Common Home Plumbing Emergencies

All homeowners should keep clear of bad pipes. One tell-tale sign occurs once your drains become slow. If you ignore the problem, then fluids in your pipes can buildup and lead to bad smells in your own house. This is normally when you would have to call someone for sewer and storm drain cleaning.

Water activated fiber glass resin comes into play shops and enables you to stop the leakage especially when leaks reside around furnishings. Identify the leak area and close main valve avoid flow water to the affected grouping. Spread the resin on the pipe and wait hard to dry, at least 1 hour before trying to restore flow of moving water. If a leak is around fitting, turn of main valve and dry the pipe by draining normal water. Using epoxy putty, apply on the vicinity and allow it to dry.

Some household pipe are usually possible necessary repairs yourself. If this type of scenario simply calls for the use for a drain cleaner, make specific to carefully read the product lessons. Depending on the material that your pipes are created from and the type of cleaner, effectiveness of the two could surely be a recipe for disaster.

While a fresh one is for you to install considering that pipes will already keep place, it isn't hard just about all to use a disposal. Be sure the flange and all other components already been properly sealed to avoid any leaks which can easily up washing away others of the flooring and with the sink. If pipes have got to be cut, make sure they are cut precisely..

Burst Pipes: This is really a bad one. Your top objective until the emergency plumber arrives to the picture is to be able to the water from flowing. Locate and close the main water shutoff valve. Tasty stop the flood. Next, turn during your cold-water taps to drain the trapped water and steam. Large water leaks require immediate assistance off of a plumber.

A pipe repair kit will include many belonging to the needed materials and accessories for an absolute drain transformation under a sink. All a person will must do is terms and conditions instructions and put the items together. Once it connects from main drain to the sink, this will assist the sink function all over again.

In case of a toilet block, use a plunger. This generally does the trick. Alternatively, you can use a plumbing snake to unclog the problem. If none of these things help, call within a plumber.

Prevent this by adding a monthly enzyme supplement to your burglar alarm and owning your septic tank pumped every few prolonged time. With plumbing drain lines, a simple slow running drain, if caught early, can be repaired before causing significant damage. There's things in life, catching a problem early, and achieving a professional take proper care of it, it the best step towards keeping your sewer lines flowing excellent. This will ensure that your loved ones home remains clean, dry and nourishing.

Considerations Before Performing Pipe Repairs

Pipe Repair Scenarios

There are three main repair scenarios to be considered before performing pipe repairs; pipe subject to external metal loss (caused by corrosion or mechanical damage), pipe subject to internal metal loss (caused by corrosion, erosion or erosion/corrosion), and pipe fittings and components that are leaking. In addition to these main repair scenarios, the extent of the deterioration or damage (i.e. localised or extensive) will also be considered when choosing the repair methods and pipe repair kit.

Pipes Subjected to External Metal Loss

Many pipework failures are caused by external corrosion. External corrosion may be present in many forms including simple environmental corrosion (e.g. coating breakdown and subsequent corrosion, corrosion under insulation etc.), crevice corrosion, and galvanic corrosion. Regardless of the actual corrosion mechanism, the resulting damage is in the form of metal loss – loss of pipe wall thickness. This metal loss may be localised (as in the case of corrosion underneath a pipe support) or may be extensive (in the case of corrosion under insulation).

Mechanical damage to pipework may, or may not, be accompanied by metal loss. For example, an indentation may have simply deformed the pipe locally without any associated gouging or thinning of the pipe wall. Plain dents up to 6% of the pipe diameter generally do not require any repair works. Deeper indentations may need to be repaired or may need to be removed if their presence could cause operational problems (e.g. interference with pigging).

Crack of weld joints or of the parent pipe itself, but which has not resulted in leakage of the piping system requires special consideration. The repair of a cracked section of pipework would involve arresting any further propagation or removal and repair. Whatever the cause of the external metal loss, it is assumed that the prevention of further deterioration will automatically be addressed by the combination of realising the presence of the damage/deterioration (measures taken to prevent re-occurrence) and the repair action itself.

Pipes Subjected to Internal Metal Loss

Piping systems, especially in oil and gas and petrochemical applications, can present problems of internal corrosion, erosion, or a combination of corrosion and erosion. Dependent on the severity and extent of the internal damage/ deterioration the pipework may be leaking or be in threat of leaking.

Unlike external corrosion, it may not be possible to arrest the metal loss mechanism and further time-dependant damage/deterioration will continue. Unless it is possible to arrest the metal loss mechanism, the chosen repair components will need to accommodate the effects of the eventual further deterioration. In these cases the reinstatement of pipe integrity may only be considered to be temporary. Unlike external corrosion, internal corrosion, erosion or corrosion/erosion is more difficult to quantify, in terms of the absolute metal loss and the extent of this metal loss. Inspection techniques such as ultrasonics thickness gauging, radiography, insertion of corrosion coupon, can assist in such measurement.

It is important to gain as much information as possible on the damage/ deterioration to enable the correct repair method to be chosen. It is particularly important to obtain information regarding the ability of the sustained damage to accommodate the axial stresses which, in complex pipe systems, can be significant. Also, further deterioration of existing internal metal loss may result in the pipe wall being unable to carry these axial loads.

Pipes Subjected to Leakage

Leakage may be caused by internal or external metal loss or a combination of both. Leakage may also be caused by cracking of welded seams or joints or of the parent pipe. Depending on the extent of the discovered damage, repair may require the installation of a repair clamp for localized repair, or replacement of the affected pipe section, or composite wrap repairs.

In all cases where the pipe is leaking, it will be necessary to consider the suitability of the repair procedure to accommodate the pressure containment requirements and also chemical compatibility of the repair products to the pipe fluids.

In some cases it may be possible to install a repair clamp to an actual leaking pipe if the pipeline integrity has not been compromised (i.e. the pipe wall thickness is strong enough to withstand the clamping pressure). In other cases, especially when pipeline integrity has been affected due to huge wall losses, it may be more effective to perform composite repair on the leaking pipes.

The ability of the repair component(s) to accommodate the axial loading's of the pipe system, especially in the case of a repair employing connectors, also needs to be considered. One other scenario that is considered within these guidelines is the case of a leaking flange. The leak is most probably caused by corrosion or disintegration of the flange face/ gasket area. However, it is possible to experience leakage of the pipe to flange welds (fillet weld in the case of slip-on flanges, and circumferential butt weld in the case of welding neck flanges).

Effective Use of Composite Wrapping and Its Repair Techniques

The use of composite wrap materials for the repair of carbon steel pipework has been originally designed in accordance with ASME/ANSI B31.3: Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping. The use of composite materials for the repair of pipework covers the following circumstances:

·           external corrosion only (no leakage and structural integrity needs to be restored). In this case it is probable that with suitable surface preparation the application of a composite over wrap will arrest further deterioration;

·           external damage such as dents, gouges, fretting (at pipe supports) where structural integrity needs to be restored;

·           internal metal loss through corrosion or erosion (or a combination of corrosion and erosion), which may or may not be leaking, and there is a need to restore structural integrity. In this case it is probable that internal metal loss will continue and the assessment of the damage and the composite repair option must take this into account

The repaired service lifespan of pipeline can be considered between temporary (up to 2 years) and permanent (remaining lifetime of the piping system). The following repair method is also considered capable of operating in excess of 200^oC and for operating pressures up to 50 bar (after post curing application).

Types of Composite Repair System

The types of composite repair system fall into 2 generic types: ‘bandage repair kit’ and ‘engineered’.  The ‘Bandage repair kit’ type repair (i.e. Wrap Seal leak repair kit) involve the application of pre-packed material, which can be held as a stock repair item and can be applied by maintenance personnel on the facility. The ‘Engineered’ (i.e. Wrap Seal PLUS composite repair system) type repairs are specified and designed on a bespoke basis with the repair being carried out by specialist contractors.

All of the repairs involve the application of an overwrap to the damaged or defective area(s) in order to reinforce the strength/integrity of the remaining pipe wall. This may involve the ‘on-site’ production of a composite laminate – a combination of a network of fibrous reinforcement and a thermosetting polymer matrix that is subsequently subject to a chemical curing process –or the use of a pre-formed composite sleeve that is wrapped around the pipe and adhesively bonded to the pipe and to subsequent wraps. 

In situation where external metal loss is being repaired, repair applications that use a pre-formed composite sleeve must also involve the application of some form of load transferring filler (e.g. SealXpert metal repair putty) to the damaged area prior to application of the composite sleeve (e.g. Wrap Seal PLUS fiberglass repair tape) that is the main design issue.

It has been assumed that the contribution of the steel to the load carrying capability of the repaired section may be ignored. In order to assess the contribution of the damaged steel pipe to the integrity of a repair ASME PCC2 or ISO 24817 standards may be used. This document provides calculation methods for the assessment of the remaining load carrying capability of pipe that has been subjected to corrosion (general and localised, including pitting), mechanical flaws (induced during fabrication or through abuse) and fire. Where the deterioration will continue after repair (e.g. internal corrosion) the document takes this into account through measured corrosion rates. The result of the calculations is a maximum safe or allowable operating pressure (MAOP) for the damaged pipe.

The design approach used in the assessment of the repair must take into account all of the applied loads and the ability of the overwrap to carry these satisfactorily. In some of the repair systems the reinforcement is preferentially orientated circumferentially and in these circumstances will only have limited load carrying capabilities in the axial direction. For complex pipe systems where axial stresses can be significant and where there is sufficient parent metal to carry these loads, the alternative repair options that have similar hoop and axial strengths will need to be considered.

Composite Repair on Leaking Pipes

Where the pipe to be repaired is leaking, the effect of this on the likely success of the repair needs to be considered. Whilst the mechanical design of the over wrap is important in determining the success of the repair, by far the single most important issue is that of surface preparation of the parent steel. The next important step is to ensure that the restraining material (e.g. SealXpert stainless steel pipe clip) has effectively stemmed and secured the pipe leak. Only when the leak has been successfully stemmed and secured, subsequent the application of rebuilding material (e.g. SealXpert repair putty) to increase the mechanical strength and laminate wrapping should be carried out.

Whilst there are resin systems for which it is possible to achieve an acceptable bonded connection when surfaces are wet (i.e. when using SealXpert PS106 Underwater Repair Putty), a dry situation is preferred. Isolation and draining of the pipework can provide a dry external surface adjacent to the perforation. Consideration must be given to the compatibility of the composite repair material and the pipework service (transported fluids).

Cure Condition of Repair Laminate

The cure of a repair laminate is strongly influenced by temperature and the correct mixing of the resin constituents prior to lamination. It is important, therefore, that the prevailing temperature conditions are considered. Application outside the temperature limits and resin catalyst levels must not be carried out information.

Documentation & Data Requirements

In order for a composite material supplier to correctly specify a proposed repair option, the operator should provide the following information:

·         Pipe Data

·         Size & location of pipe defect

·         Operating pressure & temperature;

·         Pipe medium;

·         Required lifetime of the repair.

Cold Curing Repair for Online Pipe Leaks

Corrosion in pipes is common and complete pipe wall loss or through-hole defects are a regular occurrence within many facilities. In the Oil & Gas and Offshore industry where flammable gases are present, it is necessary to fix these types of pipe leaks and pipe defects with cold curing repair. The reason is because hot works are generally prohibited.

Composite repair system using composite wrap must meet the minimum requirements and perform at the expected level under extreme conditions. Numerous composite repair materials are available on the open market today, but there are few that have the testing and capability to perform at the elevated temperatures which may be experienced.

Steps:

Gathering Pipeline Data & Information

When performing online pipe leak repairs, it is necessary to follow in accordance to ASME PCC2 and ISO 24817 standards and requirements. All data for the pipeline operating pressure, temperature, pipe size and pipe medium should be gathered and reviewed.

Detailed Engineering Calculation and Application Method of Statement

A detailed engineering calculation and report specifically to the pipe leak shall be generated to determine the quantity and type of materials to be used. The method of application (method of statement) detailing a step-by-step repair technique shall be provided and approved by the client.

Site survey should be conducted prior to work commencement, so that all risks are assessed and detailed into risk assessment report. All Personnel Protective Equipment should be worn and risk mitigating/ reducing steps employed to minimize or avoid all unnecessary risks.

Surface Preparation of Affected Pipe Section

Before work commencement, always try to shut off or reduce the pipeline pressure and temperature as much as possible. Commencing surface preparation by using the grit blasting technique - clean affected pipe surface to SA 2.5 standard whenever possible. At locations where grit blasting is not possible, these locations shall be cleaned with appropriate non-spark tools. 

The length of surface preparation should be in accordance to the Engineering Calculation Report provided. While performing surface preparation, pipe surface should remain dry throughout the repair application. Prepare the pipe surface roughness to approximately 60 to 80 microns. Use a surface roughness tester to confirm the prepared surface roughness has been achieved.

Commencement of Pipe Leak Repair Works

Commence pipe repair procedure – pipe leak repair process should commence within 4 hours after the surface preparation has been completed. Before commencing of pipe repair works, ensure the leak location is properly marked.

Put on the latex gloves and knead appropriate amount of SS106 Seal Stic underwater epoxy stick to cover the area of the leak. Apply the mixed Seal Stic onto a stainless steel sheet metal. Meanwhile, prepare several sets of SealXpert stainless steel clip by cutting an appropriate length of the steel clip. Connect the cut-off length of stainless steel clip with adjustable fasteners. Wrap the connection with adjustable fastener with a PVC tape. Place the stainless steel backing against the SealXpert stainless steel clip while the Seal Stic faces the pipe surface, away from the leak location. 

Tighten the adjustable fastener of SealXpert stainless steel clip slightly and slide the several sets of clip to the leak location. These SealXpert stainless steel clips should be seated next to each other, securing both the centre and edge of leak location. Continue to tighten the adjustable fastener of SealXpert stainless steel clips while ensuring that the Seal Stic is covering the leak hole.

Rebuilding of Affected Pipe Section

Once the leak is arrested, apply SealXpert PS102 metal repair putty. Mix the hardener portion of PS102 metal repair putty into the resin container and apply the mixed repair putty over the prepared pipe section (around pipe length and circumference). The applied coating thickness should be in accordance to the Engineering Calculation Report provided. Allow the coated SealXpert PS102 repair putties to cure for sufficient time (curing time is dependent on pipeline operating conditions) and observe leak condition. Use a barcol hardness tester to confirm the cured putty has obtained at least 85 Shore D hardness.

Composite Pipe Wrapping

Put on the latex gloves and tear open the Wrap Seal PLUS fiberglass repair tape and immerse it in water for 10 seconds; squeeze the roll while immersing it in water. Remove the fiberglass tape from the water and start wrapping the Wrap Seal PLUS^TM fibreglass repair tape. The wrapping of fiberglass tape should start at least 100mm to 200mm before the leak area. Wrap the pipe as tightly and evenly as possible, pulling slightly after each round of wrapping. Apply the entire roll over the pipe surface with at least 50% overlap for the entire pipe repair length. 

Total length of wrapping should be in accordance to Engineering Calculation Report. Repeat the wrapping for a specific number of layers of Wrap Seal Plus fiberglass repair tape and finally tapering off with approximately 25mm over each wrapping layer. The wrapping direction should be done in one direction.

Inspection of Repair

Allow the repaired area to be cured for several hours (duration is dependent on pipeline operating condition). Check to confirm the final Barcol hardness measurement.

Repair job is completed and the repaired system can be operated back to normal operating conditions.