During operation, elements of the sewer system may fail. This causes trouble for owners and the need to search effective ways how to fix a sewer. We often encounter problems such as pipe leaks. A related problem is an unpleasant odor in the house.
Considering that in most multi-storey buildings Old cast iron sewer pipes are still installed; leaks can occur quite often, because their service life has long expired.
Sometimes leaks can occur even after. In this case, you should look for technological factors causing problems. If you do not pay attention to the problem in time, you may encounter unpleasant consequences. It is necessary to discover the cause of the leak, and only then decide on a quality seal or replacement.
Leak in the pipe
The main sign that a sewer pipe is leaking in an apartment is a persistent foul odor. To solve this problem, you need to find the source of why your house smells bad. There may be several reasons, but first of all these are:
- expiration of the operational life of the sewer system;
- errors that were not noticed during execution installation work;
- lack of sealing of joints;
- defective materials;
- violations during sewerage operation.
If the pipes are old and damaged by corrosion, very small cracks may form on their surface, which are the main cause of leaks. Also, elements of the sewer system may fail due to mechanical stress on them. In this case, it is impossible to do without dismantling part of the system or the entire sewer system and carrying out a series of repair work. In other cases, the breakdown can be corrected using simpler methods.
A simple blockage of the pipe as a result of the formation of a fat plug in it or the entry of a large mechanical object can also cause a leak. If the pipes are cast iron and leaking at the joints, the sealant may have run out, especially in cases where organic fiber was used.
Note! For stamping cast iron pipes, it is recommended to use a graphite gland. It will ensure maximum reliability and strength of the joints, and protect the pipes from leaks at the joints.
This is what the lack of sealing of pipe joints looks like
How to repair pipe damage
There are a number of methods to fix a leak. The most global is the replacement of the sewer system or its section. But this is not required in all cases. Or it may be that the owner does not have the financial means or time to complete such a voluminous and costly work.
If the cause of the leak is mechanical damage (crack), measures to correct the problem will depend on what material the system elements are made of. A set of measures aimed at eliminating leaks in pipes is carried out depending on the location where the damage was discovered. Most often you need to do:
- processing of pipe joints;
- removing blockages;
- fistula repair;
- sealing cracks.
Before repairing a sewer pipe, you should prepare necessary materials and tools, as well as pre-treat the pipe surface.
Algorithm for sealing joints of cast iron sewer pipes
Fistula repair
If a sewer pipe is leaking, there may be several repair options depending on the complexity of the situation and which pipe is damaged. When fistulas occur in the body sewer riser in a multi-storey building, problems should be repaired together with the neighbors, otherwise after some time the problem will return again.
Before taking any repair measures, you should carefully inspect the pipes, evaluate defects, prepare the surface, clean it and dry it, and you can begin to carry out the main set of work.
- To eliminate a fistula small size, you can use a regular bandage, which should be wrapped around the sewer pipe. The bandage or gauze is pre-treated epoxy resin. To increase the strength of the connection, you can wrap the pipe with wire.
- To repair a pipe in which a small hole has formed, special wooden blades are used.
- The most reliable way to eliminate the defect in the event of a fistula formation is to use a clamp.
A clamp is a special device for repairing sewer pipes. You can buy it on the market in the construction or plumbing goods department. This small part costs about 5-8 dollars. If you don’t want to spend money, you can try making a clamp yourself.
First, apply epoxy resin to the problem area. After it dries a little, rewind it with reinforced tape.
Sealing cracks
Owners often find that there is a hole in sewer pipe develops into a large crack. This happens as a result of mechanical damage or sudden temperature changes. If the crack is not detected and repaired in time, you may encounter a more unpleasant situation - the pipe bursts.
Note! Cracks and damage to the exhaust part of the sewer riser most often occur due to freezing and the formation of an ice plug inside the pipe.
If there is no unpleasant odor from the sewer pipe in the house, but a crack is clearly visible, it is most likely superficial. The moisture on the surface of the pipe is condensation. When the damage is complete, it is necessary to urgently take measures to repair the sewer system.
Surface cracks are eliminated using a conventional sealing compound designed for sealing joints. Repairs are carried out as follows:
- the crack site should be thoroughly cleaned, all residues, dust and dirt should be removed, cracked open so that the sealing compound can penetrate deeper;
- the surface of the damaged area should be treated with a degreasing compound and dried thoroughly;
- Apply the sealant and leave it to dry for a while.
With through cracks the situation is worse. They can lead to a sewer pipe burst. To repair a damaged area, you should purchase a special glue known as “cold welding”. The glue is prepared according to the instructions and applied to the previously cleaned, dried surface of the pipe. By treating the sewer pipe in this way, its functionality will resume, but its appearance will suffer.
Longitudinal cracks in metal pipes
If the pipe is clogged
A sewer pipe leak may occur due to a simple blockage. Fat deposits on the walls of pipes, silt, and dirt negatively affect the condition of sewerage elements.
If the blockage is localized in the pipe in your apartment, then the problem is minor; it can be solved by removing the blockage. This can be done using a plunger, chemicals. If the clog is very serious, you can seek the help of a professional plumber.
A real disaster is a blockage in the basement for residents of apartments located on the first floor. In this case, one can only hope for a quick response from emergency service representatives.
If you try to put a plug in the place where the leak has formed, you risk making the situation even worse, since the drainage will return through the bathtub and toilet. The only adequate action in this difficult situation is to remove the cover from the inspection of the sewer riser.
Having U-shaped sections of pipes, you can get as close as possible to the clogged areas and clean them mechanically.
Nuances of repairing PVC pipes
Today plastic pipes are very popular among consumers, due to their excellent operational properties, resistance to impact external factors. One of the main disadvantages of PVC pipes is their relatively low resistance to mechanical loads. Even the fall of a hammer can cause a sewer system to break.
To repair a sewer pipe without dismantling, the first step is to localize the damage.
- Pipe body. If the pipe itself is damaged, you can simply replace it, but you can also repair it. To eliminate a leak, use a special fitting designed for installation in a pipe. Now the damaged area should be repaired special glue, install a patch on top. The result depends on the quality of the adhesive used.
- Pipe joint. In this case, you need to disconnect the two pipes and replace the rubber gasket, which most often causes leakage.
If the situation is critical, there is no need to put in any effort, just buy a new pipe and replace it. In some cases, this solution is not only the simplest, but also the most profitable, since plastic pipes are not very expensive, and replacing them will not be difficult even for an owner who is inexperienced in repairs.
Disconnection PVC pipes happens quite easily. We replace the rubber ring with a new one and put it back together
Repair of cast iron pipes
Although cast iron pipes, which were installed about 50 years ago in multi-story buildings throughout the Soviet Union, are already old and worn out, they continue to be used in many apartments. Today, cast iron pipes are not so often used when installing a sewer system, because there are more practical and cheaper PVC pipes.
Cast iron loses its properties over time as it is susceptible to corrosion. Cracks may appear on its surface, and you may encounter a broken sewer pipe. If it is not possible or there is an urgent need to replace elements of the sewer system, the pipe should be repaired.
- First, you should locate the leak and mark it with chalk.
- Then the insides of the sewer pipe must be freed of water.
- Now let's start using sandpaper.
- We treat the surface with a degreasing agent.
- We repair the damaged area using “cold welding” glue, which we previously bought at a hardware store.
- We install a rubber seal on top, secure it with a special clamp.
Note! Cracks in a sewer pipe can be repaired using rubber and wire, fabric soaked in paint, and a sealing compound. The last option is used if cast iron pipes leak at the junction.
Perennial cast iron pipes in need of repair
What to do if a leak occurs at the joints
Very often, leaks occur at the pipe junction. Their appearance can be triggered by the following factors: wear of the elements of the sewer system, errors during installation work. At the joints of cast iron pipes, problems may arise as a result of weakening rubber. Plastic pipes leak at the joints if there has been no water in the pipes for some time.
Damage to joints and leaks of sewer pipes are easier to eliminate if they occur in elements of the internal pipeline. When a sewer pipe leaks at the junction, and it is buried in the ground, you will have to make a lot of effort to repair it.
Main types of work:
- replacing the seal;
- application of sealant;
- replacement of fittings and cuffs.
It is advisable not to use the sewer system while repair work is being carried out. The joints need to be dried using special glue and cleaned. If the joints of cast iron pipes leak, you can use cement mortar or silicone sealant. If it leaks, you can use sealing tape. After execution repair work You should leave the pipe for several hours so that the composition has time to dry.
Leaks at butt joints
If repairs to the joints of an external pipeline are required, a lot of effort will have to be made to fix the problems. It is necessary to carry out excavation work, look for leaks, and replace connecting elements, treat the joints with sealant.
How to get rid of unpleasant odor
An unpleasant odor in the home can be caused by various factors. One of the reasons is damage to sewer pipes. It is natural if a leak is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, but it may also be that there is an odor, but the leak is not detected. The cause of the foul odor may be very small cracks that are not visible to the naked eye. Poor sealing of joints can also provoke the appearance of odors in the house. To get rid of the problem, you need to do this:
Note! If the cast iron system is old, an unpleasant odor may come from areas damaged by corrosion. In this case the best solution sewer pipes will be replaced.
Leak prevention
Fixing a leak in a sewer system is a complex and responsible task. The leak problem must be resolved quickly and effectively. It’s easier to deal with if the problem is caused by cracks. If a pipe bursts in an apartment, then your house can turn into a small “Venice.”
In order not to face unpleasant problems, you can prevent their occurrence. First of all, care should be taken to ensure a preventive inspection of the condition of the sewer system in the house.
Note! You should not wait until the crack in the sewer pipe becomes such that the resulting leak could flood your home and your neighbors’ apartment. The problem requires an immediate solution, otherwise you may face very unpleasant consequences.
Preventive inspection of the sewerage system
When installing sewerage, you should adhere to the rules, avoid technological violations, use only quality materials and components that would serve for a long time and reliably. For preventive purposes, sewer pipes should be cleaned periodically. External sewerage should be insulated if the pipeline is laid above the freezing level of the soil.
If the apartment has old cast iron pipes, it is quite natural that the owner will regularly face the problem of leaks. The service life of cast iron is limited, so if you constantly have to seal cracks, joints, deal with blockages and unpleasant odors in the apartment, it is better to spend money once and replace sewer system fully.
Hello our subscribers and readers. Hello everyone who visited us for the first time!
Have your neighbors ever “drowned” you, and you neighbors? It’s good if not, but if you have already experienced this “happiness,” then our material will be useful to you. And we’ll tell you how to heat without draining the water
The heating systems are all built according to the same scheme - boiler - supply pipes - appliances - return pipes - boiler. It's looped. The pressure and circulation of the coolant in central heating systems is maintained using pumps. In private sector houses with an autonomous open heating system, pressure and circulation are provided by the boiler when heating. The cottages have an autonomous closed heating system, the coolant is always under pressure.
IN heating systems Pressure control is carried out using instruments, but small leaks are still difficult to detect; automation evens out a slight drop in pressure. Pressure gauges are not installed in private houses. Therefore, in both cases, residents have only one way to control the tightness - visually.
When inspecting heating appliances and pipes suitable for them, pay attention to damp places. In areas of obvious leaks, water will drip or flow. But those who hid metal risers in boxes that one of them is leaking will most likely find out from the neighbors to whom the water flowed
Causes and locations of leaks
There are only two reasons for leaks. The first one is mechanical damage. Everything is clear here, but the second reason is corrosion. The cause of corrosion in heating is poor water treatment. In central heating, water treatment equipment purifies water from mechanical impurities and salts. This is not the case in private houses and cottages.
The presence of salts and electricity leads to increased rust formation.
The places that rust the most threaded connections, welds, bends made by heating. Often the fistula appears in straight sections without welds or threads. Perhaps these are pipe defects or a pipe installed that is not intended for heating.
When is the best time to repair heating pipes?
During the inspection we saw that the heating pipe was leaking, what should we do? Once some confusion passes, the answer will become obvious - fix the leaks immediately. But how and when to start a thorough renovation? Of course in the summer. When it’s warm and you can safely stop the heating and drain the water.
But you shouldn’t delay fixing leaks. If it really breaks through, the damage will be significant. It is necessary to temporarily repair the damage and after completion heating season start repairs.
IN modern systems, which are designed and installed in houses, it is possible to completely turn off one or several branches, without stopping the boiler or riser. In this case, you can carry out repairs without waiting for the end of the heating season.
Repair methods
There are several types of heating repairs without draining the water, but with releasing pressure in the system, but all of them are only a temporary solution:
- welding repair using welding and brazing of steel and polymer pipes
- mechanical repair using various devices clamps, bandages, etc.
- chemical method using various chemical compositions(adhesives, sealants, cold welding, epoxy resin mixtures, etc.).
If circumstances force you to fix the problem yourself, then with some ingenuity and dexterity you can use other methods. Using available means - wire, rubber, screws, wooden choppers, etc.
On a running system
An operating heating system is always under pressure, even in open systems small houses where expanders are used. Therefore, you need to understand how to seal a leak. And one method is suitable here - using a clamp and rubber or bandage.
The sequence is like this. Having found the location of the damage, measure the diameter of the pipe. You make or buy a clamp according to this size. It is necessary to take into account that the clamp covers not only the damage, but also several centimeters of the pipe in different directions. Be sure to put rubber under the clamp.
If the damaged area is small and the pipe diameter is more than 50 mm, it is better to use a factory bandage. It fits tighter than a clamp.
On heating systems with low pressure, you can use a rubber band and wire. Wrap it with a tourniquet, stretching it as much as possible, and secure it with wire.
On a stopped system
It is easier to work with the heating turned off. The pumps are turned off or the supply is cut off. The pressure needs to be relieved. Find the location of the leak and, depending on access to the damaged area, select the most suitable way repair.
Required tools and materials
Depending on the method of repair, the set of tools and materials will change.
Let's try to unify:
- Set welding equipment and electrodes. Welding repair.
- Box or open-end wrenches ranging in size from 8 to 24 mm. When installing bandages and clamps.
- Latex gloves.
- Pliers and knife.
- Annealed steel wire 1.5-2.2 mm.
Store products
In specialized stores or departments for repairing heating and other pipes, you will find a lot of interesting things. Bandages and clamps, different composition and drying time of glue, dry plumbing mixtures based on cement and polymer. There is also a simply wonderful thing on sale - plumber's tape. Sticks to any clean surface so you can't tear it off. Yes, foil and reinforced.
How to seal a leak
In connection, on threads and joints
All heating elements are assembled into a single system using threaded, welded, soldered and fitting connections. Any of them is the least reliable place and happens to leak. Leaks in pipe joints, whether metal or polypropylene, can be eliminated using epoxy resin-based glue. To do this, the surface of the metal pipe along with any damage must be cleaned from old paint and rust. You can clean it with a metal brush, sandpaper or scrape it off with a knife.
If the water is still leaking, it is better to wait until it stops.
Prepare fiberglass or medical bandage. If the pipe has a diameter of 15 to 32 mm, the length of the fabric is approximately 30-35 cm. Then add a hardener to the glue base in the proportion specified in the instructions. You can add more hardener to increase the hardening speed. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise you won’t have time to finish before the glue hardens. Soak the fabric with glue and wrap the damaged area. Once hardened, the heating can be started. Work with rubber gloves. Leaks at the joints of polypropylene pipes can be eliminated in the same way.
Most often, threaded connections of the radiator and pipes leak. In these places and at the joints, in addition to epoxy glue, cold welding and cement-plaster dressings can be used. The method is old, but quite workable. Ready-made dressings are rarely found on sale. Therefore, they are prepared independently. Cement is mixed with alabaster (construction gypsum) in a ratio of 1 to 0.5, diluted with water to a thick rustic sour cream, the bandage is cut into strips of 30-35 cm, and placed in a container with cement-gypsum mortar, then soaked, applied in layers over the threaded connections, cover the top with the remaining solution. Sometimes salt is added to the composition.
It is believed that as a result of increased oxidation of the metal, the fistula will heal faster.
In the radiator and pipes
There are damages in the radiator sections. It is often not possible to repair a hole in a radiator without dismantling it. It can only be sealed where there is access. If you are lucky and the hole is accessible, you can seal it using a roofing screw, bolt or chopper. Well, everything is clear with the chopper, sharpen it and hammer it into the hole, carefully cut off the excess.
It's more difficult with a self-tapping screw. The self-tapping screw must, first of all, be selected in length so that it does not rest against the opposite wall. If there is one, you need to drill a hole 0.5 mm less than the thickness of the self-tapping screw, and use an 8 key to screw it into the hole.
If there is a large hole in the battery, you can install a bolt. To do this, you need to drill a hole and cut the thread using a tap and dip the body of the bolt in paint and screw it into place. This is easy to do only on paper, in reality everything is much more complicated. The same methods can be applied to pipe repair. If the pipe is thick-walled (3 mm or more)
Between battery sections
Leaks between battery sections can be eliminated if it is cast iron. For aluminum and bimetallic ones, the sections are located very close and it is impossible to get there.
Repair using cold welding or epoxy glue, additionally a narrow clamp can be installed over the adhesive bandage or cold welding. It will press everything underneath it against the body of the battery. Heat-resistant sealant can also be used in combination with the clamp.
Hidden wiring
Hidden, this is the part of the heating system that is closed concrete screed floors, insulation or decorative boxes. In all these cases, the most difficult thing is to find and get to the place of damage. And after that, evaluate which repair method to choose. There is no way without professionals.
On a straight section
On straight and accessible sections, you can use any method that you like best and works better. But the most reliable will be mechanical method using clamps or bandages.
Common mistakes
You can’t skimp on clamps and install narrow ones. Remember, the clamp should cover the pipe with a margin of 2-3 cm in each direction from the fistula, because with inside the damage may be significantly greater.
Do not grab the pipe wrench and do not try to tighten the “current” threads; on old pipes, break them off.
There are several ways to help eliminate this problem. The choice of method for repairing the system is influenced by the size of the defect, the strength of the pipeline and the presence of longitudinal cracks, as well as chips.
If your pipe joints are leaking, follow these steps:
- turn off the sewage system while performing repair work;
- dry the pipeline joints with a rag or hair dryer;
- remove cement from joints;
- caulk the gap between the pipes using linen plumbing tape;
- make a solution of polycement and PVA glue;
- coat the crack at the joint with the solution, there should be several layers;
- Do not use the sewer for a day.
Instead of a solution of polycement and PVA glue, you can use a special silicone sealant, then you will have to not use the sewage system for only three hours. You can also use baby clay, epoxy resin, raw rubber or waterproof glue to lubricate the joints.
If there is a crack in a cast iron sewer pipe, then it is imperative to talk with your neighbors in order to carry out a comprehensive repair and avoid further breakdowns in the sewage system.
You can repair the crack using:
- – eliminates leaks in small holes (important: use only short wooden wedges, since long ones will create obstacles inside the fittings), drive this chop into the place of breakage, then wrap the pipeline with gauze and impregnate it with epoxy;
- several layers of gauze - wrap the pipeline with gauze, if the leak is small, soak the gauze with epoxy resin or cement, apply the gauze to the problem area, completely wrapping it until it becomes a cocoon, wait a day for the cement to dry;
- use a rubber bandage to temporarily fix the breakage; be sure to make 20 tight turns over the bandage using copper or aluminum wire;
- a special clamp to fix any leaks (note: for pipes with a diameter of 5 cm you will need a clamp, which will cost up to 8 dollars), wrap the hole with a gasket, cover the rubber with a clamp and tighten it;
- – it helps if the hole is very large, cut a rubber gasket to fit the size of the coupling, put it on and tighten.
If a longitudinal crack has formed or small chip, then it will be more difficult to repair them.
If the breakdown is in exhaust pipe riser, the reason for this situation is the icing of the inside of the pipe during the cold season. Simply put, the pipeline froze inside due to the expansion of frozen water. To fix this problem, use a sealant. You will need:
- Expand the crack by making a recess for the sealant.
- Degrease the damaged area.
- Dry the damaged area.
- Apply silicone sealant.
- Thermally insulate the pipeline in order to avoid further damage, the formation of longitudinal cracks and chips.
If there is a strong, unpleasant odor in your home, then more drastic action will be required. In order to eliminate chips, use a special two-component glue (“cold welding”). Apply this glue to the leak area, let it harden well, then sand it.
The secondary housing stock is gradually coming to a state of complete wear and tear, which leads to accidents, blockages and leaks in utility pipeline networks. Therefore, the question of how to repair a crack in a cast iron sewer pipe remains very relevant. You can read about that in this article and watch the video.
Long-used cast iron sewer drain the apartment usually leaks for one of the following reasons:
- there was a mechanical impact on the metal;
- reduction in wall thickness as a result of prolonged exposure to corrosion;
- destruction of pipeline fastenings and change in the direction of static weight load;
- a simultaneous combination of two or three of the above consequences.
Longitudinal cracks in plastic sewer materials appear only as a result of lack of compensation for thermal expansion or there was an external impact of great force.
What to do if the sewer pipe is leaking
The damaged area must be repaired using one of the methods described below.
When is it necessary to replace a damaged area?
The section of the cast iron pipe where a sewer leak has formed must be replaced in case of severe corrosive wear and the impracticality of repair, as well as large sizes cracks or multiple leaks.
How to repair a crack in a cast iron sewer pipe with your own hands
In order to eliminate a leak, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of its occurrence and find the place where it is leaking. Depending on this, choose a possible repair method and carry out the work. There are several ways to fix a sewer leak. They differ in the level of reliability, appearance pipes after repair and complexity of execution.
Method 1. Installing clamps with rubber gasket
This method of repair requires access to the pipeline with a margin of at least 50 mm from the walls. This condition is very often not met, especially when the pipe in the toilet is located at an angle.
To install the clamp, it is necessary to clean the surface down to metal using metal brushes. Then install a clamp with a rubber gasket.
Method 2. Cement bandage
This is a reliable way to repair longitudinal cracks in non-pressure pipelines. It consists of applying gauze soaked in cement mortar to the damaged area.
The area to be repaired must be thoroughly cleaned of old paint and rust. Prepare liquid cement mortar with the addition of sand in a 1:1 ratio. Immerse the gauze in the solution and ensure that it saturates the fabric well. Apply a cement bandage to the surface in several layers and tie it with a rubber bandage or copper wire.
Method 3. Use of chemicals
For sealing cracks and fistulas in cast iron, a mixture phosphoric acid and copper oxide powder in a component ratio of 2:3. The prepared solution hardens very quickly and therefore it must be done before applying it to the damaged area.
Before covering the crack, the cleaned surface must be degreased with acetone or gasoline.
A solution based on orthophosphoric acid can be replaced with epoxy resin, but its hardening time is longer and after application it will require a surface wrap of dense impregnated fabric.
How to replace a damaged pipe section
The apartment's sewer system consists of a riser and drainage from plumbing and household appliances.
Replacing only the riser in the toilet or individual sections horizontal pipe technically possible, but not rational from the point of view of further operation.
Required tools and materials
To complete the work, you will need to purchase a set of parts, which will definitely include:
- socket pipes with a diameter of 110 mm, lengths of 2000 and 1000 mm;
- transition pipe “cast iron-plastic” 110×127 mm;
- compensation coupling (sliding) 110 mm;
- tee or cross, depending on the wiring configuration;
- rubber sealing cuff 110×127 mm;
- three fastenings in the form of clamps;
- mounting grease or plumbing silicone.
From the tool you need to prepare:
- grinder (angle grinder) with a cutting wheel for metal;
- hammer 300-500 grams;
- mount;
- hammer drill with drilling.
Progress
After preparatory stage you can begin to carry out the actual work. First of all, you should ensure that there is no fecal waste in the riser.
The cast iron riser is cut in stages. First, a window is cut out on the outside with a depth of at least half the diameter of the pipe. After this it is cut back wall and the riser can be disassembled.
A “cast iron-plastic” transition coupling is placed on the upper cut of the cast iron pipe. The bell of a two-meter plastic pipe is pushed onto it, onto the lower end of which the compensation coupling must be pushed to the limit.
A rubber sealing collar is inserted into the lower cast-iron socket and a tee or cross is installed, into which a meter-long pipe is then inserted. Its axis should coincide with the axis of the upper pipe. The movable coupling compensator moves down and connects the two parts of the riser. The horizontal lines are laid out in the required directions from the tee or cross.
Leak prevention
After installing the clamp, applying a bandage or sealant to the damaged area requires periodic inspection. If drops or yellow spots appear on the coating, additional sealing layers must be applied.
When eliminating a leak by installing a clamp, bandage or using sealants, you should understand that if such damage already exists on the pipe, this means that its service life has come to an end and any repair will only be a temporary solution to the issue.
Therefore, immediately after eliminating the leak, begin preparing to replace the entire pipeline.
Features of plastic pipe repair
Unlike cast iron, they have a smooth outer surface. Therefore, the easiest way to eliminate a leak on a flat area is to use a special sealing tape, which can be purchased at a building materials store.
The tape is applied to the hole so that half of its width constantly overlaps the previous strip. Laying is carried out with the maximum possible tension of the material used. Damaged area plastic pipes should be covered with two layers of tape while winding it in the opposite direction.
To carry out repairs, you can also use a clamping clamp and sealants of various compositions.
The cement bandage, due to the low adhesion of the plastic surface, will not adhere to the pipeline.
Nuances of repairing PVC pipes
Since all polymer pipes are for internal sewerage are made of polyvinyl chloride, then the nuances PVC repair pipes are no different from the features of repairing plastic pipes, which are described in the previous paragraph.
What to do if there is a leak at the junction of the fitting and the pipe itself
It is necessary to remove the old sealing mass between inner surface socket and the outer wall of the pipe. After this, fill the joint with new sealant.
Sealing fistulas on a pipe
Fistulas are formed as a result of the corrosive effect on the metal and their repair is completely similar to the repair of cracks, which you can read about above.
How to get rid of an unpleasant odor in a pipe
There will always be an unpleasant odor inside the sewer pipe. This is the nature of fecal waste.
But in order to prevent the smell from penetrating into the room, it is necessary to ensure complete tightness of the system, install siphons at all connection points and ensure that they are constantly filled with water.
Conclusion
Any apartment owner can easily carry out temporary repairs to cast iron pipes on his own. But to replace cast iron with plastic, it is better to invite a professional plumber. By doing this kind of work with your own hands, you risk being left without a toilet for quite some time. long time and create problems for your neighbors above. Replacing the riser must be done very quickly and efficiently, and this requires certain experience and working skills. I can say this with full responsibility, as a plumber with 32 years of experience.
Any engineering systems subject to periodic breakdowns. Separately, it is worth highlighting accidents in heating systems, since there is a risk of not only being left without heat supply, but also flooding the room. To prevent the onset of dire consequences, it is necessary to eliminate the leak in the heating pipe as quickly as possible. To carry out repairs competently, you should know the basic ways to solve the problem for various scales of damage.
Causes and consequences of accidents
The vast majority of heating systems are made using metal pipes. For a long time, only they were considered suitable for supplying coolant heated to high temperatures. Steel pipes, traditionally used in heating systems, are susceptible to corrosion from exposure to water and steam. Progressive corrosion damage over time can lead to small leaks that, if not properly repaired, become the cause of major leaks.
The scale of the consequences can be very different. At best, moisture will accumulate in the damaged area. When the hole widens, water may begin to drip; you will have to place a basin or other container under the leak. With more extensive damage, the formation of a powerful flow of hot coolant cannot be ruled out, threatening not only flooding, but also burns.
How to repair a crack in a cast iron sewer pipe
Special attention The condition of the pipes must be taken into account at the time of the seasonal start-up of the heating system. According to statistics, leakage most often occurs during this period. This occurs due to the application of increased pressure. The occurrence of a leak is facilitated by the absence of visual manifestations of corrosion foci.
It is recommended to carry out urgent repair work if even minor signs appear possible problems. Careful attention to the condition of pipelines will allow you to avoid leaks and wait for the right moment to replace the damaged section with a new one without incident.
Modern plastic pipes, which are now sometimes used in heating systems, are not immune to leaks. And leaks can occur not only at joints. There are cases when, due to error, negligence or other reasons, pipes designed for cold water. It is absolutely clear that such a material will not be able to resist the elevated temperature of the coolant for a long time.
Damage to plastic pipes can be even more dangerous. If on metal pipes Usually, moisture first begins to accumulate, then the plastic swells, it breaks, and large volumes of water immediately enter the room.
Method for eliminating leaks
After finding the location of the leak, you should determine the extent of the problem and decide on how to eliminate it. It is worth noting that most of the proposed options can only be considered as temporary measures to postpone major renovation heating systems until a convenient moment.
If it is possible to call a qualified specialist to immediately replace the damaged area with a new one, you should choose this method. No sealing with improvised means can provide one hundred percent guarantee of protection against repeated leakage and flooding.
In most cases, self-liquidation of detected leaks can be done without turning off the coolant supply. However, this is only true for minor damage. In the event of a serious accident, when water not only leaks, but gushes out of the pipe, it is impossible to do without turning off the heating.
repair metal-plastic pipe/repair of plastic pipes
It is better to decide in advance what to do if the heating pipe leaks. A clear plan will help avoid panic and minimize damage.
If a pipe burst occurs in apartment building with centralized heating, to turn off the system you will have to contact a specialist from the operating organization. In this case, independent repair work does not make sense. You can only try to make every effort to minimize the negative consequences of flooding while waiting for the repair team to arrive. In such situation optimal choice The damaged area will be replaced by specialists.
Carrying out repair work
Typically, a leak in the pipe body occurs due to an undetected manufacturing defect. The walls of heating pipes are quite thick. The occurrence of through corrosion in a high-quality pipe is possible after many decades of operation. However, even with strict control, there is a possibility of installing defective pipes with cavities and underestimation of the wall thickness.
There is a risk of encountering unscrupulous actions by organizations purchasing materials for repairing or replacing heating pipelines. In pursuit of profit can be purchased Consumables, which do not comply with the requirements of regulatory documents, which significantly increases the risk of accidents during subsequent operation of the heating system.
Local damage to the pipe is called a fistula. Eliminating the consequences of its occurrence usually does not involve large labor costs. There are two ways to seal a damaged area: mechanical and chemical.
Mechanical seal
The most popular practice has become sealing the hole with a rubber gasket. Depending on the size of the fistula, various options are used.
A small hole can be reliably sealed with a metal screw with a rubber seal placed under the cap. There is no need to make an elastic gasket yourself, ready-made self-tapping screws with a seal can be purchased at most hardware stores.
COLD WELDING! HOW TO USE? Application example
Repairs are carried out in accordance with the following algorithm:
- The surface of the pipe is cleaned of traces of corrosion with a file or angle grinder.
- A guide hole for the self-tapping screw is drilled at the location of the fistula.
- The hardware is screwed in using a screwdriver or screwdriver.
Instead of a self-tapping screw, you can use a screw, but then you will need to make a rubber gasket under the head and cut threads in the hole made at the site of the fistula. This approach makes sense if the defect in the pipe is slightly larger than the diameter of the working part of the screw.
You can put a rubber gasket on medium and large holes and tighten it with a clamp. There are ready-made clamps with rubber inserts on sale. If you cannot find them, any piece of dense and sufficiently elastic sheet rubber will do, for example, from a car or bicycle inner tube, or a medical tourniquet to stop arterial bleeding. The patch is pressed against the pre-cleaned pipe with one or more clamps. Universal hose clamps are quite suitable.
To increase the reliability of sealing larger fistulas, you can use wide clamps in the form of clips. They are made of sheet steel and are held together with several screws. This method is ideal for cracks oriented along the pipe axis. The same clips are also used in the case of the formation of several fistulas at a short distance from each other.
Adhesive Cold welding ALMAZ Universal 58g
An even more reliable seal can be achieved by purchasing cast metal bands with elastic gaskets. They are detachable clamps that are placed on the pipe. The mating parts of the structure are tightened together with screws. The bands have high rigidity, do not deform when tightened, and therefore ensure a tighter fit of the rubber insert to the surface of the pipe.
A good alternative solution is to use self-vulcanizing adhesive tape. This versatile product is great for emergency pipe sealing. The advantage of this product is not only reliable insulation damaged area, but also the possibility of application in hard to reach places. The rubber gasket can only be applied to a flat section of the pipe, and special tape Can be used on bends, ledges, tees and elbows. The way to use it is quite simple:
- The surface of the pipe must be cleaned and degreased.
- Separate the tape from protective film, press firmly against the pipe and wind, stretching in the longitudinal direction.
Repair of major damage is carried out in a fundamentally different way. A conical wooden chop is driven into the opening of the fistula. This can also be done under water pressure if the necessary precautions are taken. It may not be possible to stop the flow completely. However, this option is often the only one possible way reduce the consequences of flooding in case of strong coolant breakthroughs while waiting for repairmen.
A similar method is used to repair major damage when it is impossible to promptly replace the pipe. To seal a hole in a heating pipe, you need to turn off the coolant supply, drill out the fistula to the nearest larger diameter and hammer a metal chop into it. The part of the chop protruding outward is scalded in a circle using electric welding. This repair method is considered quite reliable and durable, so it sometimes acts as an alternative to replacing the damaged area.
Chemical sealing
If a heating pipe is leaking, you won’t be able to cover the hole with the first glue you come across. Currently, a wide range of sealants are produced to eliminate leaks, which can be used on both metal and plastic pipes. Silicone-based compounds have earned the most popularity. They are characterized by a high degree of adhesion and resistance to high temperatures.
For pipeline repair heating will do not just any silicone sealant. You should carefully read the directions for use on the packaging.
The strength of the protective layer can be significantly increased if additional reinforcement is used with a special fiberglass mesh tape called serpyanka.
Repairs are performed in the following sequence:
Curing of the composition will require from several hours to a day. To increase the reliability of sealing after complete hardening, the repaired area can be additionally tightened with a clamp with a rubber gasket.
It is not recommended to use two-component so-called cold welding compounds to repair heating pipes. Despite manufacturers' statements, such substances are not highly reliable. Using homemade sealants and others folk remedies sealing leaks is strictly prohibited. In the heating system, the coolant is heated to very high high temperature and is under pressure. Ensure effective sealing in such difficult conditions Only compounds specially designed for this purpose can do this.
The ability to quickly eliminate a leak in a heating system will significantly reduce the damage from a breakdown. Don't rely on people's councils , since there are reliable and repeatedly proven methods for sealing damaged pipes. You should always remember that in the vast majority of cases, the result of repair work is temporary. To prevent a recurrence of the accident, it is recommended to replace the defective section of the pipe with a new one as soon as possible.
