Sealing of sewer pipes. Sealing the joints of PVC sewer pipes, cast iron and plastic pipes without dismantling
The service life of a fireplace or stove largely depends on how and how the chimney is sealed from stainless steel or other materials.
Proper installation does not guarantee the absence of problems with the ingress of combustion products into the room. Over time, pipe materials undergo thermal deformation, which leads to ruptures and cracks in the structure.
This leads to a decrease in traction, as a result of which a large amount of combustible material is required to heat the house, and because of this, soot intensively settles on the inner surface of the pipe. The latter is especially dangerous, as it leads not only to the formation of condensate, but can also cause a fire in the pipe.
For this reason, for the stable functioning of a chimney made of stainless steel or any other materials, it must be regularly inspected and the shortcomings that have arisen promptly eliminated. To avoid problems in the future, it is better to seal all cracks and joints to avoid defects.
A wide range is presented on the construction market. All the wealth of choice is conditionally divided into heat-resistant and heat-resistant sealants, although, of course, there are much more varieties.
Types of stainless steel chimney sealant
Due to the sealing of cracks in chimneys or chimneys, combustion products will not enter the room through them. Reliable insulation makes the use of the stove, fireplace or boiler as safe as possible.
Watch the video - high temperature cleaners for stainless steel and other materials
All sealants can be divided into several types:
- based on silicone or silicate;
- by composition: one-component or two-component;
- according to temperature characteristics: temperature-resistant sealants and heat-resistant.
As the name implies, one-component sealants consist of one component and do not require mixing of ingredients before carrying out the sealing procedure. This makes them easy to use and popular with private homeowners who appreciate the ease of use of an insulation product.
Two-component However, before starting work, you need to mix, clearly observing the proportions indicated in the instructions. In this case, the finished product should be used within a few hours after mixing. This option is not very suitable for sealing joints with your own hands, usually professional builders use two-component insulation.
In addition to insulating the chimney, sealing compounds are also used to insulate the seams of the design of the heating system based on the electric boiler when eliminating pipe leaks.
Silicone sealants for stainless steel, glass and other materials
When wondering how to seal a stainless steel, glass, plastic or ceramic chimney, you should pay attention to refractory silicone. This material contributes to the tight contact of structural parts with each other and reliable insulation. The main advantages of the silicone composition:
- due to elasticity, the quality of contact is maintained for a long time, even when, due to high temperatures, the structural elements are deformed and change position relative to each other;
- after completion of the polymerization process, the material becomes very durable;
- silicone is absolutely waterproof;
- the material has a high degree of resistance to ultraviolet radiation and other weather phenomena;
- silicone is characterized by high thermal and heat resistance.
There are two types of silicone sealants:
- Acid. They release acetic acid during curing, which can damage the chimney or roofing. Such a tool will definitely not become an assistant in solving the problem than sealing a chimney made of stainless steel or a material of natural origin: cement, stone or concrete, as it can contribute to the formation of corrosion of metal elements, the destruction of sections of the pipe and roof in contact with it.
- Neutral insulation products, unlike acidic ones, emit water and alcohols into the environment when they harden. It is a suitable sealant for stainless steel chimneys.
An additional plus of silicone-based products is that as a result of heating, the iron oxide included in it turns brown, which makes the insulation more inconspicuous against the background of a roof or brickwork.
Heat-resistant and heat-resistant sealants: what is the difference?
According to the temperature characteristics, the means for insulation are divided into heat-resistant and heat-resistant. They are used to seal the joints of different sections of the structure, as they can withstand different temperatures. If heat-resistant ones are suitable only for external surfaces, then heat-resistant ones can be used to seal the slots of a high-temperature chimney, where temperatures are especially high.
Heat-resistant adhesive for sealing: scope, characteristics
This type of insulation is suitable for working with the external walls of the fireplace, stove, as well as processing the junction of brickwork and roofing.
It should not be used for stainless steel pipes, as it has a rather low heating temperature - only 350 ° C.
Heat-resistant sealant is made on the basis of silicone. The temperature range at which the product can be used is influenced by the additional components present in the product and their percentage. The most common additional component is iron oxide, which gives the insulation a brown tint.
The main characteristics of this type are as follows:
- high elasticity of the thermosealant: due to its resistance to deformation, silicone can be used for insulation on pipe sections of a rather complex shape. It will easily cope with the task and will not be covered with cracks under the influence of temperature;
- the average temperature range of heat-resistant silicone ranges from +250°С to +320°С;
- resistance to ultraviolet radiation: insulation can be used to seal external structural elements;
- silicone does not pass moisture, which also makes it suitable for outdoor use. Rain and snow are not afraid of him;
- high adhesion allows the silicone compound to adhere perfectly to a variety of types of surfaces: brick, metal or ceramics.
Silicone has few drawbacks, but still they are:
- due to its low heat resistance, it is not suitable for sealing internal surfaces that directly interact with fire;
- since the material is elastic, it cannot be dyed. The paint will not remain on its surface for a long time.
The curing speed of heat-resistant insulating material depends on the temperature at which the work is carried out. At low temperatures and high humidity, the composition will take longer than indicated on the package. In dry air and high temperatures, it will harden faster. Also, the insulation is better fixed on a dry surface.
Heat-resistant sealant: for which structures it is suitable, the pros and cons
A heat-resistant insulation agent is a better option than caulking metal and stainless steel chimney joints. This is explained by the fact that silicate, which is the main component in the refractory composition, perfectly withstands high temperatures up to 1200-1300°C, and even up to 1600°C under short-term load.
Watch the video - stainless steel against galvanization
The silicate composition is suitable for sealing cracks in fireplaces, stoves, where there is direct contact with fire. As a rule, high temperature insulation material is gray or black.
The main advantages of fire-resistant silicate:
- the chemical inertness of the agent allows it to be used for structures made of any material, since it does not react with it;
- silicate insulation is resistant to sunlight and precipitation, it can be safely used to treat outdoor chimney sections;
- the top layer after drying becomes porous, making it easy to paint.
- at the end of the polymerization process, the agent becomes rigid: the slightest vibration or “walking” of structural elements can lead to cracks. Therefore, it is not used for pipes made of materials prone to significant thermal deformations. Only cracks should be sealed with a silicate composition, since when processing the chimney elbow, problems may arise with its disassembly for cleaning in the future;
- silicate products have rather low adhesion: the composition will not last long if the sealing site is not treated with a special composition before applying it;
- The silicate-based sealant can only be applied at temperatures above 20°C and humidity not below the standard level. If these conditions are not observed, the seam will seize much longer.
Although all silicate thermal sealants are capable of withstanding high temperatures, it is best to use only flame retardant sealants marked "fire retardant" in order to seal the places that will come into contact with the flame.
It is not necessary to apply a silicate sealant in several layers to increase its wear resistance: this way it cannot dry out and becomes covered with cracks. The required width and depth of application are indicated in the instructions. The silicate agent is better fixed on a damp surface, so before starting work it is better to slightly moisten the area where it is planned to be applied.
Thermal tape and hot glue
Another way to cover up joints and cracks is with heat-resistant adhesive sealant. The adhesive composition for insulation can be made on the basis of materials such as acrylic, silicone or polyurethane. The composition allows not only to seal the seams, but also to reliably glue the surfaces of materials together. The adhesive has excellent waterproofing properties, has good adhesion to natural materials and concrete.
How to properly seal?
Most often, the heat and waterproofing of the fireplace causes difficulties, or rather, the removal of a stainless steel pipe through the roof and the covering of the seams between them. This is important not only for high-quality insulation of the pipe, but also so that the roof does not leak.
The place where the pipe connects to the roof is called the chimney outlet. This is a key part of the whole structure, which must be carefully sealed. The durability of the roof and the quality of the heating system depend on its reliability.
Most modern roofing materials have, in addition to the main elements, special parts made of non-combustible compounds, with which you can surround the chimney with a coating as tightly as possible and prevent the roof from heating from a hot chimney and possible fire. Thus, insulation also performs fire-fighting functions.
Even if the house does not have a fireplace or stove, and it is heated with a boiler, it still becomes necessary to purchase a sealant for the boiler in order to ensure good traction and stable operation of the heater.
Most sealants are packaged in cartridges or tubes with a sharp tip that must be cut at a 45° angle before starting work. It is important to make a hole of the same diameter as the future seam.
Squeeze out the sealant using a standard construction gun, evenly applying it to the desired sections of the chimney. If a collapsible stainless steel chimney is processed, then the composition is applied only to the joints, so that in the future it can be easily cleaned and disassembled for cleaning.
There are a few simple rules for working with sealants:
- it is not recommended to seal pipes and other structural elements at temperatures below +5°C;
- you need to work only with gloves, if the sealant gets on the skin, immediately rinse this place with running water;
- the insulation composition requires at least a day to dry completely;
- at the end of the work, you should light the stove or light the fireplace to check the quality of the work done.
The sealant must be used as follows:
- Clean the surface where the sealant will be applied;
- If the composition is heat-resistant, then it is better to treat the area with an abrasive to increase adhesion. If the surface is made of brick, you can make a few scratches on it for this purpose;
- The place of application is degreased and dried (naturally or with a building hair dryer). Drying is needed only for silicone-based formulations, for applying heat-resistant ones, on the contrary, the surface needs to be moistened.
Next, cracks, crevices and joints are sealed: work must be done strictly with gloves, observing the thickness and width of the seam specified in the instructions. It is important to provide air access to the place of application of the composition: this is necessary for its high-quality hardening.
Sealing the chimney with cement
If there are silicone and silicate sealants for modern finishing materials, then to seal a slate roof, the method known to our grandfathers is suitable - a mixture based on asbestos and cement.
The chimney is sealed with cement as follows:
- first, a mixture of cement and asbestos is prepared in a 1: 1 ratio. It is better to use fluffed asbestos, but you can also tear sheet into small pieces;
- then asbestos is mixed with water and allowed to swell so that it turns into a homogeneous mass;
- swollen asbestos is mixed with cement;
- the resulting cement composition is coated with a gap between the pipe and the roof;
- then you need to wait for the solution to dry completely, and you can heat the stove.
What factors influence the choice of sealant?
When choosing a suitable product for hydro and thermal insulation, they are guided by the conditions under which the stove, fireplace or heating boiler will be operated. It is also important to consider where exactly the product will be applied: inside the pipe, outside or at the junction of the chimney and the roof. It affects the choice of sealant and the heating temperature of the surface that is planned to be treated.
Watch video - stainless steel pipe after 2 years of operation (outer galvanized and inner stainless steel)
However, in any case, it is worth following the general recommendations that are true in all cases:
- elastic means are better suited for hard-to-reach areas and joints subject to temperature deformations;
- solid sealants are suitable for cracks and brickwork;
- sealants containing iron oxide in their composition acquire a brown tint, which masks them well against the background of a brick;
- for sealing a chimney made of metal, stainless steel or natural stone, brick, do not use acidic compounds that can damage the surface of the chimney of boilers or stove heating.
You should not save on chimney sealant, because forced regular cleanings, as well as the need to re-disassemble the structure, will bring much more costs, you won’t be able to save. In addition, a poor-quality sealant can lead to soot entering the living quarters, the formation of plaque on the walls, poisoning the residents, or even a fire.
A sewer system that does not leak is considered to be reliable. Therefore, good sealing of sewer pipes at home or in an apartment is a guarantee that there will be no trouble in the future.
The age of the sewerage system, its deterioration (for example, cast-iron pipes in the risers of high-rise buildings), obsolete materials, of course, can leak due to prescription and require a complete replacement. However, as practice shows, during operation, the most vulnerable point, both when laying new ones, and when repairing old communications and drain systems, are their junctions. And the question remains, how to seal the sewer pipes at the joints.
Previously, linen winding or plaster bandage and oil paint were used to seal cast-iron pipes in risers and basements of houses and apartments. But today, construction stores sell a lot of modern materials, sealants, for the selection of which it is necessary to understand their differences, purposes and properties, applicable to drain systems.
Note! Easy-to-use modern materials allow you to do all the work yourself, including waterproofing and sealing.
Self-adhesive tape is a modern material for sealing joints in the sewer system. It is a white film wound on a spool, has a different width.
Advantages of self-adhesive tape:
- Convenience and ease of use;
- Good resistance to corrosion, thereby protecting the sewage system from rusting;
- Does not conduct electricity;
- High reliability and efficiency.
Disadvantages of self-adhesive tape:
- Lack of UV resistance. This makes it impossible to use this material in open spaces.
Advice! To create a tight connection with a tape on the street, at the place of gluing, cover the joints of sewer pipes with sun protection material.
Self-adhesive tape is used by experienced craftsmen and builders not only for sealing the joints of sewer systems. It is often used when working with fittings and various shaped elements.
Ribbon Features
In order to perform the work qualitatively, it is necessary to first prepare the pipes. They are thoroughly cleaned of layers of dust, dirt, etc., and dried well. Covered with a layer of primer and dried again. After the surfaces have been prepared, you can stick the tape.
The tape is wound around the desired area in a spiral with a half overlap, for greater tightness. After that, you can wind the second layer in a similar way. Pipe sealing done!
Note! Care must be taken to ensure that no wrinkles form during the winding process. Even small ones can reduce the tightness of the winding to zero.
Silicone sealants for pipes
Self-adhesive tape is well suited for processing pipe joints, but this material is not always applicable in construction. There are other materials and substances that can ensure the tightness of the sewer system.
Silicone sealants are substances that harden on contact with air and have excellent sealing properties. Apply directly to the area to be treated.
Sealants can be made from a combination of different starting materials. One of the most popular is silicone (or siloxane), which consists of silicone rubber and additives that increase the strength and adhesion of the material. To accelerate the polymerization of a substance, various vulcanizing impurities are used. The result is a rubber-like elastic material with excellent sealing properties and a wide range of applications.
Advantages of silicone sealant
- High degree of adhesion between different types of materials;
- Good resistance to various temperature conditions;
- Sufficiently high mechanical strength;
- Good moisture resistance;
- Long service life.
Depending on which hardener is used in the material, silicone sealants for plastic pipes are divided into two types: acidic and neutral. Acid sealants have limitations in use and their cost is somewhat lower than that of neutral ones.
Sealants belonging to the neutral class are suitable for any surface and give excellent performance in a combination of various surfaces (for example, joints of metal and plastic sewer pipes).
Silicone sealants are enclosed in devices called mounting guns. In the absence of this device, or the impossibility of using it, you can use the hammer handle, acting on the principle of a piston, to press on the bottom of the tube. Thus, dosing the extrusion of the required amount of material from the package, the necessary work is carried out.
How to seal sewer pipes?
Sealing of sewerage systems in the conditions of modern construction is also carried out by other types of materials. Often, craftsmen use epoxy resin, asphalt mastic, resin strands, hemp ropes and technical sulfur.
Most often, when working at home, epoxy resin is used. To cure this material, polyethylenepolyamine is used for cold curing, and maleic anhydride for hot curing. But others can be used as well. The proportion of the combination can vary and on average varies from 10:1 to 5:1.
Technical sulfur is used to seal the outlet of the sewer. To do this, it is crushed, heated to a suitable plastic state and poured directly onto the inner surface of the joints of the outlet pipes. This compound is made from Portland cement, in which case it is necessary to prepare a solution.
Tarred hemp rope is excellent for working with ceramics and cast iron. A filling of oil bitumen and asphalt mastic seals well the joints of ceramic pipes.
Sealing cast iron sewer pipes
To connect the cast-iron pipes of the riser, another is inserted into the socket of one pipe, and the joint is sealed with the selected material. Experienced craftsmen carry out everything, as a rule, using this technology:
- Linen tow without impregnation is inserted into the gap between the pipes of the riser approximately to a depth of 2/3 and caulked (compacted).
Note! Linen tow can be replaced with hemp treated with resin.
- On top of the tow, in the free space of the joint, a mixture of water and Portland cement is laid in a combination of 1: 9, respectively.
Note! To create a mixture, if necessary, you can use cement in combination with asbestos fiber, in a combination of 2:1, respectively. And before pouring into the pipe, a little water is added to the mixture.
All of the above materials can be replaced with silicone sealant, which is simply poured into the free space between the riser pipes. And to protect against too rapid drying of this type of sealant, the application site is covered with polyethylene or a damp cloth.
Sealing the joint of cast-iron and plastic sewer pipes
When repairing an old sewerage system in a house or apartment, a situation often arises when it is necessary to dock new plastic pipes with old ones - cast iron ones. And the question arises, how and how to seal the sewer pipe correctly.
For this you need:
- To connect pipes of different materials, you must purchase special adapters;
- The surface of the cast-iron pipe is carefully cleaned and degreased;
- The inner and outer surface is coated with sealant;
- An adapter is installed in the socket;
- Waiting time for the sealant to harden;
- A plastic pipe is connected and the joint is sealed;
- A tightness test is carried out.
If you stick to the technology and choose high-quality material to create a strong and tight connection of the sewer system, this will be a good start for the future, protect you from the troubles associated with sewer leakage. In our video, you can see how the sealing and waterproofing of sewer pipes are done with your own hands.
High-quality and reliable installation of the sewer system completely eliminates the possibility of leakage. To do this, it is necessary to properly lay the pipes.
All connections must be well sealed. After arranging the sewer, builders must check it for leaks. The commission will accept the design and sign the object’s suitability certificate only if no leakage of the drainage system is detected.
Over time, all the joints of the sewer pipes begin to flow. How to deal with this phenomenon, what measures must be taken to avoid leakage, and how to seal cylindrical products, read further in the article.
Such material appeared on the construction market relatively recently. It was specially made for processing sewer joints. This sealant is presented in the form of a white tape of various widths, wound on a spool. Each manufacturer independently sets the value of this value.
The advantages of self-adhesive tape include the following:
Among the disadvantages of such a product, it is noted that it is unstable to ultraviolet rays, as well as the impossibility of using it for treating open sewers.
If it is necessary to create a tight connection right on the street, the place on which this film is pasted must be covered with any sun protection material.
Professionals use such a product for other purposes, for example, when it is necessary to create a reliable connection of fittings and other shaped parts.
The nuances of work
To ensure high-quality sealing, it is necessary to first clean the surface of the pipe from dirt, then dry it.
The next step is to apply a primer layer, after which the surface is dried again. Next, a tape is glued onto the cylindrical product. It wraps around the problem area in the form of a spiral.
For better tightness, each new layer of self-adhesive material should capture half of the previous one. A few layers will be enough.
Wrinkles should not form during winding. Even small defects can cause leaks.
Silicone sealant
The composition of this pasty composition includes rubber as the main component and other substances, which ensures high-quality processing of joints.
It should be noted that the adhesion of silicone sealants is characterized by high rates. Therefore, its application does not require additional surface treatment with special primers. 
Depending on the type of hardener, such sealants are divided into acidic and neutral.
Acid
Such compositions are characterized by low cost. However, they can only be used on certain surfaces. For example, for sealing pipes through which acid moves, such products are not suitable.
Neutral
This type of material is considered universal. They can seal plastic and metal sewer products. Silicone paste that has undergone a vulcanization process has a consistency similar to rubber.
To avoid complications when squeezing out the sealant, it is recommended to use a mounting gun. In its absence, you can insert the handle of the hammer inside the tube and press on it. The handle will act as a piston.
Other types of sealants
In addition to silicone sealant, the following compositions of a similar purpose are distinguished:
What is cold welding used for?
This modern substance consists of several components. The basis is epoxy resin, to which special fillers are added. Thanks to their properties, a composition is obtained that gives the workpiece the desired qualities and high surface adhesion. 
Cold welding in appearance resembles plasticine, in which several shades are mixed.
Before starting to process existing joints with such a composition, it must be thoroughly kneaded until a uniform color is obtained. Further, the prepared mixture is pressed against the thoroughly cleaned, dried and degreased surface at the crack site. After solidification, the gap is tightly closed.
The main advantage of this material is its high adhesion. It fits perfectly on the surface, where moisture is constantly present. Due to the excellent adhesion, cold welding quickly eliminates the leak that has formed at the junction of the sewer pipe. Complete drying of the composition can take up to 24 hours. However, it is difficult to say exactly how long it will take. It all depends on the temperature conditions and the amount of material from which the mixture was made.
Until the composition is completely dry, it is forbidden to use the sewer.
How to seal pipes for drainage
In addition to the above materials, professionals also use other well-known compounds for sealing cylindrical structures:
In everyday life, epoxy resin remains the most popular today. To use it, you will need a special polyethylene polyamine hardener, subject to cold curing. If this process occurs under heat, maleic anhydride is used.
Sometimes the hardener is made from other materials that have similar properties. Epoxy sealant is created in a ratio of 10:1 or 5:1.
Technical sulfur is used to process the sewage outlet. First, the substance is crushed, then heated until a plastic state is obtained. The hot compound is poured directly into the outlet area.
For processing cast iron pipes, hemp rope coated with resin is most often used.
To seal the existing joints of ceramic structures, asphalt mastic or petroleum bitumen is used.
How to seal cast iron pipes
To dock the riser, one cylindrical product made of cast iron is required to be inserted into the socket located at the end of another element. The resulting junction is sealed with a special polymer composition.
The work is carried out by experienced craftsmen in a certain technological sequence.
Ordinary linen tow closes the gap formed between the pipes. The fibers are compacted to a depth of more than 2/3 of the size of the gap and are well compacted.
In the absence of linen tow, for these purposes, you can use tarred hemp.
To obtain a high-quality composition, you can use cement by mixing it with asbestos fiber in a ratio of 2: 1. Before you start pouring such a mixture into the pipe, you need to add a small amount of water.
The materials described above can be replaced with modern silicone sealant. It is already ready to be poured into the existing gap. So that the composition does not instantly dry out, the place of its application must first be covered with plastic wrap.
How to seal the joint of cast iron and plastic
When repairs begin in an old house, one serious problem arises: the need to dock modern plastic pipes with Soviet cast iron products. This situation requires an obligatory competent approach.
Works are performed in a certain sequence:
- To connect pipes made of different materials, you need to prepare special adapters.
- The cast iron product must be well cleaned and degreased.
- The structure inside and out is carefully covered with sealant.
- The prepared adapter is inserted into the expansion in the form of a funnel.
- Wait a few hours until the polymer composition hardens.
- A plastic pipe is connected, the joint is processed.
- The connection is checked for tightness.
This technology, if it is carried out strictly according to the points, allows you to get a reliable joint, characterized by high strength and tightness. In the future, this connection will not create trouble in the form of leaks.
The main problem in the operation of pipelines made of various materials is the possibility of leaks at the junctions of individual elements of the pipeline. Particularly acute is the question of how and with what the sealing of sewer pipes, which usually have a socket design, should be performed.
Separately, it is worth noting the need to dock elements of sewer lines from dissimilar lines, inserting individual branches in which it is impossible to use standard fittings. These sections of the pipeline are considered the most problematic, while the solution to the problem may differ both in cost and in the complexity of the process.
First of all, it is worth considering the need for high-quality insulation of the connection of elements of external sewer lines.
Which sealant for sewer pipes would not be chosen (we are talking only about high-quality materials), it will solve two main problems:
- Prevention of leakage of sewage into the ground. The main task is not only to comply with environmental safety standards, but also to eliminate the possibility of flooding of the underground parts of buildings (basements, basements).
- No less important is the elimination of suction and the ingress of groundwater or parts of the soil into the sewer system. Ground water can seriously damage the flow of effluent through the pipeline, in addition, there is the possibility of sewage silting.
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Eliminating the consequences of any of these problems will require a considerable amount of work. At the same time, the excavation costs associated with the opening of the highway practically do not differ from the costs of laying a new line. Therefore, it is economically feasible to purchase materials for sealing sewer pipes, and not spend money on emergency response work.
The main types of sealants
It should be taken into account that most types of polymer pipes do not require additional insulation due to the use of rubber butt seals. Basically, means of sealing sewer pipes are needed when laying cast-iron or ceramic lines. The installation of elements of such highways requires the obligatory presence of the so-called expansion joint, which makes it possible to maintain the integrity of the pipes with some ground movements.
Whatever sealant for sewer pipes is chosen, it is necessary to follow the technology of its application, otherwise the use of even expensive materials can bring zero effect. In practice, various types of materials are used that can provide high-quality sealing of joints, while most pipe sealants were known and effectively used by craftsmen several centuries ago. Recently, polymeric substances and various resins, including epoxy ones, have been added to the list of sealing compounds.
All existing sealants can be divided into two main classes:
- Means applied in the form of a paste (glue).
- Self-adhesive sealant tape.
Both types of materials allow you to reliably seal and ensure the safety of fittings and individual sections of the pipeline. They are used not only during the installation of sewerage, but also when performing a tie-in in the highway, carrying out emergency recovery work, and eliminating emergency leaks.
Pasty materials based on various silicone rubber. Differ in high sealing ability, are capable to provide resistance to possible deformations. In the process of polymerization, silicone sealants turn into a rubber-like substance, which is highly resistant to various influences.
They can be used for laying and repairing sewer lines made of metal (steel, cast iron), ceramic and polymer pipes.
There are two main types of silicone:
- Neutral, which is used in most cases, provides reliable sealing of the elements.
- Acid silicone is necessary for the construction of highways working with aggressive environments.
Sealing the joints of sewer pipes with silicone differs in affordable cost, while ensuring guaranteed quality and durable operation of the joint, today this material is most popular both among professionals and in solving various household issues.
This type of sealant is a metallized tape on a bitumen-rubber base. An aluminum or copper layer provides sufficient strength and sealing reliability.
To achieve the required connection quality using such a tape, you must remember the basic rules for its installation:
- Before use, it is necessary to carefully prepare the pipes or fittings; the tape simply will not stick on a dusty or damp surface.
- The wrapping should be done in a spiral, with an overlap of approximately 50%, this will allow for two layers of tape to cover the entire surface.
- The wrapping should be carried out with a significant stretch of the self-adhesive, this will prevent the possibility of its spontaneous sticking after the removal of the protective layer and ensure the uniformity of the coating (the absence of wrinkles and other defects).
To date, self-adhesive tapes for sewer pipes are considered the easiest material to use, while they provide a high degree of sealing of various types of joints. Allow to significantly simplify the elimination of emergency leaks.
Any threaded connection in heating or water supply requires the use of various sealing agents. Without them, the threaded connection simply starts to leak, which causes various unpleasant consequences. In this article, I will tell you about the different methods of thread sealing and their applicability in different working conditions. Let's start from simple to complex.
Thread sealing with flax and paste.
This method is perhaps the oldest of all. Here, linen strands are used as a sealing material, which are lubricated with a special paste for ease of subsequent disassembly. This is a rather laborious and difficult way for a beginner in plumbing, but if you want, you can try. In order to understand how to wind linen strands on threads correctly, I suggest you watch the following video:
This method is also suitable for water supply and, to a limited extent, for heating (the operating temperature should not exceed 90º C), but it is impossible to seal plastic threads with it (as with HDPE fittings). When wet, linen gets wet and expands, and the plastic fitting may burst. Also, not recommended use flaxseal in heating systems filled with low-freezing liquid.
Thread sealing with FUM tape.
The abbreviation FUM stands for fluoroplastic sealing material. FUM withstands temperatures from -200º C to 240º C and pressure up to 30 atmospheres. Therefore, it can be used both in heating systems and in water supply networks. FUM is suitable for non-freezing coolants and other aggressive environments. To seal threads on gas pipes, a special gas FUM tape is used (it is thicker than water). This sealing method is very simple, I personally prefer to seal the thread with FUM tape, but this is a matter of skill and taste. I bring to your attention the following video on this issue:
Thread sealing with thread.
For those who are too lazy to twist flax into bundles and then smear it with paste, they came up with a sealing thread. The thread can be made from different materials:
- Polyamide - designed for a pressure of 16 atmospheres on water and 8 atmospheres on gas, has an upper temperature threshold of 130 ° C.
- Fluoroplast - has characteristics identical to the FUM tape, but usually costs more.
Manufacturers lubricate the thread with a special lubricant, the composition of which they do not disclose. In my opinion, fluoroplastic thread is better in quality and I recommend it to you, despite the fact that it is more expensive than polyamide thread. If you want to learn how to wind the thread correctly, then watch the following video:
Application of anaerobic sealant.
This option is the simplest - you smeared the thread with sealant, twisted it and wait until the sealant hardens. But it can only be used on dry threads. In addition, the manufacturer recommends degreasing the threads with gasoline or thinner. There are various types of sealants on the market. They are usually divided by color (green, blue, red, purple, white, etc.), but when buying, you need to look not at the color of the tube, but at the characteristics that are written on it:
- Operating temperature for which the sealant is intended.
- The maximum thread diameter that can be sealed with this sealant.
- Effort is needed for disassembly - there are sealants with light, medium and high disassembly forces. High break force sealants are used for large thread diameters (2.5 inches or more). Before disassembly, such a connection must be heated.
Instructions for using anaerobic sealants are given below in the video:
Anaerobic sealants are used in water supply systems, heating systems and gas pipelines. The operating temperature range is usually from -60º to 150º C. Sealants are resistant to aggressive environments and can be used together with non-freezing coolants.
Summary.
In this article, I told you as briefly as possible about the different ways to seal threaded connections. Remember that the choice of sealing material depends on the operating conditions (temperature, pressure, and so on), so read the instructions before using something. This will protect you from any misunderstandings. That's all, write questions in the comments, use the buttons of social networks.