how to seal a pipe connection

RiaanP

RiaanP

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I done my plumbing, but got a problem. One connection on a T-piece leaks. It got a reducer directly in it, with a ball valve direct against this. So I cannot cut the pipe. and redo. Must redo one half of my CLS if I must do that.

So how do I seal that hole?

Just smear more PVC weld all over the joint places?
 
i had the exact same problem with my return flow when i first built it. since the leak was only discovered after the pvc weld had set, redoing the join was not an option as it would mean having to redo a large part of the plumbing.

smearing more pvc weld over the joints worked for me. had to do several layers though, and it looked hideous but is hidden in the depths of the sump so i dont really care :)

good luck
 
I've seen a guy 'sweating out' pvc welded joints with a plumbing blow-torch before - he used to work for a company installing industrial dosing pumps and had to loosen joints many times like this, BUT it takes practice,
maybe if you have the bals.....
this is for your CLS so i wont try the 'more pvc weld' option, take the punch and redo.
 
silicone is your friend.
 
i would try the pvc weld first, just make sure everything is 100% dry, then if that doesnt work try silicone and make a mess of everything....
 
Call me so I can explain to you. It look neat + very easy. Advise would depend on where the leak is. (PHOTO WILL HELP A LOT!!! :))
 
Where the T piece and ball valve meet. There are two reducers 50 to 40 and 40 to 32 in there, plus 4cm piece 32mm pvc pipe and then the ball valve. So it is all together with no gap.

10944b97bbd227681.jpg


I did the smear more over thing. Will add another layer if needed.
If I have to redo, then I have to replace everything you see in this photo.
 
Riaan

Ive been having the same issues with reducers...small leaks. Finally fixed it by just plakking on a load of pvc weld.

If you use a small blowtorch, like the ones chefs use & heat SLOWLY you can remove the pipes. but for me the seal became worse
 
Yes, I forgot. You can "sweat it" and it will became loose.

I know on my Jacuzzi I got a problem. The sun panel take the water past 45 degrees easily. And above 45, the PVC weld go loose. Have to redo the thermostats in that if it reach 40, the pump should switch off.

Just a bit big to pot in a pot on the stove.

So for now, layers of extra glue is the answer.
 
Had that problem with the new pool pump i installed...
smeared silicone and while still wet wrapped insulation tape around the join as tight as i could, no leak no problem that was like 8 months ago...

my thought was that the tape would push the silicone into the joints better... seems to have worked...
 
I once had a leak like that, took a normal 25,32,50mm pvc pipe and cut a 20mm piece off it, took that piece and split it in half, thirds, quarters, whatever the diameter needed. I then plakked that piece over the hole with pvc weld, like a patch - works like a bomb. Only downside is it looks gagga, so if it's out of sight - go for it ;)
 
What about that new tape you see in Builders. I am not sure what it is called, something like repair tape or something. Apparently can seal almost anything and up to 700PSi.
 
Ok, I redone the glue, extra coats over the joints. And refitted the CLS behind the tank. Will fill the tank up again tomorrow and re-test

Hold thumbs, else Ross, i have to visit Builders warehouse and try to explain I'm looking for some wonder tape.
 
Sorry man, was there today and had it in my hand but can not remember what it is called. Looks very much like duct tape. Not very much on the roll but about the same width and all diff colours. Not much help I know.
 
I think I saw that. but it could have been all the colour duct tape I saw. But they should all be together in one isle. Just some tape that can became wet and can hold pressure.

Thanks
 
re-tested this morning

fail

One major leak, at another joint, not the place I fixed yesterday. Then one slow drip at one joint of the 4 I re-sealed yesterday. So hopefully another layer would do. And a third slow drip at another location that I did not saw yesterday.

I will get there! I will not be stopped by PVC-weld.
 
Riaan - you can also try Alcolin's AquaMend. Like Pratley Putty. Works a charm. I used this to seal leaking pipes before (ie. swimming pool pump pipes, Jacuzzi pump pipes, and my aquarium piping (previously - before I moved over to soft-walled irrigation piping)....
 
Ok, main leak fixed. By just spreading more pvc-weld over it.
One if the minor leaks, When I did took that part of the CLS off, it just pulled apart. I forgot to glue that joint ... :)That explained that why that joint leaked.

Filled tank up again last night with tap water. Overflow pies goes to another tub next to the sump. Remember my sump is already connected to the old tank and running for 6 weeks.
Anyway, I let it run for a while on the CLS and returns, and found another 3 minor leaks at other places. Just occasional drips. But need to reglue them tonight.

Hopefully with all these long weekends coming up, will I be able to complete this setup.
 
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