Features of the choice of plumbing sealants

The building materials market is periodically replenished with convenient innovations. They facilitate not only the process of construction or repair, but also the life of a person as a whole. One of these unique products has become a sealant. Having not received due attention at the very start of his "career", this indispensable assistant has become truly the best tool for solving any plumbing problems in sealing matters.

The sealant is used to ensure the smooth operation of sewer and water pipes. So that the tubes of plumbing accessories do not leak and spoil the mood of their owners with constant dripping. But this is just a small fraction of what this material is capable of.

The miracle remedy is made on the basis of silicon. Since this is a hard stone, at least 4 more components are added to it, which bring the sealant into a paste-like form. The plumbing option also includes fungicides - components that protect against bacteria and mold, which are a good antiseptic. Organic additives in the composition of the sealant are responsible for reducing the viscosity, and mechanical additives improve the adhesion of the product to the treated surface.

Today one of the most fashionable tendencies is maintaining the renovation of the premises in the same style, color and design. The sealant has a wide range of colors, which is achieved by adding special dyes to the initial composition.

Another nice thing about using this putty is that it can be kept open for a long time. To prevent it from drying out prematurely in the tube, you need to cover the hole with something.

What the sealant does not want to interact with under any conditions is:

• polypropylene and polyethylene;
• PVC;
• polycarbonate;
• acrylic.

That is, not a single smooth surface in combination with a sealant will give the same powerful adhesion that is necessary to prevent moisture from entering where it is not needed. And the use of silicone with copper, zinc or lead can lead to intoxication of the body. Because this explosive mixture gives off poisonous vapors.

To figure out which sealant is best to buy for a particular situation, let's try to determine their main types.

Of course, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since the use of flax fibers as a sealant for water pipes. Including through this method of sealing. Nowadays, there are two main types of sanitary products for covering up gaps: universal and neutral.

Universal sealants are made with the addition of acetic acid (they are also sometimes called acidic), have a corresponding smell. Such a tool is applicable to any surfaces for which contact with acid is not contraindicated. Non-ferrous metal, cement and marble are materials that should never interfere with the universal sealant.

Neutral variants are based on alcohol or ketoxime. These products are suitable for contact with any surface.Seams made with a neutral sealant do not collapse or deform under the influence of acidic or alkaline agents, do not come into contact with the surface to be treated.

Another addition to the neutral sealant is silicone rubber.

Among the advantages of such a putty, the following stand out:

• maximum adhesion to all types of surfaces;
• very moisture resistant material;
• has good resistance to direct sunlight;
• efficiency is observed in the temperature range from -60 to +300 degrees Celsius;
• practicality and durability.

Silicone Adhesive Sealant - Liquid Transparent Sealant, which ensures not only the sealing of the room, but also glues the surfaces in the necessary places. It is not an electrical conductor, it is easy to apply, it serves for a long time, it is invisible due to its transparent structure, it is heat-resistant, it is completely safe from mechanical damage.

Alkaline sealant is a special-purpose agent that is used in rather rare cases, as a rule, it is in the form of a paste.

It is easy to get lost in such an abundance of building materials. Let's try to understand the main areas of application of sanitary sealant.

For those who decide to resort to the help of this super-means for carrying out the sealing process in the bathroom, the question of choice is not worth it. Silicone sealant is used, as a rule, to create seams between plumbing fixtures and the walls of the room, so that moisture does not get into these gaps. Transparent plumbing material is used for the connections of sewer and water pipes. Sometimes a special FUM tape is also suitable for these works.

One of the types of sealant for sewage and water supply pipelines is epoxy resin. But first it is mixed with a hardener. In this case, it is imperative to follow the instructions for creating such a sealed product.

When it comes to machining cast iron pipes, a standard plumbing sealant is used.

There are actually a lot of areas for using silicone and polypropylene compounds in an apartment. And here we can talk not only about the processing of a water block, a bathroom, and so on. Sometimes a sealant is used to seal the joints between the window frame and the opening.

It is very convenient to resort to using white sealant when installing the toilet. In this type of plumbing, a large number of points are concentrated, which should be paid special attention to. So, the water hose that supplies liquid to the tank has a peculiar shape, which can be sealed either by an FUM tape or a neutral silicone sealant.

To seal a pipe channel in a cable duct, you can use both standard neutral or acidic sealants, and Portland cement, which is more powerful in its properties and functions.

Among the most popular sealant companies, there are four main ones.

• Ceresit. German products with European quality, standards and practicality in their arsenal.The sealants of this brand are known for their best adhesion to the treated surface, excellent waterproofing properties and the presence of special additives that protect the premises from mold and germs.
• "Moment". The brand, founded by a German chemical company in Russia, has a large number of necessary construction assistants. Among them is the very popular "Moment-Herment". A large number of varieties of sealants from this company allows any master to choose their own product. Among the unique products are frost-resistant, high-temperature and restoration options.

• Ciki Fix. The Turkish manufacturer is also one of the four leaders in the Russian construction market. A characteristic feature of the sealants of this company is its extraordinary ability to bond different surfaces together. The seams are waterproof and elastic, but they do not protect against mold and mildew.
• Makroflex. Another high-quality brand originally from Germany, but with Russian production. This is a modern and timely solution to any construction and finishing tasks. The company manufactures a variety of sealants that cope with both internal and external applications.

Practical advice on sealing a room will help you quickly and efficiently carry out all the work. As practice shows, with modern means for waterproofing, this will not be difficult even for a person who first picked up a tube with a sealant.

• At the first stage, it is necessary to prepare the scope of work. Before sealing, it is necessary to clean the surfaces from construction dust, dirt and foreign objects. To fill the joints between the bathroom and the tile, you need to draw in the first water, which will ensure its working condition. It is from this position that it will be more convenient and rational to apply the sealant.
• The next step on the road to waterproofing is sealing itself. First you need to open a tube with a pre-selected remedy. Cut off the end of the spout at an angle of 45 degrees. We insert the tube into the assembly gun. If it is not at hand, craftsmen recommend using any piston: be it a hammer handle or any other durable heavy object that will help squeeze the sealant onto the surface. Of course, this way is more labor-intensive and time-consuming, but it also takes place.

• Proceed with applying the required sealant coat. It should be remembered that the line must be continuous, of the same thickness. If something went wrong, it is better to immediately take action to remove the incorrect section. Otherwise, after drying, you will have to use additional agents such as a solvent.
• The third step involves the design of the insulating seam itself. This is done with a small spatula. This process can be carried out with your own hands, having previously protected your hands from contact with the silicone mass using gloves. So, with the selected tool, we cover the seams so that they turn out to be even and neat. For greater performance and practicality, professionals advise to wet the spatula with soapy water before each contact with the sealant.
• At the fourth stage, the final cleaning of the working surface from excess silicone, dust, water and other things is carried out.

For information on how to use the sealant correctly, see the next video.