Strengthening before boxing – reinforcement now prevents leak repair in future once plastic waste pipe becomes inaccessible
A 2-metre external plastic waste pipe weakened by 35 years of exposure to the weather undergoes strengthening and reinforcement before being boxed in during a house extension, preventing future leaks once the pipe is inaccessible.
Case Study Data
Site
Domestic property
Location
United Kingdom
Repair Type
Pipe reinforcement
Defect
35-year-old external plastic pipe left weak by exposure
Products Used
Liquid Metal Epoxy Coating
Epoxy coating painted onto pipework to create a new metallic outer surface which protects and strengthens the original susbtrate
SylWrap HD Pipe Repair Bandage
Composite repair bandage sets rock hard to reinforce pipework by creating a rock-hard protective shell around it
Case Study PDF
Plastic Waste Pipe Strengthening Case Study Details
The 2-metre plastic waste pipe was attached 2.5 metres up the back wall of the house in the United Kingdom. It was 35 years old and now very weak from constant exposure to the weather, including UV damage degrading the outer surface.
Although the pipe was not yet leaking, it had deteriorated enough to become brittle with early signs of cracks starting to form. The biggest concern centred on several joints in the pipe, where solvent cement bonds were noticeably failing.
With a house extension underway, the pipe would soon be boxed in during the building of a new porch roof. It was therefore essential the pipe could not start leaking in future once inaccessible.
Liquid Metal Epoxy Coating for plastic pipe strengthening
The homeowner wanted to seal and reinforce the pipe via a straightforward and cost-effective method. They contacted Sylmasta and we recommended strengthening the plastic pipe with Liquid Metal Epoxy Coating.
Initially, the homeowner just treated the failing joints with Liquid Metal. But they were so impressed by the ease of application and the Liquid Metal finish that they decided to coat the entire pipe.
Three coatings of Liquid Metal formed a 3mm thick, reinforced metallic layer covering the pipe. This Liquid Metal shield protected the outer pipe surface from future degradation. Should a breach occur from inside, it would also contain pipe content by providing a new outer wall.
Reinforcing a plastic pipe with SylWrap HD Pipe Repair Bandage
The pipe then underwent further strengthening using SylWrap HD Pipe Repair Bandage. Application of SylWrap HD took place whilst the final coating of Liquid Metal remained tacky. The epoxy coating helped improve adhesion between the pipe and the bandage.
SylWrap HD cured quickly, providing a rock-hard, impact resistant sleeve; leaving the pipe contained within multiple layers of both Liquid Metal and a robust composite wrap.
The homeowner completed the repair themselves over a weekend, allowing for the four-hour re-coat time of Liquid Metal. The completed application left behind a reinforced plastic pipe with greater strength than when it had been first installed.
It could now be boxed in by the builders with the homeowner having full confidence it would not leak in future.
Please contact Sylmasta if you need help with strengthening plastic pipework
Call: +44 (0)1444 831 459
Email: sales@sylmasta.com
