The above video was filmed during Wrap & Seal Pipe Burst Tape product testing at Sylmasta HQ in the United Kingdom to demonstrate how to repair a leaking 90-degree elbow bend whilst pipe pressure is still on.

Bends and other non-straight pipeline sections cannot be fixed using a repair clamp. Such difficult-shaped pipe geometries are found in many systems; from stacks carrying wastewater through tall buildings to shared water supply pipes snaking their way to connect with multiple properties.

Where a clamp will not fit around a pipe, Wrap & Seal conforms to the shape to make a high pressure live leak repair – as seen in the video where a 3 bar pinhole leak is successfully sealed.

One 25mm x 2m Wrap & Seal Pipe Burst Tape is anchored to the side of the leak with a single wrap around.

Wrapping then continues towards the pinhole with a 50 percent overlay of each rotation. Wrap & Seal comes with a handy white guideline down its middle to help with accurate application.

Once over the pinhole, wrapping focusses directly over the leak. As the tape is stretched by its maximum 300 percent, it amalgamates together to form a solid rubber band.

Each layer of Wrap & Seal increases the pressure being exerted by the tape over the leak. The pressure of the band eventually becomes greater than operating pressure of the pipe, leaving the leak fully contained by the rubber ridge left over the top.

The leak is not chased when water starts spraying out from different areas during application. Spreading Wrap & Seal over the pipe based on where water appears to be escaping from reduces the overall strength of the repair.

Even water stops leaking from the pipe, wrapping continues until the entire Wrap & Seal tape has been used. Adding additional tapes on top increases the pressure resistance of the repair by building more layers onto the rubber band.

Using multiple Wrap & Seals, it is possible to make a repair pressure resistant up to 30 bar. After this application, we pressure tested the leaking elbow bend pipe repair to withstand up to 10 bar. There were no signs of any leakage or deformation.

Calculating the number of Wrap & Seal Tapes needed for a repair

The Wrap & Seal Calculator determines the number of Tapes needed for a live leak repair up to a specified pressure resistance. Enter the diameter of the pipe in millimetres, water pressure and the size of the hole requiring sealing in millimetres.

The safety factor is a multiple to include a margin of safety. For example, if pipe pressure is 5 bar and you want a safety factor of two, the calculator will formulate a repair capable of withstanding 10 bar.

After entering the repair data, selecting the size of Wrap & Seal to be used in the application will determine how many of that specific Tape are required.

Repairs being made to pipes in excess of 150mm diameter with Wrap & Seal PB-50x4m or PB-50x11m should be made in conjunction with SylPad.

Calculations serve as a guide to potential maximum pressure resistance only. Actual pressure resistance depends upon pipe material, condition, hole size, leak type and tension maintained during wrapping.

Reinforcing repairs made using Wrap & Seal

Repairs made with Wrap & Seal should be reinforced by applying a SylWrap Pipe Repair Bandage over the Pipe Burst Tape. The Bandage offers a rock hard, impact resistant layer of protection which turns the repair permanent.

Both Wrap & Seal and SylWrap Bandage are available along with Superfast Epoxy Putty in the Universal Pipe Repair Kit for making one permanent live leak repair.

For a kit that allows multiple repairs, please see the SylWrap Pipe Repair Contractor Case. Each Case is easily stored on-site or on the van and contains enough products to make up to six live leak pipe repairs.

Wrap & Seal, Superfast Epoxy and SylWrap Bandage all have WRAS approval, meaning they have been certified to British standards as safe to use on pipes and fittings carrying drinking water.

Product

Wrap & Seal Pipe Burst Tape
Self-amalgamating tape forms a solid rubber band sealing live elbow bend leaks

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