How to seal a crack in a metal pipe. How to repair a crack in a cast iron sewer pipe - reliable and proven methods. Methods for eliminating leaks in the pipe body

A crack or leak in a sewer line is a real problem that anyone can face. As a result of natural aging, communication systems become vulnerable, so the question of how to repair a crack in a cast-iron sewer pipe can even be asked by people who have not yet been affected by this problem.

Moreover, the relevance of this issue is constantly growing. The most optimal solution may be a complete replacement of damaged sewer sections with more modern products, but not all homeowners have this opportunity.

Reasons for the formation of cracks in cast iron sewer pipes

In order to choose the right way to eliminate damage in the sewer pipe, it is important to establish the cause of this situation. First of all, you need to accurately determine the place where the crack has formed in the cast iron sewer pipe. To do this, inspect the joints of the branch pipes and reveal obvious defects in the cast-iron pipeline.

The reason for the leakage of the sewage system at the junction of the fittings is the negligent attitude of the plumbing workers to the assembly of the system.

Cast iron is a material of weak resistance, therefore, during its operation, any impulse effects, including shocks, should be avoided. Although the uniform load distributed throughout the pipe prevents the problem of repairing the sewer pipes in the apartment.

Modern cast iron products are more durable, but can only withstand minor impacts. At the same time, a load of any intensity for 10-20 years still leads to the formation of a crack, which, at best, can be simply covered up, and at worst, the pipe will have to be changed.

Ways to eliminate leaks in the sewer system

The problem of how to eliminate a leak in a cast iron sewer pipe is solved in several ways, the choice of which depends on the strength of the pipeline, the presence of cracks and chips, and also their size.

The repair of sewer pipes without replacing the damaged area can be done in the following cases:

• The body has minor cracks and holes.
• A leak was found at the junction of the pipes.

Leakage at the junction of sewer pipes involves sealing up a cracked connection, for which the following steps are performed:

• The system is temporarily turned off.
• Dry the joint with a rag or hair dryer.
• Clean the joint from the cement and remove the packing from the cracks.
• Using a linen plumbing winding, a gap between the pipes is minted.
• Prepare a solution of polycement and PVA glue and coat the crack with it.
• It is recommended to start the operation of the sewer system only after a day.

A crack at the junction of sewer pipes can be closed with waterproof glue, epoxy resin, raw rubber, ordinary plasticine or special silicone sealant. In the latter case, the sewage system can be used after 3 hours.

So that you do not have to constantly repair cast-iron sewer pipes, it is better to replace the part of the system that has become unusable before its final destruction. Otherwise, as a result of the failure of engineering communications, sewage can flood the apartments of the floors located below.

If the leak is caused by a small hole, you can use the following materials:

• Bandage-rubber... It is better to use such material for short-term repair of cast-iron pipes, while the bandage must be fixed with aluminum or copper wire.
• Plug... This repair element is a wooden wedge. When manufacturing, it is important that the product is not very long, as it can cause a blockage in the sewage system. The finished part is hammered in at the leak and the pipe is wrapped with a strip of gauze. Finally, the material can be impregnated with epoxy.
• Gauze... This material, previously soaked in epoxy resin or cement mortar, is wrapped around the pipeline. Such a winding should be in the form of a cocoon.
• Special clamp... In this way, any leaks in the cast-iron sewer pipe are eliminated even if the water pipe burst. The repair process is as follows: a crack or hole is wrapped with a rubber gasket, covered with a clamp, which is then tightened. Read also: "".

A small crack in a cast iron sewer pipe is eliminated in this way:

• The crack is widened into a V.
• The area is degreased and dried well.
• Cover this place with sealant or silicone.

Materials for sealing cast iron pipes

The methods of sealing the joints of sewer pipes are described above, especially since they have become known since the advent of pipes made of cast iron for the sewer system (read: ""). However, innovative technologies are constantly being introduced into this area, and now experts say that the most effective way to eliminate leaks is to use phosphoric acid and copper oxide.

As a result of the reaction of these substances, a strong solid anlage is formed on the damaged area.

To answer the question of how to repair a crack in a cast iron pipe using this method, you should perform the steps in this order:

• Sand the area where you plan to place the bookmark using sandpaper or a stiff metal brush.
• Degrease the prepared area with acetone or other solvent.
• Prepare a mixture for sealing by mixing phosphoric acid and copper oxide in a ratio of 2: 3.
• Apply the resulting mixture to the damaged area immediately after mixing. The bookmark hardens very quickly, so you cannot leave the prepared mixture even for a short time. Sewerage after such a repair can be used in a few hours.

The list of ways to eliminate leaks in a cast iron sewer pipe can be completed with one more option. In this case, a mixture of powdered ammonia, sulfur and iron filings should be prepared. All ingredients are mixed and diluted with water until a thick consistency is obtained. This method has been used in practice for a long time, and has proven itself from a very good side.

The formed joints, obtained during the repair of damaged areas and in the process of sealing the joints of sewer pipes, are distinguished by long and flawless operation.

Easier ways to seal a sewer pipe

Quite often, homeowners wonder how to glue a cast-iron sewer pipe if a leak is found at a stamped joint. In this case, use a silicone sealant. The actions are performed in the following order: the sewer pipe socket is cleaned of old putty, debris is removed and the pipe is well dried. After that, the joint is covered with a sealant.

Sometimes you can observe the following situation: there is no leak in the connection, but unpleasant odors are constantly felt. In this case, it is possible to seal the sewer pipe with the help of cement mortar, which is simply used to cover the joint. If you add a little sodium silicate to the cement, then the connection will be stronger, and the solution will set faster.

The easiest way to repair a cast-iron sewer pipe is to use the Cold Welding adhesive. To eliminate the leak in the system in this way, it is necessary to clean the sewer pipe from the existing liquid, dry it and mark with chalk the place where the leak was found. Next, the pipe surface is degreased and a small amount of adhesive is applied. A rubber pad is made on top of it. This method may well be used to eliminate a leak in a sewer made of plastic pipes. In addition, "Cold welding" helps to solve the problem, than to repair the crack in the water pipe.

In addition to all the above methods, it is possible to eliminate the malfunction at the junction of the sewer pipes with a tape, which consists of a copper or aluminum layer on a bitumen-rubber base. The sealing of the sewer pipe, made in this way, is strong and durable, and the process itself does not have any difficulties.

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Probably, most of us are faced with a situation where it was necessary to eliminate the leakage of water in the sewer or water supply system. Whoever had this for the first time, then he probably did not know how to repair the crack, for example, in.

It is clear that the best option is to replace the old water supply or sewerage element with a new one. But, firstly, not everyone can afford such an expensive pleasure, and secondly, in some cases, you can independently repair a crack in a water supply manifold or sewer pipe. To solve this problem, two things are needed: some materials and ... a lot of desire.

Repair of a crack in a pipe:

Cast iron for water supply and sewerage

First, consider how you can seal the leak if it has cracked.

Two cases are possible:

• flows at the pipe joint;
• there is a crack or fistula in the riser.

The breakdown of the 1st type can be eliminated by means of a new capping of the socket.

To eliminate this type of leak, you need to perform the following set of actions:

• turn off the sewage or water supply system;
• use a hair dryer or rags to dry the joint;
• remove the remnants of the old cement mortar, packing;
• using linen plumbing tape, stamp the gap between the pipes;
• from polycement and PVA glue, make 200-300 ml of an aqueous solution, which several times, with an interval of 8-10 minutes, anoint the place of minting;
• do not use the sewer throughout the day.

In the second case, you can repair the riser in several ways:

1. Chemical method

This requires:

• using a metal brush or coarse sandpaper, it is good to clean up the place of future repairs;
• thoroughly degrease the problem area with acetone or another solvent;
• take copper oxide and phosphoric acid, prepare the mixture necessary for work in a ratio of 3: 2;
• using the resulting composition, carefully cover the joint. The procedure should be carried out with a freshly prepared mixture, since it hardens for several tens of seconds. Therefore, it will be possible to use the sewage system in 2-3 hours.

1. "Cold welding"
   For reliable sealing of the hole, you should buy "Cold welding" - so called. So, before sealing the hole, you need to clean the right place from dirt, water, rust, mark the place for repair with chalk. After that, you should well grind the desired place on the surface of the collector with coarse sandpaper and degrease it. Then apply a small patch of glue to the hole, apply a rubber sealing patch on top. In a similar way, the hole in the.

1. With a clamp
   They have been repairing them with a special clamp for decades. It is very effective at filling holes. Before starting work, you need to purchase a clamp or, in extreme cases, make it yourself, taking into account the diameter of the pipe. First, the pipe is very tightly wrapped in the place where the hole is with a rubber winding. Then they put a clamp on this place and securely tighten the bolts on it. In this way, you can get rid of any leak, even a large one.

Plastic or PVC

If a small crack or hole has formed in, then you can. If there are too large holes, it is impossible to eliminate the leak by soldering. So how do you practically repair a crack or a water pipe?

We carry out this procedure with the help that can be bought at a hardware store. So, first you need to turn on the device, wait until it warms up. At this time, you need to completely get rid of the water in the pipe cavity, dry it. After that, it is necessary to tightly fill ordinary bread (without a crust) into the end of the riser and solder with a hot device. The whole procedure is carried out very quickly - within 10 seconds.

In this case, a special nozzle is used, on the one hand it is thinner, on the other - wider. In this case, they use special polypropylene rods. Such a tool is intended for welding small holes. This can be a cut with a knife, accidental drilling with a drill during construction work, etc.

First it is necessary to drill the resulting hole with a larger diameter drill.

For example, if the pipe was damaged with a drill with a diameter of 6 mm, and you have polypropylene rods with a diameter of 9 mm, then drill a hole with an 8.5 mm drill. After that, take a heated welding machine, thoroughly heat the place of future welding, insert a rod into it, wait a few seconds and remove the machine. After cooling, after 5-8 seconds, carefully cut off the excess part of the rod. The pressure of the water will easily knock out the remains of the bread.

Cold welding is often used to seal a crack or hole in a PVC pipe. Before eliminating the leak with this special glue, it is necessary to prepare the right place: clean the pipe section from dirt, wash, dry. Then apply glue to the surface, put a patch of rubber of the required size, straighten it well, making sure that not a single bubble appears.

When patching a crack in, it is best to use a bandage.

This requires:

• buy a bandage together with clamps, taking into account that its width should be 4-5 cm larger than the size of the crack;
• with the help of soft but strong rubber, tightly cover the damaged area, apply and secure the bandage.

In order to seal the crack in the Korsis pipe, use a polyethylene repair plate with an electric heater mounted in it. Interestingly, if such a pipe is in the ground, then the damaged section of the pipeline is not excavated. Special technology makes it possible to carry out repairs underground.

Corrugation

Probably, many have dealt with, with the help of which the necks of the toilet bowls and the sewer openings are connected. And in almost every home there were cases when water could be seen near the toilet. It is clear that first of all, we immediately think that a crack or a hole has formed in the corrugation. But don't jump to conclusions. First, you need to make sure for all 100 that the water does not come from the toilet or the cistern, but from the corrugation.

Therefore, you just need to drain the water from the tank, carefully look at where the liquid is dripping from. If you are still convinced that the corrugation is leaking, then you can try to repair it, or simply replace it. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately determine the place where the water flows from before carrying out the repair.

In such cases, 2 options are possible:

• the junction of the corrugation with the socket in the toilet bowl or with the sewer riser is leaking;
• there is a break or crack directly in the pipe.

In the first option, you need to disconnect the corrugation, thoroughly clean both ends of dirt, unpleasant internal deposits, dry, put on a sealant and connect with a bell and a sewer riser.

Repair of a folded sleeve can be done in different ways:

1. 1st way
   Seal with a piece of rubber and waterproof glue, after degreasing and drying with a hairdryer the place where the crack or puncture is.
2. 2nd way
   Degrease, dry the place of future contact, take a rag soaked in epoxy, wrap the damaged area in 3-4 layers.
3. 3rd way
   Prepare a cement mixture, which would resemble thick sour cream in consistency, take a bandage and "plaster" the place where the crack or hole is.
4. 4th way
   Saturate the bandage with silicone and wrap the corrugation tightly.

It is clear that such measures to eliminate the leakage of the corrugated outlet are temporary, since after a while water will begin to drip again. Therefore, in order to completely get rid of the leak, you just need to replace the corrugation. This option is the cheapest, since not always a successful pipe repair may end up with water dripping into the neighbors' apartment below you, and making repairs with them will cost you much more.

Steel

I most often use it for laying water pipes. Over time, you can observe damage to welds, bends, threads. Under the action of corrosion, in the risers, you can observe the formation of pores, cracks, holes through which water begins to seep. At first, you can't even notice the place of damage. Therefore, you need to remember: the presence of a damp section of the wall, floor is a guarantee that it is necessary to carefully examine the water supply system.

Let's take a look at several ways to seal a crack in a steel pipe.

It is a box made of boards, which is filled with a mortar of sand and cement in a 2: 1 ratio. To quickly "grab", dilute the mixture with "liquid glass", the amount of which is determined by the method of samples.

This method is very effective when there is water in the riser. To do this, before filling the box with a solution, a thin tube must be tightly attached to the hole. If, after filling the case with a solution, pure water flows from the tube, then everything has been done correctly. After a while, the mixture in the drawer will harden, and the water should also be clean. Only after that you need to tightly clog the tube with a stopper, for example, wooden or rubber.

The ideal option for getting rid of a leak in a steel pipe is with the help of electric or gas welding, if possible.

Heating systems

For interconnecting heating radiators most often. If you notice water on the floor, then you need to immediately find out where the leak formed. How to repair a crack or other hole in a heating pipe?

The most common remedies for a leak are:

1. To temporarily solve the problem, it is enough to take soft rubber (for example, from an old bicycle tube), wrap the damaged area tightly, put a clamp on top or wrap with wire.
2. With a bandage. To do this, you need to buy a factory-made bandage, which is completed with a sealing rubber band, as well as a clamp, and mount it at the problem area.
3. When water drips or flows at the connection of the heating pipe, then this is a more complicated option, since it is possible that there are different diameters of the risers. In this case, you can also use the factory bandage, only you should replace the sealing gum with a piece of soft rubber. The main thing is to properly wind it around the pipe, as well as to smooth out the difference in diameters. After that, apply a clamp.
4. Heating pipes can also be repaired using electric or gas welding. Although, in most cases, a crack in a pipe is closed at home without welding. But these are temporary measures.

Long-term use of pipes, mechanical damage or shearing can result in leakage. A leaking pipe leads to flooding of the living quarters, therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the malfunction as soon as possible. Can a leaking pipe be repaired without the help of a plumber? What products are recommended for home use? Read on.

A pipe leak can form:

• at the junction of pipes with fittings;
• in the body of the pipe.

How to fix a leak in a fitting

The elimination of the leakage of the connecting fitting is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. first of all, it is necessary to tighten the threaded connection. For this:
   • you will need a wrench and an adjustable wrench;
   • the pipe is fixed with an adjustable wrench;
   • the fixing nut is tightened with a wrench;

Tighten the thread very carefully and slowly. Overtightening can cause the fitting to crack.

1. if the tightening does not help, then with a high degree of probability the problem lies in the deterioration of the thread or sealing material. The problem can be eliminated by replacing the insulating material. For this:
   • it is necessary to turn off the water supply of the dwelling. Disconnection is carried out by a tap located in the apartment (if a leak has formed on a pipe that is part of the wiring of the living quarters) or by a common house riser tap (the tap is located in the basement);
   • the thread is unscrewed completely or up to half, depending on the complexity of the situation;
   • the old sealing layer is removed;
   • wrapping up a new insulating material;

• the fitting is installed in its original place;

1. if the listed measures do not allow to seal the leakage in the pipe, then the fitting will need to be replaced. Replacing the connecting element is carried out as follows:
   • the old fitting is removed. If the connection is threaded, then it is enough to unscrew the thread. If a non-removable fitting (welded or compression) is used, the connector must be cut off;
   • a new element of the plumbing system is installed. The threaded fitting is screwed into place. To install a welded or compression fitting, you will need special equipment (welding machine or press device).

When replacing one-piece fittings, it should be taken into account that an increase in the total length of the pipeline will be required, which is done by inserting an additional pipe cut. It is more expedient to entrust the replacement of welded and compression fittings to professionals.

How to fix a pipe body leak

How to repair a leak in a pipe if there is a crack in the body? To eliminate the malfunction, you can use one of the following methods:

• install a clamp;
• apply a bandage;
• apply cold welding.

Clamp installation

The easiest way to eliminate a leak on a pipe body is to install a repair clamp. The special device consists of:

• metal case;
• a rubber seal located inside the body;
• fixing bolts.

You can install the clamp with your own hands in the following way:

1. the place of the leak is cleaned of dust and rust;
2. the pipe is wrapped with a clamp;
3. the device is fixed.

Clamp selection should be based on crack dimensions. To completely eliminate the malfunction, the clamp should be 1.5 - 2 times the size of the leak.

Applying a bandage

How to seal a leaking pipe if there is no clamp? To eliminate the leak, you can use a rubber, adhesive or cement bandage.

The rubber band is:

• a piece of rubber. A cut from a bicycle tube or medical tourniquet used to stop bleeding is best. It is necessary to wrap the cracked section of the pipe with a rubber cut;
• small straps, wire or other fixing straps to secure the rubber to the pipe.

The adhesive bandage is installed according to the following scheme:

1. the section of the pipe on which a leak has formed is cleaned of dirt with a solvent;
2. fiberglass or medical bandage are impregnated with special glue;

1. complete drying of the applied composition is expected.

Instead of special glue, you can use epoxy resin or, when using metal pipes, ordinary table salt.

How to cover a current pipe with epoxy, see the video.

Cement bandage is analogous to adhesive bandage. A bandage or fiberglass is impregnated with a cement mortar prepared in a ratio of 1:10.

Cold welding of pipes

A relatively new way to eliminate leaks is the use of a so-called cold welding composition. How to cover the pipe so that it does not flow? For different types of pipes (metal, plastic, and so on), different cold welding compositions are used.

Detailed instructions for using the mixture are given on the bottle with the active substance. Here is a general algorithm:

1. before applying the mixture, the damaged section of the pipeline is cleaned of dirt. If the composition must be applied to a metal pipe, then the crack is additionally cleaned of paint and rust;

1. a special composition is applied to the damaged area. If liquid cold welding is used in the form of glue, then it is advisable to apply it with a brush. If a plasticine-like composition is used, then before application it is necessary to knead it thoroughly until a homogeneous mixture is obtained;
2. the substance for cold welding is evenly distributed over the entire section of the cracked pipeline, capturing 3-4 cm more than the crack itself;

1. the composition is left to dry completely, which takes an average of 2.5 - 3 hours.

So that the area restored by cold welding does not stand out, the dried composition can be cleaned with sandpaper and painted.

All the methods given in the article to eliminate leaks on the pipe body, except for the use of cold welding, are only a temporary measure. To completely get rid of the problem that has arisen, it is necessary to completely replace the damaged section of the pipeline. To carry out this operation, it is advisable to involve qualified specialists.

Leaks of pipes, radiators and joints are quite rare. Usually, the average owner of a private house or apartment is not ready for such an emergency. The result is flooding of neighbors from below, damage to property, expensive repairs of 2-3 rooms. We will try to protect you from the listed troubles - we will analyze several ways how to quickly stop a leak in the heating or water supply system, then eliminate the defect completely.

A pipe is flowing - what to do in the first stage

In the event of a fistula on the central heating riser, from where the water gushes out, we suggest an optimal action plan:

Advice. If, before the arrival of the plumbers, it was not possible to tie the riser with a rag and stop the coolant supply, throw an old blanket or thick coat over the pipe that absorbs water well.

In the current reality, craftsmen often have to wait 2-3 days (for reasons - holidays, weekends, accidents at other facilities). It is impossible to leave tenants without heat for a long time, so in case of a delay, make an impromptu clamp from scrap materials:

Note. On the water supply, the described procedure is performed under pressure, if the riser has not been cut off from the main line. It is not necessary to rewind many turns of wire, the main thing is to temporarily stop the leak.

Also use the above procedure when the cast iron central heating battery is leaking heavily as well. Typically, radiators leak at the joints between the sections, and a temporary clamp should be applied there.

When a leak forms from under the nut, the connection must be repacked

If a stream of water is observed at the place of a threaded connection of iron pipes, it is necessary to unscrew the fixing nut from the coupling with a gas wrench. Wrap the opened thread with a pigtail of fresh flax (clockwise) and re-tighten the nut. The considered termination options will be shown by the plumber in the video:

In a private home, the elimination of a leak is greatly simplified - it is enough to close the required valve or quickly empty a section of the heating network. It is not necessary to roll rubber, it is better to close the hole with a more reliable method. When the leak in the apartment is temporarily eliminated, locksmiths do not need to wait - choose the right time and seal the hole completely using any of the methods below.

How to close up a fistula - folk methods

There are several proven home remedies for radiator or heating piping leaks:

• the use of a magnet and self-tapping screw;
• the imposition of a salt or epoxy "compress";
• adding mustard powder;
• making homemade heat-resistant sealant.

Please note: we are not mentioning the most common option - the bolted clamp. This tool is familiar even to housewives, but with the advent of plastic pipes it is not always applicable. The bottom line is simple: a strip of thin metal is cut along the circumference of the riser, holes are drilled at the ends. The fistula is sealed with a rubber gasket, tightened by the bandage bolts.

If the battery is connected correctly, it can be easily cut off from the riser and repaired

Also, do not reinvent the wheel when a leaking heating battery is connected via - with a bypass, a ball valve and a balancing valve. Shut off the fittings, calmly remove the heater and eliminate the leak. If the radiator is directly connected without shut-off valves, select the appropriate on-site repair method.

Magnet and self-tapping screw

Together with the coolant, metal particles travel along the communications, especially in steel pipe systems. If a small crack appears or the joint leaks, these particles can be used as a sealant. Without draining the water, a small magnet is applied to the pipeline, attracting the metal to the point of the defect. Practice shows - after 1-2 days, the leak is delayed.

When the connection is dug, a piece of magnet from an old speaker is applied to it.

The option with a screw is simple to implement: a self-tapping screw of the required diameter is selected and screwed into the hole. The method helps in such cases:

• with point defects 1.5-5 mm in size;
• on pipes made of copper, polypropylene (PPR) and cross-linked polyethylene;
• on bimetallic and aluminum radiators.

Note. Damaged pipelines are prone to delamination, so a self-tapping plug will not help.

To be sure, the screw in can be coated with automotive silicone sealant or epoxy. If the hole in the pipe is rather large, instead of a self-tapping screw, drive in a wooden peg, pointed under a cone. Cut the top of the plug flush with the surface and apply a regular clamp.

Salt bandage

The essence of the technique is to create conditions for artificial corrosion of metal. Therefore, we recommend using this method on old steel pipe systems that are planned to be replaced in the near future. The size of the hole or crack is 1–2 mm.

How to repair a leak:

1. Wet the medical bandage and make 1 to 2 loops around the tubing at the point of leakage.
2. Sprinkle the bandage with table salt, continue winding. A total of 20-40 layers are required.
3. Wait 2-3 hours and start heating. At first, the coolant may seep, but after a day the leak will be completely delayed.

Clarification. There is no need to strip the steel pipe before winding. If necessary, work is carried out under pressure, if the temperature permits.

Salt is not suitable for sealing polyethylene and polypropylene pipes. Home craftsmen advise on the Internet to impregnate the bandage with the following compounds:

• liquid glass;
• automotive high temperature sealant;
• glue based on epoxy resin.

We do not share the point of view of these craftsmen, since the listed substances do not have good adhesion to plastic. Here you need special chemical compositions, discussed below.

Homemade sealants

The repeatedly tested heating pipe sealant is dry mustard. Mixed with a coolant, it perfectly absorbs small leaks that occur in pipelines, pipeline fittings, batteries and even boilers. The application technology looks like this:

1. Buy 100-200 grams of mustard powder. The amount depends on the volume of water in the heating network.
2. In an open system, pour the mustard through the expansion tank. Bring the boiler to 60-70 degrees mode.
3. When the powder must be mixed with water and pumped through the make-up valve.

A 200 gram pack of mustard powder is enough to tighten small leaks.

Mustard fine fraction is highly hygroscopic (ability to absorb moisture). Once in the water, the microparticles swell, acquire an irregular shape and catch on internal irregularities, clogging up all leaks from the inside. Including - at the joints and in hard-to-reach places.

An important nuance. It is unacceptable to add mustard to the non-freezing heat carrier - ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

Mustard powder is harmless to boilers and does not cause corrosion. To eliminate leaks in batteries or heat exchangers, the dose will have to be increased. Sealing takes from several hours to 2 days.

Sometimes a mixture of cement (alabaster) with PVA glue without adding water is used for external sealing of heating or water supply lines of plumbing. The components are mixed until a thick substance is obtained and quickly applied to the damage using the same bandage. Before fixing a radiator or pipe leak with an improvised sealant, wipe the surface dry, it is better to remove rust and paint.

Eliminating leaks mechanically

If you want to reliably repair the system and forget about the problem for a long time, you will have to spend money. Moreover, the list of tools used is significantly expanding (the price of the product is indicated in brackets):

In addition to these devices, to restore the tightness of plastic lines, "native" fittings are used - couplings. The branch of the system is emptied, the pipe is cut at the point of leakage, then the ends are joined using a coupling.

An important point. If the metal-plastic breakthrough occurred inside the screed, a press connector (under the pliers) must be placed, the compression sleeve must not be monolithic.

Metal band (left) and plastic saddle clamp (right)

Another simple connector for steel is a reinforced hose that matches the diameter. The latter is mounted instead of the cut out rotten section of the water supply system. Fastening method - tightening or wire clamps.

Now let us explain the technology of using mechanical sealing means one by one:

As you can see, only vulcanizing tape is suitable for all types of damage. The rest of the clamps and bandages are mounted on straight pipe sections, the battery cannot be sealed, the joint or branch will not work. But for this purpose, there are various chemical agents.

Use of special sealants

Unlike mechanical means, the use of sealing compounds does not provide a 100% guarantee that the leak will be eliminated. On the other hand, it is unrealistic to use clamps and tape on a flat surface of the radiator when the fistula is located directly on the front panel. There are 3 options left: try a chemical agent, weld the hole, or replace the battery.

Undoubtedly, pipe and radiator sealant is the most convenient tool for the average user. Before you throw the heater into a landfill, you can try to glue it up. What sealants are usually used in such situations:

• a two-component plastic compound called "cold welding";
• liquid agents added to the coolant;
• adhesive heat-resistant plastic that hardens after ultraviolet radiation.

Reference. High-quality cold welding from Loctite costs about 27 USD. That is, 1 liter of liquid sealant "Aquastop" - 72 USD That is, Bondic light-curing plastic - 32 cu e. per set.

Two-component waterproof glue will definitely help if you strictly adhere to the technology - dry, clean and degrease the defective area before applying a patch. Cold welding tests on a water supply system, see the video below.

Liquid sealants are offered for different heat carriers (water, antifreeze) and types of heating systems. After adding the agent, chemical compounds fill the fistulas from the inside for 2 days. Of course, large defects and through holes cannot be repaired; you must first apply a mechanical method. For example, hammer a wooden chop into the hole.

Note. The “Aquastop” liquid is mixed with the coolant in a ratio of 1: 100. That is, no more than 0.5 liters of the agent will be needed to seal the closed system of a one-story house.

Bondic gel - plastic is sold with the irradiator and is applied to the injury in small portions. Each subsequent drop is illuminated with ultraviolet light and instantly solidifies. An indispensable condition is a dry, degreased surface, the type of pipe material does not matter.

Plastic becomes solid after exposure to ultraviolet light, before which the material remains liquid for an infinitely long time

Instead of a conclusion - how to detect a leak

When the lines of the radiator network are laid in an open way, it will not be difficult to identify a leak. Even slow percolation leaves marks - dark wet spots, drips, dirty streaks. Another question is to find a leak in a pipe embedded in the floor or wall. Due to constant heating, moisture evaporates and a small defect is simply invisible.

An important point. A sure sign of a leak is a drop in pressure in a closed heating system. Noticing a decrease in the pressure gauge readings, check the operation of the membrane, then look for the place of damage.

Methods for finding leaks inside a cement screed:

1. Alternate opening of heating circuits. Technology: when the pump and the boiler are running, close all the loops of the heated floor, except for one, and watch the pressure gauge. If the pressure starts to decrease, this circuit is leaking.
2. Dismantle the floor covering in the suspicious area (this operation is inevitable in any case). Switch off the boiler, leaving the pump running, if necessary raise the pressure to 1.5 bar. The water at the leak point will stop evaporating, after a while a wet spot will appear.
3. A fast and technologically advanced way of detection is the addition of a colored liquid - a marker to the coolant. The defect manifests itself in the dark - the flowing water glows even through the tiles.

Advice. To be sure, apply toilet paper to the dark spot on the surface of the concrete monolith. Able to absorb moisture well, it will confirm or refute your guesses.

The most convenient option is to get a thermal imager, for example, to rent it. The device will help to accurately identify the problem inside the screed and eliminate it with the least loss. For the difficulties and methods of detecting leaks inside walls and floors, see the video.

The article provides different methods for eliminating leaks in water pipes, and also describes how to repair pipes on your own. You will learn about the types of repair compounds, whether there are ways to stop the pipe break. The article will tell you about the simplest and most affordable pipe restoration options.

Anyone who at least once in his life faced the problem of pipe breakthrough or leakage knows that this nuisance, in case of confusion, can cause flooding and other unpleasant consequences. If you act decisively at this point, the consequences can be avoided.

First of all, you should shut off the water or drains, get rid of the water in the pipe to the maximum. If the water still continues to flow, we offer several repair methods.

Emergency adhesive

The correct name for this compound is emergency metal polymer. It consists of a two-component epoxy adhesive and metal dust. More precisely, the dust is already mixed with the resin, it remains to add the hardener at the right time. With such a composition, you can seal up a pipe in which the flow goes by gravity.

It should be noted that this composition only works at minimum pressure. There is also a composition "SILTEK V-37 Hydrocork" for sealing leaks in concrete and asbestos pipes.

Methods that provide connection or clamping of metal parts with threaded rods are called "cold" or locksmiths. They pass without application:

• current (arc welding);
• chemical reaction (bonding);
• elevated temperature (vulcanization, adhesion).

Accordingly, these methods have a huge advantage over the others, since they provide a result without the slightest loss of quality (!) When working during a leak or breakthrough. More precisely, the result will be the same both in the presence of water and in a dry area.

Self-tapping screw

This universal assistant will be useful to us here as well. If a small diameter hole (1-4 mm) is formed in the pipe, a galvanized screw with a press washer can be screwed into it. If at the same time there is an automobile (aviation) washer with a rubber gasket - there will be no leakage for a long time, perhaps several years. But a hook will appear inside the pipe, on which a blockage may form over time. This method is good in that it allows you to eliminate emergency leaks even under pressure.

Clamp

This is the most effective method of "cold" repairs, which, if performed properly, becomes a permanent element of the system. A properly made clamp can close a hole or crack up to 1/3 of its circumference. This is especially true for cast iron sewers.

If your sewer pipes are highly worn, keep a few clamp blanks ready. This is a strip of metal (galvanized, preferably thicker) with drilled holes at the ends. Try the strip against the pipe for the size of the clamp. The "kit" includes a rubber pad (flap) and a bolt with a nut and washers. If a leak appears, simply install the flap in this place and clamp it with a clamp.

The same goes for water pipes. A conventional worm-gear clamp (or preferably several) is a reliable and quick way to eliminate leaks in any pipe with a diameter of up to 50 mm, regardless of the material.

You can also use the tube holder as a flap clamp. Its rubber edge holds the pressure very well.

Finally, there are special pipe clamps for repairing pipes. They have a twin rod of two screws and a rubberized contact surface. Even professionals use such devices if they have to fix leaks on worn pipes that will soon be replaced. The use of welding in such cases is impractical.

Soldering polypropylene (PPR)

Almost everything has been said about the brazing of PPR pipes, but few know about brazing during a leak. If it happens that water is oozing out of the pipe, it will not work well to solder it. To do this quickly, without waiting for the water to drain completely, insert mashed bread into the pipe - as much as it will fit. Then, acting quickly and accurately, the ball valve should be soldered in the standard way. While the bread is soaking with water, the solder will already cool down. Then the loose cork is washed out by the pressure of water.

The following methods are only suitable if the flow is completely stopped.

Mounting tape

Reinforced metallized tape will help in sealing a burst (thawed) pipe. For repairs, you need to clean and dry the breakthrough section well. Then degrease.

Attention! The better the stripping is, the more securely the tape will stick.

Then wind the tape around the pipe as tightly as possible, blocking the breakout point. A pipe sealed in this way maintains a pressure of up to 2.5 bar for years.

Video - how to fix a pipe with mounting tape

In the same way, you can glue other things - a barrel, a ladle, a flask.

Epoxy resin or bitumen

The site of the defect can be repeatedly covered with epoxy or bitumen primer (ideally hot bitumen). Apply the next layer on the cooled and hardened previous one. Before work, clean and degrease the surface. Suitable as a temporary repair for sewer pipes (especially at the joints).

Patch

The method is good for sewer pipes with a diameter of 50 mm. In principle, a patch can repair damage of any size, even more than 1/3 of the circumference. The operation can be carried out locally, but the pipe must be dry.

Operating procedure:

1. Pick up and cut a patch from the same pipe. It should cover the defect by 15-20 mm.
2. Clean and degrease the damaged area and patch.
3. Apply any type of adhesive for plastic to the contact surfaces - epoxy, hot melt, superglue, polyurethane (cold welding).
4. Attach a patch and tape tightly.
5. Remove the tape after drying.

This method is also used for steel pipes, only electric welding is used instead of glue and tape.

Butt joint

It is impossible to say for sure when and where this technique may come in handy, but it is better to know about it than not to know. Plastic bottles are made of heat-shrinkable plastic and it retains its properties, falling into our hands as a container. This can be advantageously used to reinforce the butt joint - by itself it is usually very weak.

To do this, two PPR pipes or fragments of pipes that need to be connected should be well joined. Then coat with one of the adhesives:

• polyurethane
• hot melt
• epoxy

Apply the adhesive generously to the adjacent pipe section. After that, until the glue has frozen, put on a "sleeve" from a plastic bottle at the junction and heat it with a construction hairdryer until the plastic covers the pipe. It works best with hot melt glue - it is welded into the pipe and shell. The process is shown schematically in the video.

Video - how to solder a pipe

A sudden pipe rupture can completely destroy a room and even an apartment. Floors and furniture will swell, upholstery will deteriorate, electronics will fail, and you don't have to talk about the bill that the neighbors will put up below. These can be the consequences of inattention to pressure pipes. Therefore, it is easier and better to prevent any trouble than to correct it.