The sewer system must have a sufficient level of tightness. This is a prerequisite for the reliable operation of the collector and parallel compliance with sanitary standards. All sealants for PVC sewer pipes differ from special sealing means for pipes made of cast iron and reinforced concrete. In the first case, these are silicone compounds. In the second, mixtures based on cement, epoxy resins, jute, etc.
Why do we need a sewer system sealing
Proper sealing of the collector at the stage of pipeline installation insures in the future from such problems:
- Outflow leaks. This is especially true of private areas, on which there are wells, wells. Wastewater entering the ground will surely seep into the groundwater and further into the source. This can cause serious poisoning, diseases (dysentery, hepatitis A, etc.).
- Leaking odors into the house. Sewer amber is a combination of methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Together and individually, they pose a danger to human health and even human life.
- Groundwater leakage into the collector. This greatly increases the pressure in the system, disrupts its proper functioning.
- Washing of buildings, destruction of the foundation. Due to the external leak of aggressive drains, the stone elements of the house (basement, basement, foundation) undergo deformation.
- The possibility of leaks at temperature extremes (at the junction of internal and external plastic sewers).
In order to properly seal the joints of sewer pipes, it is necessary to select a tool depending on the material of their manufacture and further operating conditions.
Types of sealants
There are dozens of special tools on the market for processing joints and seams of a sewer pipeline. The most requested of them are given below.
Sealant (polyurethane and silicone)
The material is often used for pipes made of polyvinyl chloride or metal for their internal and external installation. For PVC tubes, special rubber seals are provided. The sealant also takes care of preventing leaks. All silicone-based products are classified as follows:
- Acid Sealants. They are not used everywhere, they tend to react with aggressive environments.
- Neutral Ideal for sealing a sewer pipe. Have a higher cost.
All silicone products are rubber based. This makes them flexible even when operating at low temperatures. In addition, rubber increases the adhesion of the surface to be treated.
Silicone sealant must be applied in one continuous line to avoid gaps during gasket formation. You can further flatten the seam after joining the two elements. To do this, use a special spatula.
Self-adhesive tape
All self-adhesive materials are produced on the basis of bitumen-polymer inclusions. Therefore, they resemble rubber in structure. Such waterproofing does not allow water to pass through.
Depending on the operating temperature, the tape is divided into the following types:
- Heat resistant. Designed for sealing systems of transporting media at temperatures up to +1500 degrees. The tape is marked "T".
- Winter. It is used on pipes that are operated at a temperature range from -200 to +100 degrees. It is marked "Z".
- Summer Withstands high temperatures up to +300 degrees. Marked with the letter "L".
For mounting the collector inside the building, you can use winter or summer tape. For outdoor wet applications, it is better to give preference to winter sealant.
Winding the tape in a spiral overlap, avoiding gaps, displacements. Serves up to 30 years with proper installation with good sealing. The tape is considered so reliable that it is used even when laying and sealing oil pipelines.
Sulfur technical
Sealant can be used for metal tubes. Sulfur is preferably mixed in parallel with kaolin when it is heated. The two substances are mixed in proportion (1:10).
Sealing is carried out as follows:
- Sulfur is heated at a temperature of 140-150 degrees;
- kaolin is added;
- pour the mass into the bell of the system and join the elements.
Technical sulfur has low elasticity.
Epoxy resin
It is a ready-made waterproof adhesive that can be used when installing sewage. During the preparation of the product, you need to mix the epoxy with the hardener according to the instructions. It is important to strictly adhere to the recommendations, otherwise the curing time of the resin may vary.
Bitumen mastic
To seal cast iron sewer pipes, it is better to use bitumen-based mastics. They have good elasticity, do not pass water, serve more than 20 years. All bitumen sealants are classified by the method of installation - hot and cold. It is difficult to work with the first ones. And the danger of burns is great. Both types of bitumen are commercially available in hardware stores.
Portland cement
Good for cast iron or reinforced concrete pipes. The composition of the mixture is calcium silicates, clinker and gypsum. When combined with water, it forms a mass to the extent of a thick consistency. The finished liquid solution is poured into the sockets. Its complete solidification takes 10-15 minutes. As a result, the sealant is resistant to temperature extremes, water, aggressive environments, and ultraviolet.
Common sealing methods
Most often, the following methods are used to seal the collector:
- Cold welding using epoxy. The pre-treated pipe surfaces are cleaned and degreased. A well-milled sealant is applied evenly around the circumference of the tube. Elements join a socket. Complete drying of the product takes from two hours to a day. For this period, it is better not to use sewers.
- Silicone sealant. The most popular of modern materials. It is applied to the pipe surface by analogy with epoxy resin.
It is better to take a polyurethane drug. It is less toxic and more durable than acrylic.
Selection recommendations
Choosing a sealing plumbing tool for a sewage device, you need to pay attention to such indicators:
- water resistance;
- durability: service life of 15 years or more;
- density: within 0.8 g / cm;
- the amount of additives and impurities: ideally up to 12% of the total volume of the sealant; if this indicator is higher, it is hardly possible to speak about its reliability;
- marking “sanitary”: it is especially important if installation work is carried out inside the apartment.
It is worthwhile to pay attention to quality certificates. Among the most popular sealants, Moment, Titanium, Sanitary Silicone, and Ceresit products stand out. Among these options, the master will be able to choose a tool for sealing pipe joints according to his budget.
