Instead of metal pipes in private buildings and apartments, similar products made of polypropylene are widely used when installing utility lines. They are lighter weight and have a longer service life.
However, even such high-quality modern material can leak. To reduce the likelihood of repairing polypropylene pipes or quickly eliminating an emergency situation, you need to have information regarding the reasons for the leakage of polymer pipelines.
Repairing a ball in the kitchen
Fashionable and modern faucets have a more complex design in contrast to valve models.
How to fix a kitchen faucet? A ball valve is leaking, which means that some kind of contamination has gotten inside it, which prevents the mixer from working normally. So, to overcome this problem, the faucet is disassembled and cleaned. First of all, use a screwdriver to unscrew the lever retaining screw.
Then very carefully remove the lever. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screw, dismantle the dome and plastic seal
The latter should be carefully examined and all plaque on it removed.
If it is worn out, it is recommended to purchase a new part. Then the ball is taken out and carefully inspected - if there is damage, a replacement is necessary. When wear is observed on the seals that secure this ball, it is also recommended to replace them immediately. Then, after replacing parts or cleaning them, all plastic elements should be lubricated with the composition recommended by the manufacturer. Sometimes it happens that even after replacing parts, the kitchen faucet still leaks. How to fix it? The repair scheme will be slightly different - here it is necessary to replace the entire faucet cartridge.
The essence of the process and soldering methods
Soldering is used for hermetically connecting pipeline sections to each other, installing shut-off valves, control, measuring and safety devices.
Three soldering technologies are used to connect the ends of pipes and pipe fittings:
- diffusion method. Welding is carried out by heating and squeezing the connecting elements without melting the base material of the parts and the use of additional substances;
- soldering using electrical fittings. For connection, special fittings with a heating element are used. The soldering process occurs due to partial melting of the internal part of the electrical fitting under the influence of electric current;
- cold way. The elements of the heat pipe are connected using additional material - solder.
Replacements without overlap
If it is impossible to turn off the water at all and there is no device for freezing pipes
Then you need to be ready for water.
Never do this with hot water or heating! It is very dangerous!
If you decide to change or install duplicate taps without interrupting the water supply, then there should not be a room on the floor below that can be flooded. Even if you are on the ground floor, this does not guarantee that there are no rooms below. The basement may contain warehouses or commercial premises.
If you are planning to do something like this in a basement or in a private house, then go ahead.
Find a large container or prepare a pile of water-absorbing material. For example, there are a lot of expensive and high-quality towels. If possible, place a large container in front of the faucet.
Look for an assistant who doesn't mind being doused with cold water. Hand him a large rag or the same expensive towel and let him catch all the water coming from the tap into this towel, like a bull motodor.
You need to prepare the faucet you are replacing in advance, seal its threads and open it. Then unscrew the non-working faucet or what is after the faucet if you are installing a duplicate one. Now you can screw in the new one.
As an example, I am attaching several images taken “in greenhouse conditions.” All the threads in the photo are not sealed because this is a simple example.
Here we have a threaded pipe or an old faucet that doesn’t shut off, and water flows from it.
We take a new faucet and open it completely. We seal the thread and pass water through it.
Tighten it about 2 turns, after which the tap can be turned off and tightened the remaining 1 or 2 turns.
You can also screw a flexible liner or hose onto a new faucet and lower the other end of the hose into a bucket or bathtub. Most of the water will go through the hose. But something will still spill on the floor.
I do not recommend performing this operation on taps larger than 3/4 inch in diameter.
Anyone who undertakes this must understand the full responsibility of the actions, must be confident in what he is doing and must be physically strong.
The pressure can be quite high and you need to be prepared for this. It is better to find out what kind of pressure you are dealing with first.
Replacing a faucet without shutting off the riser
Replacing a faucet without shutting off the riser Is it possible to replace a stop valve without shutting off the water? Do not practice on upper floors! Don't do this with hot water and heating! One of
Characteristics of polypropylene ball valves
The modern construction market is replete with a variety of different products, but some products stand out from the general background. In the field of water supply and heating communications, polypropylene ball valves have become very popular. First of all, they are distinguished by a high degree of strength. Also, such cranes have a number of other valuable advantages in comparison with analogues made of metal materials. Let's take a closer look at their features and characteristics.
Device
Polypropylene ball valves are used to shut off the flow of a substance in a pipeline. They can be included in cold and hot water supply systems, as well as heating. The covering element has a spherical shape, which is why the structure got its name. This element most often has a special hole.
The ball must be made of durable metals with anti-corrosion properties, since the device often comes into contact with the aquatic environment. The basis of the product is the body. It is made from modern high-quality material – polypropylene. Thanks to this, you can get rid of systematic maintenance for a long time, because installation work in this case is carried out in exactly the same way as joining polypropylene pipes.
An additional part of the design is the lever. It is with its help that the position of the metal ball is adjusted. So, for example, in order to open or, on the contrary, stop the flow of liquid, the locking element rotates around its axis. To do this, you need to set the temperature to about 90 degrees Celsius.
It is worth noting that ball valves are never used to control the movement of transported liquid. Constipation has two states: closed and open. In case of incomplete closing or opening, consumers increase the chance of breakdown and rapid removal of the device from working condition.
An example of such a crane is the widely used PPRC PN20 model. It can be used in the range from 0 to 95 degrees Celsius. The cross section has a distance of 20.63 millimeters. The main advantage of the product is that it has a fairly long service life: 50 years for cold water and half as much for hot water. The pressure limit is 20 bar.
The radiator ball valve mostly has only positive reviews and must be installed in accordance with GOST. Changing the threaded version is not at all difficult if its diameter is 25 mm and its technical characteristics are at the proper level. When cleaning the product, it is necessary to avoid the use of aggressive substances.
Advantages and disadvantages
Polypropylene ball valves have both strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages of the devices:
- long service life (up to fifty years if the rules of use are followed),
- compactness,
- light weight,
- aesthetically pleasing appearance,
- no rust formation (due to the material),
- resistance to various chemical influences,
- simplicity and ease of installation (you can do it yourself if you have a welding machine),
- adequate cost.
Characteristics of polypropylene ball valves
The polypropylene ball valve is durable and has a long service life. What are the other advantages of such products? What are the types of spherical structures 1, 2 for pipes? What are the GOST requirements for polypropylene ball valves?
Leak between two battery sections
Cast iron batteries are considered the most popular. But they are often the culprits of leaks. This usually happens at the points where sections connect to each other. During operation of the heating system, it can be difficult to determine the location of the leak, since the battery gets completely wet. In this case, you have to shut off the water supply. To identify the location of the leak, you need to wipe the battery dry.
If there is a leak between sections, cold welding is used. It is based on epoxy glue and metal powder; the product is sold in small tubes. Before using welding, the leak site must be thoroughly cleaned of all excess impurities, treated with sandpaper and degreased. As a rule, any such product is supplied with instructions for use.
Algorithm for applying cold welding (click to enlarge).
Some of them are not suitable for use with water. Welding can be liquid, and more often in the form of plasticine. Its two components need to be kneaded in your hands until a homogeneous mass is obtained. The finished weld is applied to the joint where there is a leak. Complete polymerization is expected only after a few hours.
So, the faucet is leaking in the kitchen, what should I do in the bathroom?
First, you need to turn off the water in the riser. This will stop leaking and save you from unnecessary expenses. If the shut-off valve on the riser has not been used for a long time, and the pipes are metal, then it is possible that the valve is pretty rusty. In this case, you must first treat it with machine oil, and then try to carefully tighten it using a lever.
After this, you should determine why the faucet is leaking.
One of the most common causes of leaks is a worn valve gasket. Over time, the gasket becomes thinner, allowing water to seep into places where it shouldn't be. The thinning of the gasket is accelerated by the habit of over-tightening the faucet. Thus, a vicious circle is created: due to leaking water, you try to tighten the tap more, which leads to even more wear on the gasket.
The solution to this problem is to replace the gasket. You can easily find a new one at any hardware or tool store. Large-scale disassembly of the tap to replace the gasket is not required - just remove the valve. Let us remind you that before this you must turn off the water.
In most cases, in the center of the valve (behind the decorative plug) there is a mounting bolt, unscrewing which you can remove the valve. After this, you will have access to the gasket, which needs to be replaced with a new one. Wrap a little sealant (fiber or polymer) over the gasket and install the valve in place.
The second most popular problem is the wear of the sealing liner of the oil seal. This malfunction is easy to establish: the valve leaks in the area of the gland nut while the valve is open. There are no leaks when the valve is closed. This malfunction can also be eliminated by replacing the sealing insert.
If you notice a leak in a new, newly installed faucet
There may be two reasons: installation errors or manufacturing defects. Since the taps themselves are sold pre-assembled, the only place where you can make a mistake is the connection to the pipeline. Accordingly, leaks will be there. If the tap itself is leaking, most likely it is a fault. Then there is only one option left - to return the faucet to the store.
Note that all of the above concerned conventional valve taps. Leaking ball valves are a much more serious problem, mainly due to the complexity of the valve design. To eliminate such leaks, it is recommended to contact specialists. However, it is worth noting that ball valves leak much less frequently than conventional valves, since they do not have many weak points, such as the same gaskets.
Priority actions when a leak is detected
If a leak appears on a heating or high-pressure pipe, you must immediately shut off the system using shut-off valves. To solve the problem of how to seal a hole in a plastic pipe, you can use a clamp. Such structures are characterized by very simple use, which consists of putting them on the damaged area and tightening the bolts.
An older method is to use rubber: heating and water pipes are often repaired this way. This involves wrapping a piece of rubber around the damaged area, which can be done using an old car tire.
For clamping, use a clamp, thin wire or strong cord. Ordinary oil paint is also used, which is spread on a fabric pre-wound over the leak (read also: “How to fix a leak in a plastic pipe - options for sealing a leak”). All these methods have only a temporary effect, since the leak will definitely make itself felt later. The best option for repairing a crack in a plastic pipe is to completely replace the problem area, especially since in the case of plastic pipes this is not difficult to do.
Poor quality taps
Often when purchasing plumbing fixtures, many people are guided by considerations of economy and choose products made in China or Turkey. At the same time, people are happy that they were able to save money in this way.
But this tactic when buying faucets is extremely wrong, and the joy from the amount saved does not last long. This small amount can cause a leak. It’s good if at the moment when the tap breaks down, someone will be at home and will be able to turn off the water very quickly or repair the equipment. But more often it happens differently.
You should never skimp on things like plumbing fixtures. Before purchasing, you must make sure that the product being offered is not made in China, but at least in Russia or Europe. Also, cheap products for a well-known brand are a reason for suspicion. Expensive branded products in our markets are 50% counterfeit.
Sometimes it happens that even on expensive equipment something can leak.
Then it’s worth checking out other reasons to understand how to fix a kitchen faucet. It also leaks in case of improper installation.
Preventive maintenance
To avoid problems with the faucet in the kitchen, it is necessary to periodically perform preventive repairs.
This procedure will only take a few hours. Thanks to it, you will be able to avoid serious breakdowns or unexpected replacement of the mixer. First of all, you need to turn off the water supply by first collecting some water in a bucket.
Then you should loosen the connection between the sink and the drain. In some cases, you will have to cut the sealant with a knife between the sink and the countertop, and then use a spatula to lift the sink. This will allow you to easily remove the faucet. You must first unscrew the bolts.
The decorative plug is removed from the handles, but why unscrew the screw located under it. Next, the mixer is disassembled. All elements must be carefully inspected and then washed using a household cleaner.
Then you should pay attention to all rubber seals. If they are dry or torn, they should be replaced.
After this, the entire structure is assembled. Such preventive maintenance is performed 2-3 times a year, depending on the water quality.
Many housewives complain that the faucet in the kitchen begins to leak over time. To avoid this problem, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the installation of equipment and take into account the recommendations for its operation. If water still flows from a tap or pipe, proper repairs should be performed.
Donskikh Vladimir Alexandrovich
Expert advice
To ensure maximum reliability of pipeline connections, experts advise adhering to the following requirements:
- it is correct to start welding work 10 minutes from the moment the soldering iron warms up;
- perform welding or soldering operations only at above-zero ambient temperatures;
- sections of pipes connected by welding must be allowed to cool, preventing them from moving relative to each other or twisting;
- For wall thicknesses greater than 6 mm, butt welding of products is performed using a double seam. With a smaller wall thickness, the joint can be sealed with one seam;
- all structural elements fixed by soldering must be from the same manufacturer, since they may differ in the composition of the ingredients in the raw materials, which will negatively affect the quality of the weld.
Sources
- https://VashPlastik.ru/kak-pajat-plastikovye-truby/
- https://dom-i-remont.info/posts/santehnika/payka-polipropilenovyih-trub-svoimi-rukami-pravila-sovetyi-oshibki/
- https://otivent.com/pajka-polipropilenovyh-trub
- https://ProUteplenie.com/otoplenie/payka-polipropilenovyh-trub-svoimi-rukami-polnaya-instruktsiya
- https://eurosantehnik.ru/pajka-polipropilenovyx-trub.html
- https://vse-otoplenie.ru/pajka-polipropilenovoj-truby-instrukcia-polzovania-utugom-tehnologiceskaa-tablica-sekrety-raboty
- https://iseptick.ru/truby-i-fitingi/polipropilenovye-truby/kak-payat-polipropilenovye-truby.html
- https://trubametr.ru/material/pp/kak-payt
- https://vseotrube.ru/montazh-i-remont/kak-payat-plastikovye-truby
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Possible causes of malfunction
Faucet leakage is a common phenomenon that occurs for a number of reasons.
A low-quality faucet may leak water. Quite often, people try to save money when purchasing equipment. As a result, the faucet may begin to leak.
To avoid this, it is important to always choose quality faucets from reputable manufacturers. If branded products are offered at a fairly low price, then most likely it is a fake
Another reason is the incorrect installation of the faucet in the kitchen. This category of reasons includes defects during the assembly of the mixer. Due to various errors, the benefits of high-quality, expensive equipment will be neutralized. If you want to entrust the installation to a specialist, be sure to make sure that he is qualified.
Improper operation often leads to water dripping from the equipment. If you put a lot of effort into installing or using the faucet, or turned it at the wrong angle, the faucet will leak.
Natural wear and tear of equipment is recognized as an important reason. Due to repeated on-off switching, all moving elements gradually wear out.
This is especially true for rubber gaskets.
It is easy to avoid such consequences if you carry out preventive repairs. However, many consumers don't think about it until a leak starts.
Necessary tools and materials for faucet repair
When plumbing problems arise, many people try to do the repairs themselves. To do this, you should prepare several tools:
- crane axle boxes;
- a set of keys and screwdrivers;
- several gaskets of different sizes;
- glue;
- fum tape;
- electric drill with grinding attachment;
- silicone seal.
Air conditioner thermostatic valve
Downcast
. Why are you afraid of them (utility workers)? You pay them money every month, right? So don’t ask for your money, but DEMAND! Don’t humiliate yourself and don’t beg - take the paper and write an Application addressed to the head of the housing office (or whatever it’s called in your area). Complain - that you called his employee, he came, did nothing, i.e. refused to perform his DUTIES. And that if “tomorrow” you flood your neighbors, then during the debriefing you will at all levels blame him - the boss - for the inaction that led to it. ".
Message from Novosel
as an option, they will first require you to pay a receipt, they have a price list
You are contradicting yourself.
If they are “obliged”, what is the payment?
A leak in a heating radiator is, although unpleasant, a fairly common failure that residents of houses or apartments encounter sooner or later. The main reason for leaks is, of course, aging of pipes and metal corrosion. Sometimes a leak appears due to improper installation of connections or due to excessive mechanical stress on the heating system.
Radiator
Sometimes the reason may be the choice of the wrong materials (for example, if a silicone gasket is placed in a pipe connection, it will deform over time, which is why a leak will appear).
Unfortunately, many ordinary people believe that to eliminate the problem it is enough to simply place a basin under the dripping pipe. The result is always the same - a burst pipe, water on the floor, angry neighbors downstairs.
If your radiator leaks, call a specialist immediately!
However, there are times when you have to fix the breakdown yourself. What to do in this case?
First, you will have to turn off the heating and release all the water from the pipes. If you live in a multi-story building, the valves will be located in the basement. Be sure to put a sign on them indicating that repairs are underway, otherwise anyone can go down to the basement and fill the system. In this case, streams of dirty hot water will flow into your apartment.
If the ball valve is broken
A ball valve has a more complex structure and differs from a two-valve valve. Most often, such products break due to dirt accumulated inside the case. It is this that disrupts the operation of the mixer. If water flows from the tap, it must be disassembled, cleaned well and reassembled. This requires:
Using a screwdriver with an appropriate tip, unscrew the screw that secures the lever. Carefully remove the lever and unscrew the threaded screw with a screwdriver. Then you should remove the plastic seal and the mixer dome. The gasket should be carefully inspected and then cleaned of deposits. If there is obvious damage, then it is worth replacing it. Now you can take out the ball and inspect it
If the part is damaged, it is worth replacing it. You can purchase a ball at any plumbing store. Using a thin screwdriver, you need to very carefully pry off the seal that secures the ball. If necessary, the sealing gasket should be replaced. Before assembling the faucet, all seals should be treated with a special compound recommended by the manufacturers. Finally, all that remains is to reassemble the faucet, proceeding in reverse order.
How to Seal a Hole with Sealing Tape
Using this modern material, you can efficiently eliminate small leaks in pipes located in bathrooms. Externally, it is an adhesive fabric impregnated with special substances. Most often, joints and connecting elements are sealed with sealing tape. As for straight sections, they can also be repaired using this method.
When using sealing tape, it is important to follow the following sequence of work:
- The damaged area must be thoroughly cleaned and dried.
- After stretching a small piece of tape, it is wrapped around the pipe. It is important that this procedure is accompanied by constant tension in the tape, otherwise folds will appear.
- When winding, each new turn should be laid on half of the previous one. It is best to pack the pipe with two layers of sealing tape.
The main disadvantage of this method is the insufficient resistance of the repair material to sunlight. To achieve a good service life, the wound tape is coated with additional protection.
