Some cracks can also be patched with a silicone or fiberglass resin material that your plumber will wrap around the crack and fix into place. If you have an older pipe material like cast iron, your plumber might use another material such as cast iron repair paste.
Homeowners insurance may cover sudden damage due to a burst pipe or leaking pipe, assuming the failure was unexpected, and pay to repair or replace damaged items.
Use snap cutters to snap the bottom past the crack, snap above the crack and then cut a piece of ABS/PVC to length, slip a Fernco on both sides put the cut piece in place and slip the Fernco's on it and tighten the bands... done.
Apply the epoxy putty to the cracked plumbing pipe and press it around until it creates a flattened surface that conforms. You must do this quickly as epoxy putty typically starts drying within 1-2 minutes. Once in place, you will need to let the putty sit for approximately 1 hour as it cures and hardens.
Use epoxy putty or pipe putty as a temporary fix to a leaky pipe. Pipe putty is designed to harden at room temperature and seal the hole or crack.
Cured-in-place
This method for cracked drains is extremely effective and involves a tubular material being saturated with resin before being inserted into the cracked drain pipe, often with a winch or with air pressure. An inflatable device is then used to expand the material in order to fit the interior of the pipe.
Some common methods include relining the pipe, adhesive tapes, or using a chemical or epoxy-based solution to seal the damaged area.
The most effective and longest-lasting approach to PVC pipe repair is to replace the damaged section of the pipe with a new one. After cutting out the cracked section of PVC, the plumber cuts a new length of replacement pipe and reinstalls it using couplers and solvent cement.
Average Cost:
Repairing or replacing a small section of drain pipe can typically run between $250 and $1,250. Repairing larger sections or breaks can run between $400 and $1,500, with that cost going higher based on complexity of the repair.
Sewer pipe cracks are serious problems that can lead to property damage, soil pollution, and mold-related health issues. Sewer gas leaks can also cause people to experience headaches, dizziness, sinus infections, and more.
Average Flat Rate
Some plumbing jobs are billed at a flat rate. As of 2025, the average plumber rates for larger repairs are typically between $500 to $800, while smaller jobs like repairing toilets, sinks, faucets, or bathtubs typically range from $125 to $350.
Rubber or silicone repair tape
Firstly, clean and dry the area with the leak and apply the tape directly to the PVC. Wrap tightly around the pipe, overlapping the tape and extending beyond the leak. Rubber or silicone tape is a robust temporary solution to stopping a leak. For maximum pressure, stretch 3x its length.
Homeowners insurance usually won't cover damage to your home caused by sewer, septic tank or drain backups. That's unfortunate, because these types of backups can cause thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars of damage to your personal property.
This pipe, which lies buried under the soil of your yard, can last anywhere from 50-100 years or more, depending on the material from which the pipe is made and the conditions under which it is used.
As a general rule, sewer line repairs are considered to be standard home maintenance expenses, which means you are not eligible for a tax break on your personal income tax returns.
Temperature. Hot water causes thermal expansion in your pipes. Cold water causes retraction. This temperature flux can lead to cracking.
Pinhole leaks, cracks, and even some larger holes in cast iron can be patched using epoxy or a combination of epoxy and waterproof repair tape, depending on the severity of the damage.
Rubber or silicone repair tape is a simple and effective solution for minor leaks. This method works by creating a compression seal around the leak. While it's not a permanent fix, it can temporarily slow or stop small leaks.
Pipe sleeving is also a “trenchless” process and your original drain lines remain intact, they are just sealed up from the inside resulting in a slightly smaller diameter for your pipes. It's like pulling an inner tube through your pipes, but it's not made of rubber.
Superfast Plastic is an epoxy putty in a 114g stick format specifically formulated for the repair of leaking plastic pipes, including PVC. It is used to seal holes, cracks and leaking joints in bathroom, kitchen and industrial pipes made from PVC, ABS and many other types of plastic.
If a crack or fracture is considered severe, that means that it is either in its full effect of compromising your sewer lines or your lines are already on their way to collapsing and causing a full-on structural failure of the pipe. Severe cracks and fractures should be repaired immediately upon becoming aware of them.
A blockage can usually be tackled with either drain rods or high-pressure jets, so there's no digging required. Dealing with physical damage, however, is less simple. It involves the structural integrity of the drain, making it harder to fix than just pushing an obstruction out.