How to repair PE pipe perforations

PE pipes are widely used in water supply and drainage, gas transportation and other scenarios due to their corrosion resistance and good flexibility, but it is inevitable to encounter perforation problems in daily use - it may be a heavy object smashing, the pipeline aging and cracking, or it may be a tool mistake during construction. Once perforated, not repairing in time can lead to water leakage and even affect the surrounding environment. In fact, don't panic, choose the right method according to the size of the perforation, and you can handle it yourself. Today, I will sort out the practical repair skills and teach you step by step to solve the problem.

Let's talk about the common reasons for PE pipe perforation first: external impact (such as vehicle rolling, heavy objects falling) is the most common; followed by pipeline aging, long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays and soil corrosion will make the pipe wall thinner; there are also improper construction, such as poor hot melt when connecting, and unprotected when burying the pipe, which may leave hidden dangers. Understanding the reasons can help you avoid subsequent recidivism, but the most critical thing at the moment is "how to repair".

Small perforation (diameter 1cm): Quick repair method

If the perforation is not large, such as pinholes, small cracks or breaks within 1cm in diameter, it can be solved with hot melt patches or quick-setting repair agents. The tools are also simple: sandpaper, hot melt gun/patch, quick-setting repair agent (buy the model of the corresponding PE pipe).

Method 1: Hot melt patch repair (the most durable)

Step 1: Clean up around the perforation. Wipe off the soil and moisture on the surface of the pipe with a dry cloth, and then sand the area within 5cm around the perforation with sandpaper until the surface is rough - this will make the patch fit better.

Step 2: Heat the hot melt patch. Put the special PE hot melt patch (the same material as the pipe) on the hot melt gun and heat until the back of the patch melts (note that the temperature is not too high to avoid burning through the pipe).

Step 3: Align and press. Paste the melted patch accurately on the perforation and press with flat pliers or gloves for 3-5 minutes to allow the patch to fully integrate with the pipe.

Step 4: Cooling and curing. Wait 10-15 minutes, let the hot melt cool completely, and then break the patch with your hands to confirm that it will not fall off.

Method 2: Quick-setting repair agent (for emergency use)

If there is no hot melt tool, quick-setting repair agent is a good choice for emergency rescue. The steps are simpler:

1. Mix the A and B components of the repair agent in proportion (usually 1:1);

2. Apply directly to the perforation, the thickness is at least 2mm, and cover 3cm around the break;

3. Wait 15-30 minutes (see the product description for details), and the repair agent can temporarily stop water after curing.

* Note: Quick-setting repair agent is suitable for emergency use, and hot-melt patches are recommended for long-term use. *

Large perforation (diameter > 1cm): Reinforcement repair method

If the perforation is large, such as a large hole poked by a sharp object, or the pipe is broken, you have to use a clamp or replace the pipe section. These two methods are firmer.

Method 1: Clamp repair (most commonly used)

The clamp is a special accessory used to repair the damaged pipe. Choose the one that matches the diameter of the PE pipe (such as a 50mm clamp for a φ 50 pipe). The tool needs a wrench and a rubber gasket.

Step 1: Clean the pipe. Wipe the stain around the perforation with a cloth to ensure that the surface is dry.

Step 2: Install the rubber gasket. Align the rubber gasket in the clamp to the perforation to cover the entire break - the gasket should be larger than the perforation to prevent water leakage.

Step 3: Put the clamp on the outside of the gasket and slowly tighten the bolts on both sides with a wrench until the gasket is tightly pressed on the pipe (do not screw too hard to avoid fracturing the pipe).

Step 4: Test. Open the water valve or gas valve and observe for 10 minutes. If there is no leakage, it will be successful.

Method 2: Replace the pipe section (completely solved)

If the perforation is too serious, such as pipe fracture or multiple damage, it is best to cut off the damaged part directly and replace the new pipe section. Hot melt machine, cutting knife are required:

1. Use a cutting knife to cut off the damaged pipe section, leaving 10cm flat ports on each side;

2. Heat the new pipe section and the port of the original pipe with a hot melt machine. When the temperature reaches about 260 ° C, quickly connect and press;

3. After cooling for 20 minutes, do a water pressure test (maintain 1.5 times the working pressure for 30 minutes), and you can resume use if there is no problem.

Key after repair: inspection and precautions

No matter which method is used, stress testing must be done after repair: The drain pipe can be pressed with tap water, and the gas pipe should be tested by professionals with air pressure to ensure that there is no leakage.

In addition, these safety details should not be ignored:

1. Before the gas PE pipe is repaired, be sure to close the upstream valve and release the gas in the pipe to avoid the risk of explosion;

2. When using hot melt tools, wear anti-scalding gloves and keep away from flammable materials;

3. Before repairing, cut off water and electricity to avoid electric shock or water splashing on the tools;

4. After outdoor pipe repair, it is best to wrap it with thermal insulation cotton or protective cover to prevent re-impact.

In fact, PE pipe perforation repair is not so complicated, the key is to "see the size selection method" - small breaks with hot melt or quick condensation, large breaks with clamps or pipe changes. Usually pay more attention to pipeline maintenance: avoid heavy object rolling, regular inspection of aging, can reduce the probability of perforation. If you are not sure, such as large gas pipeline perforation, it is recommended to find a professional master to deal with, safety first.

Summarize: first judge the size of the perforation, choose the corresponding method, the steps are fine, and the test is in place, which can easily solve the problem of PE pipe perforation. Next time you encounter a similar situation, don't panic anymore!