Pressure tape for pipes. Sealing tape for pipes. Silicone pipe sealants

Plumbing work is not possible without high-quality sealing. For this purpose, specially designed sealants are used. One such effective means is plumbing tape for sealing sewer pipes. It is also ideal for working with plastic plumbing systems. However, in order for the result to be high-quality and durable, it is important to choose the tape wisely and know the rules for its use.

Concept and types

Tape for sealing water pipes is a thin, narrow film made of fluoroplastic. Performs a sealing function during the installation of sewers and water pipes.

There are two types of such film:

Thick white.
Thin (translucent).

Both species have similar characteristics. They are heat-resistant, elastic, resistant to chemicals. Their width is 10-60 mm. On one side, the film is coated with a special lubricant. To prevent sticking. There are options without lubrication.

How to choose a ribbon

Before purchasing, you need to find out the purpose and type of work. There are films intended for utility lines, household or industrial. Lubricant-free belts are intended for objects that interact with oxidizing agents and oxygen. There are also types that seal threaded connections during the installation of highways or household systems.

Depending on the purpose and location of installation, the tape for sewer or water supply pipes is selected taking into account its characteristics. The stability of the device to an aggressive environment, heat resistance, melting point, etc. must be assessed. It is important to take into account the “behavior” of the film at pipe joints, under pressure and under other significant conditions.

Tape for plastic pipes must also meet certain requirements. First of all, it is worth studying its technical characteristics. High-quality products will last at least ten years.

film length and width;
elongation at break as a percentage;
the presence or absence of lubricant, it is also indicated in %;
maximum stretch during tension.

All these indicators will “tell” about the quality and purpose of the tape. It can be difficult for beginners to decide. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with the experts in advance.

Choosing a sealant for domestic plumbing

Tape for sealing water pipes is the most popular when working with plumbing. It is also used in home heating systems, for PVC pipes. If the material is selected or installed incorrectly, this will be noticeable after turning on the supply tap for the first time.

The most suitable options for plumbing:

12 mm wide. Thin film used for connections with fine threads.
19 mm wide. And a little thicker than the previous one. For large types of threads.

When choosing sewer or plumbing sealants, you must take into account the possibility of quickly disassembling the system if necessary. Even after several years, the tape should be easily removed from the pipe joint.

Selecting tape for heating systems

PTFE film is recommended. It has a low percentage of friction. During the threaded connection you do not have to apply much effort. The joining of parts occurs quickly. Fluoroplastic is an eternal material and does not react to chemical compounds.

But the use of such tape is limited, since it has some features:

If the size of the parts to be joined exceeds 25 mm, the sealing result deteriorates.
If the elements have rough threads, the material cannot withstand and breaks.
Low adhesion of fluoroplastic. If parts are subject to deformation when exposed to temperature, the film cannot withstand pressure. She gets squeezed out.

This tape is not suitable for connecting parts of radiators. It is recommended to seal heating parts with special plumbing thread. Its qualities are similar to fluoroplastic tape, but it is easier to install and lasts longer.

Pipelines are exposed to various factors: moisture, aggressive environments and ultraviolet radiation, which significantly reduce their service life. To protect highways. This material must be applied to pipes that are laid underground, outdoors and in rooms with high humidity. When coolant and hazardous liquids pass through the pipeline, additional thermal insulation is used. Insulating tapes are used on all sections of the pipeline, including in places where fittings are inserted and at joints.

Waterproofing materials

The market offers ready-made solutions for pipe protection that provide reliable waterproofing of the pipeline. Correctly determining the optimal type of tape for pipeline insulation is a guarantee of the reliability and durability of the insulation layer.

The main criteria that determine the choice of waterproofing tape:

product material;
temperature regime in the system;
place of installation of waterproofing;
ambient temperature;
characteristics of the carrier and operating pressure in the system.

The choice of tape for waterproofing pipes, the material for their initial processing and the type of additional protection is based on the initial data.

Heat shrink tapes

Heat-shrink tape is a two-layer insulating material that is designed to protect pipes and difficult sections of the pipeline. The material sets at a temperature of +80 ℃ - +100 ℃. The installation technology requires the use of special tools and is carried out by qualified specialists who have the skills to work with heated materials.

Joints, seams and joints with reinforcement are processed using heat-shrinkable sleeves. This material is used when carrying out routine repairs of areas where the tightness of the system is compromised. The base and adhesive composition are two inseparable layers included in the design of the cuffs. The outer layer is designed for protection and is made of polyethylene, and the inner adhesive layer is made of vinyl acetate and ethylene, which have a low melting point. Treating pipes with this insulating material increases the service life of the pipeline by 3 times.

Pipeline insulation tape is suitable for processing heat-resistant materials: copper, steel, cast iron. It cannot be used to seal pipes made of PVC and plastic.

Bitumen and PVC based tapes

Roll materials consist of three layers: a bitumen-based composition, a base and a film with adhesive properties. The material in the roll does not stick together due to the use of protective polyethylene film. The waterproofing properties of pipeline insulation tapes are ensured by asmol mastic, which is securely fixed to the surface of the material being processed. The outer layer is made of PVC film, which protects the mastic from moisture.

A universal material that has no restrictions on pipeline material. It can be applied not only to cast iron, steel, copper, but also to PVC and plastic pipes. The maximum pipe diameter reaches 1.5 m. The service life of the material is from 35 years. Application to the surface to be treated can be carried out at temperatures from +10℃.

Bitumen tape is typically used to insulate underground pipelines. The use of this material outdoors is limited due to the possible overheating of the protective layer. The surface of the pipeline requires pre-treatment. A layer of primer is first applied, and then the waterproofing is wound.

July 25, 2016
Specialization: philological education. Work experience as a builder - 20 years. Of these, for the last 15 years he led a team as a foreman. I know everything about construction - from design and zero cycle to interior design. Hobbies: Vocals, psychology, quail breeding.

Greetings, my dear readers!

Many people know that when creating and repairing various utilities, it is important to reliably seal all elements. The reliability and efficiency of systems depends on this. Today I will tell you how to choose a sealant for water supply, sewerage, heating and smoke exhaust pipes.

Category No. 1: materials for sealing water and sewer pipes

There are several types of seals for sewer and water pipes.

Sealing tapes

Self-adhesive tapes, specially created for sealing pipe joints, are a modern means of sealing. They have such advantages.

Self-adhesive films are easy to use and highly effective.
Sealing tapes on a durable polyethylene base have good performance characteristics.
They are universal, they can be used to seal different types of pipelines (sewage and water supply), because they have anti-corrosion and dielectric qualities.
Tapes can be used not only for sealing pipe joints, but also for sealing system elements: inserts, plugs, rotary corners, etc.

Prepare its surface for winding the sealant: it must be cleaned of dirt, dust and dried.
When applying the tape to the pipe, make sure that it is constantly tensioned; in addition, do not allow wrinkles and folds to form.
Wind the film, creating a 50 percent overlap in a spiral. As a result, the entire sealed surface should be under two-layer tape protection.

Plumbing tape has poor UV resistance. As a result, if the sealed section of the pipeline is exposed to the sun, it should be additionally protected from ultraviolet radiation over the film.

Silicone compounds

Silicone-based plumbing pipe sealant is another common sealant. Rubber silicone compounds are a composite of different substances that provide high quality sealing. They have good adhesion to compacted surfaces and do not require pre-treatment with a primer.

I would like to warn you that, based on the type of hardener, silicone sealants for sewer pipes are divided into the following types:

Acidic compounds. Their price is relatively low. However, they should not be used to seal certain surfaces that may react with acids.
Neutral analogues. They are universal and can be used for all types of materials from which pipes are made.

Silicone sealants are used to seal both metal and plastic pipes, but only sewer pipes.

Following the vulcanization of silicone gel, after its application, it is transformed into a material similar in its qualities to rubber. This process is directly influenced by the moisture contained in the air.

At the moment, sealants of the Tytan, Moment and Sinicon brands are of the highest quality, which is why they are popular. They are used not only for sealing joints between metal and plastic pipes, but also for repairing fistulas and cracks.

I'll tell you how to use them:

Before sealing the surface, make sure it is dry and clean.
Next, carefully spread silicone gel over the interface of pipes or system elements.
The composition should not be smeared further. Apply it in 2-3 layers, slightly going beyond the boundaries of both sides of the joint.
It is extremely undesirable to moisten the pipe not only before and during work, but also until the polymerization of the silicone is complete.

It is extremely easy to squeeze out and distribute the sealant - using a special mounting gun. If you don't have one, you can use a regular hammer.
Insert its handle into the tube and press this kind of piston.

Epoxy resin

It serves, like adhesives based on it, as the most used product for water and sewer pipes:

In water supply and wastewater systems, epoxy resin is used for cast iron and ceramic pipelines, which require a more durable interface than plastic counterparts.
The advantages of this sealant include its long service life and resistance to more than fifty chemically aggressive compounds.
“Epoxy” is not resistant only to sulfuric and nitric acids, hydrogen peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone and fluoride compounds.

Hemp, jute rope

Another common sealant for water pipes made of metal and sewer analogues made of ceramics and cast iron is jute or hemp rope, as well as resin strand (heel). They are used to seal the sockets of networks. I would like to give you some advice - using resin-impregnated rope is a more preferable option.

Previously, only jute impregnated with resin was used to seal household communications. The principle of its operation is the same as that of self-adhesive tapes, but they are fixed differently.

Jute is an ordinary twine. However, if it is impregnated with bitumen or resin, it becomes a durable and strong seal for the sockets of ceramic and cast iron sewers.

Other means

Cement is a common element in some sealants. Most often used for the production of asbestos-cement mixtures and for caulking cast iron sewer pipes.
Asphalt mastic and an analogue from petroleum bitumen are used for the production of casting compounds. They are needed to seal the joints and sockets of ceramic networks. The following mastics are used for different types of pipelines: talc-bitumen, asbestos-polymer-bitumen, rubber-bitumen, polymer-bitumen, etc.

Technical sulfur is used to seal the sockets of cast iron sewer pipes. Before use, it must be crushed and then heated until melted. It should be said that this method is now rarely used, because sulfur has a very pungent and unpleasant odor.

Category No. 2: seals for heating systems

We all have to install a new heating network, change radiators and thread seals shortly before the heating season. Find out from my article which sealants can now be used for this.

Flax tow

At the moment, there are many seals for radiators and pipes of heating systems that belong to different generations. One of the oldest sealants is flax tow, planted on paint.

However, this material was good many years ago; now it is of little use. I'll explain why:

Linen is natural, i.e. degradable, therefore a short-lived sealant. Previously, cast iron radiators could be used quietly for 40 years. However, now the service conditions of heating networks have become different. This sealant will have to be changed after 3-4 years.
Current paints have a composition that is different from that of their Soviet counterparts. They are absolutely not suitable as impregnation of flax fibers. Silicone is also not suitable for this. It contains vinegar, which causes thread corrosion.

Modern high-rise buildings are not Khrushchev buildings with 2-5 floors. During pressure testing (testing of pipelines for strength and tightness) and operation of the network of such a building, a pressure of up to 16 atmospheres is turned on. Linen sealant can be used at pressures up to 8 atmospheres.

As a result, the connections on the flax seal burst due to its swelling or cannot withstand the operating pressure in the heating system.

For apartments in a 1-5-story apartment building, linen sealant can be used. There are only a few connections in the dwellings.
In your own home or cottage, the number of threaded connections on pipes can approach several hundred. It is highly undesirable to use flax sealant in them.

More modern means - polymer threads and anaerobic sealants

The photo shows the sealing of a pipe fitting with a polymer thread.

Flax planted on paint is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Now there is a more modern, reliable, safe and durable method of sealing pipes and elements of heating systems. It is based on the use of polymer threads and anaerobic gels.

The anaerobic sealant for heating polymerizes in contact with the metal, completely filling the entire thread. The connection will last as long as the pipes, without replacements or leaks. He will not be afraid of high pressure and temperature, shock and vibration loads.
Polymer threads are also an excellent sealant for threaded units of heating systems. They are suitable for sealing metal, PVC and polypropylene pipes, the mating of which is undesirable using gel materials. The operating temperature of the threads is not limited, and dismantling is easy.

In the lower table I present to you the technical characteristics of high-quality anaerobic gels from the Russian company RST (Region Spetstekhno).

Name	Purpose	Characteristics
Gel "Santech-master" (green)	Anaerobic sealant for metal flange and threaded connections up to 1.5 inches.	Polymerization period: 20/30 min. Application temperature from +15º. Dismantling is easy. Volume: tube – 60 g, blister – 15 g. Operating temperature range -60/+150º. Ingredients: dimethacrylate polyglycol and modifiers.
Gel "Santech-master" (blue)	Anaerobic sealant for metal threaded and flanged connections up to 2 inches	Polymerization period: 15/20 min. Installation temperature from +15º. Dismantling requires medium force. Volume: tube - 60 g, blister - 15 g. Composition:
Gel "Stop-master" (red)	Anaerobic sealant for metal flange and thread connections up to 3 inches.	The polymerization period is 5 minutes. Installation temperature +5º. Heating is required for dismantling. Volume: tube - 60 g, blister - 15 g. Composition: dimethacrylate polyglycol and modifiers. Operating temperature range -60/+150º.

Category No. 3: sealants for furnace equipment

Furnace equipment may crack due to temperature changes.

What are furnace sealants used for?

Through cracks can reach the chimney. Then soot on its walls and increased fuel consumption will not be all the problems. Harmful combustion products will begin to penetrate into living rooms.
Problems with a chimney are not so common when it is made of high-quality ceramics or a sandwich, but they are dangerous. For optimal traction, its channel must be sealed. This directly affects fire safety. Why?
Soot often settles on the chimney walls. If it is not cleaned in a timely manner, it may ignite when exposed to air oxygen. The ignition temperature will be quite high - up to +1500º. If the thermal insulation of a heated pipe is poor, the floors or roof will catch fire.
Incomplete sealing of the smoke exhaust channel also leads to the gas burner fire going out. This problem is widespread when using gas boilers.

To seal cracks and join channel elements, it is best to use paste sealant for chimney pipes. The basis of such materials are different polymers that give different technical characteristics to the seal.

They are packaged in tubes of different configurations and volumes. There are packages that look like tubes of toothpaste. The sealant is simply squeezed out of them.

Tubes for mounting guns are also available. In this case, you need to cut off the spout on the lid cone, insert the sealant into the device and squeeze out the required volume of paste using the trigger lever.

Types of material

According to the form of release, high-temperature seals are divided into two- and one-component ones.

The first of them must be mixed before use. In most cases, they are used by professional builders.
This happens due to working conditions: when mixing components, you need to measure them very accurately. The permissible maximum error is only one gram.

In addition, if a small proportion of components accidentally gets into each other, a reaction begins, and the viability of the resulting mixture is only a few hours. Based on all this, for non-professional builders, I recommend using ready-to-use paste sealants.

Based on the area of application and withstandable temperatures, oven sealants are divided into two groups.

Heat-resistant seals are used for areas that heat up to +350º. The scope of their use: external surfaces of fireplaces and stoves, masonry joints (however, not between the masonry and casting of the stove). They are also suitable for sealing joints between parts of hot water supply and heating systems, sandwich chimneys and bricks with roofing.

Heat-resistant and heat-resistant analogues are able to resist extremely high temperatures - up to 1500º. The scope of their use is in fireplaces and stoves, areas where brickwork and furnace casting meet. In boilers they are used in furnaces and combustion chambers. In chimney ducts - at seams and joints, including those running immediately after the outlet pipe.

These pastes can be used in direct contact with an open flame. However, then the sealant must have an additional characteristic on the packaging: “fireproof” or “fire resistant”.

Heat-resistant seals

This type of high-temperature sealant is made on a silicone base. The temperature regime that the composition can withstand may vary based on the exact composition of the paste. Thus, to increase thermal resistance, silicone is modified with iron oxide.

This paste holds temperatures well up to +250º, with a short increase to +315º. Iron oxide colors the sealant in a brownish-reddish tone.

Therefore, when using a similar composition for a brick stove or fireplace, you will not spoil their appearance, it will not be visible. It can also be used to seal the joints of heating pipes. However, aesthetics will suffer here.

Based on its composition, silicone material can also be neutral or acidic. The latter analogues dry out and release vinegar. As a result, such sealants cannot be used for cements, concretes and metals that are not resistant to corrosion.

In this case, a reaction occurs between the base and the seal, which leads to the appearance of a layer of oxides or salts, which destroy the seal. Then the seams and joints stop playing their role, beginning to let air and moisture through.

Cement, concrete and metal can be sealed with neutral silicone-based sealants, because... when cured, they release alcohol and water. The main properties of neutral heat-resistant sealants are below.

UV resistance. Thanks to this, they can be used outdoors, for example, to seal roof penetrations.
Moisture resistance. This parameter makes it possible to use this composition for chimney ducts. For example, seal seams and cracks in roof passages, at the junctions of its flooring, and seal threaded connections when installing heating.
Good adhesion to substrates made of different materials: concrete, brick, glass, metal, plastic, ceramics, wood.
After hardening, the seal retains some elasticity and therefore does not crack under mild vibration and deformation. However, plasticity also has its drawback - paint does not adhere to silicone sealant. It peels and cracks.
The drying period of the material can be several hours or several days. This parameter is affected by the composition of the sealant and its storage time. The fresher the sealant, the faster it dries. The drying period is indicated on the packaging.

Manufacturers measure this parameter at a humidity level of 50 percent and a temperature of 23º. Changing their values shortens or lengthens the drying time. The lower the humidity and temperature, the longer it takes for the sealant to harden.

Polymerization of the sealant begins from its surface and continues inward; it requires air moisture. Based on this, do not make the seams deeper than necessary; the silicone at the bottom simply may not harden. In this case, the joint or seam will allow water or smoke to pass through.

To ensure that the compactor has good adhesion to the base, I strongly advise you to prepare it.

First, clean the surface down to the very base: remove dirt, dust, salts and oxides.
Next, wash it with water and thoroughly degrease.
Silicone-based sealants must not be used on a wet surface. Therefore, wait until the base is completely dry before sealing.
The silicone seal holds well on a smooth surface. However, to improve the adhesion, I recommend that you sandblast it, emery cloth or other abrasive. Then wash the base again, wipe with solvent and dry. Next you can work with the sealant.

All silicone-based oven materials are painted red or brownish-reddish.

Heat-resistant analogues

The universal heat-resistant seal is made on the basis of silicates. The operating temperature regime that it can withstand is up to +1300º, and can withstand short-term exposure up to +1500º.

This type of furnace sealant can be used in areas of direct contact with an open flame. In this case, the packaging of the seal should be marked: “fireproof”.

Heat-resistant seals are used:
for repairing leaks in heating boilers;
for sealing chimney pipes and sealing cracks in them;
for sealing areas where brickwork is adjacent to furnace casting;
for sealing fireclay lining of furnaces;

When installing a chimney made of sandwiches, it is also highly advisable to coat their modular joints with a similar product.

The exception is pyrolysis and condensation boilers; at their outlet the smoke temperature is up to +150º. Here you can use heat-resistant seals.
When you plan to make the chimney duct or other element collapsible, apply sealant only to the joints. By loosening the two sections and crumbling the seal, you can separate them.

If you apply a layer of the product over the entire surface, the structure will become monolithic. You won't be able to take it apart without damaging it.

Silicate-based materials have good adhesion to stone, brick, concrete, metal, and cement mortar. However, I warn you that they are not firmly held on a smooth plane, as a result of which such surfaces require abrasive treatment before applying sealant.

I would also like to note one point - the sealant can be applied only in the positive temperature range: +5/+40º. The best option is a temperature of at least +20º, in this case the composition dries faster.

However, plasticity has its advantage - it makes it possible to paint the sealant. The silicone composition is distributed using a mounting gun and is no more than one centimeter thick.

Please pay special attention to the fact that some types of heat-resistant seals, if they come into contact with the skin, can cause chemical burns. Based on this, when working with your hands, wear rubber gloves and be careful.

Fire-resistant and heat-resistant oven sealants are painted black or gray. They have no other colors.

They are not pure sealants, but rather a sealing adhesive.
These products are transparent and can withstand temperatures up to +200º.
Such compositions are chemically neutral, i.e. they do not react with salts and acids. The drying period is not affected by humidity and temperature. Thanks to this, they can be used outdoors and during the winter season.
Sealing adhesives are waterproof. Therefore, they can be used in rooms with high levels of humidity - in a shower, bath, bathhouse, etc.
The relative disadvantage of such compositions is that they are not high-temperature.

Of these sealants, I can recommend you the “Fix All” brand sealing adhesive from the Soudal company. It is not directly related to heat-resistant analogues, but is perfect for repairing leaks, cracks in heating networks, as well as hot water supply, both in the pipes themselves and in the fittings.

Popular product brands

Almost always, manufacturing companies write on the packaging of heat-resistant seals their main purpose. For example: “sealant for chimneys, fireplaces and stoves.” So, you can't go wrong with your choice.

"Soudal-C". The Belgian company Saudal produces a diverse range of sealing materials. These include heat-resistant analogues, as well as heat-resistant stove and fireplace seals “Soudal-Calofer”. Such compositions are painted black.

The Penosil company produces heat-resistant sealant for Penosil/+1500 ovens. It is black in color and can withstand temperatures up to +1500º. It polymerizes within 15 minutes.
The company also has heat-resistant red analogues that can withstand temperatures up to +300º. They are acidic, so they cannot be used on concrete, cement and metal.
In the middle price segment you can also find seals that are of good quality. For example, heat-resistant sealants of the Tytan and Bau-Master brands.

Under the Titan brand, a group of companies from Poland, Selena-Group, produces professional-grade construction and finishing materials, including oven sealants. They are standardized and have DIN and ISO No. 9001 certificates.

The Tytan high-temperature seal is modified with fiberglass; it gives the material a high degree of gas and smoke resistance. It is able to withstand temperatures up to +1250º. This composition is suitable for chimney pipes and stoves.

Conclusion

Without pipe sealants, the effective operation of many utility networks is impossible. Depending on the type of network, different types of seals should be used.

If you watch the video in this article, you will learn more information. Ask your questions in the comments.

So I say goodbye, and good luck to you in your endeavors!

July 25, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

Hi all.

Today's review will focus on silicone tape, the main purpose of which is to eliminate leaks. I purchased it on eBay quite a long time ago, but until last weekend it was gathering dust on a shelf in the pantry, since there was no way to check its functionality. Unfortunately, the lot where I bought it is no longer active, so the link above leads to another similar one. But I don’t exclude the possibility that there are cheaper options.

But the track from the parcel remains, so if anyone is interested, you can see its route from China to Belarus. True, the track is not very complete, so information about movement only within the territory of the Middle Kingdom is available for viewing.

Be that as it may, the parcel was successfully received and sent to the shelf until a neighbor living downstairs disturbed the calm Friday evening. She came to me not for salt or sugar, but with the claim that we were flooding her toilet. A joint inspection of my restroom showed that, at first glance, everything was dry, but, as it became known, the problem was hidden behind a decorative wall. In the very compartment where all the pipes are hidden. The problem was that cold water was leaking. No one knows how long it lasted, not even the neighbor. But while dripping, the water leaked through the ceiling of the technical compartment and began to drip from the ceiling of the neighbors. Fortunately, they also had drops in the technical department.

The location of the leak was quickly identified - a tap extending from the riser to the meter. Moreover, it was dripping in front of the tap, that is, it was not possible to eliminate the leak by shutting it off: (When you enlarge the photo, you can see wet tow, as well as a dripping drop. The drops formed quite vigorously and it seems to me that more than one liter “escaped” this way. Fortunately, there was a leak in front of the meter :)

Since it was Friday, and even in the evening, it was not possible to call a plumber from the local housing office (I would have been more surprised if I had managed to do this). I was about to look for commercial advertisements, but I remembered the very same tape that is the hero of this review.

So, the tape is a silicone strip wound into a roll. In appearance it is not much different from ordinary insulating tape, except that it is wider. The width of the strip is 2.5 centimeters.

The length of the tape is 3 meters. I didn’t measure it myself, but this is exactly the information available on the seller’s page.

Each layer of tape is separated from the other by something like a rigid film. This was done to prevent the layers from sticking together.

The thickness of the tape (including the film) is 0.3 millimeters.

The feel of this silicone tape is not at all similar to the electrical tape we are used to. First of all, it doesn't have a sticky side. That is, the layers do not stick to each other, but fit tightly due to the high friction force, so to speak. Due to this, it can be used underwater, in water and on wet surfaces. The moisture is simply squeezed out from under the tape. Secondly, it is very elastic. It stretches without any problems at all, and, if you have a certain desire, a piece 10 centimeters long can be stretched to 20 centimeters.

Due to its elasticity, the adhesive properties of the tape only increase. It has no foreign smell, which is also good news.

And here is what is written in the seller's description:

- Suitable for sealing hoses and pipes;
- Ensuring waterproofing of electrical connections;
- Optimal for emergency repairs;
- Work even on wet, dirty or oily surfaces;
- Can be used as a tourniquet or emergency wrap for bleeding;
- Material: silicone;
- Length: 3 meters / 10 feet;
- Width: 25 mm / 1";
- Thickness: 0.5mm / 20mil (actually 0.3mm);
- Insulation: 800 Volt;
- Temperature range: from -60 to 260 degrees Celsius;
- Pressure: up to 5 bar.

I wound it in several layers, covering about half of the previous layer with a new one. I used a piece of tape about 15 centimeters long. Thanks to its good elasticity, this was enough to wrap both the tap and part of the pipe. I didn’t clean or wipe anything, that is, the surface of both the pipe and the tap was in its original (dusty and wet) state.

This “repair” was hastily carried out on Friday. He lasted 4 days - until Monday evening. And judging by what I saw, during this time not a single drop fell on the ceiling. That is, the tape coped perfectly with the task assigned to it.

Here is a photo of the scene the next morning - as you can see, everything is dry :):

Not only was the repair carried out as quickly as possible, but there was also no need to shut off the riser, thereby leaving the entire entrance without water for several hours, or even the entire weekend. But on Monday the riser was closed, although it was done for about 20 minutes in order to replace the tap. As it turned out, it cracked, causing a leak. Perhaps the tape would have prevented the crane from collapsing further, but I didn’t take the risk. If the tap had burst completely, she would definitely not have been able to save her. But as a temporary remedy, tape turned out to be an ideal option. So I believe that this product belongs to the must-have category and should be in the pantry of any owner (unless you get water from a well and there are no communications in the house). It is not expensive, but it can save you from a local disaster. It’s a pity that I didn’t have it at that moment when the heating radiator leaked a few years ago... Oh, what a fun night it was...

So I have only positive impressions from using this silicone tape. It’s a pity that the damaged tap was thrown away along with the used tape - we should have left it and monitored its condition in the future. Perhaps it is self-vulcanizing and will eventually turn into a single sealing ring... But even if this does not happen, it still performs its functions perfectly.

That's probably all. Thank you for your attention and your time.

Pipe tape is a modern sealant intended for use in water supply, sewerage, gas pipeline systems, as well as critical systems with aggressive and high-temperature environments. The tape is convenient, does not require additional preparation of the workplace, and is indispensable in situations of emergency pipeline repair and in the absence of sealing experience.

Types of tapes and areas of application

Sealing tape for pipes differs in composition, size, color, but most importantly, in the scope of application and winding method. In simple terms, tapes are available for external and internal use. “External” tapes are wound over the pipe, they are both an additional and the main sealant. Tape for pipe joints is relevant for detachable connections without threads and flanges, as well as for sealing pipeline bends, taps, plugs, fittings and other pipeline elements.

“Internal” tapes are applied to the threads, i.e. The area is sealed from the inside. When making a threaded connection, they use plumbing tape, which is much smaller and thinner than the external sealing tape and has slightly different technical and operational characteristics.

Let's look at them in more detail...

Sealing tape for pipe joints is a multilayer self-adhesive material, usually with a bitumen-polymer composition. It has waterproof properties, protects the pipe from corrosion, mechanical, chemical, temperature influences, and eliminates leaks.

Depending on the temperature of the transported medium and the place of sealing, the following are distinguished:

Summer ribbon

Operating temperature range - up to +300˚С. Suitable for high temperature environments, applied to areas located underground or indoors.

Winter ribbon

Operates at temperatures -200˚ to +100˚С. Designed for external work when laying a main or municipal pipeline.

Heat resistant tape

Retains its properties at extreme temperatures up to +1500˚С. Used for sealing critical systems, including oil pipelines.

Polymer-bitumen tapes are effective when laying heating mains and sealing not only the joint, but also a large straight section of pipe. Reliable, durable, environmentally friendly and convenient. Thanks to the elasticity and pliability of the material, it is possible to seal the required area the first time and quickly, which is important when the time frame for pipeline construction or repair is limited.

Apply sealing tape to a clean, dry pipe with the adhesive side facing inward. Winding is carried out as an overlapping spiral. It is important that the tape fits tightly around the pipe, does not bubble, and lies smoothly. Before each turn, the tape is slightly stretched and laid with a wide overlap, capturing half of the previous turn to form a double layer.

The service life of the tape for external work is about 30 years. This is an adequate figure for main pipelines that require 100% sealing.

FUM tapeand plumbing thread

These materials are intended for sealing threaded connections of plastic and metal pipes. Widely used in household pipelines during the assembly and repair of gas pipelines, water pipes, installation of plumbing equipment, connection of household appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, gas boilers, etc.)

FUM tape:

Varies in width and thickness
Effective for hot and cold water systems, operating temperature range is from -70 to + 200-250 ˚С
Resistant to pressure up to 100 atmospheres, copes with pressure surges in the system and hydraulic shocks
Most effective on plastic threads
Suitable for temporary connections
Shows good results as an alternative to rubber gaskets and O-rings

In addition to the fact that high-quality tape is not easy to choose, its disadvantages include two main ones - uneconomical consumption and difficulty in winding. Anyone working with FUM for the first time needs to make several test connections to get used to it, find out the number of turns for a specific thread, measure the flow rate and select the appropriate tape size for different types of work.

Another feature of the sealing connection with the FUM is the impossibility of adjustment. If, during assembly or operation of the thread, it is expected to unwind, even if only slightly, there can be no question of tightness. That is why FUM tape is chosen for simple, non-hazardous connections.

In addition, FUM tape does not tolerate vibrations. If the connection is subjected to it periodically, sooner or later it will leak.

Record winding is also a variant of sealing tape. This plumbing thread is intended for sealing threaded connections in natural and liquefied gas systems, cold and hot water, drinking water and compressed air. This thread is used to perform a wide range of household work related to the assembly of engineering systems, installation and connection of equipment. Including something as complex as a pumping station or double-circuit heating boilers.

Record thread is much more convenient than FUM tape, primarily because it is wound randomly - along the thread or crosswise. The simplest instructions are clear even to a beginner, and the thread does not slip or wobble on the thread. Due to the impregnating composition, it adheres tightly to the sealed surface.

Reeling Record:

Instantly seals any connection
Does not require preparation or even cleaning of threads
Protects the connection from corrosion
Does not contain plant components, synthetic and hygroscopic
Suitable for small and thin-walled carvings
Operates at temperatures from -60 to +120 °C

The shelf life of the connection with the Record winding is 20 years. If this sealant is used to assemble a pipeline with detachable threaded connections, then the need for additional external sealing disappears. Tests have shown that the winding can withstand pressure of 40-50 atmospheres and can be used in critical systems - for example, automatic fire extinguishing systems.

You can rewind the Record, directly from the manufacturer and at an affordable price!