How to fix a leak in a pipe with water under pressure with your own hands without draining the water. How to fix a cast iron sewer leak How to fix a crack in a steel pipe

In newer houses, sewers often consist of plastic pipes, which are not so difficult to replace, but in older houses, cast iron was used. And in this case, replacing pipes is a very troublesome business, and their service life is just coming to an end due to age. As a result, cracks and water leaks can be observed. However, a cast-iron pipe is easier to repair on the spot than to change, and modern industry offers many suitable means for this.

Before repairing, it is advisable to find out the cause of the malfunction. First of all, you need to determine the location of the leak. This is done by visual inspection for defects. Particular attention should be paid to the joints.

If the system flows at the joints, it means that the specialists made mistakes during its installation or simply treated the installation process negligently, without paying due attention to it.

Despite the apparent strength of cast iron, it is actually quite brittle. For example, pipes can sometimes leak due to a point impact on some part of them.

In addition, even in cast-iron pipes, cracks form over time (the time period is approximately 10–20 years) from the load. In some cases, the pipe can be repaired, and sometimes there is a need for a complete replacement.

What materials are used to seal cracks

If the pipe can still be repaired, for this it is necessary to select the appropriate material. The question is how to close a crack in cast iron sewer pipe, are quite extensive, the fact is that there are many options that are selected depending on the material of manufacture of sewer pipes, or visually noticeable defects on them, as well as with an eye to the length and diameter.

You can repair the pipe without removing it in 2 cases:

Only small defects are visible on the riser;
Sewerage flows at the junctions.

The most commonly used materials for sealing damaged sewer pipes are: sanitary flax, adhesive sealant, gauze, an aqueous solution of cement and PVA, glue such as "liquid welding", silicone, copper oxide and phosphoric acid. If there is no leak, and only an unpleasant smell is observed, then simple cement is also suitable for repairs. And it's far from full list something that can cover up or repair the damage that has appeared.

Ways to eliminate cracks in the sewer system

In general, the repair of sewer pipes can be divided into two large categories, each of which has its own nuances - this is repair at the joints and the elimination of minor damage.

At the junctions

When leaking at the joints, before repairing the damage, it is advisable to turn off the water in the apartment, dry the joints by wiping them with a rag or using a hair dryer. Remove cement and packing residues from joints. Next, you need to close the resulting gap with a special sanitary flax, and then close the crack in the cast-iron pipe, covering it with a solution of polycement and PVA glue in several layers. After that, the sewer should not be used for a day, so that everything dries.

Instead of a PVA solution and a polymer cement, you can also use a regular sealant. It will dry in just 3 hours instead of a day. In addition, waterproof glue, raw rubber, epoxy resin, and even children's plasticine are suitable as materials for embedding. And if small defects and cracks continue to appear on the pipe, then you should think about replacing it. Since soon you will have to perform repair actions all the time, and then the system will completely fail.

Sealant is a great way to seal a crack in a cast iron sewer pipe.

When the pipe is leaking at a caulked joint, a regular silicone sealant will come in handy. In this case, the pipe is cleaned of old putty and debris, then dried. If there is no leak, but there is only an unpleasant smell, then simple cement can help out here. To speed up its solidification, a little liquid glass, otherwise called sodium silicate, is added to the solution.

Another fairly simple way is to use "cold welding" glue. Before its use, the sealing site is cleaned, and the surface of the pipe is cleaned and degreased, then a patch of this adhesive is applied to the damaged area. After that, rubber seals are applied. This method is good not only for cast iron, but also for plastic pipes.

In addition, the joints of the pipeline can be reliably sealed with aluminum or copper tape on a bitumen-rubber basis. This option is quite simple and effective, it will allow the sewer to serve for a long time.

Elimination of longitudinal cracks and small chips

In the case when a leak occurs due to minor damage, you can use:

bandage rubber, but only as a temporary option. The damaged area is wrapped with this bandage, and then the bandage is fixed with copper or aluminum wire, applying it with tight turns;
a plug, which is a small wooden wedge. It is inserted into the resulting hole. The size of the piece of wood should be small and fit tightly into the gap so as not to additionally clog the sewer. The wedge is driven into the leak and the pipeline is wrapped with gauze soaked in epoxy resin.
ordinary gauze, it is impregnated with epoxy or cement solution, and then the leak is wrapped in several layers, so that a small cocoon is obtained;
special clamp. When using it, the pipe is first wrapped with a rubber gasket, then all this is covered with a clamp, which is tightened. This method is suitable for eliminating almost any leaks.

Small cracks can also be repaired as follows: first you need to expand the damaged area so that you get a recess in the shape of the Latin letter V, and then cover the cracked place with sealant or silicone.

All of the above methods have been used and have been used for a long time, but modern technologies may offer a few novelties. So, for example, now it is most reliable to clean up small leaks without dismantling using phosphoric acid or copper oxide. These reagents harden after a short period of time, and a strong crust forms at the site of damage. If it was decided to use this particular method, then you must perform the following steps:

clean the leak with sandpaper or a metal brush;
degrease it with acetone or other solvent;
prepare a mixture for sealing, most often phosphoric acid and copper oxide are mixed in a ratio of 2: 3;
now it remains only to cover the leaking places.

This mixture hardens quite quickly, and you can use the sewer in just a few hours.

Another option is to use powdered ammonia mixed with sulfur and iron filings for embedding. All this is diluted with water until a thick mass is formed, and then the damage is covered with the resulting mixture. Such a connection is quite durable.

Leak Prevention

In order for sewer pipes to last as long as possible, it is necessary to give preference to products made of high quality material, it is even possible to pay attention to the name and country of the manufacturer. The same applies to various accessories. The main selection criterion in this case is high reliability and long service life.

The selected pipes must be installed carefully, observing all known rules. Even if you entrust this to specialists, problems may still arise in the future due to poor-quality installation. Therefore, the installation process should be given special attention.

A leak that has arisen due to minor damage or inaccurate installation of joints is quite easy to eliminate. However, all the same, a crack in a cast-iron sewer pipe is a rather unpleasant phenomenon. But now, if the sewer pipe burst, then this can lead to big problems, up to a local flood with a bunch of damaged things and angry neighbors from below, who suffered a brand new repair as a result. Therefore, it is important to know how to handle cast iron sewer pipes in order to operate them without the need for repair for as long as possible. After all, it is always easier to prevent a problem than to solve it later.

To do this, it is advisable to sometimes check the condition of the sewer in the house, carefully inspect the pipes for external damage, and make sure that no puddles have appeared somewhere under them. It is better to repair the detected small external damages immediately, without waiting until the pipe starts to flow in these places, and even more so, without waiting until the size of the defect increases.

In addition, it is advisable to clean sewer pipes from time to time, as grease, dirt and small particles accumulate there in large quantities, which can mechanically damage the pipe or accelerate the process of rust formation, and, accordingly, the occurrence of damage. By the way, especially fatty and thick dishes, like soup with big amount ingredients should not be poured down the drain. You can only drain the liquid, the thick in this case should be collected and discarded separately. The same applies to tea leaves and other liquids with impurities of solid or not very solid particles.

In the case when the sewerage is laid outdoors, and even above the freezing level of the soil, it is necessary to use insulation; otherwise, in the temperate Russian climate, such a system runs the risk of living only until the first snow falls or until the first frosts.

It is also important to remember that cast iron pipes have a limited service life. And since they are most often found in old-built houses, their owners quite often have to pay attention to repairs, eliminating cracks, sealing joints, eliminating blockages and fighting unpleasant odors. If it starts to take too long, then it's time to completely replace the sewer system.

Leaks in pipes, radiators and joints are quite rare. Usually the average owner of a private house or apartment is not ready for such 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 to quickly stop a leak in a heating or plumbing system, then eliminate the defect completely.

The pipe is flowing - what to do at the first stage

In the event of a fistula on the central heating riser, from where water spurts, we offer the best plan of action:

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

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

Note. On the water supply, the described procedure is performed under pressure, if it did not work out to cut off the riser from the main line. It is not necessary to wind many turns of wire, the main thing is to temporarily stop the flow.

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

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

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

In a private dwelling, the elimination of a leak is greatly simplified - it is enough to close the desired valve or quickly empty the area heating network. It is not necessary to wind the rubber, it is better to close the hole with a more reliable method. When the leak in the apartment is temporarily fixed, you can not wait for the locksmiths - choose the right time and close the hole completely using any of the methods below.

How to close a fistula - folk methods

There are several proven ways to fix a radiator or heating pipe leak with home remedies:

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

Please note: we do not mention the most common option - the bolted clamp. This tool 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 is easy to cut off the riser and repair it.

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

Magnet and screw

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

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

The option with a screw is implemented simply: a self-tapping screw of the desired 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.

For fidelity, the screw being screwed can be covered with automotive silicone sealant or epoxy resin. If the hole in the pipe is quite large, instead of a self-tapping screw, drive a wooden peg into it, 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 the metal. Therefore, we recommend using this method on older 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 close a leak:

Wet a medical bandage and make 1-2 turns around the pipeline at the leak point.
Sprinkling the bandage with table salt, continue winding. In total, 20-40 layers are required.
Wait 2-3 hours and start heating. At first, leakage of the coolant is possible, but after a day the leak will be completely delayed.

Clarification. Before winding, the steel pipe does not need to be cleaned. If necessary, work is carried out under pressure, if the temperature allows.

For sealing polyethylene and polypropylene pipes salt is not good. Home masters advise on the Internet to impregnate the bandage with the following compositions:

liquid glass;
automotive high temperature sealant;
epoxy adhesive.

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

Homemade sealants

The repeatedly tested sealant for heating pipes is dry mustard. Being mixed with a coolant, it perfectly tightens small leaks that occur in highways, pipeline fittings, batteries and even boilers. The application technology looks like this:

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

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

Mustard fine fraction is highly hygroscopic (the ability to absorb moisture). Once in the water, the microparticles swell, acquire irregular shape and cling to internal irregularities, sealing 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 coolant - 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, for external sealing of heating or plumbing lines, plumbers use a mixture of cement (alabaster) with PVA glue without adding water. 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 impromptu sealant, wipe the surface dry, it is better to remove rust and paint.

Elimination of leakage 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 funds used is significantly expanding (the price of the product is indicated in brackets):

In addition to these devices, "native" fittings - couplings are used to restore the tightness of plastic lines. 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 a breakthrough of the metal-plastic occurred inside the screed, a press connector (under the tongs) must be placed, the compression sleeve cannot be monolithic.

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

Another simple connector for steel is a reinforced hose of a suitable diameter. The latter is mounted instead of the cut out rotten section of the water pipe. Mounting method - long or wire clamps.

Now we will explain in turn the technology of using mechanical sealing means:

As you can see, only vulcanizing tape is suitable for all types of damage. The remaining clamps and bandages are mounted on straight sections of pipes; it will not work to close the battery, joint or outlet. But for this purpose, there are various chemicals.

Use of special sealants

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

Undoubtedly, sealant for pipes and radiators is the most convenient tool for the average user. Before throwing the heater into a landfill, you can try to glue it. What sealants are commonly used in such situations:

a two-component plastic composition 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. e., 1 liter of Aquastop liquid sealant - 72 c.u. e., Bondic light-curing plastic - 32 c.u. e. per set.

A two-component waterproof adhesive will definitely help if you strictly follow the technology - dry, clean and degrease the defective area before applying the patch. See the video below for cold welding tests on water pipes.

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

Note. Aquastop liquid is mixed with a coolant in a ratio of 1: 100. That is, for sealing a closed system one-story house it will take no more than 0.5 liters of funds.

Gel-plastic Bondic is sold complete with an irradiator and is applied to the damage in small portions. Each subsequent drop is illuminated with ultraviolet light and instantly hardens. An indispensable condition is a dry, fat-free surface, the type of pipe material does not play a role.

Plastic becomes solid after exposure to ultraviolet light, before that the material remains liquid indefinitely

Instead of a conclusion - how to detect a leak

When the radiator network lines are laid open way It won't be too hard to spot a leak. Even slow seepage leaves traces - dark wet spots, streaks, dirty stains. Another question is to find a pipe leak embedded in the floor or wall. Due to constant heating, moisture evaporates and minor defect is simply invisible.

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

Ways to search for leaks inside the cement screed:

Sequential opening of heating circuits. Technology: with the pump and boiler running, close all the underfloor heating loops, except for one, and watch the pressure gauge. If the pressure begins to decrease, this circuit is leaking.
Dismantle flooring on a suspicious area (this operation is inevitable in any case). Turn off the boiler, leaving the pump running, if necessary, increase the pressure to 1.5 bar. The water at the leak site will stop evaporating, after a while a wet spot will appear.
A fast and technologically advanced method of detection is the addition of a colored liquid - a marker - to the coolant. The defect appears in the dark - the flowing water glows even through the tile.

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

Most convenient option- get a thermal imager, for example, 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.

Reading 8 min.

Cast iron sewer pipes are laid in old multi-storey buildings. Over time, this material wears out. Holes or cracks appear in the pipes, which cause leaks. To solve this problem, you will have to resort to a thorough inspection of the sewer line, followed by the elimination of the defect.

Cast iron pipe repair

Repair of a cast-iron sewer pipe

If a cast-iron pipe leaks in the toilet, then immediately make repairs. This process depends on many factors, the main of which are:

strength of the pipeline line;
defect size;
the presence of longitudinal chips and cracks.

The fact that the pipe burst may indicate:

the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the sewer system;
the presence of smudges on the outside and joints of the pipes.

If a leak is detected at the point of entry into the pipe (as a result of a poor-quality connection at the transition point of the siphon or drain hole), then the problem is solved by:

gasket replacement;
pulling up the connection elements;
inlet seal.

And how to repair a cast-iron pipe when a leak is found on the structure itself? In this case, it should be carefully examined for the size of the defect. If there are small holes or cracks in the pipe, then for the repair it is possible not to dismantle it. Otherwise, the damaged area will have to be removed.

Seal cracks or holes

Used to fix defects different materials and technology. You can close up a hole in the sewer using two universal fixing sleeves UR-01. Their inner diameter must match the outer dimensions of the pipe.

The use of couplings does not require special tools:

with the help of a grinder, a part of the pipe is cut out where a crack or hole has appeared;
rust and dirt are removed from the ends of the pipes to be joined, where the couplings will be located;
the distance to the middle of the coupling is measured;
marks are made at the ends of the pipes for the specified length;
2 couplings are wound on both ends of the pipe;
a new piece of pipe is inserted (should have the same dimensions);
the couplings move towards the new pipe (their ends are located at the level of the marks made);
by using wrench bolts are tightened on the couplings.

You can also plug the hole with a simple rubber sleeve with a seal. In this case, the joints must be sealed. cement mortar followed by paint application.

In such a process, how to close a crack in a cast-iron sewer pipe, it is not recommended to use improvised means. Chewing gum, plasticine, glue, other home products will eliminate the problem only for a short time. It is also impossible to correct the situation by driving a wooden (plastic) chopstick into the hole. This will cause even more damage to the system.

When carrying out repair work, it is forbidden to remove growths on the pipe, as this will lead to a new leak. A large number of rusty growths indicates that in the near future it is necessary to completely change this section of the sewer.

How to seal the joint of a cast-iron pipe

Now about how to cover up the joints between adjacent pipes. The leak is fixed as follows:

the bell is minted;
the remnants of tow, cement and other debris are removed;
all elements are dried with a building hair dryer;
a sanitary winding made of flax is stuffed into the gap;
with an aqueous solution mixed with PVA glue and cement, it is necessary to waterproof the joint several times.

Sewer pipe repair can be carried out different ways. Depending on the complexity of the defect elimination, the following materials and tools are used:

clamps;
silicate glue;
sandpaper;
solvent;
bandage;
cement mortar;
acetone;
copper oxide;
orthophosphoric acid;
silicone sealant;
self-adhesive tape;
rags;
metal brush;
Screwdriver Set;
capacity for cement mortar;
mounting gun;
synthetic brush;
putty knife;
construction dryer.

An easy way to repair a sewer pipe

This technology is used when a small crack has appeared in the pipe. To eliminate the defect, use a clamp of the appropriate size, which is simply tightened along the crack.

If the crack is slightly larger, then a cut-out blank of an automobile or bicycle chamber is applied to it, which is tightened with wire. For a more secure hold rubber seal clamp is used.

Repair with cement and construction adhesive

A crack that appears in a sewer pipe can be sealed. But for repair work, you can not use a standard composition that does not have sufficient moisture-resistant properties. You should purchase silicate glue. It is resistant to the negative effects of a humid environment and contributes to the rapid setting of the cement mortar.

When troubleshooting a defect, consider the following. It is not recommended to mix glue and concrete mortar in a separate container. This will cause the mixture to set prematurely and become unsuitable for effective crack bridging. The preparation of the solution is carried out directly on the damaged surface. For these purposes, use a synthetic brush.

Repair of a sewer pipe includes the following steps:

the damaged area is cleaned with sandpaper (all rust must be removed);
silicate glue is laid on the surface;
dry cement is poured over the glue;
the procedure is repeated 5-6 times.

Repair with cement and bandage

To eliminate a well-visible hole, cement mortar and a bandage are used:

the damaged part of the sewer system is cleaned with sandpaper and treated with a solvent;
the bandage is cut into several pieces (the length of each is 0.4-0.5 m);
a cement mortar is made, which should have a uniform consistency (instead of water, you can use liquid glass);
the bandage is lowered into the prepared solution;
after impregnation with the mixture, the bandage is wrapped around the damaged section of the pipe;
a small amount of dry cement is poured over it (until a “cocoon” is formed);
in the place of the crack, a layer of liquid glass is placed on the bandage.

The bandage is wrapped around the tube 4-5 times. You can use the sewer system after a day, when the cement mixture is completely dry.

Repair with copper oxide and phosphoric acid

In case of significant damage to the riser or outlet pipe, when clamps, cement with a bandage or building glue do not help, copper oxide and phosphoric acid are used. The undoubted advantage of this technology for eliminating a defect is the rapid solidification of the working mixture, which makes it possible to use the sewage system 1-2 hours after the repair work.

Repair of the riser consists of four stages:

Preparation of the damaged area. Using a metal brush, the surface is cleaned of rust, and the crack deepens a little. This is done carefully, as cast iron can be damaged in other places.
Surface degreasing. Acetone is used for this procedure.
Preparation of repair solution. Orthophosphoric acid and copper oxide are mixed in a ratio of 1:1.5.
Application of the working mixture. The solution is applied to the damaged area of the structure. This is done immediately after its preparation, otherwise the mixture will quickly harden and become unsuitable for repair work.

The application of the chemical preparation is carried out in gloves and a protective mask. After using the solution, the room must be ventilated.

Application of cold welding

If the pipe is damaged in places where it is impossible to use a clamp or coupling, cold welding should be used. This technology involves the mixing of several substances without heating, when combined, chemical reactions followed by the formation of a working polymer mixture.

Cold welding consists of epoxy resin and filler (hardener). For this reason, the adhesive composition is inherent in:

high adhesive qualities;
plastic;
fast solidification (the solution must be used immediately after preparation);
excellent mechanical characteristics.

Closing cracks and holes in the sewer system involves the following actions:

cleaning the surface with sandpaper from rust and paint;
preparation of a working solution (a homogeneous mass should be obtained);
applying the mixture around the damaged area with a spatula (the first layer is laid as carefully as possible);
coating the composition of the crack or hole;
grinding of hardened material;
surface degreasing;
application of the second layer of polymeric substance.

In the event of a leak in the damaged area, the plastic substance is rubbed until it solidifies. At the stage of polymerization, the material is given desired shape. This is done by hand, which is wearing a rubber glove.

To speed up the hardening process of cold welding, use a building hair dryer (especially when repair work held during the cold season). After using the hair dryer, the polymer is pressed against the surface.

Most cold weld manufacturers produce two-component products. The first tube contains epoxy resin, which is mixed with a plasticizer and additional filler. The second tube contains material that acts as a hardener. First, the contents of the first tube are applied to the damaged surface, and then the second.

The main advantage of cold welding is the possibility of quick repair without shutting down the sewer system.

Silicone sealant

Sealing joints and cracks in cast-iron sewers is also carried out by other specialized means. These include silicone sealant, which is characterized by excellent adhesive properties regardless of surface type.

Silicone sealants are divided into:

acid;
neutral.

Silicone sealant is applied to the damaged surface using a mounting gun. The vulcanization process is facilitated by the moisture contained in the air. Silicone paste turns into a substance that has similar characteristics to rubber.

As alternative options for sealing cast iron pipes at home, the following are used:

Portland cement;
jute or hemp rope;
epoxy resin;
technical sulfur.

Sealing tapes

These innovative products have anti-corrosion properties. They consist of a bitumen-rubber base with the addition of a layer of aluminum (or copper). The highest efficiency of using self-adhesive tapes is achieved when sealing the junctions of sewer structures.

Positive characteristics of sealing tapes:

ease of use;
strength;
long operating period;
providing dielectric and anticorrosive protection of pipes.

The only drawback of the material is that it quickly deteriorates when exposed to sunlight. This "minus" of the product does not affect the elimination of pipe defects. Indeed, in most cases, the sewer system is located away from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If the pipes are in open space, then when sealing holes and cracks, the self-adhesive tape is additionally covered with a protective material.

The process of using the tape consists of the following steps:

the damaged surface is cleaned of dirt and dust;
after the surface has dried, the protective film is removed from the tape;
tape is wrapped around the pipe.

The tape is wrapped in a spiral with an overlap of up to 50%. As a result of this, the entire pipe will be covered with two layers of material. In the process of tensioning the tape, it is necessary to avoid the appearance of wrinkles.

Modern household communications are increasingly equipped with plastic pipes: this is especially true of sewer and plumbing systems, most of them consisting of polypropylene or PVC products. Like any other plumbing, these systems need periodic repairs.

First steps to take if a leak is detected

If there is a leak on the heating or high pressure pipe, you must immediately shut off the system with shutoff valves. To solve the problem of how to close a hole in a plastic pipe, you can use a clamp. Such designs are characterized by a very simple use, which consists in putting on a damaged area and tightening the bolts.

An older method is to use rubber: this is how heating and water pipes. This involves wrapping a piece of rubber around the damaged area, for which you can use an old car tire.

For clamping, use a clamp, thin wire or a strong cord. It also applies to the usual Oil paint, which is smeared on a fabric pre-wound over the leak (read also: ""). All these methods have only a temporary effect, since the leak will definitely make itself felt later. The best option how to close a crack in a plastic pipe is to completely replace the problem area, especially since in the case of plastic pipes this is not difficult to do.

Use of sealant and epoxy glue for plastic pipe

A number of factors can contribute to the appearance of cracks or leaks in a plastic pipeline. These are mistakes made at the stage of system installation, and violation of operation. And the plastic parts themselves may be defective.

If the size of the resulting crack is small, then it is not necessary to change the entire pipe. You can try sealing it with silicone sealant first, especially when it comes to non-penetrating damage. Most often, sewer systems are repaired in this way.

In this case, you need to act like this:

Clean up and expand the damage. This is done for deeper penetration of the sealant.
Carry out degreasing and drying of the repaired area.
Apply the desired layer of sealant and allow it to dry well.

However, it happens that the pipe receives through damage. How to seal a sewer plastic pipe in this case?

This is done using a two-component epoxy composition, in compliance with the following sequence of work:

The place where the damage appeared must be cleaned, degreased and dried.
To prepare the bandage, you will need fiberglass or another dense and flexible material.
The crack itself and the place around it are wrapped with a prepared bandage, with a good margin. Wrap the material around the pipe at least 5 times.
At the final stage, epoxy glue is applied.

In addition to sewer systems, water pipes and heated towel rails can be repaired in this way.

How to seal a hole with duct tape

With the help of this modern material, it is possible to qualitatively eliminate small leaks on pipes located in bathrooms. Outwardly, it is an adhesive fabric impregnated with special substances. Most often, joints and connecting elements are sealed with sealing tape. As for straight sections, they can also be repaired in this way.

When using sealing tape, it is important to follow the following sequence of work:

The damaged area must be thoroughly cleaned and dried.
After stretching a small piece of tape, it is wrapped around the pipe. It is important that this procedure is accompanied by constant tension in the tape, otherwise wrinkles will occur.
When winding, each new round should be laid on half of the previous one. It is best to pack the pipe with two layers of sealing tape.

The main disadvantage of this method is the insufficient resistance of the repair material to sunbeams. To achieve a good service life, the wound tape is coated with additional protection.

Crack repair by cold welding

Currently, specialized stores offer special cold welding for sewer pipes. It is made specifically for the repair of plastic products used in the organization of water pipes, cooling systems, heating communications.

With the help of cold welding, damage of almost any degree of complexity can be repaired. In this case, thermal exposure is not required, since a chemical reaction is used to bring the constituent components into working condition.

The work itself to repair a damaged plastic pipe has the following sequence:

It all starts with surface preparation, for which the entire problem area is treated with an emery cloth. This is followed by degreasing the base with alcohol-containing liquids. If this procedure is neglected, the applied patch will serve many times less.
It is necessary to calculate exactly how much material is required for high-quality embedding. For this, a simple visual inspection is usually enough: the main thing here is that the repair mass can cover the entire problem area.
The substance must be taken in hands, on which protective rubber gloves are first put on, and begin to knead. This procedure is continued until the material is stained in a specific brown shade. Another sign of the readiness of the material is the mass reaching the state of plasticine.
The finished plastic material must be well repaired damage by pressing it with a tourniquet. Then a pause is made in the work, for about an hour: during this time, the repair mass solidifies. It must be made so strong and dense that any drilling, cutting and other influences on its surface are completely safe.

It is important to take into account the presence of components harmful to the human body in the composition of cold welding. For safety reasons, it is recommended to get protective gloves and goggles in advance. To speed up the process of hardening of the plastic mass, some experts recommend exposing it to warm air using a building or ordinary hair dryer.

Cold welding for sewer pipes is suitable for repairing damaged plumbing. For example, if a piece of material has broken off from a sink or toilet bowl, cold welding will help glue it back with high quality. When buying this universal remedy, you should check its expiration date, composition features and the availability of a quality certificate.

The consequence of long-term operation of pipes, mechanical damage or shear may be leakage. A leaking pipe leads to flooding of the living space, so it is necessary to fix the malfunction as soon as possible. Is it possible to fix a leaking pipe without resorting to the help of a plumber? What products are recommended for use at home? Read on.

A leak in a pipe can form:

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

How to fix a leaking fitting

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

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;
- a wrench tightens the fixing nut;

Tighten the thread very carefully and slowly. Overtightening may cause cracking of the fitting.

if tightening does not help, then with big share most likely the problem lies in the deterioration of the thread or sealing material. You can fix the problem by replacing the insulating material. For this:
- the water supply must be turned off. The shutdown is carried out by a tap located in the apartment (if a leak has formed on a pipe that is part of the distribution of the living quarters) or by a tap of a common house riser (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;
- a new insulating material is wound up;

the fitting is installed in its original place;

if the listed measures do not allow to close the leak in the pipe, then the fitting will need to be replaced. The replacement of 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 (weld or compression) is used, then it is necessary to cut off the connecting element;
- a new element of the plumbing system is installed. The threaded fitting is screwed into the old place. To install a weld or compression fitting, you will need special equipment (welding machine or press device).

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

How to fix a pipe body leak

How to close a leak in a pipe, provided there is a crack formed on the body? To troubleshoot the problem, you can use one of the following methods:

install clamp;
put on a bandage;
apply cold welding.

Clamp installation

by the most in a simple way to eliminate leaks on the pipe body is to install a repair clamp. The special device consists of:

metal case;
rubber seal located inside the case;
fixing bolts.

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

the place of leakage is cleaned of dust and rust;
the pipe is wrapped with a clamp;
the device is fixed.

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

bandage

How to fix 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 a medical tourniquet used to stop bleeding is optimal. It is necessary to wrap the cracked section of the pipe with a rubber cut;
small tie-down straps, wire or other fixing straps for attaching the rubber to the pipe.

The adhesive bandage is installed according to the following scheme:

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

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 the current pipe with epoxy, see the video.

Cement bandage is an analogue of adhesive bandage. The 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 composition of the so-called cold welding. How to cover the pipe so that it does not flow? For various kinds pipes (metal, plastic, and so on) use different compositions of cold welding.

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

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

a special compound is applied to the damaged area. If liquid cold welding in the form of glue is used, then it is desirable to apply it with a brush. If a plasticine-like composition is used, then before applying it is necessary to knead it thoroughly until a homogeneous mixture is obtained;
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;

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 leakage 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 perform this operation, it is desirable to involve qualified specialists.