or alcohol; anything will stick to it.
Paints that people have used include:
- Rustoleum 2X paint and primer in one spray paint that says it is suitable for plastics
- Krylon Fusion
- BEHR ULTRA Stain-Blocking Paint + Primer in one. Less expensive than spray cans and NO OVERSPRAY on equipment. Once drop cloths are laid down and a bit of masking around the outer edges of the valve housings and compression fittings are complete, it's a breeze and comes out nice.[27]
- "dip your car" type plastic dip/spray, and it has a 3 to 10-year UV stable rating.
.
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/sch-40-dwv-280psi-pvc-question.192390/post-1695456
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-pipe-collapse-near-skimmer.241543/post-2116867
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/attachments/tn-49-pdf.607058/
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/replace-plumbing-on-ig-pool-with-buried-hose-and-barb-fittings.302669/post-2646627
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/tx-freeze-jandy-valve-in-awkward-spot-suggestions.224462/post-1968091
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/uncoupling-existing-pvc-components.193503/post-1705385
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/hairline-crack-leak-on-pipe-to-chlorinator.266183/post-2329287
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/check-valve-issues.199283/post-1759645
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/glue-for-pvc-pipe-into-cpvc-jandy-valve.156350/post-1383484
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/sch-40-dwv-280psi-pvc-question.192390/post-1696188
- ↑ https://www.oatey.com/PlasticPipeCement
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/glue-for-pvc-pipe-into-cpvc-jandy-valve.156350/
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/general-pool-build-questions.241628/post-2118726
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/cpvc-to-pvc-bonding.180862/#post-1600421
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/what-should-i-pipe-pump-install-with.178794/#post-1580589
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/need-advice-on-fiberglass-pool-crack-repair-and-plumbing-replacement.283548/post-2484217
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/exposed-pvc-pipe-stand-leg-holder.219613/
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pvc-parts.183931/
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/90-degree-vs-180-degree-check-valve-flow-characteristics.197942/post-1747114
- ↑ https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/1824/sweeps2013.pdf
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pvc-fitting-leak.221705/post-1942135
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/leak-repair-success.200931/post-1773034
- ↑ https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leak-B-Gone-2-in-PVC-Repair-Ring-10-Pack-45035/205346966
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/cracked-skimmer.266025/post-2327751
- ↑ http://thomasinspections.com/files/Pool_SpaRequirementsSacCounty.pdf
- ↑ https://www.usplastic.com/knowledgebase/article.aspx?contentkey=774
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/best-quality-pvc-paint.277338/post-2434035
