Sealing of threaded joints in plumbing and heating systems
Reliable sealing of threaded joints in plumbing and heating systems is a necessary necessity. Its absence is guaranteed to lead to leaks of various sizes, which cause a lot of trouble and make the operation inefficient.
Water under pressure of several atmospheres will leak through even the smallest gap and deliver problems such as:
- A moist environment, optimal for the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
- Negative effects on adjacent structures and finishes. Metal heating systems and plumbing fixtures suffer the most.
- Flooding, which can be quite significant (for heating is also hot).
- Sealed and separately tested should be each of the existing pipe joints. Despite all the advances of science, they have not learned how to make them airtight from the beginning.
In the absence of experience, it makes sense to enlist the help of a qualified plumber. This work requires time, but with proper execution, you can forget
about the problems for many years.
Factors Affecting the Method of Sealing Threaded Joints
In practice, quite a few methods are used for sealing threaded joints, which have proven themselves. Modern sealing materials for heating and plumbing systems have many advantages.
Firstly, they are technologically advanced and easy to use. Secondly, they can be used immediately, without prior preparation. Thirdly, with good results, they do not permanently connect the pipes, as was the case before with oil-based paint. Fourth, the appearance of the pipeline is not spoiled - everything remains inside. Fifth, there are no significant restrictions on use, which is important, given that the pipe part, as well as fittings can be of different materials. Fifthly, all of them are inexpensive and can be used even at home, without thinking about consumption.
When choosing a particular sealing technology, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The pressure in the water system, which can be more than ten atmospheres. In this matter, it is better to provide some reserve.
- The presence of negative influences on the pipes, such as heat, chemically active substances (including household solvents that rubber does not like), vibration.
- The need to separate the joint and then rejoin it. It is not often practiced, but there are situations in which such an approach is justified
- Responsibility of the plumbing node - the requirements for tightness.
- Qualification of the performer. An understanding of the processes and a certain level of skill is assumed for installation. Choosing a new type of hermetic sealing, it is worth getting acquainted with the theory.
- Universality. Creating a single plumbing system, it is better to stick to one thing.
- Resistance to increased temperature. In heating or hot water systems, heating is very high, and it occurs constantly during operation
- If possible, the sealing of threaded connections should be, as well as installation, entrusted to a master of his craft. This will not worry about the performance of the system and its long service life. In this case, the effectiveness is noticeable immediately and it is unequivocally clear. Strong pipe jointing does not imply any water leakage.
