Those who independently engaged in the installation of plumbing equipment, having no experience, know how hard it is to cope with such an element as water. Every now and then it drips somewhere, whistles or leaks. Previously, rags and cement were used to seal, for example, slots in sewer pipes at home. They wrapped the pipe joints with rags and generously coated them with a solution. It was a dirty, sometimes ineffective method of removing leaks.
But progress does not stand still, now there is a more convenient way to perform this work even for an inexperienced person, and silicone plumbing sealant will help in this.
What is a
The sealant paste itself is similar in texture to toothpaste, usually sold in plastic tubes with a volume of 280 to 310 ml. Tuba has a long nose with a cap. Its shape is specially made for the mounting gun, in which when the trigger is pulled, the piston moves and silicone sealant is easily squeezed out for plumbing through the nozzle of the tube.
This housing design allows you to easily reach hard-to-reach places and gently apply a layer of sealant to the cracks. At the end of the work, the spout is closed with a cap and stored for a long time.
For small amounts of work, for example, when you need to close up a small problem area, silicone sanitary sealant is used in aluminum tubes.
Also there are still sealants in file packages, but they are used less often, mainly by professionals paired with a special gun.
The sealant is recommended to be stored indoors at temperatures up to 30º. In this case, the packaging must be hermetically sealed. It is forbidden to transfer the sealant to another container and store for more than 2 years.
Structure
Silicone sealant is a rather difficult chemical compound. To produce it, the following components are used:
- Silicone rubber is taken as a basis.
- An amplifier is added to give strength.
- Color gives filler.
- For viscosity and elasticity, a vulcanizer is used.
- Reliable contact with the surface provides an adhesion primer.
- To improve elasticity, a silicone plasticizer is used.
Silicone sealants are divided into acidic (or "vinegar" due to the characteristic smell) and neutral, depending on the components of the vulcanizer. Neutral sealants are amine, amide, alcohol and oxime.
The functional properties of the sealant depend on its composition and components. For example, acid sealants are not allowed for aluminum, cement-containing metals and marble. And for a neutral sealant, there are no such restrictions.
Where applicable
Plumbing silicone sealants are used mainly in rooms with high humidity (toilet, bath and kitchen) to fill and seal the seams between the wall and the sink, bath, washbasin, toilet and other plumbing equipment. Also, transparent silicone sanitary sealant is used at the joints of low pressure sanitary pipes, such as sewers, drains, and so on. It is also well suited for non-white bathtubs and sinks to seal joints. Sometimes they fill the space between glass and wood, for example, on windows or doors.
For home repairs, single-component sealants are often used. They harden due to moisture in the air. In industrial applications, two-component sealants have become widespread. Their second name is "silicone compounds." Such material hardens by mixing with the catalyst.
Advantages of Silicone Sealant
The use of silicone sealant has several advantages:
1) After application and smoothing, a smooth matte surface is obtained, sometimes even invisible to the eyes. For example, silicone plumbing sealant white visually merges with ceramic washbasins and white bathtubs.
2) It has a long service life.
3) It has water repellent properties.
4) Withstands short-term temperatures from -50º to 150º.
5) Special additives included in the composition prevent the formation of fungus and mold.
6) A high level of adhesion, that is, a firm grip on the material that is sealed.
Application features
Before use, it is recommended to clean the surface from dust and dirt, and then degrease it. To make the seam as even as possible, you need to stick a masking tape.
After the silicone plumbing sealant is applied, it is gently smoothed with a spatula until a flat surface is formed. Categorically you can’t do this with your finger, as this can lead to chemical burns and allergies. After a twenty-minute exposure, it is no longer possible to correct the solution, due to the fact that the material changes its properties, the connection may turn out to be fragile. Also, harmful gases are emitted during the work, therefore it is recommended to provide good ventilation of the workplace.
The use of silicone sealant with acrylic bathtubs and showers is extremely undesirable, as it leads to damage to the surface of the latter.
Before use, it is necessary to read the recommendations for use and follow them, and everything will work out.
Output
Having considered all the advantages of this wonderful material, one cannot but say that this is really an indispensable thing when working in rooms where water runs. Separately, I would like to note the silicone sealant "Moment", which is distinguished by its versatility and high quality for a reasonable price. With high-quality sealant, this once-unpleasant job - covering up leaks and crevices - can turn into a pleasant pastime when landscaping your home.