IN THE PAST, copper pipe repair for high-pressure water pipes
involved using a torch, emery cloth, flux. flame barrier and a fire
extinguisher, while plastic pipe repair demanded primer, glue and a
45-minute drying time.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Now, individuals can purchase a Shark Bite[TM] fitting for specific
pipe sizes, which can be used on damaged pipes for a permanent fix. The
product also can be used for transitions between two different types bathtub plumbing repair of
pipe (copper, PVC, CPVC or PEX) and water can be turned on immediately
following installation.
Repairing low-pressure drain lines usually means completely
re-fabricating and replacing the leaky section. Many times, these small
leaks are not caused by large defects, but rather by small pinholes,
poorly aligned connections or age.
The solution? A rubberized plumbing tape that wraps around leaky
sections of drain and vent pipe to create a permanent patch Stretch
& Seal[TM] tape is silicone-based, flexible and will not stick to
anything except itself.
When the tape is wrapped around the plumbing repair costs pipe, it shrinks into place and
bonds to itself, creating a watertight patch for ABS, PVC and galvanized pipes.
This product works only on low-pressure gravity flow drainage and
vent portions of the plumbing system. It will not hold up to
high-pressure leaks; however, it is a product that will fit easily into
any technician's tool bag and is a plumbing repair parts viable repair for the majority
of leaks that occur in apartments.
Source: Zachary Howell, Director and Instructor. Apartment
Maintenance Institute. [email protected].
For more maintenance and repair tips from
Zachary Howell, please see "Electrical Testing:
Simplified," page 48.
COPYRIGHT 2008 National Apartment Association
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.