How To Cap Off A PVC Water Pipe? (Temporary & Premanent Methods)

For those familiar with plumbing, you will be no stranger to PVC pipes and what they are used for. For those who are just starting out in plumbing or those looking for DIY tips, you may not be fully aware of this type of water pipe.

PVC water pipes are the most used plastic water pipe in the world. They can be used for drainage, drinking water distribution and waste handling (among others). Chances are you have PVC water pipes under the sink in the kitchen and possibly the bathroom.

If you’ve been experiencing leaks in your home, then you’re probably looking for solutions to your problem. Today, we’re going to look at how you can cover these PVC water pipes and how it can solve your leaking problem.

Why are PVC water pipes so popular?

Why are PVC water pipes so popular?

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and the characteristics of this plastic have made it the number one replacement for metal pipes. While most people associate PVC with glue, it is just as commonly used for plumbing because it is strong, durable and easy to install. Plus, it’s much cheaper than metal alternatives.

PVC pipes are also very versatile, which means they are capable of being multi-purpose. For example, they are a safe choice for pipes that channel drinking water due to their resistance to corrosion. This means they are free of a type of contamination that bacteria feed on.

PVC pipes are also incredibly durable, as evidenced by the fact that many of the PVC pipes that were first installed nearly a century ago are still in use today. Not only is this impressive for durability reasons, but it also means that they are the most cost-effective solution as maintenance costs will be low.

Finally, PVC pipes are a great choice if you want to be active environmentally friendly. PVC is a low-carbon plastic and can be recycled up to ten times. It is estimated that approximately 75,000 tons of recycled PVC are used to install new pipes.

Why you might want to cover your PVC pipes

Why you might want to cover your PVC pipes

Uncapped PVC pipes can cause water to build up which can overflow and cause leaks in the kitchen. By limiting them, you are essentially being proactive in preventing this from ever happening.

In addition, many people temporarily turn off their water pipes on certain occasions. The reason you would choose to temporarily cover PVC pipes is if you are in the process a kitchen renovation or a new appliance is fitted around these pipes. Temporarily closing the pipes during this disturbance will ensure that no water will leak out of them while you rearrange your kitchen appliances.

For example, if you have a cabinet fitted under the sink, then you will first need to cut the pipes from the old cabinet. To prevent these pipes from leaking excess water while you install the new cabinet, it makes sense to cover them temporarily.

Below, we’ll explain how to limit them both temporarily and permanently.

How to cover a PVC water pipe – both methods

How to cover a PVC water pipe - both methods

How to Temporarily Shut Off a PVC Water Pipe

The first thing you need to do is turn off the entire water supply to your property. The last thing you want to do is cut the pipes and have water shooting at you from all angles, so this is the first and probably most important step of the whole process.

Once the water supply has been shut off, you will need to take a tape measure and pencil and line up the location where you want to cut the pipe. You should aim for a small cut as you don’t want to have to add an extension later if you take out too much. More importantly, though, make sure you measure for an even cut. You will need to use either a pipe cutter, hacksaw, or hacksaw to do the actual cutting.

Once you’ve cut the pipes, you’ll want to clean the ends with a rag. You may find that the cut has left some stiffness – you will need to remove this before moving on. Sand the edges with emery cloth until you get a smooth finish. Be careful not to go over the top with this sanding, because if you sand into a pipe shape, the seal will not end up fitting on it.

Use a push-to-connect cover and fix it on the end of the pipe. If you took the correct measurements early in the process, the cover should fit like a glove. When it’s time to remove the cap later down the line, simply push on it and it should pop back out of the pipe.

The last thing to do is to test the new temporary pipe cover. So, turn the water supply back on and see if the cap holds the water in place. If it does, then there’s nothing more to do, and if it doesn’t, then unfortunately you’ll be restarting the process all over again.

How to permanently cover a PVC pipe

To permanently coat your PVC pipes, you will need specialized equipment. So before we go any further, it’s worth noting that this process cannot be completed without PVC cement or PVC primer. If you have both, then without further ado, here is the process –

As with the temporary covering process, start by turning off the water supply to your home for the same reasons we outlined above. Once you have done that, measure the pipes with the cap and remove the ends of the pipes accordingly.

Once the ends are removed, prime the inner surface of the cap plug with the PVC primer I mentioned earlier. After the cap pocket is covered with primer, do the same with the outside of the pipe. The primer will effectively act as a super glue that will stick the two components together.

Now place the cap plug into the PVC cement and then hold it in place over the pipe. Hold it in place for about ten minutes until you feel the cap secure. If you feel it needs to be tightened, then use an adjustable wrench to do so.

Once you feel that the cover is fully in place and not going anywhere, you will need to test it. The only way to do this is to turn the water supply back on and check for leaks in the pipes. If the pipe starts to leak, then your best bet might be to use a hacksaw to remove the cap and add a temporary one. While the temporary solution is in effect, call a professional installer who should be able to fix the problem for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you have two options when it comes to coating a PVC pipe. If you are going through a kitchen renovation where your PVC pipes will need to be messed with, then we recommend choosing our temporary solution. If the situation is more serious and you are experiencing regular leaks from your pipes, then perhaps you should consider our permanent solution. If the process and equipment seem too daunting, then get in touch with a local plumber.