Sealant for home heating system
Regardless of the materials used and the qualifications of the specialists who installed the heating system, coolant leaks occur during its long-term operation. Using liquid sealant for the heating system, you can quickly seal the problem area, restore the integrity of the heating circuit. A feature of the composition containing polymer components is resistance to high temperatures and hardening upon contact with air. Compared with traditional sealing materials, it has significant advantages.
Sealant for a home heating system - varieties of liquid materials
Currently, in specialized stores in a wide range of products, various products with sealing properties are presented. They are divided into certain types depending on the chemical composition:
- acrylic. They are not designed to perform work in conditions of significant temperature differences, as well as sealing elements of heating systems. Used for domestic purposes;
- polyurethane. They are distinguished by increased plasticity, have improved adhesion to metal surfaces, are resistant to corrosion processes, as well as temperature fluctuations;
- silicone. The most advanced of all sealants. For a long time, they retain elasticity, are resistant to moisture, mold, and are not afraid of temperature changes.
For heating boilers and other elements of heating systems made of metal or plastic, universal sealant is currently widely used. It is characterized by increased heat resistance, has a viscous consistency, quickly hardens, and also retains performance properties, regardless of the temperature level.
Silicone sealant for heating is characterized by an increased margin of heat resistance and, depending on the ability to dry, is divided into the following types:
- hardening. Dries out after application, which increases the likelihood of its shrinkage with the subsequent appearance of cracks and smudges of the coolant;
- viscous. Does not dry out under the influence of temperature, effectively eliminates leaks, allows you to disassemble the connections of threaded elements.
A separate type of sealing compounds is an anaerobic composition. It is environmentally friendly, resistant to alkaline and acidic environments. Effectively eliminates leaks, providing increased tightness under mechanical stress and temperature changes. A feature of the aerobic solution is its ability to maintain a liquid consistency in the air. In a closed space, it quickly hardens, which allows you to reliably seal threaded connections.
When giving preference to a specific sealing composition, pay special attention to the following characteristics:
- deformation resistance. This parameter is important for heating systems subject to thermal expansion;
- heat resistance. Resistance to high temperatures is necessary when sealing cracks on the surface of boilers, chimneys and heated pipes.
The decision on the choice of sealing composition is made on the basis of studying its properties, depending on the tasks.
Sealant for heating pipes - advantages and disadvantages
Silicone sealant for heating is quite widely in demand, as it effectively prevents water from flowing, both from the outside of heating systems and inside highways and equipment. Liquid sealant has a set of advantages that allows you to confidently compete with other compounds. It is characterized by:
- resistance to elevated temperatures. Retains integrity and operational properties when the temperature rises;
- plasticity. Not subject to temperature processes, retains elasticity when heated to more than 1000 degrees Celsius;
- ease of use. It does not require special training and high qualifications.
The composition is used to perform sealing work inside highways and is in demand in a number of situations:
- if it is impossible to detect the area of coolant leakage;
- if it is problematic to solder a crack or install a clamp;
- with hidden laying of heating mains.
The weak side of the silicone agent is the content of acetic acid in certain grades of sealant, which contributes to the corrosive destruction of metal parts. It is advisable to use neutral grades that do not cause corrosion of metal components.
Due to a set of advantages and minor disadvantages, a sealant for heating systems is popular with both home craftsmen and professionals.
Getting ready to use sealant for heating - preparatory work
At the preparatory stage, it is necessary to decide on the following points:
- the brand of sealant being purchased. Not all types of solutions can be used for a certain brand of boiler and a specific coolant;
- way of application. It is important to carefully study the manufacturer's instructions, evaluate the possibility of its application to specific operating conditions.
An incorrectly selected composition is capable of clogging the lines after pouring into the system, which will create a serious obstacle to the circulation of the coolant. It is advisable to consult with a specialist so as not to damage the heating equipment.
Having decided on the brand of liquid agent intended for sealing the heating circuit, you should check:
- what caused the pressure drop. If the expansion tank is in good condition, then the pressure drops due to leakage of the coolant;
- compatibility of a particular sealant with the liquid used in the heating circuit;
- the possibility of safe use of the product for a specific model of the heating unit.
When deciding at what concentration to introduce a binder composition, it is necessary to evaluate a number of factors:
- intensity of coolant outflow;
- volume of liquid in the heating circuit.
According to the manufacturers' recommendations, to eliminate the leak, it is necessary to add a liter of sealing liquid with a total volume of coolant in the system, which is from 50 to 100 liters. To determine the total volume of the carrier, it is necessary to add up the volume of pipes, radiators and the "shirt" of the boiler. The second option is also possible - to drain the liquid from the system into a container, and thus determine its volume.
How to properly fill the sealant for the heating system
The complex of measures for pouring a special composition on an enlarged basis provides for the following steps:
- Preparation of the heating circuit.
- Dilution of sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Filling lines with sealant.
Consider the sequence of operations, covering the entire complex of works:
- Check the filling of the circuit with water. Work should only be carried out when the lines are completely filled.
- Ensure that the air lines are vented. Sealant may thicken in air.
- Open all valves. This will ensure unhindered circulation and complete penetration of the composition.
- Remove existing filters. The filter elements can easily become clogged with a viscous compound.
- Connect the pump to the first radiator in the fluid path. To do this, it is necessary to dismantle the Mayevsky crane.
- Start the system, warm up the lines. Keep the media at 60 degrees Celsius and circulate for an hour.
- Stir sealant until smooth. Fill them with a container of the appropriate volume.
- Drain the required volume of liquid from the heating circuit. The amount of coolant must comply with the requirements of the recipe.
- Combine the sealant with the hot heat transfer fluid. Quickly pump it into the heating circuit, ensuring minimal contact with air.
- Keep the system running continuously for 8 hours. The temperature should be 40-60 degrees Celsius, and the pressure should be 1.0-1.5 bar.
When performing work, observe safety requirements. Use protective equipment for skin and eyes.
Summing up - how effective is the sealant for the heating boiler
The liquid composition for sealing heating systems has been tested by experts in practical operation. It fully performs the functions assigned to it, and also retains its properties at elevated temperatures. The work is not difficult to do on your own. It is important to use proven brands, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. This will guarantee the quality of work, as well as ensure the tightness of the heating circuit for a long time.