Leaks in water pipes are an extremely unpleasant matter. And if there is also pressure in the system, then the accident can develop into a real flood. Let's look at how to fix a leak in a pipe with pressurized water in various ways. We will also analyze the nuances of working with plumbing and heating.
A pipe burst Source olvia-servis.kh.ua
Working with a threaded connection
Eliminating a leak on a home line must begin with finding the exact location of the accident. First of all, you need to check all threaded connections if the pipes are metal. It happens that it is enough to simply tighten the fitting using a special (gas) wrench.
But, if the actions did not lead to success, then you need to try changing the tow. To do this, you need to unscrew the coupling halfway and clean the threads from the old winding. Then wind up fresh tow and screw the fitting into place. To make the connection stronger, you can apply a little thick paint to the winding.
An experienced plumber does not need to turn off the water supply for such an operation. A novice, working under pressure, risks provoking an even bigger accident. Because any delay threatens to break the weakened connection due to high water pressure in the pipes.
In areas with threads, the metal inevitably becomes thinner. And if the pipe is “leaky” in this place, then the situation can only be corrected by completely replacing the connection. To do this, a new pipe is selected and a partial dismantling of the pipeline is carried out. Having previously turned off the water supply in this area.
Steel squeegee with coupling Source pzo.ru
Pipe leaks at threaded connections can be avoided if preventative measures are taken. To do this, all areas with threads are coated with paint. Preferably in several layers.
Sealing of bushings prices and costs
Below are the average prices for work on sealing the entry points of various communications. Prices and cost of work vary depending on the diameter and list of work performed. The prices below do not take into account the cost of sealants or other materials used.
| Name of works | Inlet diameter | Unit | Price in rubles |
| Waterproofing of service entry points: – Installation of a technological fine – Surface preparation – Layer-by-layer compaction of expanding sealant | 50 | 1 PC | 24000 |
| 110 | 1 PC | 25000 | |
| 160 | 1 PC | 26000 | |
| Waterproofing of utility lines: – Installation of a process duct – Surface preparation – Installation of a bentonite profile – Layer-by-layer compaction of expanding sealant | 50 | 1 PC | 34000 |
| 110 | 1 PC | 37000 | |
| 160 | 1 PC | 39000 | |
| Waterproofing of communication inputs with the Stopaq system, including tying with an elastic profile and its sealing | 180 | 1 PC | 39000 |
| Sealing of communication inputs using the Injection method: – Joining the abutment seam / installing fines – Layer-by-layer compaction of repair composition – Marking injection centers, drilling holes (holes) – Installing packers (into holes) – Injection work using special equipment – Removing packers – Sealing injection centers with special composition | 50 | 1 PC | 69000 |
| 110 | 1 PC | 74000 | |
| 160 | 1 PC | 79000 |
Sealing of inputs price in estimate
The above prices do not take into account the complexity of the work and other factors that may affect the prices and the final cost of the work. If you want an accurate estimate with the final price per unit and the final cost taking into account the materials and work used, then you need to call a specialist or engineer from a company that specializes in waterproofing to inspect your facility. An experienced engineer, having familiarized himself with your facility and the specific situation with inlets and leaks, will be able to draw up a professional technical specification, which he will submit to the estimate department, which in turn will provide you with a detailed estimate, where you will see not only the final cost of the estimate, but also the prices for every position.
All methods for eliminating pressure leaks
Let's look at how to seal a leak in a water pipe under pressure. The truth should be stated. All of the methods listed below are essentially temporary. But in real life, if such a patch is installed with the utmost quality, it will easily last for several years.
Clamp
The method has been widespread since very ancient times. You can make a pipe clamp to eliminate a leak yourself from a suitable galvanized strip. Or use a ready-made factory product. In both cases, the patch turns out to be of high quality. In some old apartments you can see pipe clamps installed by Soviet plumbers.
Thick rubber is applied to the leak site. You can even wrap a piece of a bicycle inner tube in several layers. And a clamp with a bolted connection is installed on top, which is tightened tightly.
Repair clamp Source gkh-market.ru
Self-tapping screw
Let's consider how to repair a hole in a cold water pipe if you don't have a clamp at hand. When the fistula is still very small, you can use special roofing fittings. Such a self-tapping screw for fastening sheet material on the roof of a house has at its end a nozzle for drilling metal. And under its cap there is always a rubberized press washer.
The self-tapping screw is screwed tightly into the leak area. And although there are many cases where such repairs take years, it is better to patch leaky pipes better over time. The main disadvantage is the fact that the part of the self-tapping screw that is located inside the pipe causes inevitable blockages.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in engineering systems (heating, water supply, sewerage and others) and related work
Cement
This method will allow you to seal a leak in a pipe if the water pressure is low. Regular cement mortar is mixed. A medical bandage is impregnated with it, which is tightly wound in several layers at the accident site. Then everything is well coated on top with a thicker solution.
Bandaged emergency pipe Source jettwrap.co.za
Glue
You can seal the water pipe with a special glue based on epoxy resin with metal dust. But it is very difficult to do this under pressure. After all, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the repair site. Therefore, they go two ways. Either use a bandage soaked in glue, or turn off the water and let the glue patch dry.
Causes of fistulas
The reasons for the formation of fistulas on a water pipe most often come down to one denominator. This is the effect of corrosion.
The most suitable temperature indicator for corrosive formations is +15 degrees. Most often, pipe rolling materials are in this mode in the spring, summer and autumn periods.
Water located in the system also accelerates corrosive destruction. Over time, rust builds up inside metal pipelines.
The metal in such products becomes thinner every year. And then the moment comes when corrosion breaks through the wall completely. The result is a leak.
This problem must be eliminated immediately, without waiting until it turns into a big nuisance. If the leak is small, then it can be sealed under pressure without turning off the water supply.
The most common problems that result in a leaking heating pipe include:
- long operating time and severe corrosion;
- poor quality installation work, poor joints;
- loads of different types on the components of the heating system.
Since water is constantly under pressure in the pipe, and air temperature changes act on it from the outside, condensation can form, which leads to oxidation of the metal and accelerates corrosion processes.
Leaks can form not only in a metal pipeline, but also in a plastic one. Naturally, the problem most often arises as a result of mechanical damage or improper installation, since this material does not corrode.
Leak in the heating system
All of the methods described above are well suited when the question arises of how to seal a leak in a heating pipe under pressure without welding. But if there is no glue or cement at hand, and a clamp or self-tapping screw cannot be used, then for a few days you can use the old-fashioned method. Just remember that such a patch will not last long.
The accident site is wrapped with a bandage or gauze. But each layer at the site of the fistula is well covered with ordinary table salt. You can even add a little water to it to make a coating. The winding needs to be made as thick as possible - up to one and a half centimeters.
The salt will coke the hole. But water will dissolve it in a few days. Therefore, you need to immediately prepare for more serious repairs.
Pipe repair with salt Source b-online.ru
Certificate of sealing of utility lines in a building sample
If you are performing work or are having work performed on sealing various engineering inputs into your structure or building, then you can hand over or accept this work based on the act of sealing the inputs (outputs). On our website you can download several samples of such acts.
- The act of sealing the inputs (outputs) of utility lines in the basement
You can draw up these acts yourself by downloading the necessary sample acts and filling them in with the details of the contractor and the customer.
Working with plastic pipes
Although the plastic system is considered the most reliable, unexpected failures can still occur. Typically, leaks occur at fittings. In this case, it is necessary to tighten the connections very carefully. Excessive force may result in a more serious accident.
When the entire plastic system is soldered, it is best to seal the ruptures in the pipe with epoxy compounds. In this case, you can use regular glue. Free from metal dust. You can use a medical bandage.
You can also seal a hole in a water pipe in a plastic line using regular electrical tape. True, such repairs will not last long, but as a temporary measure they will justify themselves. You need to choose a very elastic (fresh) electrical tape. If it breaks, it no longer fits.
Alternatively, you can consider the artisanal soldering method. It lies in the fact that there is no need for a special apparatus. It is enough to heat a steel nail well and use it to melt the plastic at the accident site. Some craftsmen make such repairs even with the help of an ordinary lighter or matches.
Hot nail Source mirwellness.com
Hot and cold H2O - is there a difference in the way the gap is sealed?
It's all about the difference in coolant temperature. It is this factor that is decisive when choosing a material.
With hot pressure, minor damage can heal without outside intervention . Larger gaps can be easily repaired with regular salt and a bandage.
But when the water cools, the flow will resume. It will not be possible to fix a leak in a cold water pipe with salt and a bandage. It is easier to repair a failed hot water pipe in the summer when it is turned off. Then you don’t have to control the temperature in the room while fixing the leak.
Leaking hidden pipes
If the line is hidden in the wall or under the floor, then you should not rush to break the partitions to eliminate the leak. If the fistulas are still very small, perhaps you can save yourself from trouble with the help of ordinary mustard. But you just need its dry powder.
Literally 100 grams of the mixture must be poured into the expansion tank of the heating system. After just a couple of hours, all small holes will be closed. But the water in the main must be changed to fresh the very next day. Otherwise there is a risk of filter clogging.
You can use a special factory sealant. The principle of action is the same as that of mustard. Moreover, such a powder is suitable if antifreeze circulates in the system. But the water also needs to be changed within a day.
Use of special sealants
Unlike mechanical means, the use of sealing compounds does not provide a 100% guarantee of eliminating leaks. On the other hand, it is impossible to use clamps and tape on the flat surface of the radiator when the fistula is located directly on the front panel. There are 3 options left: try a chemical, weld the hole, or replace the battery.
Undoubtedly, sealant for pipes and radiators is the most convenient tool for the average user. Before throwing the heating device into a landfill, you can try to seal it. What sealants are usually used in such situations:
- two-component plastic composition called “cold welding”;
- liquid agents added to the coolant;
- adhesive heat-resistant plastic that hardens after ultraviolet radiation.
Reference. High-quality cold welding from Loctite costs about 27 USD. e., 1 liter of liquid sealant “Aquastop” – 72 USD. e., light-curing plastic Bondic – 32 cu. e. per set.
Two-component waterproof glue will definitely help if you strictly follow the technology - dry, clean and degrease the defective area before applying a patch. See the video below for cold welding tests on water pipes.
Liquid sealants are offered for different coolants (water, antifreeze) and types of heating systems. After adding the product, chemical compounds fill the fistulas from the inside within 2 days. Of course, large defects and through holes cannot be repaired; you must first use a mechanical method. For example, hammer a wooden chop into the hole.
Note. Aquastop liquid is mixed with the coolant in a ratio of 1: 100. That is, it will take no more than 0.5 liters of product to seal the closed system of a one-story house.
Bondic plastic gel is sold complete with an irradiator and is applied to the damage in small portions. Each subsequent drop is illuminated by ultraviolet light and instantly hardens. An indispensable condition is a dry, grease-free surface; the type of pipe material does not matter.
Plastic becomes solid after irradiation with ultraviolet light, before which the material remains liquid indefinitely.
Briefly about the main thing
There is a saying that nothing is more permanent than temporary. Based on this, to quickly repair a water main that is under pressure, it is necessary to choose a reliable method. The best option is to install a clamp attached to a piece of rubber.
But if it is not at hand, then the accident site can be wrapped with a bandage. The gauze material is pre-impregnated with either ordinary cement mortar or epoxy adhesive. As a very temporary measure, in the absence of the above mixtures, ordinary table salt will work.
If the fistula is very small, then you can screw a special roofing screw into it. It has a rubberized washer that will tightly plug the breakout site.
A hole in a plastic pipe can be sealed using an open flame. The edges of the hole are carefully melted and the gap is closed.
How does the pipeline material affect the solution to the problem?
Metal pipes are distinguished by their enviable resistance and durability. Almost their only drawback is their susceptibility to corrosion. This is often what causes a leak in the circuit.
Less commonly, other pipelines also fail: plastic, polypropylene (mainly in places of threaded or fitting connections).
It is enough to compress the plastic pipe in the problem area, and all manipulations can be carried out under water pressure. The main thing is not to overdo it with the screed, otherwise the plastic will crack, and then you will have to replace the entire pipe.
A polypropylene pipeline can be easily repaired by soldering a separate fragment; a metal-plastic pipeline requires inserts . In the latter case, if the damage is not extensive, wrapping with electrical tape or treating with an adhesive (polyurethane, epoxy) will be sufficient.
The essence of the cold welding method
The idea proposed by the inventors of this method of connecting parts is quite simple. The composite material is thoroughly mixed, after which complex chemical reactions are launched, imparting new properties to the mixture. Over time, the soft composition hardens, penetrates the structure of the materials being bonded and becomes comparable in strength to metal surfaces.
Excellent performance characteristics make it possible to use cold welding to solve a wide range of household problems:
- Elimination of leaks in metal and polymer water-pressure structures.
- Sealing cracks in heating radiators.
- Sealing places of damage to metal elements of the car body.
- Strengthening problem areas of pipeline networks.
The material can become indispensable in situations where the problem section of the pipeline is in a hard-to-reach place, where, even if you wanted to, it would not be possible to use a welding machine or other bulky device.
Self-adhesive tape
Experts consider this material one of the best ways to insulate joints. In addition, self-adhesive tape has dielectric and anti-corrosion properties. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its ease of use.
The material is also called FUM tape. It is used for sealing joints of sewer pipes, corners of systems, inserts and plugs. In the first case, it is necessary to first prepare the surface of the products. They need to be degreased, cleaned of dirt and dust, and wait until dry. Pipes must be primed if necessary.
