4 Helpful Tips in Doing Leak Repair

Broken pipes and water leaks can be a big problem at home, which is why homeowners do a leak repair immediately. The water in supply pipes is under pressure, approximately 50 pounds per square inch, so if pipe leaks, the water sprays out with a considerable force. As an effect, the things surrounding the pipes get wet and if left unrepaired, they will be damaged in the long run.

Spotting a leaking pipe is somewhat easy to do even if it is hidden above the ceiling, under the sink or inside a wall. Once you have found it, the leak should be repaired right away to avoid further damage. Some homeowners will seek the service of a plumber to fix it while others will do a do-it-yourself (DIY) repair.

If you are doing the DIY repair, here are some things you need to know that may help you.

• Prepare for the Worst

If the leaks have been present for quite a while, you need to prepare for the worse scenario. The pipe may be deteriorated already when you find it and must be replaced entirely. Water can cause damage to the pipes when exposed for a long time. There may be rust build-up which causes the pipes to deteriorate or rot. In this case, you may try to salvage the pipes with the use of repair kits available. But the first thing to do is to diagnose the damage. If the job is beyond your capacity and requires a professional plumber, then don’t hesitate to do it. The time spent diagnosing the problem will save you money and time in the long run. Otherwise, if the damage is just small, then you can proceed with the DIY repair.

• Check Properly the Pipe

Once you have uncovered the pipes that leak, be sure to measure the outside diameter of the pipes and determine the type, such as copper, PVC, or steel. You may also take a photo of the pipes so that it will be easier to remember when you buy the needed supplies. Visit your local plumbing store and seek assistance in picking the right repair fittings. If you can’t remember the names of the fittings, show the photo you have taken to the sale person. Do you require pipe wrap? Or do you need repair putty? A good sales associate will help you find the exact supplies you need to repair the leaks. You’ll also get the instructions on how to use each supply.

• Don't Blow a Gasket Rather Replace It

Did you notice water dripping from the shower spout? The usual cause of this is either a defective washer or a defective seat within the body. It should be easy to repair as long as you have the valves to isolate the water in that area. Isolating the water in the shower area can help make the task easier. Once you have bought a gasket, disassemble the handles and take out the stem where the washer is situated, then replace the gasket, reinstall and observe it to determine if will still be a leak.

• Crowded Sink Leads to Leak

After repairing the leaks, you should perform things that can prevent the pipes from leaking again. Did you know that stuffed kitchen sink can easily spring a leak? When you add many bottles and other household products under the sink, they will be in contact with the pipes and it will difficult to detect if there are leaks. So, you may want to inspect the area more often to check for drips. You may also buy a corrosion protection to save your pipes from possible corrosion.

Composite Repair Systems

Composite repair systems using composite wrap remain a constant repair option for industries requiring the repair and rehabilitation of piping systems. Various techniques and testing methods, which have the ability to handle different critical conditions onsite, are being developed in order to meet the demands of the industry. Composite wrap materials are recognized as a reliable and effective means of repairing corrosion damage, mitigating corrosion concerns and keeping critical piping systems in production.

Fundamentals of composite repair systems using composite wrap

While operating pressure is not always high, the chemicals and the elevated temperatures of some piping processes accelerate internal and external corrosion. In most cases, wall loss is severe and in many cases, it has become a safety hazard or is leaking. Through wall defects or complete wall loss and pinhole leaking is a regular occurrence within many facilities.

In order to repair these types of defects, a composite repair system must meet the minimum requirements and perform at the expected level under extreme conditions. Whilst numerous composite wrap materials are available on the market, there are few that have the testing and capability to perform at the elevated temperatures that may be experienced.

Types of composite repair systems

Layered systems and wet lay-up systems are general types of pipe repair systems used for composite repair. SealXpert^TM Wrap Seal PLUS^TM Fibreglass Wrap employs a fibreglass system that provides strength and stiffness, a resin matrix that is used to transfer the load between fibres. The wet lay-up system involves pre-impregnated fibreglass cloth that is activated in the flied by water.

An advantage composite repair system is that the cure state tends to be monolithic and can be used to cover a range of geometries, including tees, elbows, bends and even valves. When designing a repair system using composite wrap materials, engineers must consider both strength and stiffness. From a composite standpoint, strength relates to the tensile strength of a particular system, while stiffness relates to elastic modulus. For most conventional repair systems, there is a direct correlation.

For example, a uniaxial Fibreglass system will typically have an elastic modulus order of 5 x 10⁶ psi to 6 x 10⁶ psi. The strain to failure for E-glass is on the order of 2%. Therefore, one can conclude that typical failure stresses for uniaxial E-glass systems are between 100 ksi and 120 ksi.

Benefit of Composite Repair for Pipe and Tank Leaks Using Composite Wrap:

• Customized solution for through wall defects for pipes and tank walls
• Compliant installed by trained and certified applicators
• Engineering Calculation Report and Method of Statement for each repair
• ISO24817 and ASME PCC2 standards
• Provide excellent strength, bonding and chemical resistance
• Warranty for 20 years

Repair procedure using Composite Wrap for Pipe and Tank Leaks:

Benefit of Composite Repair for Pipeline Reinforcement Using Composite Wrap:

• Customized solution for thin wall defects for pipes and tank walls
• Compliant installed by trained and certified applicators
• Suitable for wall loss up to 80%
• Engineering Calculation Report and Method of Statement for each repair
• ISO24817 and ASME PCC2 standards
• Provide excellent strength, corrosion and chemical resistance
• Warranty for 20 years

Repair procedure using Composite Wrap for Pipeline Reinforcement:

Basic Pipe Reinforcement

Pipelines form the basis for the fluid transportation in all industries, starting from drinking water to corrosive, toxic and hazardous chemicals and gases. As pipeline deteriorates due to corrosion, erosion, etc., the pipe wall thickness will be reduced. Pipe corrosion put the owner at stake and pipe reinforcement system becomes critical and necessary when the pipelines carry complex chemicals that are flammable, corrosive or toxic.

Extreme conditions or high risk working scenarios can cause pipelines to experience damage and deterioration, which includes corrosion, external damage in the form of dents, leaks and the like. The costs for repairing/maintenance of pipelines would shoot up heavily if the pipeline needed to be shut down for such pipe repair operations. It is the greatest technical challenge for any industry to source for a cost-effective solution without any compromise in technology.

At SealXpert Products, we offer a range of proven maintenance and repair solutions in accordance to ISO 24817 and ASME PCC2 standards for pipe corrosion repair that are unique in pipeline services, minimizing or eliminating the need for total pipeline downtime.

Pipeline reinforcement of Crude Oil Pipeline

Some 6000 metres of an 8 inch crude oil transportation pipeline was severely corroded. The pipeline has been in operation for 30 years and needs to be repaired and rehabilitated regularly to ensure its integrity and prolong its service life under the design operating pressure of 350psig. The Wrap Seal PLUS corrosion repair and pipeline reinforcement system was used for the pipeline rehabilitation in this project after which fiberglass repair tapes were applied to reinforce the pipe wall thickness. This rehabilitation project was completed successfully in three months.

The pipe was surface prep via cold works to the required standards of at least ST3 and surface roughness of 80 microns. Next, Wrap Seal PLUS™ standard resin and activator was applied onto the pipe surface as a stop the corrosion. This is uniquely designed as a corrosion protection system for pipelines, vessels and storage tanks. It acts as a corrosion barrier, remediates and reinforces pipes and tanks. Finally, the pipeline reinforcement for the repair location was finally carried out with the wrapping of Wrap Seal PLUS fiberglass repair tape, in accordance to ASME PCC 2 standards and ISO 24817.

Repair procedure using Composite Wrap for Pipeline Reinforcement:

How to Fix Water Pipe Leaks & Problems

Water leaks and broken pipes can be a big problem for any homeowner. Because water in supply pipes is under pressure (normally about 50 pounds per square inch), if a pipe or fitting springs a leak, the water usually sprays out with considerable force. Because of this pressure, it’s usually pretty obvious if a pipe is leaking—even if the pipe is inside a wall or above a ceiling.

Most modern home water supply pipes are copper, soldered together with elbows, tees, and other fittings. Threaded galvanized iron pipes are also common, particularly in older homes, but are being phased out because they tend to get clogged by mineral deposits over time.

If water is staining the ceiling or dripping, the leak may be directly above, although water can travel along a joist or other interior framing member and stain a wall or ceiling some distance from the leak itself. If there are no stains or drips overhead as evidence, grab a flashlight and check the pipes in the basement or crawlspace.

It always helps to have a pipe repair clamp on hand just in case a pipe bursts—especially if you live in a climate where pipes are likely to freeze. You can buy these quick-repair screw-on devices at any home improvement store or online. To fix a leak:

1 Shut off the valve that controls water flow to the damaged pipe

2 Apply a pipe repair clamp according to the package instructions—this usually involves centering a rubber sleeve over the leak in the pipe and then bolting the two-part clamp in place over the sleeve. In a pinch, you can make your own pipe repair clamp by wrapping the burst section of pipe with a strip of rubber (from an inner tube, for example) and then clamping the wrap with an adjustable hose clamp, a pipe-sleeve clamp, or a C-clamp.

3 Note that this is a temporary repair. Call a plumber if you are unable to replace the damaged section of pipe yourself.

Need help in pipe repair or leak repair? Do consult us for more information. We can also help you with composite repair. 

A Guide to Threadlocking Adhesives

Invented more than 2,000 years ago, threaded fasteners are still the most important detachable hardware used in machinery design and assembly. They can be found on practically any mechanical component, frequently holding together very critical parts. With more than 300 billion fasteners being consumed in the U.S. every year in assembly applications from automobiles and aircraft to household appliances, it is crucial that these fasteners provide predictable, uniform performance by staying tight once they are installed.

Despite centuries of improvement, threaded fasteners still fail. Fastener failure results from one of two causes. Tension relaxation is frequently caused by temperature changes, and involves the expansion and contraction of bolts and substrate materials, which reduce bolt tension and clamping force in the assembly. A second cause of fastener failure is self-loosening, which is caused by lateral sliding motion between fastener contact surfaces. While many mechanical methods, such as spring washers, wire retainers and locking bolts, have been developed in an effort to prevent uncontrolled loosening of fasteners, mechanical locking methods add substantial cost to the fastener assembly and cannot prevent the sliding motion that causes self-loosening.

Chemical threadlocking adhesives can inexpensively and permanently prevent threaded fastener failure. Introduced nearly 50 years ago by Loctite Corporation, these single component anaerobic adhesives are unique liquid resins that harden (or cure) to a tough solid when exposed to metal ions in the absence of air. This anaerobic cure mechanism allows the adhesive to flow and evenly settle to fill the grooves of threaded fasteners without curing prematurely. Any excess threadlocker that overflows the threads during application will remain liquid, and therefore can be easily wiped away.

As a liquid threadlocker cures, it forms polymer chains that find their way into every tiny imperfection in the threads. Thread friction increases with the application of threadlockers as a result of the interfacial connections that key to the surface roughness of the metal. The adhesive completely fills the microscopic gaps between interfacing threads to positively lock and seal threaded assemblies, preventing lateral movement and protecting the joint from corrosion that can result from moisture, gasses and fluids. Just a few drops of liquid threadlocker will keep a fastener torqued down in an assembly until the user wants it to come apart. Whereas threadlockers provide 100 percent contact between metal parts, a typical nut and bolt assembly may have as little as 15 percent metal-to-metal contact.

Threadlocking adhesives are highly reliable, low-cost materials that improve torque control, reduce galling and provide lubricity to achieve controlled torque during assembly. Available in different strengths for different applications, threadlockers will hold critical clamp load pressures even in the most severe environments. These adhesives offer high shear strength, good temperature resistance, rapid cure, easy dispensing and good vibration resistance.

Need a thread locker for pipe repair or pipe wrap? Do visit us for more information on choosing the correct thread locker for your threadlocking needs.

5 Features Of A Good Pipe Repair Kit

Are you having trouble finding the best pipe repair kit for your leaky pipes? It’s obviously confusing especially with so many brands and types of repair solutions available in the market. There are several factors you should consider when it comes to choosing the most effective repair kit that can solve your problem.

If you know what to look for, it will be less difficult to decide which one to buy. Here is a list of features that you must look for in a repair kit.

Quick Repair

How long will it take for the product to stop the leak? A good repair solution should be able to seal the leaks in 30 minutes or less - the shorter the better. If the label says it requires more time to solve the issue, you need to look for something else. It’s not worth it.

Invest your money on a repair kit that will demand less application and curing time. You can find repair kit that can be applied in less than 3 minutes and can stop the leak in less than 30 minutes from application. Moreover, heat may be used to decrease the curing time. So you can repair your leaky pipes in less than 30 minutes. How good is that?

Compatible With Many Surfaces

Which type of surface you can use the repair kit? A reliable repair kit should be compatible with various surfaces allowing you to solve varying issues, such as: fix pipe leaks, seal joints, reinforce thinning walls, prevent abrasion and repair underwater pipes.

You must be able to use the kit in different materials, including steel, copper, aluminium, PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), galvanised steel, stainless steel, CPVC (Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Cast-iron, Concrete and FRP/GRE (Fibre-reinforced plastic/Glass Reinforced Epoxy). If you can use the pipe repair kit in numerous surfaces, it is a good purchase.

Strong Resistance To Certain Chemicals

Picture this out: After a few hours of sealing the leaks and using the pipe again, the repair solution is exhausted and worn out! It means you need to fix the leaks again. This is frustrating right? So, you should look for a repair kit that can resist certain chemicals or liquids. Another notable feature of a good repair kit is its capability to withstand various chemicals such as oil, solvents (acetone, toluene, ethyl alcohol), mild acids (hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid) and alkalis, hydrocarbons, slurries, fuels (petroleum, diesels, gasoline), organic salt, chemical (ethylene glycol, xylenes, ammonia), gases (LNG, LPG) and of course, water (drinking water, wastewater, steam).

Applicable In Different Industries

Most pipe repair solutions are suitable for home usage. You can buy it and use it for do-it-yourself repairs at home. But if you find a repair kit that can be used in several industries, then it might be a better option than a brand that is for home use only. Some leak repair solutions are employed in manufacturing plants, pharmaceutical, marine, industrial processing, petrochemical, irrigation, food processing, and offshore. Being used in these industries could imply that the product can provide dependable performance.

Easy Application

Fixing the pipe leaks should not consume much of your time. Besides, who would want to spend long hours to repair the leakage? This is why you must choose a pipe repair kit that doesn’t require complex application procedures. Some repair kits only demand few steps to solve your problem, such as:

●    Stop the pipe flow
●    Roughen the area to be repaired
●    Apply the solution to the hole, crack or leak
●    Wrap with fibreglass tape
●    Polish the wrap until bubbling stop
●    Repair completed!

With just 5 steps and less than an hour of your time, you can sit back and relax without the need to worry about the leaky pipes, again.

Reasons Why You Should Use Metal Putty

Is your leaking sink pipe bothering you? You can easily phone a plumber or a repairman to resolve this problem. Otherwise, you can go to the hardware store and purchase a metal putty to do the repairing yourself, which can save you money in return. Most repair men use metal putty to fix leaking pipeline and other surfaces. So, why would you hire a repairman if you can get the same product that they use to solve the issue?

Metal putty comes in different brands and types, giving you options to choose which type you are comfortable using with. You can find metal putty in liquid form that looks similar to glue and in versatile hand kneadable type which appears like clay. No matter what your choice is, trust that the metal putty is a reliable repairing system.

If you are still not convinced, here are reasons why you should use metal putty to repair your pipe leaks.

Water Resistant

One great feature of metal putty is being waterproof. So, when the water flows again inside the pipe, the metal putty will not be affected by the water or any other liquid that pass through it. Other repair systems will likely weaken when they are exposed to water, demanding you to redo the repair. With the metal putty, you can rely that it can stop the leak and will not be exhausted due to water exposure. Being water resistant is one of the primary reasons why this type of repair product has been widely preferred by the vast majority of repairmen.

Easy To Use

Using metal putty to fix the leaks does not require much knowledge or skills in repairing. Metal putty is very easy to use since you can simply follow the instructions stated on the label. The liquid type of putty may require you to use a spatula, putty knife or other similar tool. After cleaning the surface, you just have to apply the product to the affected area using the spatula in swift motion. As much as possible, you should only apply one coating. If you apply second coat, chances are, the first coat will be peeled especially if it has not dried yet.

Meanwhile, if you wish to use the solid type of putty, the application would be effortless. Just use your hand to knead the clay-like product and wrap it around the cleaned affected area. In less than 30 minutes, you can finish repairing your leaking pipe.

Bonds Permanently

The strong bond of the metal putty enables it to withstand difficult conditions allowing it to serve you for longer time. Once it hardened, it bonds permanently into the surface and will not shrink, crack or peel. It won’t be affected by mild acids, gasoline, oil, petroleum solvents and other liquids. In addition, the putty can withstand pressure up to 400 psi (28 kg/cm2) and temperature up to 200 °C (392 °F).

Compatible With Other Surfaces

Aside from metal, you can also use the putty in other surfaces. These surfaces include steel, copper, aluminium, galvanized steel, PVC, CPVC, stainless steel, polyethylene, polypropylene, cast-iron and concrete. Irrespective of what type of surface it is applied to, you can rest assured that its strength and strong bond remains the same. Thus, if you have other leak issues at home, the metal putty is your ultimate solution.