Sewer joints require additional sealing during installation or repair. Nowadays, sewer pipe sealant is most often used for this purpose. Statistics show that most problems arise at the junction of the sewer system, and this often occurs due to poor quality installation during the installation of pipes or due to neglect of the need to seal the joints of the system.
The need for proper installation of the sewer system is obvious. Firstly, this will increase the service life of the pipes, secondly, it will reduce the risk of leaks, including from too much wastewater pressure, and thirdly, it will not allow unpleasant odors to penetrate into the room. In addition, due to sealing, the pipes are protected from the entry of water from the outside, be it precipitation or groundwater, as well as from too large a temperature difference between the environment and the water flowing inside.
Main types of sealing materials (characteristics)
Previously, oil paint and plumbing linen were used as sealing materials. But modern technologies offer a much wider selection of different sealing materials.
Sealing tapes
These are self-adhesive tapes, somewhat similar to a roll of white tape. They can have different widths and are mainly used for plastic pipes in residential areas. Such tapes not only protect against water leakage, but also help strengthen various related elements such as plugs, joints, and so on.
The main advantages of this sealant include the following: lack of electrical conductivity, reduced risk of corrosion of sewer pipes, ease of use and at the same time a high level of reliability of the material.
It is important to remember that such tapes quickly deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet rays, which is why they are recommended for use only inside residential premises. However, if there is still a need to use it in the sun, then the tape is covered from it, for example, with a special protective film.
In order for this material to have the intended effect, the pipes must be cleaned of dust and dirt, and then thoroughly wiped or dried. Immediately before gluing the tape, a primer is applied. After this, the tape is wrapped around the pipe in a spiral, tightly, without folds, with a half overlap.
Polymer sealants
Otherwise known as silicone, since the main material in this case is silicone rubber. They are considered one of the most popular sealing agents, including because, if desired, you can choose such a material of any color, including the same as that of the sewer pipe. They are mainly used to strengthen joints and seal fistulas. They can have both neutral and acidic compositions. Acid options are cheaper, but some pipes are not resistant to acids, and in general such compositions are not recommended for use on fragile elements. Neutral options are used in all cases where acidic options cannot be used.
Among the advantages of this type of product are the following: when used, mold and rot do not appear, even over time; when hardened, the composition becomes like rubber and perfectly protects sewer pipes from leaks. In addition, silicone sealants adhere well to the pipe material, they are durable, resistant to moisture and temperature changes, and also last quite a long time.
The sealant is squeezed out with a special gun for installation, however, if you don’t have one at hand, you can use an ordinary hammer.
Mastics based on petroleum products
Also good for sealing sewer pipes, especially for filling sockets. There are several main varieties: bitumen-polymer, bitumen-talc, bitumen-rubber, bitumen-asbestos-polymer. Mastics come in both cold and hot application methods. Those with a cold method are a little more expensive, but they are simple and safe to use. Before using such products, it is advisable to turn off the water supply, and the pipes themselves must be cleaned, degreased and dried.
Epoxy resin
This variety is often used at home. In essence, resin is a universal glue. Before use, it is mixed with a special hardener. The required mixing proportions are indicated on the packaging by the epoxy resin manufacturer. By the way, you cannot deviate from the specified proportions; this can lead to unexpected and unpleasant consequences. From the mixture suddenly boiling, to the resin's lack of effectiveness as a sealant for sewer pipes.
Portland cement
It is a dry mixture of gypsum, clinker and calcium silicates with special additives to increase the reliability of sealing. Before use, the composition is diluted with water to a thick solution. The resulting slurry must be used immediately, as it hardens quite quickly (from 5 to 10 minutes) and turns into a monolithic structure with frost resistance, high strength, and the ability to repel water.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages include the following qualities:
- Moisture and frost resistance, which allows the mixture to be used, including for external pipes;
- High strength and reliability of the hardened mortar;
Portland cement is one of the sealants for sewer pipes And as a disadvantage, it is worth noting the fact that it is necessary to work with the diluted mixture very quickly, otherwise it will harden and will be useless.
Technology and rules for applying sealant
There is a specific set of steps that must be performed regardless of the material used for sealing.
So, first, the pipes need to be cleared of blockages, as well as small foreign particles, if any are found. And then thoroughly dry, clean and degrease the work surface. Only then is any sealant applied. And then the mixture is allowed to dry for the required time. While the substance dries, the sewer cannot be used.
When installing a cast iron sewer system, one of the pipes is inserted into the other, and the resulting joint is filled with a sealing substance. Often, before sealing, tow (otherwise called plumbing flax) is inserted into the resulting gap and sealed. Then the joint is covered with Portland cement diluted with water in a ratio of 9:1.
Cement is often diluted with asbestos fiber in a 2:1 ratio. Immediately before use, add a little water to this mixture. Instead of cement, the most common sealant for PVC sewer pipes or for cast iron structures is also suitable.
In some cases, it may be necessary to partially replace the sewer system, as a result of which it will be necessary to seal the joints between cast iron and plastic pipes. To successfully solve this problem, you will first need to purchase special adapters for connecting metal and plastic pipes. The cast iron pipe must be degreased and cleaned. Then the inner and outer parts of the socket are coated with sealant. The next step is to insert the purchased adapter into the socket and now you need to wait until the sealant dries. When the substance has dried, the pipes are connected to each other. The resulting system must be checked for leaks.
Popular brands of sealants (brief product characteristics)
The modern market offers simply a huge selection of different sealing materials. The Ceresit and Moment brands are rightfully considered the highest quality and most popular. It is the compositions from these manufacturers that are recommended to be purchased and used, if possible. But besides them, there are other brands.
Ciki Fix
A brand of sealants that are great for ceramic and metal sewer pipes. The composition is colorless, so the owner does not have to worry about the design being damaged. After drying, this mixture hardens and becomes resistant to various solvents and detergents. It has excellent adhesive properties, thanks to which it is able to firmly adhere to various surfaces. This waterproof and elastic mixture does not deteriorate over time, even if it was used outdoors and not indoors.
By the way, the products of this brand do not have sanitary properties, so they are not recommended for use in rooms with poor ventilation, in order to avoid the appearance of rot and mold on sewer pipes.
Belinka
Compositions consisting of one component - silicone rubber. The sealants of this brand are similar to a thick paste that can harden from moisture in the external environment. Used to repair or strengthen seams and joints of the sewerage system. They have good elasticity and high strength. Also, the products of this brand, after drying, are able to resist the adverse effects of the external environment, such as snow, rain, too bright sun or sea water. And, in addition, it is practically not susceptible to the harmful effects of various chemical solutions.
When strengthening vertical joints, this type of sealant does not slip, which greatly simplifies working with them. The drying time of the composition varies depending on the applied layer, ambient temperature and humidity. Until the composition has hardened, it can be removed somehow with a solvent or detergent. If the mixture has dried, then only a mechanical removal method is suitable.
Tytan
Specializes in the production of sanitary-type silicone sealants. In each type of product of this brand you can find various additives that prevent the appearance of fungus and mold. To give the joints particularly high strength, it is recommended to use a compound marked Professional. After drying, the composition is practically unaffected by various detergents and cleaning agents. It is also important that the color of the applied composition does not change over time.
Dow Corning
Their products can often be used as glue. Dow Corning brand products have a thick consistency and are also able to penetrate deeply into even the smallest gaps, while simultaneously strengthening seams and joints. The compositions of this brand can easily withstand temperature changes, since their normal operation range starts from -65 degrees and ends at 260 (usually this indicator for sealants is limited to 180 degrees). However, the substance can withstand short-term loads and temperatures up to 315 degrees. This type will be useful if you need to create something elastic and heat-resistant.
Dow Corning sealants have a paste consistency. They do not drip when applied, are resistant to gasoline and oil, and are often used as glue. Most often, such compositions are used for industrial needs.
Krass
This brand produces sealing substances consisting of one component. After hardening of this composition, high-strength seams are obtained that do not change color and do not shrink over time. The substance is universal and is considered the most resistant to fire among all those described above. Krass brand products are well suited for sealing plastic or ceramic pipes (but not cast iron), dry quickly, and when dry form strong but elastic joints. Thanks to this, the entire structure can easily withstand even too large seam deformations. Sealing agents of this brand can be used both indoors and outdoors.
An important part of the reliability of plumbing is the elimination of any leaks. Of course, this problem can arise under other circumstances, but, as practice shows, the most common cause is a poor-quality connection. To seal the sewer, you need silicone glue or self-adhesive tape.
Sealing tape is a new product among plumbing sealants. In appearance, the tape is a white film that is wound on a cord. At the same time, the versatility of the product is noted. It is often used to join different materials.
Advantages of self-adhesive tape:
- Electrical resistance;
- Rust resistance;
- Easy to install;
- Strong and reliable connection.
It is possible to seal not only pipes and water supply elements, but also fittings and fittings. But this sealant has a significant drawback - instability to the sun. Because of this, using the tape outdoors is difficult. You have to cover it with protective material.
There are a number of rules that must be followed when using tape. First you need to properly prepare the pipes. They need to be cleaned, washed, dried and primed.
The tape is wound spirally around the pipe. The material will adhere tightly to the pipe and guarantee a strong seal. The tape is wound overlapping, creating a double layer.
Silicone Sealant for PVC Sewer Pipe
Sealing of pipe connections is often achieved using silicone materials. When processing joints, silicone quickly hardens upon contact with air. It is a waterproof material that has many advantages.
Advantages of silicone sealant:
- Strong adhesion of both cast iron and plastic pipes;
- Waterproof sealant;
- Reliable durability;
- Durability.
The material for making silicone sealants can be completely different. The most commonly used are silicone or siloxane. They take silicone rubber and special additives that increase the strength and connecting properties of the material. Vulcanizing impurities are also added for better adhesion of the substance. The result is an elastic mixture similar to rubber.
There are 2 types of silicone sealant: neutral and acidic. It all depends on the hardener used. The acid version is lower because it is suitable for all materials.
Neutral types are universal sealants. You can seal joints on pipe couplings made of PVC and metal. To work with silicone you will need a mounting gun. If this tool is not available, use a regular hammer.
What is the best way to seal a sewer pipe?
The main selection criterion is the water resistance of the sealant, since it will constantly be in contact with water. It is important to familiarize yourself with all quality certificates. The highest quality brands are “Moment”, “Loctite”, “SantehMaster”, “Siseal”, “Idrofilet”, “Loxeal”.
What is important to consider when purchasing sealant for sewer pipes:
- What are the pipes made of: cast iron or plastic;
- Is additional calibration and alignment of the system required?
All these nuances determine the required type of sealant. If leveling of the system is required, then white thread impregnated with metal, PVC or combined surfaces should be used. The maximum thread diameter is 10 cm.
If you neglect the choice of sealant, then weak waterproofing will lead not only to damage to the pipes, but also to the release of waste into drinking water. This can lead to serious illness.
If there is no need for additional leveling, then silicone gels should be used. It is necessary to choose a substance that works with the appropriate pipe material and resistance to burning and cold water. The maximum thread diameter is 7.6 cm.
How to use plumbing sealant
Before you buy a suitable sealing product, you need to decide on the purpose of the purchase. You will need to protect the pipes from moisture, cold, dirt or noise. Another determining factor is the location of the socket (outdoors or indoors).
It is advised to buy a special gun for working with glue. To do this, contact the seller for help.
Pay attention to expiration dates. So silicone glue can be stored for no longer than one year.
Stages of working with tape:
- Cleaning the surface of any contamination.
- Wrapping tape around the pipe. Care must be taken to avoid folds and wrinkles.
- Winding the tape overlapping. You need to create 2 layers of material.
When using glue, the order of operations is different. First, you need to consider that cleaning the pipe is optional. You will need to insert a seal into the pipe. Next, glue is applied to the edge of the socket, which is inserted inside the cuff. The product will have to be smoothed out. The work must be done with gloves. When the elastic is completely covered with glue, you will need to wait 4-6 hours until the material dries. After all this, connect the maxidaptor. This is what the coupling is called.
How to seal pipe joints (video)
It is important to exclude leaks not only from inside the pipeline, but also inside. To do this, use plumbing silicone and self-adhesive tapes. At the same time, there are many nuances in the selection and use of these substances. It is important to consider what material was used for the pipes and tap: polypropylene or metal.
Unpleasant sewer odors in the apartment may be the result of a leaking pipeline. In other words, the sealing of the sewer pipes was broken. In this situation, first of all, you should check the connection points with the fittings.
Pipe repaired using a clamp
Methods for eliminating leaks in damaged pipe sections
If there is a high level of wear on a system element, it is advisable to completely replace it. However, such moments arise when it is impossible to quickly replace a damaged part, and it is necessary to apply measures to eliminate the leak immediately. In this case, how to seal the sewer pipe?
Methods for eliminating fistula
If the leakage hole is small, it is possible to install a plug in the form of a wooden wedge. To avoid clogging in the problem area, the length of the wedge should not be long.
An alternative way to fix a minor leak is to wrap the defective part of the pipe with gauze or bandage and then impregnate it with epoxy resin. If you don’t have epoxy resin on hand, the leak can be stopped by applying a wide rubber band, which must subsequently be tightened with several turns of wire.
It is important to note that all of the above methods for eliminating seal failure are temporary, and they can give a little more time to replace part of the pipeline.
For more reliable waterproofing, a special rubber gasket with a tightening clamp or repair coupling is installed in place of the fistula.
Crack sealing options
A fairly long crack can form on a sewer pipe. It usually occurs due to the formation of an ice plug in the riser. In such a situation, cracks are divided into superficial and solid. In the first case, there is a visible crack on the pipe, but the characteristic sewer smell is not visible. At the same time, the appearance of humidity in such places indicates the accumulation of condensation, and not a possible leak.
It has proven itself well for eliminating surface cracks. The sequence of its application is as follows:
- It is necessary to widen the crack to ensure unhindered penetration deep into the sealant;
- Degrease and dry the surface of the crack;
- Apply sealant to the damage and let it dry.
- To prevent the occurrence of cracks of this type, it is recommended to insulate the pipe.
Now let's look at how to seal sewer pipes in case of through cracks. This kind of serious damage is repaired with so-called “cold welding” - an adhesive material consisting of two parts. It is necessary to prepare the adhesive composition according to the instructions and apply it to a degreased and thoroughly dried surface. After the glue has completely hardened, sand the surface.
Methods for eliminating leaks at joints
The most common location for leaks in a sewer system is at a pipe joint. A similar situation arises due to an error during installation of the system or due to wear and tear of the pipeline. It should be noted that sealing joints is a rather serious and labor-intensive procedure, which is comparable to installing a drain system. Therefore, an important factor when constructing a pipeline is careful adherence to all connection rules.
Sealing at joints can be carried out using the following materials:
Sealing tapes. They are a relatively new and fairly convenient material to use, which was created specifically for sealing the joint area. The basis of the tape is polyethylene, and the main advantages are ease of use and high level of efficiency.
These tapes have high strength and elasticity properties. They can be used to seal any type of pipeline, including plastic sewer pipes.
To carry out repair work using this method, you must:
- Clean the surface from dust, dirt and moisture.
- Apply the tape to the joint, maintaining constant tension and avoiding the creation of folds and wrinkles.
- The tape should be wound in a spiral, and individual layers should be overlapped by half the width of the tape. Thus, the pipe will be covered with two layers of sealing tape.
- When using the tape on an open area of the system, it is necessary to apply a protective coating to it, since the film can be destroyed when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
Silicone sealants. Silicone provides a good degree of sealing. It is recommended to use it to eliminate leaks at the joints of pipes made of both metal and various polymers.
Sealant for sewer plastic pipes differs according to the type of hardener:
- Acid sealant. Not recommended for use on materials that react with acids;
- Neutral sealant. A universal material that can be used for processing any materials.
As a rule, the sealant is applied using a mounting gun.
Alternative methods for sealing joints
To eliminate leaks and seal joints, the following methods can be used:
- Technical sulfur. This material was used in the past to seal the bells of cast iron pipes. The sulfur must be crushed into powder, poured into the bell and heated to the melting point. Nowadays, this method is not used due to the negative effects of sulfur on the human body.
- Ropes made of hemp or jute material impregnated with resin. This method was used when installing cast iron or asbestos-cement pipelines.
- Asphalt mastic based on bitumen. Most effective when installing ceramic pipes.
- Epoxy resin. It is most often used when fixing leaks at home with your own hands.
Note that all of the methods described above are quite outdated and are practically not used to eliminate leaks in plastic systems. Sealing PVC or polyethylene pipes is most effectively done using modern, readily available materials.
Sealing a socket connection
When waterproofing is carried out by installing a rubber sealing ring. When installing cast iron pipelines, it is recommended to use modern waterproof self-expanding mixtures. Such solutions are placed in a socket, where they quickly harden and expand in volume, filling the free space.
In conclusion, it should be noted that effective and correctly executed tightness of connections is an important condition for the effective operation of the sewer system and requires special attention during its installation.
Sewerage is designed to collect and dispose of liquid human waste. Any leaks of contaminated wastewater lead to unpleasant consequences - repulsive odors, damage to building structures and even the spread of dangerous infectious diseases. To ensure reliable operation of the system, sealing of sewer pipe joints is carried out both at the installation stage and when servicing existing communications. Various technologies using sealants can prevent leaks and correct problems in the functioning of drainage paths.
The sad consequences of a leaking sewer system
Why do you need sealing of sewer pipes?
Leaks in pipes occur due to installation errors, as a result of wear of pipeline parts or mechanical damage associated with freezing or shock. Violation of tightness can occur due to incorrect design, non-compliance with slope angles and connection of communications. Increased pressure occurs in the connecting nodes, which causes their deformation and, as a result, leakage.
Sealing of joints between sewer pipes is carried out for the purpose of:
- Avoid leaks into the external environment. Contaminated wastewater entering the ground causes contamination of soil and water. The smell of sewage is nothing more than a mixture of gases harmful to human breathing - methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, released during the decay of organic waste.
- Prevent flooding of underground structures. A large volume of emissions can erode soils under foundations and fill cellars, basements or basements. The aggressive composition of sewage water causes corrosion of building materials.
Sewage washed away the base of the highway - Secure pipelines from external leaks. When groundwater is sucked from the soil, sand and soil enter the system. They accumulate in the lumen of the pipes, further clogging the sewer.
- Extend the service life of communications. Rubber gaskets at joints age over time and lose their elastic properties. The process is aggravated by temperature changes and the alkaline or acidic reaction of wastewater. The tightness of the system is lost, dismantling and expensive repairs are required.
To choose the optimal sealing method, take into account the type of sewer system, material and design of the pipes. Installation must initially be carried out without errors leading to depressurization. Otherwise, the efforts to glue the joints will be wasted.
Principles of laying sewer networks
Utility networks for drainage include internal, external and storm sewer systems. They are laid taking into account the requirements of SNiP 2.04.01-85. According to the standards:
- The diameter of the pipes is selected based on the second flow of liquid. In apartments this is 30-50 mm for appliances and 110 mm for toilets and outlets.
- The optimal slope of the lines is 1-3.5 cm per 1 linear meter, so that the drains move freely by gravity without being delayed.
The system should be located with a slope towards the sewer riser or the general drainage point - The joints of the water pipelines are placed at an angle of 120°-135°. A sharp change in the direction of fluid movement leads to a decrease in flow rate and the formation of a blockage.
- The diameter of pipes for external sewerage is at least 150 mm, and the minimum laying depth is 0.5-0.7 m from ground level. When laid above the freezing point, the profiles are insulated.
- For cleaning, inspections are carried out at pipeline turning points.
- Drainage and storage systems must be sealed. To eliminate the risk of contamination of the aquifer, they are removed from the well at a distance of at least 15 m.
Sewerage is laid from plastic, cast iron, ceramic or asbestos pipes. Connections - socket or coupling.
Important. If the installation standards are followed, blockages causing leaks will become a rare occurrence.
Types of pipes for drainage
The choice of method and material for sealing is directly related to the type of sewer pipe. For the installation of drainage systems in apartments and private houses, the following are most often used:
- Cast iron pipes. They are mechanically strong, durable, and corrosion resistant. One end is formed in the form of a bell - a funnel-shaped extension, providing a quick and reliable connection.
- Plastic. They are made from polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, fiberglass. The products are lightweight and heat resistant. Service life reaches 50 years. The inner surface of polymer pipes is smooth, which reduces the deposition of suspended matter. Inexpensive price and simple installation make it possible to widely use polymer products in private construction and for apartment renovations.
Plumbing polymer products for pipeline installation Ceramic, asbestos or concrete structures are used much less frequently. They are difficult to transport and install due to their heavy weight, and in some qualities they are inferior to their counterparts made of cast iron or polymers.
Types of sealants used and rules for their application
The construction industry produces sealing materials designed for sealing sewer pipe joints. This:
- Sealing self-adhesive tapes. Strips 3-15 cm wide are made from bitumen or rubber. They can be reinforced with fiberglass mesh and covered with a protective layer of aluminum foil. Used to strengthen coupling joints, tap-in points or seal cracks in communications.
Self-adhesive tape - Polymer sealants. Viscous compounds made from silicone rubbers, acrylic or polyurethane cure at room temperature. They have heat and water resistance, good adhesion to the pipe material. Acidic, vinegar-smelling substances are not recommended for working with metal, as they cause corrosion. More expensive neutrals are safer in this regard.
- Portland cement. Powder made from clinker, calcium silicate and gypsum hardens quickly when combined with water. To increase elasticity, modifiers are added to the mass. Used for sealing cast iron structures.
- Technical sulfur. Inexpensive material is produced in the form of powder or lumps. It is crushed and mixed with finely ground kaolin, heated to a temperature of 150°C. In molten form, it is poured into the socket of cast iron pipes.
Technical granulated sulfur - Bitumen sealants. Compositions with rubber or polymer additives are applied heated or cold. They have high elasticity and water resistance, but become brittle at temperatures below -35°C.
- Thiokol sealants. Heat-resistant, elastic and durable compositions are very unpretentious and have high adhesion to plastic, metal or concrete. Suitable for gluing pipe joints made of various materials. The adhesive base is mixed with a hardener and vulcanization accelerator before work.
Sealing tapes are designed for processing joints from the outside. Remove the protective film, slightly stretching it, and apply overlapping layers. Wrap the pipe 15-20 cm above and below the joint. First, the surface is cleaned of dirt and dust to ensure a tight fit of the strip.
Paste-like bitumen, polyurethane or silicone sealants are applied to the inner edge of the socket, connected to another part, and left until completely hardened. Most often, such compositions are used when assembling the joint of cast iron and plastic pipes. The viscous layer ensures the tightness of the interface and compensates for varying degrees of temperature deformation of the two materials.
Sealing PVC sewer pipes
Installation of sewerage systems made of polyvinyl chloride pipes consists of simple operations - the end of one element is inserted into the socket of another. The rubber O-ring ensures a tight connection. Over time, the ring material ages, and if the joint is under even slight deforming stress, a leak occurs.
There are two ways to troubleshoot the problem:
- Dismantling of the structure with replacement of the gasket and subsequent assembly of the section.
- Sealing a leaking joint with sealant without dismantling.
In the first case, a viscous sealant is used, in the second, self-adhesive tape.
Assembling a system from PVC pipes with sealant
Sealing of PVC sewer pipes is carried out in the following sequence:
- Clean the surfaces to be joined from dust with a cloth moistened with a degreaser.
- Apply a thin layer of glue to the inside of the socket and the outer end of the attached pipe.
- Insert the element without force, pressing lightly.
- Hold the link for several seconds until the composition dries.
Remove any remaining sealant with a napkin. Allow the glue to completely harden for 5-15 minutes.
Installation of sewer pipes using silicone sealant Sealing PVC pipes without dismantling
To repair a joint without dismantling, clear the area for free access. Use sealing tape, such as self-vulcanizing silicone repair tape.
The work is carried out according to the following scheme:
- The tape is stretched to increase its length by 3 times.
- Wrap the damaged area with an overlap of up to 50% of the strip width.
- Lay several layers as tightly as possible.
Sealing joints with self-adhesive tape Important. Repair tape is convenient because it seals even wet, uneven or greasy surfaces. Vulcanization of silicone rubber occurs within a few seconds.
Sealing of cast iron structures
To seal the joints of cast iron pipes with your own hands, use tarred tow made of flax or jute fiber. The work is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- Wind the strands around the end of the pipe.
- The structure is inserted into the socket and the fiber is compacted with a special tool—chasing.
- The voids are filled with a solution of Portland cement in a ratio of 9:1 or filled with a viscous sealant.
Tow fills the joint to 2/3 of the height. When wet, the strands swell, taking up all the available space. You can use a mixture of dry asbestos fiber and cement in a 1:2 ratio. Before use, mix the ingredients with water.
Caulking the joints of cast iron pipes with tow and filling with polymer sealant Sealing concrete rings
To prevent sewer septic tanks from becoming a source of environmental pollution, it is necessary to thoroughly waterproof the concrete rings. Various sealing methods are used:
- plastering the inner surface with moisture-resistant compounds;
- spraying an elastic film on the outside using a special apparatus;
- coating with cold or hot mastics;
- pasting with roll materials;
- impregnation with penetrating solutions;
- sealing joints with bentonite expanding clay and bitumen pastes.
Coating waterproofing of wells Treating the rings with bitumen mastics and additional protection using a clay lock gives a good effect. The clay around the septic tank is poured in layers and compacted with a hand tamper.
When installing and repairing a sewer system, professional plumbers recommend:
- Rigidly fix the structures during installation using clamps.
- Do not increase the pipe slope above 15%. If the angle is steeper, the water will not have time to wash away the waste deposited on the walls.
- Seal cracks in a cast iron pipe using a bandage soaked in cement mortar and a clamp.
- If the system does not provide an angle of inclination for free drainage, use special blowers for sewage.
- Regularly inspect drainage lines.
Assembling the sewer system in compliance with the standards, sealing critical joints and careful operation will help the structure last a long time.
27SepSealant for PVC and cast iron sewer pipes
Sealant for PVC sewer pipes is a special composition that protects joints from leakage. In addition, it provides ease of installation and helps cope with emergency situations. In this article we will look at what types of sealing substances there are for PVC pipes and cast iron channels.
Types of sealants
Sealing of sewer pipes can be done with the following materials:
- reinforced aluminum adhesive tapes;
- silicone sealants;
- mastics from various manufacturers;
- polymer cement solutions;
- sanitary winding;
- epoxy resin;
- technical sulfur.
To choose the right sealant for sewer pipes, you need to know the material from which the drain is made. Silicone compounds and reinforced tapes are suitable for lightweight plastic pipes. If you have to work with metal (steel or cast iron), you need to use something serious. It is also important to consider for what work the solution is purchased. Sealing the joints of PVC pipes is carried out with lightweight silicone, which is unlikely to cope with emergency leaking sewers. It is also important to follow the instructions. It describes the optimal conditions under which sewer pipes should be sealed. For example, let's take the optimal conditions for curing silicone sealant (this is room temperature, at which it dries for about 4 minutes). When working in cold weather, the hardening time is significantly longer. There is a need to purchase another type of sealant - frost-resistant silicone. We'll talk about the nuances of using different materials below.
Adhesive tape
This type of sealing can be used both to seal and protect joints, and to strengthen sealing plugs, fittings, taps, corners and elbows. The main advantage of the tape is its ease of use. It is wrapped in several layers around the pipe on the desired section of the sewer. This ensures reliable and long-term operation of the system, protection against corrosion and the effects of currents, and waterproofing of joints.
The tape must be applied to a dry surface. Before winding, the pipe is cleaned of dirt and liquid and degreased. Next, we wrap the problem area with an overlap so that the previous round overlaps the new one by half the width. We keep the tape under tension and do not create folds.
All plumbers have a weakness for this type of sealant. Meanwhile, silicone compounds have good sealing ability, allow you to seal seams and cracks in plastic and cast iron pipes, dry quickly and are easily removed from the surface.
There are two types of silicone compounds. The first type, neutral, allows you to work with any surface and does not come into contact with water and other substances. Features a higher price tag. The second sealant, acidic, although 
is a cheap substitute, destroys metal and cement-containing materials. In the presence of water, it breaks off acetic acid, which can damage the inside of pipes. Therefore, for cast iron and steel channels we choose a neutral sealant.
When working with plastic surfaces, silicone sealant is recommended to be used together with a primer. This composition enhances the adhesion of the molecules of the substance and provides more reliable reinforcement of the seams.
It is very convenient to seal pipes with silicone. For its packaging there is a special gun, which ensures uniform application of the substance. Silicone hardens quite quickly (in 4-6 hours), after vulcanization it turns into “rubber”.
Technical sulfur
Sealing an old cast iron drain can be very difficult. Technical sulfur was often used to repair cast iron pipes. But to apply it, it was necessary to heat the composition to a plastic state. A special vessel was used (bath for heating sulfur). In addition to the high temperature and risk of fire, there was another risk factor during such work - toxic gas was released during combustion. Therefore, I had to work in a respirator. Nowadays, pipes can be sealed in safer ways, so technical sulfur is practically not used.
Other types of mastics
Fragile types of drainage (cast iron, ceramic) can be sealed with epoxy resin. Such pipes require a stronger and more reliable connection, which epoxy glue does well. To seal seams and emergency areas, epoxy resin is mixed with a hardener and applied to the joint. The mass dries quickly, serves for a long time and reliably, and is resistant to aggressive acids and alkalis.
When sealing a cast iron socket, Portland cement can be used. This substance dries quickly and provides reliable protection against leaks and accidents. A plumber's wrap is applied to the end of the pipe, and resin strands can be used for thick channels. The end is inserted into the socket, compacted and filled with Portland cement. This design will last for many years. True, when dismantling it, your followers will have a lot of difficulties. But that is another story.