Silicone sanitary sealants: technical specifications and application

The use of sanitary sealant is quite relevant, because no water supply system is immune from unexpected leaks and breakdowns. Therefore, the use of a special hermetic composition will help the pipeline to last longer.

Sanitary silicone sealants are recommended to be used during the installation of water supply. When assembling pipes, it is best to immediately use a sealant on the threaded joints of pipes, since it is they that are most often susceptible to leakage. The main types of sealants have such positive properties as:

• most of the compounds very tightly with different surfaces;
• a wide range of applications - there are universal sealants that can be used for any plumbing (sink, toilet, pipes);
• sealants easily tolerate large temperature differences;
• they are resistant to UV rays, except for self-adhesive tape;
• the compositions are very plastic;
• sealants have a long life;
• they prevent mold and various harmful fungi.

Among the negative properties of sealants, it is worth noting the high toxicity of some compounds that may be harmful to humans. They can ruin objects in the interior, such as tiles on the floor or wall. Such problems can be avoided if you work with the composition carefully and in protection, and any material should be laid on the floor and walls.

In today's market, manufacturers offer a wide range of different types of sanitary sealants:

• First of all, it is worth noting liquid formulations. The basis of such sealants is silicone. The essence of the liquid composition is to apply it to the desired section of the pipe, where the sealant spreads and completely repeats the shape of the section. Then the composition hardens and forms a solid protective layer. When choosing such a sealant should pay attention to the brand,since not every compound can come into contact with hot water. They can be released in cylinders or in a tube. And also it is necessary to take into account the high toxicity of the composition. Apply it very carefully and do not forget about the special protection.

• Adhesive sealant. The great advantage of this composition is that it is completely transparent. This is an important criterion for people seeking to preserve the original appearance of the water supply pipes, or it can be painted in any color. This composition can be used at high humidity. He perfectly comes into contact with any materials and is able to maintain their properties for a long time. Among the adhesives, sealants themselves perfectly recommended compositions of the company Soudal and "Moment". Soudal is one of the most versatile and durable compounds that has different colors. It can be both transparent and white, black, beige, gray and others. The products of the company "Moment" has long established itself in the domestic market as one of the most famous companies that produces high-quality products for installation work.

• Neutral Formulations. Typically, these types of sealants are composed of rubber.They are elastic and can be used not only in plumbing works. The neutral composition has a high level of water resistance, good and reliable adhesion with various materials and a long service life. Unlike many other formulations, they are not intended for further paint coating.

• Acid Formulations. The great advantage of such compounds is their cheapness relative to other sealants. Also, when using such a sealant, a mold or a fungus will never appear, since acid kills various harmful bacteria. But such materials are quite toxic and they are not recommended for use on thin pipes, and in no case in direct contact with drinking water. When installing pipes with such a sealant, it is imperative to use protection and avoid contact with exposed skin.

• One of the sealants is also adhesive tape. This option is perhaps the most popular. It is very convenient to use a tape in any variants of pipes and sewage. It is not subject to corrosion and does not lose its properties with temperature drops. By itself, the tape consists of rubber and a protective layer of aluminum film. This type of sealant is one of the most reliable sealing materials for pipes.Among the negative aspects of this material is worth noting its changes when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, it is better to use such a sealant on pipes inaccessible to the sun's rays.

• Among the hermetic materials can be noted dry flax. This material has been used for a very long time. But modern types of compounds are several times better than flax, which is subject to rapid decay. Therefore, the technical characteristics of this type of sealant is much less than the current. It can be used as a temporary insulation of a damaged pipe section.

Before applying any sealant directly on the desired section of the pipe, it should be carefully prepared. Usually, the surface is cleaned from old paint or rust with a brush with metal bristles. As well as the site is recommended to degrease with a small amount of gasoline. After that, you can already apply sealant itself. If silicone tape is used, it is wound on a threaded joint, and if any liquid sealant is applied, then it is applied to the area using a special gun for cylinders. It is important to remember about safety and not to touch a fresh layer of the compound with unprotected hands, because some may contain acid. For the formation of seams is best to use a spatula and work gloves. Different sets of time are necessary for drying. After an average of 20 minutes, the silicone sealant begins to harden.

When choosing a sealant, there are a number of factors to consider:

• There may be a situation where the hermetic composition will be in direct contact with drinking water from the tap. In this case, it is worthwhile to pay more attention to the choice of material. Such a composition must be certified for contact with drinking water.

• It is necessary to consider the material on which the hermetic composition will be applied. For pipes made of plastic, metal, or a combination of such materials, you can use a sealing thread designed for a particular material. There are threads that are intended for use in combination pipes. For such materials, you can use gel-sealant, which is able to withstand large temperature differences. Most of these gels are usually white.

• Do not forget about the size of the thread in metal pipes. For fine threads, you can use the same thread or gel, which has a brown color. For coarse threads, liquid formulations can be used.
• Carefully inspect the packaging of liquid sealant. There should be no damage on it. Of course, the shelf life must also be appropriate. Spoiled composition completely loses its properties.

An overview of the characteristics of silicone sealants, see the following video.