This is in my garage and the previous owner used screws [cut them off and used silicone to cover] to patch the PVC pipe. Looks like they tried to hang something previously and ran screws through the PVC drain pipe and then fixed. I took off the drywall patch on the wall because I wanted to take a look to see what was going on behind the wall. Glad I did because one of the screws was leaking a little bit behind the wall. What are everyone's thoughts on fixing this? Do I need to cut the section out to permanently fix this? I would like to put drywall back on the wall and paint but I want to make sure this is fixed. The screw holes are small.

I have read forums discussing using screws to patch [like the previous homeowner did], using JB water weld in the holes, and patching using a piece of PVC. Thoughts on fixing this? Thank You!

 

J-

I think you might be able to use a hacksaw blade and with some difficulty, but doable, cut out the bad sections of the pipe. I’m pretty sure you would be allowed by code to use Fernco type couplers there, which my guess would be- a much better repair.

See what the more experienced guys say.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Fernco-1-1-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

We're only seeing a short portion of the pipe with three screw holes.
What about the rest of it....... floor to ceiling ?

Personally..... I'd plug the holes with epoxy.
But if there are more screws above or below that exposed area..... you may be better off replacing the pipe.

 

Agreed, for 2 or 3 small screw holes, I'd use either JB Weld, or make a some 'pvc filler' using some small pvc shavings and some pvc glue. Clean and maybe sand the PVC a bit before using either so they will adhere well. Either way, I don't think you'll ever have to worry about it again.

 

Pete,

Thanks for the reply. This was the only section that had the drywall removed and patched. I took off the drywall patch to take a look at what happened [there was evidence of water damage]. The rest of the wall is intact drywall and I looked at the drywall up/down and did not see any additional holes in the drywall. So I think this is the only section that has been impacted. I was wondering if I should drill the screws out of the pipe and then use JB weld to repatch. I am a bit concerned that the previous fix did not use stainless steel screws as the picture appears to show some rust. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Jon

 

Zorfdt,

I am thinking that I should remove the patch screws [they look rusty] using a tap and die set, carefully, and then repatch using JB water weld. I was going to cut out a section of 'donor' PVC pipe to cover over the JB weld patch with PVC glue. Not sure if that is overkill - just don't want this leaking again.

I like your tagline - I guess the worst that could happen is that I have Poo water in the garage wall if this doesn't work....LOL

 

Zoesdad,

Thanks for the link to the coupler. I am hoping to not have to cut out a section of the pipe but might have to if I can't patch the PVC pipe. Yes - I agree with difficulty, I could remove the pipe section - I could use my Dremel Multimax but the clearance between the interior [bathroom side] and exterior [garage side] drywall with the existing pipe is tight already. Adding a coupler would be tight. Hoping I can patch it.

 

I think you should avoid forums or comments to patch pipes, it's a PVC drain pipe, open up the wall to the point you can get to it, cut it out and replace. Do it right and forget about it!

 

I've seen this done, though have never done it myself. If you do, make sure to sand down the JB Weld patch so it doesn't cause a bump. The PVC 'patch' should be completely against the existing pipe. Many people use hose clamps, or a strap wrench to tighten and hold it tightly against the pipe while the cement cures. Remember that PVC cement isn't like glue and it's not supposed to "fill" the space, but instead melt the two plastic surfaces and allow them to chemically weld together.