Question

my pvc pipe for my water heater broke, what is a short term fix

Answer 1

 

I’m assuming you are referring to a PVC vent pipe, not the safety pipe on TPR valve?

If the vent pipe is broken the short and the long term fix would be to get a new one for a few dollars and replace it. It must be air tight to prevent exhaust gasses leakage into your home - http://www.checkthishouse.com/2991/water-heater-pvc-vent-pipe-and-power-venting.html

If you were asking about the TPR valve pipe, it cannot be PVC - http://www.checkthishouse.com/16/water-heater-tpr-safety-valve.html