Sealing a pipe isn’t too difficult if you know the right methods and materials to use. This guide will help. A variety of common solutions are outlined below.
When top-quality materials are used and the workmanship in constructing a plumbing system is good, many pipes and joints can last a lifetime. However, the potential always exists for a leak to develop. Age, rust, movement from settling of the structure, and other factors can lead to leaks.
The purpose of this article is to show various ways to seal a pipe with tape or adhesives made for this purpose. We’ll deal with pipes made of a variety of pipe materials. Some of the suggestions may be long-term fixes, while others may show you how to fix pipe leaks temporarily, until a plumber can do a more permanent job.
Plumbing pipes are most commonly made of metals, plastics (including PVC and PEX), and even concrete (as in the case of culverts). When choosing a repair method, taking material compatibility into consideration is a top priority.
Epoxy is an ideal repair adhesive for many types of materials. Epoxy is a two-part adhesive consisting of a resin and a hardener. Once these are mixed, you will have a defined working time, depending on the formula, until the epoxy sets into a very hard, durable adhesive.
Epoxy is known for its strong adhesion to many materials and its ability to span gaps, fill holes, and even resurface materials while retaining its bond.
Most epoxy formulas are compatible with metal and plastic pipes, as well as concrete. While you will find specialty epoxy made specifically for metal or masonry, a general epoxy will usually do the job. For a quick and easy repair, try Loctite Universal Instant Epoxy Liquid 5 Minute. As the name suggests, it will begin to harden in just a few minutes, which is often a key advantage for a plumbing repair.
Instant Epoxy will bond firmly to wood, metal, glass, plastics, and many other materials. You’ll also love the instant-mix syringe that blends the resin and hardener as you dispense the product. That means no external mixing is required, so you can dispense the glue directly onto the repair.
Here’s how to seal a pipe with epoxy:
- Sand the area around the repair to remove dirt, corrosion, rust, etc.
- Clean the area and dry with a clean towel.
- Squeeze an appropriate amount of epoxy onto the damaged area. (If you’re not using a self-mixing dispenser, combine equal parts of resin and hardener on a clean, disposable surface and mix for about 1 minute. Apply it to the damaged area with a disposable brush.)
- Fully fill the gap or hole with epoxy, then smooth the adhesive over the area, feathering out the edges.
- Allow the epoxy to cure before restoring water to the pipe.
Silicone tape is a non-adhesive, self-sticking wrap that will stop water flow. It’s a quick and easy solution for sealing a pipe, but it will not usually last indefinitely. The advantage to using it is that you can create an instant water-tight seal around a leak, and it will be easy to remove once a permanent fix is in place.
Here’s how to use sealing tape:
- Clean and dry the area with a household cleaner.
- Cut enough sealing tape to wrap around the pipe 2–3 times.
- Apply the tape to the leaking pipe joint or damaged area.
- Stretch the tape and wrap tightly around the pipe multiple times.
- Press the end of the tape firmly to the layer underneath it.
Please note that sealing tape isn’t designed for pressured lines, but it works best on drain pipes or very low-pressure applications.
Here’s a handy tip to help prevent leaks in the first place. You can make sure pipe joints stay tight by adding thread sealant when connecting them.
Thread sealant is simply an adhesive that is applied to the threads of nuts, bolts, and threaded pipes before being joined. The thread sealant locks the fastener or pipe in place and prevents loosening from temperature changes, movement, or rust.
For most plumbing applications, Loctite 243 will be a great choice. It prevents leaks from loosening connections, but it can be disassembled with ordinary hand tools if the pipe ever needs to be replaced.
Here is how to apply thread sealant:
- Clean the pipe threads with a wire brush and solvent, such as mineral spirits, to ensure there is no rust, oil, or dirt.
- Shake the bottle of thread sealant.
- Apply a bead of thread sealant all the way around the threads on the pipe and on the fitting where it will be attached.
- Assemble the parts together and tighten.
- Allow the sealant to cure before normal use.