As you know, it is not easy to build an absolutely sealed heating system with liquid coolant. But, even if this was successful, leaks may likely appear during operation. And in this situation, it’s time to decide which radiator sealant is best and how to use it for its intended purpose.
What to consider when choosing
There is a wide range of sealants on the market, which differ in consistency, degree of hydrophobicity, degree of resistance to high temperatures, durability and, of course, price.
The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing these products is their resistance to deformation. The fact is that an increase and subsequent decrease in the temperature of the coolant leads to expansion and subsequent contraction of all elements of the system through which the coolant circulates.
If the leak sealing agent is excessively brittle in its hardened state, it is likely to crack. If the composition applied to the leak site remains relatively elastic after drying, cracks will not appear.
Optimal elasticity parameters are demonstrated by acrylic and silicone compounds, which are the most popular today. The least elastic are two-component compositions made on the basis of epoxy resin.
Types of sealants
To prevent leaks and eliminate leaks, you can use the following means:
- Liquid products— they are poured inside the damaged heating device and fill the gap themselves.
- Products in the form of gels- applied directly to the damaged area of the surface.
Each of the listed categories has characteristic operational features. Let's take a closer look at them.
Liquid sealants
When repairing heating appliances, it is not always possible to use sealants intended for external application. For example, the leak may be hidden or located in a gap between sections where it is difficult to reach to apply putty.
The liquid composition for sealing damage is simply poured into the system. As it circulates through heating appliances, the product fills small leaks and neutralizes them.
The principle of operation of the product is simple - the liquid, penetrating into the leak site, completely fills the damage cavity and partially protrudes out. Interacting with air, the product polymerizes and gradually hardens.
Currently, there are several categories of liquid sealants on the market, which differ from each other in their ability to be used in certain conditions.
- compositions for systems with coolant - water or antifreeze
- compositions for solid fuel and gas boilers
- compositions for heating pipes.
It is not recommended to use one of the listed categories with your own hands to neutralize various leaks; it is better to use compounds specially made to solve a particular problem.
Along with the listed products, liquid sealants with universal action are sold. But application statistics demonstrate that compounds with a narrowly targeted effect neutralize leaks better than their universal counterparts.
Important: Unprofessional use of liquid sealants can lead to blockages in the heating system.
Therefore, without the proper experience, try to fix the leak with the system turned off and the battery removed.
Now let's look at how to fill the sealant into the radiator?
The instructions for eliminating a leak with a liquid composition are as follows:
- We shut off the system and drain the coolant.
- We dismantle the damaged heating device.
- Prepare about 5 liters of hot water in a bucket.
- IN hot water a concentrated polymer composition is poured out of the canister. Mix the solution thoroughly until it has a homogeneous consistency.
- Pour the solution into the radiator using a purge pump or using a funnel.
- If we use a pump, we need to prepare about 5 liters of hot water to wash those pump elements that were in contact with the sealant.
- If a watering can is used, close the top and bottom holes on one side of the batteries with plugs, while the opposite holes remain open. We place the heating device on its end, and pour the solution through one of the open holes on top.
- Next, the battery is turned over so that the solution passes to the area where there is damage.
Important: The solution must be prepared immediately before use, as polymerization occurs within a short time and a film may form on the surface.
- The sealing effect will be noticeable after about 3 days.
How to flush the radiator after sealant? Washing is carried out hot water. In order to remove fragments of sealant that have not adhered to the internal surface, it is advisable to perform washing under pressure.
Products in the form of gels and putties
Now let's look at how to use radiator sealant made in the form of gels and putties.
Instructions for using cold welding:
- The supply is blocked.
- The area where the leak is noticed is cleaned old paint and polished to metal.
- Cold welding is kneaded manually to make it soft and applied to a previously prepared surface fragment. The applied welding is smoothed out and left in this position until completely dry.
After a day, the weld will harden so much that it cannot be removed with a knife. - Level the applied sealant layer by sanding sandpaper, after which the repaired surface fragment can be painted.
Important: Despite the fact that the battery repaired in this way will look intact, you need to understand that this is a temporary solution.
And complete elimination of the leak is possible only by replacing the damaged section or replacing the entire heating device.
Conclusion
Now we have a general understanding of how polymerizing radiator sealant and its putty-like counterparts work. You can apply the acquired skills by repairing the heating system in your house or apartment.
There are still questions that require clarification; the necessary answers can be found by watching the video in this article.
- the material does not change over time or due to temperature fluctuations in volume;
- does not spread;
- retains plasticity even after drying, repeating exactly all the bends of the parts, thereby forming a unique gasket for a given joint that cannot be displaced by water pressure;
- sealant for water supply pipes does not clog the system;
- always allows for the dismantling of communications.
In what cases can you not do without sealant?
- for any threaded connections during the assembly of the water supply system;
- when installing cast iron pipes where there are no O-rings;
- at repair work ah and eliminating leaks at joints as additional waterproofing.
Types of sealants for water pipes
Today there is a large selection of sealing agents, with different features and appointments, among which you can most accurately select exactly what is required in a particular situation. Let's look at what options exist:
- Self-adhesive tape
The main advantage is its anti-corrosion and dielectric properties. Tape is used for connections various types, pipe bends, plugs, turning corners and other elements.
The base of the tape is bitumen-rubber, and on the outside it is covered with an aluminum layer with a protective film, which is removed during installation. Despite the fact that the tape is very simple to use, it is a very effective and reliable way to insulate pipes. If you decide to use such a tape, then remember: from exposure sun rays it loses its qualities, so the pipes are open areas additionally wrapped with protective material.
How to use self-adhesive tape:
- Before starting work, the surface should be cleaned and dried
- To avoid wrinkles, the tape must be tensioned while winding
- It is important to wrap in such a way that each turn lies on half of the previous one, covering the entire surface in two layers.
- Silicone thread sealants
One-component liquid plumbing sealants for pipe connections are used to prevent leaks through connections and fittings on metal or plastic pipes ah in water supply systems with both cold and hot water.
They have become widespread due to their reliability. In addition to the rubber included in the mixture, silicone sealant contains various additives and additives that provide excellent sealing ability. This material has a high degree of adhesion to almost any surface, even without pre-treatment.
- Plumbing adhesive sealant is designed specifically for use in damp places: kitchens, bathrooms, where there is a risk of fungi.
An important feature: depending on the hardener in the composition, silicone sealants can be acidic or neutral. Acidic ones, although cheaper, are not suitable for use on surfaces that are afraid of acid. But neutral sealants are universal and harmless for any materials.
Attention: do not confuse silicone adhesive sealant with sealant for winding
- FUM tape, polymer thread
A good alternative to silicone sealant, easy to apply to all types threaded connections and are quite effective, however, with vibrations and loosening of pipes, they can leak over time.
- Portland cement
This material is part of the composition of cement and asbestos-cement mixtures, which are used to assemble cast iron sewer lines in places where socket joints are made.
Petroleum bitumen, mastic, epoxy resin
They are used in the preparation of insulating fill for sealing joints of ceramic pipelines, including at home.
Which sealant to choose
When choosing a plumbing sealant for pipes, it is important to understand that it may come into direct contact with the water coming from your tap. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to products certified for contact with drinking water.
For correct selection sealant specifically in your case, try answering the following questions:
- Are we dealing with metal parts or plastic ones?
- If it is plastic or its combination with metal, will it be necessary to additionally level the system and calibrate it after installation?
If the answer is yes. We use ready-to-use sealing thread white impregnated on metal, plastic or mixed surfaces. The maximum thread diameter should be up to 4 inches, with low disassembly force. Provides rapid sealing at full pressure and withstands a temperature range from -50 °C to +130 °C. No special equipment is required for application.
If the answer is no. Use a silicone gel sealant, such as Loctite 5331, white on plastic, metal and plastic-metal fittings in contact with hot and hot water. cold water. The maximum thread diameter is 3 inches, the disassembly force is weak. It seals quite quickly at low pressure, operating temperature from -50 °C to +150 °C. Does not require special equipment for application.
If the parts are made of metal, do they have large or small threads?
If it’s small, they work with a metal gel, for example, Loctite 542. This is a sealant Brown, which is applied using a hand gun. Intended for fittings with fine threads, 3-4 inches, as well as communications for pneumatic and hydraulic systems. When disassembling, it unscrews with medium force. At low pressure there is no sealing, operating temperature -55 °C - +150 °C.
If it is large, then gels, liquid and paste sealants are suitable.
Loctite 511 Gel is a fast curing white compound, due to its low strength, suitable for sealing small gap 3" threads.
Gel sealant for metal general purpose, for example, SantekhMaster Gel, suitable for large threads and pipes with a diameter of 3 inches. It has an average force when disassembling, and at low pressure it hardens quite quickly. Convenient for quick application in low temperature conditions. For use on inactive surfaces.
Locite 572 red liquid sealant is used on large metal threads in 3" diameter fittings. Thanks to slow polymerization, it allows fittings to be adjusted during installation.
Selon paste sealant is a red material for low disassembly effort, works in the temperature range from -55 °C to +150 °C. It does not spread over the surface, as it is specially designed for metal communications with large threads, where regular disassembly is not required.
When it comes to choosing a sealant for sewer pipes, the quality of the product should be taken extremely seriously. If the wastewater discharge system is disrupted, this may result in sewage entering the running water.
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Types of sealants
Linen
This plumbing sealant was used by our great-grandfathers, who at first glance quite successfully connected the water supply system at the threaded points. However, organic flax fibers work on the principle of swelling when exposed to moisture. As a result, if metal pipes made of brittle alloys are sealed with flax thread, then its change in volume can lead to a rapid rupture of the pipeline.
In addition, wet flax fibers begin to decompose over time, which reduces the quality of sealing of all joints. And constant moisture at the joints will ultimately lead to corrosion of the metal, which can lead to metal failure when dismantling a section of the water supply system.
It is also worth noting that in high-pressure systems, the use of dry flax as a sealant and sealant is unacceptable, since water will begin to leak over time.
As an option for using flax, you can use it in tandem with paint. This option is more reliable, but it is worth remembering that the paint does not completely saturate the fiber, which means that the sealant will only overcome rotting with a large segment time. In addition, dismantling the pipeline will be difficult.
The only sure way to resolve a situation involving the use of flax thread is to use silicone sealant. In this case, the installation of all threaded connections is based on treating the fiber with a silicone agent. As a result, the installation of all fittings and pipes is greatly simplified, and elements can be tightened.
Important: silicone sealant creates a tightness of the pipeline even if the water supply elements are not tightened all the way.
Fluoroplastic sealant (FUM)
This type of polymer tape in the form thin strip, wound on a bobbin, was originally produced not for plumbing purposes, but in the defense industry. A distinctive feature of FUM is that such a sealant can be used at temperatures up to +300 degrees and, moreover, in aggressive environments. That is why FUM is quite widespread today among professional plumbers.
The advantages of FUM tape include:
- The material is completely protected from rotting, which means it prevents metal corrosion during operation of the water supply system;
- The ideal smoothness of the tape reduces the friction of threaded elements against each other during installation, which affects the durability of the plumbing system and the quality of the assembly.
However, all the advantages of such a sealant can in some cases be regarded as disadvantages. For example, the tape does not respond well to vibration, so if the water supply system operates under high pressure, there is a risk of its depressurization.
In addition, in the case of repair work on a section of the water pipeline, the reverse movement of the element leads to depressurization of the system. In this case, you will have to re-wind the FUM.
Important: FUM tape is ideal for installing elements of the plumbing system that do not require positioning. It is better to install taps, mixers or valves using another type of sealant.
Plumbing thread
This type of sealant has the form of a dense synthetic thread impregnated with a special antiseptic agent, which prevents rotting of the material, metal corrosion and depressurization of water pipes. In addition, the plumbing sealing thread resists aggressive environments.
Unlike flax, plumbing thread allows you to install water pipes with the ability to reverse the elements up to 180 degrees (flax makes it possible to position elements up to 90 degrees). At the same time, plumbing thread makes it possible not to tighten pipes and water supply elements to the limit to achieve the tightness of the system.
Important: plumbing thread has a higher price compared to other types of sealants.
Sealants in suspension
Such balloon sealants are available in the form of a gel or suspension. They do an excellent job of lubricating all connections of the plumbing system, but, unfortunately, they can only be used in combination with fiber sealants. In its pure form, such material will simply be pushed out of the system, especially in pressure communications. If you use a drying material in its pure form, then when it dries it will shrink noticeably.
The only exception is anaerobic sealant, which dries perfectly without access to air, while maintaining its volume and protecting the metal from corrosion and the system from leaks. Sealing anaerobic gel has a number of advantages:
- Has excellent adhesion, qualitatively connecting elements of metal and plastic pipes;
- The gel can be used both in standard plumbing systems and in aggressive chemical environments (it is completely inert to the effects of chemical suspensions);
- The sealant works equally well in both pressure and non-pressure water supply systems;
- In addition, excess gel can always be easily removed with a simple napkin, since it does not harden in air.
Important: anaerobic sealant requires compliance with certain operating principles. So, if the room temperature is below room temperature, then you will need to warm up the pipe for high-quality application of the gel. In addition, all threaded connections must be clean and free of grease before applying sealant.
Dismantling of water supply elements with anaerobic sealants inside will also have to be carried out with pre-heating of the pipeline.
Pros and cons of sealants in various situations
- Having studied all the features of each of the sealants, a strong conclusion arises that flax is the most unsuitable material for use. Even if it is combined with silicone or other gel-like sealant, its performance characteristics are significantly inferior to the same plumbing thread or FUM.
- In turn, of all the types of sealants given in the material for connecting the water supply system, the most optimal and affordable is FUM. But it must be used very carefully.
- Plumbing thread is easy to install and ensures high quality sealing of the system. At the same time, anaerobic sealant can be placed on the same level with it in terms of quality. Its features clearly form the advantages of use compared to the use of other types of gel-like products.
- Non-drying products are best used in combination with fibrous materials.
Important: thus, the most reliable and productive of modern sealants are plumbing thread and anaerobic sealant. Only a significant difference in price varies consumer demand for both types of materials.
Update dated July 3, 2017
New stuff came out interesting video on sealing (alternative opinion):
vodakanazer.ru
Water pipes
Sealing of pipe connections on threads can be done in the following ways:
- Liquid synthetic sealants. The mixture of oils and polymers remains plastic throughout the entire period of use.
It is easy to apply, but with significant pressure (especially in hot water) it can be squeezed out by pressure. The consequences are obvious. - Pipe sealing tape (FUM tape). Already better. The main disadvantage is that the connection sealed with synthetic tape begins to leak with minimal thread return, which during assembly complex structures happens often.
- Hardening sealants. Reviews are mixed; The quality of sealing depends greatly on the specific manufacturer. IN general case- best avoided.
- Linen. Organic fiber, if there is condensation on the pipe, inevitably begins to rot with quite obvious consequences.
In hot water, flax can fade and become brittle over time (after all, it is organic). The result is the same. - Finally, old-fashioned method- flax, soaked natural drying oil and red lead. Sealing pipes in this way gives excellent results. The author had the opportunity to disassemble heating risers in Stalin buildings, assembled on galvanized threads in the middle of the last century.
There was not a single sign of rewinding of pipe threads after the builders. Yes, drying oil and red lead are not available in every home; however, impregnating flax with paint gives a slightly worse result.
How it's done?
- We do not apply a large number of paint directly onto the thread. There is no need to lubricate it - a few drops are enough.
- We wind a thin strand of sanitary flax along the thread. It should be clean, free of debris and straw.
- On top of the winding, a couple more strokes of paint with a brush or stick. Do not try to apply the paint evenly: when you assemble the threaded connection of the pipes, the paint will evenly saturate the flax.
- Actually, we assemble and tighten the threads. Don't forget to place a piece of polyethylene on the floor: a few drops of paint will inevitably fall.
The method is perfect for any steel thread, be it galvanized or black steel, a pipe made in Chelyabinsk or Hermes - pipes do not leak on the threaded connection throughout the entire period of their operation.
Please note: the exception is the misalignment of the locknut relative to the coupling on the downstream side.
If the winding is pressed unevenly, it will flow in any case, regardless of the material.
There is only one way out: change the locknut to a straight one.
Sewerage
Cast iron pipes for hammering
Here the traditional method of sealing the joint is used:
- The pipe is inserted into the socket;
- The gap is embossed in a circle with bobbin (oil-impregnated organic fiber). A graphite seal will also work. Several turns are made; Access to the socket is required along the entire circumference of the pipe.
- Then the joint is covered with cement mortar.
Builders in the last century often used liquid sulfur to seal these joints. You are unlikely to resort to this method; but you may have to disassemble these joints.
Method one: the bell heats up blowtorch, gas burner or a hair dryer.
In this case, it is very important to provide ventilation and put on a respirator or, even better, a gas mask: the smell of burning sulfur is so pungent that it literally paralyzes breathing.
Pipes with rubber sealing rings
Both cast iron and plastic pipes of all types are produced with rubber seals: polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC.
Here the need for additional sealing is rather an exception. The seal should provide a tight seal without additional effort.
If the pipe fits into the seal without force, use ordinary silicone pipe sealant. It is applied to the end of the pipe with chamfered, after which it is inserted into the socket.
Conclusion
Of course, not all methods of sealing connections are listed. We did not touch upon low-temperature soldering and soldering of copper water pipes, compression fittings and butt welding of pipes. However, what you most often encounter in everyday life is listed. Good luck with the renovation!
o-trubah.ru
Why do you need sealing of sewer pipelines?
Sewage pipelines in the private sector, unlike urban conditions, require improved sealing for the following reasons:
- Ground instability. Loosely connected pipes placed under a layer of earth during flooding groundwater or during a spring flood, as a result of weakening or subsidence of the soil, they may disperse, which will lead to depressurization of the joint and ingress Wastewater into the soil.
- Temperature effect. In winter, when severe frosts occur, the soil may freeze to the area where the sewer line is located - this will lead to freezing of the sewer and the formation of a traffic jam. With the subsequent influx of liquid, the pipe elements may separate under pressure or when ice expands as a result of thawing.
- Temperature changes. When hitting sewer system hot drains, hotter areas at the joints can expand, leading to leaks.
- Temporary aging. Over time, the tightness of the sewer line connections decreases due to the loss of their physical properties manufacturing material and rubber rings in pipes. This can cause the connection to become depressurized and drains to leak.
Fig 2. Method of sealing cast iron pipes
- Difficulty in repairing leaks. Since a private sewer line is usually located underground with a slight slope, it is quite difficult to determine the location of the leak - if it occurs at a high point, the drains will flow down the slope, making it difficult to find. In most cases, you will have to dig up the entire highway to carry out repair work.
- Increased damage from leaks. If it gets into the soil sewage Together with groundwater, they can reach the aquifer if the well or borehole is shallow. This will lead to contamination of the water with pathogenic bacteria, as a result of which residents may be left without drinking water.
- Strong regular leaks can cause an unpleasant odor due to the presence of gases harmful to humans in the air: hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane.
Almost the same problems will have to be faced, with the exception of contamination of water, soil and unpleasant odors, in the event of depressurization of an underground water main, if it consists of sections of pipes and does not have a welded joint.
Types of modern pipe sealants
Modern sealants seal and seal the joints of water and sewer pipes, plumbing fittings (taps, fittings, couplings) when connecting connections, and there are several of the most common types.
Sealing tape
Fig.3 Tape for sealing pipes
This type of sealant is most suitable for steel heating or water supply pipes when laid underground or in basements. The tape protects pipelines from the formation of condensation on the surface of the pipes, and also protects the pipe from corrosion.
The tape consists of a reinforced or aluminum film to which a bitumen layer is glued; it is removed before use. protective film and press it tightly with your hand to the surface of the pipes, wrapping it overlapping in a spiral onto the treated area.
There are three types of sealing tapes depending on the conditions of use:
- Summer ones marked L for insulation in hot water supply, heating, heating boilers, in this case the joint is designed for an operating temperature range of up to 300 C.
- Winter ones marked Z can operate in systems at temperatures from -200 to +100 C.
- Heat-resistant ones with the letter T in the marking can withstand temperatures up to 1500 C., and are usually used in pipelines of exhaust systems of automobile vehicles.
In addition to eliminating leaks, sealing sewer pipe joints with tape provides additional protection from corrosion, mechanical, chemical and temperature effects.
Fluoroplastic sealant FUM
Rice. 4 Fluoroplastic sealant for water supply pipes
Fluoroplastic sealing tape is intended for internal sealing in plastic and threaded connections of water supply, gas supply or heating units; it is often used when connecting plumbing fixtures. Distinctive Features FUMs are:
- Operating temperature range from -70 to +250 C.
- Resistant to high pressures up to 100 atmospheres and its differences, compensation for water hammer.
- This tape is most effective on plastic threads in water lines.
Plumbing thread
Rice. 5 Sealant for pipes made of thread - application examples
Winding or plumbing thread is a modern substitute for flax fiber, used in water supply systems, gas supply and compressed air. The winder can work with threads of plastic and metal pipes, has the following features:
- Operating temperature range from -60 to +120 C.
- Suitable for plumbing fixtures with small and large thread profiles.
- Can withstand pressure of 40 - 50 atmospheres.
- The average service life of threaded connections with winding is 20 years.
Epoxy resin
Epoxy resin is a universal two-component adhesive that can be used to seal joints together with dense material (fiberglass, polymer fine mesh). When using, it is important to follow the proportions indicated on the packaging, otherwise when mixing hardener and resin, if there is an excess of the first, the composition may boil and harden quickly.
Technical sulfur
Rice. 6 Sulfur for cast iron sewer pipes and epoxy resin
Powdered or lump sulfur made from oil refining products is sold in construction stores and is usually used for sealing joints cast iron pipes wires The material is used only in a liquid state heated to 130 - 150 C, it is poured into the cavity between cast iron pipes. When cooled, sulfur forms a hard and brittle mass that is highly waterproof.
Jute and hemp ropes
To seal wide joints of ceramic or cast iron sewers, it is unprofitable to use popular expensive high-quality silicone-based materials - it is more advisable to replace them with hemp or other jute ropes, making a resin strand from them. When carrying out work, the sealing resin strand is pushed into the socket using a metal rod of suitable diameter; the tightness of the connection is ensured by the resin.
Cement
Cement is popular building material, consists of clinker, potassium silicates, gypsum, for use it is diluted with water to obtain a creamy mass. Excellent for filling joints in cast iron; when working, it is better to use grades with additives that increase its ductility.
Rice. 7 Ropes, cement and mastics
Bitumen mastics
When installing ceramic lines good quality compounds are obtained using inexpensive bitumen-rubber and bitumen-polymer mastics cold or hot application method. Liquid sealant is poured into the sockets of the joints, and the seal is characterized by elasticity, high chemical resistance and for a long time operation.
Anaerobic sealants
Plumbing gel (anaerobic sealant) is one of the latest advances in the production of materials for sealing threaded or flanged joints, previously used in the space and defense industries. It very tightly and firmly connects threaded joints in lines for supplying cold and hot water, natural or liquefied gas, gasoline and heating antifreeze. The gel has the following unique properties:
- Designed for use only with metal surfaces, turning into a dense polymer when hardened - it does not dry out on other materials.
- The material is resistant to changes in pressure, temperature and impact, and is resistant in various environments.
- It is smeared from a tube onto the surface of a pre-degreased part; after application, the excess is removed with a special stick included in the kit - it is heated and turned into a brush, rubbing it on a hard surface.
- The operating temperature range of anaerobic sealant is from -60 to +150 C.
Rice. 8 Anaerobic sealant - example of use
Acrylic and silicone based sealants
A popular type of modern sealing materials is acrylic or silicone plumbing sealant, which are characterized by high ductility, adhesion to any materials, and versatility. Acrylic sealants bond well to materials made of concrete, brick or wood, so they are not often used for plastic highway pipes. There are two main types of silicone on the construction market:
Acidic. Are inexpensive and quality material, however contained in them acetic acid leads to the destruction of metal, so they find limited use in piping systems; they can be used for polypropylene pipes.
Neutral (alkaline). They have a higher price and are suitable for working with any type of material; they are most often used for sealing water pipes or heating systems made of metal.
Rice. 9 Silicone sealant for sewer pipes
Advantages of silicone sealant
Silicone sealant contains silicone polymer and additives that increase its strength, adhesion and accelerate polymerization time. Silicone is mainly used for internal sealing of joints; its advantages are the following factors:
- High adhesion of the material to metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, enamel, stone.
- The material provides a long-term elastic connection without cracks.
- The temperature range of silicone is from -50 to +180 C, high-temperature domestic varieties are capable of operating at temperatures up to +260 C and briefly up to +350 C.
Pipe sealant - selection guide
The choice of sealants is largely determined by the material of the elements to which it is applied and the type of pipeline - in everyday life it is water supply, gas, heating or sewer systems.
Rice. 10 Sealant for sewer PVC pipes- application
Sealants for sewer pipes
When deciding how to seal a sewer pipe, you should first of all proceed from the material of its manufacture, and several types are considered:
PVC. The PVC sewer pipeline has internal rubber rings at the joints, so it does not require the use of any sealants. If it runs underground or in places with heavy loads on the highway, it can be additionally reinforced with bitumen tape.
Ceramics. Due to its high cost and complexity of installation, ceramic sewerage is rarely used in households; internal rubber rings are used to seal joints in pipes, so sealant is not required when connecting them. If a leak is detected, the socket sections of the sewer pipes can be filled with bitumen mastic, use resin-impregnated strands or outer tape.
Cast iron. Typically used to seal cast iron. inexpensive materials having a rigid structure after drying - sulfur, cement, epoxy resin.
Rice. 11 Use of silicone for heating systems
Sealants for heating pipes
The temperature in the pipelines of domestic heating systems rarely exceeds 90 C, so almost all known sealants can work in it.
When connecting elements of a heating system, heat-resistant materials are often used - neutral silicone sealant, FUM tape, plumbing thread or flax fiber; high-quality thread connections are formed by anaerobes.
Sealants for water supply pipes
In water supply systems, all of the above sealants for heating systems are used; if the pipes are made of plastic, acidic silicone can additionally be used.
Rice. 12 Sealants for water lines - application example
How and with what to seal a joint when switching from cast iron to plastic
One of the common problems in sewerage is replacing outdated cast iron pipes with plastic ones.
In apartment buildings when carrying out overhaul they almost always leave a cast-iron riser for wastewater, to which a plastic sewer pipeline is then connected. During the work, the old one is dismantled cast iron tee and insert a new one made of PVC in its place, dismantling and installation are carried out in the following sequence:
- Remove the old tee. It is held in a cast-iron socket by means of chasing - that is, a recessed tarred linen rope is covered with cement on top or filled with sulfur.
- The tee can be cut or notched with a grinder and then broken with a hammer (this is very dangerous, you can damage the socket) and then gradually remove the remaining sealing materials using a chisel, a sharp screwdriver and a hammer.
Rice. 13 Dismantling the cast iron tee
- If you don’t have a grinder, you can melt the sulfur with a gas burner (you should ensure good ventilation and respiratory protection from sulfur fumes), and then remove the tee by gradually loosening it.
- If the embossing is made of cement, it is gradually knocked out with a thin flat-head screwdriver and a hammer.
- A universal way to clean the bell from the chasing can be to drill it out with a drill with a thin long drill bit.
- Clean the bell. After removing the old tee, the bell of the hole is cleaned of dirt with sharp objects, wire brush and wipes dry.
- Place the adapter ring on the sewer sealant. On inner surface sealant is applied to the cast iron socket and a rubber adapter is inserted (make sure that it fits tightly to the socket), after which a plastic tee is easily attached to it.
Rice. 14 Connection of plastic and cast iron water pipes
Modern materials make it possible to ensure high tightness of connections between pipes and fittings in sewer, water supply, heating and gas lines used in household. Domestic sewerage usually does not require sealing materials - sewer pipes They have a tight rubber ring connection; in case of leaks or for insurance, inexpensive silicone sealant is most often used.
Mounting new system heating, changing batteries or re-sealing threaded connections in the heating system before starting heating season, spend a couple of minutes of your attention on what materials the specialist will use in his work and how he will seal, for example, the pipe leading to the heating system of your home. Why is it important?
If you are ready to take all these risks, then you can continue to use linen, paint, etc. the old fashioned way. However, the use of FUM tape or flax has long been replaced by safer, more reliable and durable methods of sealing installation units and heating pipe systems. These are modern thread sealants - anaerobic gels and polymer threads that are perfect for home heating systems and more.
If you have to install or repair a heating system in the near future, it is better to choose modern sealants, which are several times easier to use and economical, but are even more reliable than traditional sealing materials.
You can purchase modern seals at the best prices on our website in the section.
There are no ideally installed heating systems, and therefore sooner or later it is discovered that the coolant is leaking. Sealants for heating systems can eliminate leaks. The polymer substances they contain are suitable for sealing gaps in joints of pipes, radiators and even boilers. We propose to consider the advantages of liquid sealant for heating in comparison with conventional sealing agents, as well as the rules for its use.
Types of sealants
In today's everyday life, a large number of products with sealing properties are used.
In my own way chemical composition sealants are divided into the following main types:
- acrylic- low stability, do not tolerate temperature changes;
- polyurethane- elastic, have high adhesion to metals, resistant to corrosion and temperature;
- silicone- the most common type of universal sealants, they retain elasticity and moisture resistance over a wide temperature range, and are durable.
When sealing leaks in metal elements heating system With silicone sealant, it is permissible to use only its neutral variety, but not the acidic one, since the acetic acid contained in the acidic sealant will cause active corrosion of the metal.
Heat-resistant sealant for heating pipes is used for metal and polymer materials. This product properly fulfills its purpose - to prevent the penetration of moisture from damaged elements of the heating system. The sealing substance, which is a viscous mass, hardens quite quickly at the site of application and subsequently withstands high temperatures.
To seal threaded connections in modern heating networks, anaerobic adhesive sealant is used instead of flax tow and FUM tape. The environmental friendliness of such a sealant allows it to be used not only in heating systems, but also in plumbing systems.
Sealant for heating boilers is used to eliminate gaps in places where heat resistance of the material up to 1500°C is required.
Using this product, it is possible to seal cracks in heat exchangers and chimneys of boilers and furnaces. After hardening in the joints between the surfaces of different materials(metal, brick, concrete) the substance retains its tightness.
The better liquid sealant for heating repairs
It is not always possible to use external agents to repair heating. What to do, for example, if the location of the leak cannot be detected because the house has been hidden wiring pipes and equipped with heated floors? Will we really have to break down the walls and open up the floors? No, you don't have to! In such situations, relatively new method eliminating leaks - by pouring liquid sealant for heating pipes into the system. This sealant is also suitable for radiators when it is not possible to apply a clamp to a leak.
The fundamental difference between liquid sealants for heating systems is their ability to eliminate leaks not by applying to the damaged area from the outside, but directly from the inside.
The essence of this method is that when mixed with a coolant, the sealant remains liquid, and only upon contact with air penetrating into the system does it polymerize. Gradually hardening, the sealant clots are sealed from the inside of the crack exactly in those places where the integrity of the system is compromised.
They produce several types of liquid sealants for heating, each of which is adapted to special conditions applications, in particular:
- the coolant is water or antifreeze;
- gas or solid fuel boiler;
- heating or water pipes.
You should not try to look for one universal sealant for your home heating system. It is better to purchase a specialized composition for the specific parameters of your heating system.
The most famous among consumers are liquid sealants for heating systems produced by the German company BCG. The use of these funds is considered ideal solution to eliminate hidden coolant leaks. At correct use The liquid sealant does not pose a danger to heating boilers and does not cause damage to the circulation pump and measuring instruments.
Sealant for pipes and heating radiators must remain in the system long time. Once you add this sealant to your heating system, you can forget about leaks for several years.
Sealants for closed systems heating systems eliminate pressure losses associated only with leaks in pipes and radiators, but are powerless in cases where the membrane in the expansion tank is damaged.
Steps to eliminate a leak with liquid sealant
The procedure for using liquid sealants to repair your home heating system can seem quite complicated. In some cases, clots of sealing fluid cause partial blockage and impede the movement of the coolant. Therefore, in order not to cause damage to the heating equipment due to your inexperience, it is better to invite a specialist. In any case, you need to study the instructions for using a specific type of sealant for radiators and strictly follow them.
Having decided to use a liquid sealant to fix a problem in the heating system, you need to make sure that:
- the reason for the pressure drop is precisely the leakage of coolant, and is not related to a malfunction of the expansion tank;
- the selected type of sealant for heating systems corresponds to the type of coolant in the system;
- The sealant is suitable for this heating boiler.
When using liquid sealant for pipes and radiators, it is important to maintain the correct concentration. On average, its values range from 1:50 to 1:100, but it is advisable to determine the concentration more accurately, since the effectiveness of eliminating leaks can be affected by factors such as:
- coolant leak rate (up to 30 liters per day or more);
- the total volume of water in a given heating system.
If the volume does not exceed 80 liters, 1 liter of sealant will be enough to pour into the heating system. But how can we more accurately calculate the volume of water in the system? You need to calculate how many meters of pipes and what diameter were laid in the house, and then enter this data into any of online calculators. To the resulting volume of pipelines, you must also add the passport characteristics of the volumes of all radiators and the boiler.
You can drain all the water from the system into a certain container, the volume of which is precisely known, and then fill the system again.
Preparing the heating system
- Dismantle or cut off all filters with taps so that they do not become clogged with a viscous solution of sealant for heating systems;
- Unscrew the Mayevsky valve from one radiator (the first one in the direction of coolant flow) and connect a pump to it (the “Baby” type);
- Start the heating system and let it warm up for an hour to a temperature of 50–60°C at a pressure of at least 1 bar;
- Open all taps on pipelines and radiators to allow sealant to flow freely through them;
- Remove air from the entire system, including the radiators and circulation pump.
If the air is not completely vented, it will begin to react with the sealant and cause it to thicken in places other than where it is needed to eliminate the leak.
Preparing the sealant
Solutions of sealants for heating systems must be prepared immediately before use so that the liquid does not come into contact with atmospheric air for too long.
Pouring sealant
Liquid sealant for heating systems must have time to mix with the coolant before it reaches the boiler, so it is more advisable to pour it into the supply:
- Introduce liquid sealant solution into the system using a pump;
- Pump the remaining hot water through the pump so that absolutely all of the sealant sediment gets into the system;
- Bleed the air from the system again;
- Raise the pressure to 1.2–1.5 bar and maintain the system operating cycle for 7–8 hours at a temperature of 45–60°C. This period is needed for the sealant to completely dissolve in the coolant.
The operation of heating equipment cannot be stopped for several days until the polymerization of the liquid heating sealant is completed.
How does the sealing effect manifest itself?
You should not expect the leak to be eliminated immediately, but only on the 3rd or 4th day. During this time, the sealant for heating pipes will compact and close the cracks in problem areas from the inside. Eliminating the problem of coolant leakage will manifest itself in the fact that the sound of falling drops of liquid will no longer be heard in the house, moistened areas on the floor will dry out, and the pressure in the system will no longer decrease.
At the same time, one of the negative effects may be a slight blockage of passages in devices for distributing coolant flow, as well as in thermostats. But this problem can be easily solved by periodically opening and then adjusting these types of regulators to the desired position to prevent them from further sticking.
When working with liquid sealant for heating systems, the same strict precautions must be observed as those prescribed for working with any type of sealant. chemicals!
The video lesson will help you understand how to fix a leak in your heating system yourself using liquid sealant.
Based on all that has been said, you can be sure that liquid sealant is undoubtedly worth using to eliminate leaks in the heating system. Even though its price is steep. However, it should be understood that hidden installation of heating pipes is not only a convenience, but also a certain risk, for which you sometimes have to pay.
Usually, with proper and high-quality installation of heating systems, a substance such as a sealant is used for the home heating system. Such substances belong to the category of vulcanizable substances. These are polymer components that serve to seal seams between surfaces.
Sealants for home heating systems
Types of sealants
Today, the highest quality and most widespread is a universal heat-resistant sealant for heating pipes. Typically, owners of heating systems use it, since this substance has all the necessary qualities for an insulating material. It is also used in everyday life and in industry. It is a viscous mass that can withstand high temperatures and hardens quickly.
Silicone sealant is also common. It is resistant to moisture and mold, as well as temperature changes. This sealant is often used in everyday life to seal seams on different surfaces.
Less common types are urethane and polysulfide sealants for home heating systems. But such sealants may not be used everywhere, so you need to carefully study their characteristics and capabilities before use.
Very often you can find the use of such sealant as heat-resistant. Such a sealant is able to penetrate even those gaps that are difficult to reach.
This sealant also has increased ductility and excellent elasticity. Heat-resistant sealant for heating systems is used to glue metal, rubber and other materials. The main purpose of this substance is that it protects individual elements heating system from moisture ingress.
Heat resistant sealant
The quality of the heat-resistant sealant is monitored by specialists who constantly test it, checking for strength and elongation. That is why such a sealant perfectly performs the functions assigned to it, it is resistant to various factors - sunlight, water, and it is practical and easy to use.
We also note that heat-resistant sealant is currently produced in a wide range of colors and by a variety of manufacturers.
Of course, it is better to give your preference to proven brands that guarantee quality.
How to choose a sealant for heating?
Chimney sealant
The main criterion for choosing a sealant for heating systems is resistance to deformation. A good option– silicone sealant for heating systems (acidic or neutral). If you purchase acrylic sealant, then only one that is resistant to high temperatures.
There are sealants that can withstand temperatures above 1000 degrees Celsius. They are typically used to seal targets and cracks in fireplaces, around chimneys and pipes.
Don't try to use one universal sealant for everything. It would be better if these were specialized formulations for specific materials.
Fixing leaks in the heating system
Many heating system owners sooner or later learn what a leak problem is. Using heating sealant, you can easily get rid of it.
First you need to fill the system with water as much as possible, remove all air from it and warm it up to operating temperature. Dirt and other filters are pre-removed. The sealant must be mixed well until smooth and poured into a container convenient for you. The volume of water that corresponds to the volume of sealant must be drained from the system. The sealant must be pumped into the system using a pump that is connected to any accessible entrance to the system. The pump hose is connected, then the valve is opened and the pump is turned on. After pumping the sealant, the system should operate for at least 7 hours at a temperature of 45-60 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 1.1-1.6 Bar.
Remember that when working with a substance such as liquid heating sealant, you must follow all safety precautions standard for working with chemicals. If this substance suddenly gets into your eyes or onto your skin, wash it off with plenty of water. If the sealant gets inside, rinse your mouth and drink plenty of water, then call a doctor! The sealant should not be stored near acid.
