Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Is there a way I can patch up holes in PVC with something that will be water proof and not harm plants and animals?

What kind of hole? A neat hole like a drill hole or a creased split?

Easy way to patch a neat hole is to cut a length of pipe the same diameter that passes each edge of the hole by an inch or so, split the piece down one side, coat the pipe with the hole in it with PVC glue around the hole for the entirety of the pipe circumference and then open up the cut piece of pipe and snap it onto the pipe that needs repairing.

Basically creating a sleeve over the hole.

yep a neat hole. So I get the same sized pipe and just cut it to wrap around the hole and glue it on?

i wish i could cut pipe easier heh.. but that might have to due.. didn't know if they had some pvc repair patches or some kind of putty i could use..

Brandon.... is it just a leak around the pipe going through the PVC....

If so... and the leak is small... just silicone it.... if it's larger or irregular... try PVC welding it...

it's too large for silicone. I've never heard of PVC welding sounds like that will be something good to know. I'll look it up thanks!

+1....as Burnsy says...use the same PVC glue you would use for PVC pipes on both sides. Put your patch over the pipe and use one or two belts (ties) to hold it in place for several hours ...until the glue is totaly set....put in stainless steel srews for extra stength, alternatively, put s/s pipe clamps around to hold it securely.
Good luck

Plastic welding is fun...strong, when done correctly... and cheap and long lasting...

Here's a couple of examples from a few "realtime" member systems...

viewtopic.php?p=178539#p178539

And Synaptoman plastic welded the ends of his huge 200mm pipes...

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2976&p=130034&hilit=plastic+welding#p130034

only problem i have is to figure out where the heck to get a plastic welder..

Most hardware stores... Home Depot... probably Walmart... eBay...

And Harbour Freight... http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=41592

Don't know how good they are... a google of plastic welder harbor freight... brings up lots of links...

sweet we actually have a harbor freight here. I went and got this one because it doesn't require a compressor: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=96712

You'll have to get some PVC welding rod, unless the welder comes with some samples. Make sure you use PVC rod and not ABS. PVC also burns much quicker than ABS so you should be very careful. If you get any burn marks, the weld may not hold properly.

If you have a nice clean hole, I would get a NPT tap and screw a plug into it.

Kewl Brandon... didn't look through the site... they're the better buy... IMO...

Umm, they were 500mm !!

Cheers