People who at least sometimes do repairs and installation work They know that a clamp may be needed at the most unexpected moment. This is the first device that comes to mind when you need to quickly fix a pipe leak. Indeed, applying a clamp is a temporary measure, but sometimes necessary. It is possible that, due to circumstances, it cannot be purchased right now; besides, even a simple wire clamp will do to solve the problem. Therefore, you need to do it yourself.

Pipe leak

Design features of the product

Clamp - simple and effective adaptation, which has a lot of standard variations, but, in fact, they all have similar design characteristics. The difference is presented in the form of shapes and fastening devices. Their use is most common in the field of installation and repair of pipeline systems, this leads to another characteristic feature designs. For better fixation and tightness, the product often has a rubber gasket.

Regarding the practical benefits of the products in question, we can say that without them it is almost impossible to carry out high-quality fixation of the pipeline, both horizontal and vertical.

The line of types of this device begins with the simplest one-sided products, which are a threaded pin. It then continues with variations that differ not only in the greater complexity of the design, but also in size (this should be understood as the maximum diameter of the pipe for which this or that product can be used) and intended purpose.

Clamps

The most common problems that clamps help solve:

Repairing cracks in pipeline systems. Depending on the type of product, even fairly large damage can be covered.
Pipe fracture is not common, but serious problem. For the most part, it is encountered by those who professionally install and repair pipelines.
Also, if it is necessary to eliminate “fistulas” water pipes, again clamps are widely used. In such a situation, it is necessary to use a soft substrate.

Pay attention! If the pipe being repaired is used to transport corrosive liquids, then it is necessary to use a type of fastener that can withstand these specific operating conditions.

Specifically for steel pipes, the product can help reduce the risk of leaks caused by corrosion. Situations often arise where it damages the metal so much that a leak can occur at any minute.

The market is saturated with all sorts of clamp configurations different manufacturers. Factory production, in addition to professional manufacturing, it also provides a guarantee of quality. After all, the products are manufactured in accordance with GOST. Such government quality regulation is associated with the high degree of role of clamps in maintaining the integrity of the structures in which they are used. Based on this, the question arises whether it is worth making a clamp on steel pipe with your own hands.

Question arises

Is it worth making clamps yourself, and what mistakes can be made?

The clamp is, at first glance, a simple device that does not differ in any characteristics that are difficult to understand. The presence of risk associated with the manufacture of homemade clamps depends on how confident the person is in his abilities, and whether the clamp can be used in the given conditions.

For example, a fairly rusty heating pipe leaked. The area of corrosion in the damaged area has a fairly wide area. If the clamp is made incorrectly and does not correspond to the required size, then after attempting to install it the situation can only get worse.

Rust streaks from under the clamp

Based on this, naturally, it is better to always have factory-made clamps of various modifications and sizes on hand, or if problems arise with the pipeline, immediately contact the repair service. Unfortunately, neither the first nor the second options are often feasible. No one plans for a leak, the time of its occurrence is not regulated, and it is not possible to have clamps of all configurations available.

If a leak occurs, immediate action must be taken. And it is for this purpose that you can make a clamp with your own hands, which will give you time to solve the problem in full.

The simplest clamp

In the absence specialized tools and materials such as grinders, drills, sheet metal and the like, you can resort to the simplest, but for a while problem solver Another option is to make a clamp from a piece of wire. It will help you eliminate the leak as quickly as possible and calmly wait for the help of specialists:

Pipe leak

The first thing to do is find tape or insulating tape, a piece of wire soft enough to bend but strong enough, and a piece of rubber (for example, a tourniquet).
Next, you should place a piece of rubber on the pipe in the place where the leak occurred, after which it is pressed as tightly as possible with the wire by winding it.

Important! When wrapped with wire special attention need to be given to the edges of the future clamp.

The resulting patch, for greater reliability, is tightly wrapped with adhesive tape (duct tape or tape).

Such a handmade product will not require much time and will help to avoid possible big problems.

Semi-professional option

The previously described example of manufacturing a wire clamp is “urgent”. But if the manufacture of the product does not require much haste, and you have the tools available, then you can build a fairly good version of the product yourself. This one can last for many years.

Necessary tool

First, you need to understand what tool you will need:

Hammer or light sledgehammer;
Drill and drill bit (Ø 6 - 8 mm);
Grinder or special scissors for cutting metal;
Measuring instruments – ruler, caliper;
Wrenches, pliers.

Materials

To make a clamp capable of carrying significant loads you will need:

A metal plate of moderate thickness, preferably up to 1 mm. You should not use steel of greater thickness, since it will not only be problematic to bend, but it will also not allow you to make a sufficiently tight connection;
Rubber strip, its thickness should be about 3 mm;
Bolts, nuts (Ø 6 - 8 mm). It is advisable to have washers for them.

Manufacturing algorithm

To successfully make a clamp with your own hands, you do not need any special abilities in this matter, but some basic skills are still needed. According to the advice of experienced plumbers, work should occur in the following sequence:

The process begins by measuring the damaged area, then cutting a steel plate of the appropriate size. In the dimensions of the plate, it is necessary to take into account not only the length of the damaged section of the pipe, but also its circumference (after obtaining the size, it is worth adding 5 cm to it).

Pipe measurement

On both sides of the workpiece, using pliers, the “ears” of the future fastener are bent (eventually they should be perpendicular to the main part of the metal strip).
In the “ears” you need to drill holes for the mounting bolt.

Homemade clamp

Next, a strip of rubber is cut out, the width of which should be less than the circumference of the damaged pipe.

Please note! If the clamp being manufactured has small size(no more than 6 cm), then the “ears” can have one hole in the center for a mounting bolt. If it is larger, then it is preferable to make them more than 2-3.

Installation

Once the product is almost ready, you can proceed to its installation, which will complete the work.

The metal plate, with moderate pressure, bends around a pipe having a similar diameter to the one that has damaged integrity. Ultimately, the ears should match.
Attention! If the bend is made unevenly, problems may arise with installing the mounting bolt.
A pre-prepared piece of rubber is applied to the leak site, after which a steel plate is installed on top of it. Before you begin installation metal element, it needs to be bent a little. This is done in order to simplify the installation process on the pipe.
And so, if everything was done correctly, then there will be a distance of a couple of centimeters between the “ears”, and they can be tightened with a bolt. When sufficient pressure of the product is reached on the pipe, the flow will stop.

Add to bookmarks

How to properly make a temporary pipe clamp?

Oleg, Yekaterinburg asks a question:

Please help me solve this problem. At the dacha, the water pipe began to leak. Major renovation pipe replacement is planned for the spring. We need to temporarily fix the leak somehow. Need detailed instructions on how to make a pipe clamp. I will be very grateful for practical advice.

The expert answers:

Repairing various breaks in pipes with clamps began a very long time ago. The technology for this type of work is proven, simple and reliable. To complete this you will need the following materials:

piece of tin;
a piece of rubber;
bolts;
nuts;
washers.

The clamp consists of a metal crimp - a bandage, as well as an internal rubber seal- cuffs. Absolutely any tin will do, but it’s better to try to choose galvanized one. Such a bandage will be more resistant to corrosion. The thickness should not be less than 0.5 mm. The cuff can be cut from an old boot, a piece of a car or bicycle tube, or a thick mitten. Any tire will do. The number of bolts depends on the width of the clamp. If it’s narrow, then one is enough. For a wide one you will need 2 or 3. Diameter from 6 to 10 mm. Nuts and washers are selected using them.

First prepare your tools:

Hammer.
Pliers. A vice will also work.
Calipers. You can replace it with a piece of some kind of lace.
Scissors for cutting metal. A jigsaw or grinder will do.
Hand or electric drill.
Drills to match the size of the bolts.
Wrenches.
Sandpaper.

Installation of the clamp

Using a caliper, measure the diameter of the pipe. This way you will know how long to cut a strip of tin. To do this, multiply the number “pi” by the value of the diameter. The result is the circumference. Those who don't like geometry or don't have calipers can use a string or something similar.

Wrap this string around your pipe and make marks on it, such as a felt-tip pen or chalk. By measuring the distance between the marks, get the same circumference. Add 3-4 cm to the “ears”. The width depends on the damage to the pipe. The rubber patch is also cut out.

Only its size should be without “ears”. Tapping with a hammer, bend the cut strip around the pipe, and bend the “ears” at a right angle with pliers. Having placed them together, drill a hole for the existing bolt. If the width is more than 4 cm, then drill 2 holes, or even 3. Clean the area under the clamp with sandpaper.

Place the middle of the cuff over the leak, place a bandage on top of it and tighten it with a bolt and nut. Now you have detailed instructions on how to make pipe clamps yourself. Such clamps are very reliable and durable, and can last no less than the pipe itself. So your temporary repair may well become permanent.

Or to eliminate pipeline defects, clamps are used to secure pipes. They are made of steel or plastic. Plastic ones are not subject to corrosion, but their installation step increases. They are not used for repair work, since they do not provide a waterproofing layer. Metal clamps have a high degree of reliability and are able to absorb vibrations of the entire pipe system, which is why they are most widely used.

Pipe clamps are the first helpers for leaking pipes

The simplest clamp design

The main element of the product is a crimp bandage, which has a steel outer surface. The inner part is in most cases made of corrugated rubber, which acts as a seal and provides excellent sealing. It is used as a material for production.

When carrying out work, two types of steel clamp are used:

double C-shaped;
single O-shaped.

The first consists of two identical halves, fastened on both sides. In the second case, the design provides one eye for fastening, into the hole of which a bolt is inserted. The diameter of the fastener is assumed to be 8 or 10 millimeters. Both types of clamps are equally convenient for work.

Depending on the pitch of the fasteners and the diameter of the pipeline, the diameter of the product according to the internal measurement, the width of the steel strip and its thickness are selected. Steel clamps for fastening pipes are usually installed in increments of 1.6-1.8 m for horizontal pipes and 2.4-2.6 m for vertical pipes.

Steel clamps are made of steel frame with corrugated rubber seal

Independent production of products from available materials

Before starting work, you will need to prepare everything necessary tools and measure the diameter of the pipes if it is unknown. Measurements are taken using a caliper or several rulers. The first option will allow you to obtain a value with less error.

Next, you will need to calculate the length of the metal strip that is needed to make a plumbing pipe clamp. To do this, use the formula l=π*D + 4 cm, where l is the length of the strip, D is the measured diameter, and π = 3.14. A margin of 4 cm is provided for the manufacture of ears for fasteners.

To make a pipe clamp you will need the following tools:

M8 or M10 bolts and corresponding nuts and washers;
wrenches;
metal shears or other cutting devices designed to work with steel;
pliers and hammer;
drill.

The material for the bandage is a strip with a galvanized surface. Its width should be from 4 to 8 cm and its thickness 1 mm. Thicker material will be very difficult to work with. As a sealant, it is necessary to prepare a piece of rubber of a suitable size, 3 mm thick.

On metal blanks it is necessary to mark the location of the ears and bend them at a right angle. This operation is performed manually or using pliers. Holes for bolted connections drilled with a drill. The size depends on the diameter of the fastener.

The metal strip is given the required shape. If leveling is necessary, tap the surface with a hammer. After checking that the holes in the lugs match in . The product is ready to be attached to metal pipes.

To tighten a small clamp, it is enough to provide one bolt. If the width of the clamp strip is up to 6 cm, you will need to use two fasteners. For bandage widths from 6 to 8 cm, it is recommended to install three bolts.

Scheme of using a mortise clamp in the system central water supply

Instructions for attaching the clamp to the pipe

To install a repair metal pipe clamp yourself, you must follow the following procedure:

before installation, the clamp on the pipe is unbent;
installation of the product on the pipe with a slight pushing force;
bolts are threaded into the holes of the ears;
by screwing the nuts, tighten the ears until they fit snugly against the pipe.

Self-production and the installation of such fastenings for pipelines is just a temporary measure to eliminate leaks. The metal has already begun to deteriorate due to corrosion, so serious repairs will soon be required by welding or complete replacement damaged pipes.

After installation, it is necessary to check the reliability of the seal. To do this, wipe the pipe dry and wait 5 minutes or a little more. After this time, visual and tactile inspection of the pipe surface is carried out for the presence of moisture.

Fasteners for hot water pipes or heating system must be made of materials that do not interfere with thermal expansion pipeline.

Connection to the main pipeline

To connect private house To centralized system water supply, you need to obtain permits required by the organization responsible for the networks in the given territory. After this, the work is carried out by professional utility workers. The mechanic performs work without reducing the pressure in the system and using a welding machine.

The insertion occurs by piercing the pipeline through a hole in the clamp. The contact point is sealed using rubber pads and drilling occurs. Most often, for this type of work, clip clamps are used, consisting of two parts - upper and lower. Drilling and electric welding clamps are also used, but they are not suitable for large diameter pipes.

Tapping into a main pipeline without permission and control from utility services is an illegal act. Since September 1, 2014, administrative liability has been provided for this. As a punishment, a fine is imposed, the amount of which depends on the diameter of the pipe. When carrying out work, be sure to invite a representative of the organization responsible for the backbone networks.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Making and attaching a repair clamp to pipes is a feasible task for a non-professional. Fixing leaks on your own is not always able to solve the problem, but it will help buy time before contacting special services.

The rubber is pressed tightly against the defect on the pipe and does not allow water to flow out of the pipe; the more uneven the surface of the pipe, the thicker the rubber should be.
To hold the rubber tightly on the pipe, you need tin - this is the frame of the clamp; the more uneven the surface of the pipe and the denser the rubber, the thicker the tin should be.
The bolts tightly tighten the tin frame and ensure the necessary tightness of the rubber to the pipe. The more uneven the surface of the pipe, the denser the rubber, and the thicker the tin, the larger the diameter of the bolts. The thicker and softer rubber, the longer the bolts will be needed.

The clamp looks like this:

The sequence of making the clamp is as follows:

Determine the diameter of the pipe using a caliper (or an angle and a ruler for large pipe diameters).
Cut the tin frame of the clamp with a width of 4-8 cm and a length equal to the circumference of the pipe + 3-4 cm for the ears. The larger the diameter of the pipe, the wider the clamp is made. The circumference of the pipe is equal to the diameter multiplied by the number P= 3.14. Marking can be done with a marker, a children's felt-tip pen, and even a sharp screwdriver if there is no special “scriber”.
Mark and drill holes for the fastening bolts on the ears; the more accurately you do this, the easier it will be to install the clamp. If you use wide washers, you can drill holes 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the bolts, this will simplify installation of the clamp. For clamps wider than 6 cm, it is advisable to drill holes for 3 bolts.
Mark the ears and bend them 90°, holding a piece of tin in a vice or using pliers.
Bend the tin around the pipe on which you will put the clamp, so that the ears connect and drilled holes coincided. If necessary, tap the tin with a hammer, but usually this is not required.
Cut a rubber gasket with a width equal to the width of the clamp and a length equal to the circumference of the pipe - 0.5-1 cm.
Insert the rubber gasket into the clamp.

The clamp installation sequence is as follows:

Spread the ears of the clamp so that the clamp can be placed on the pipe.
Place the clamp on the pipe so that the rubber gasket covers the pipe defect well. Ideally, the pipe defect should be located in the center of the rubber gasket. If you did everything correctly, then there will be a distance of 1 - 3 cm between the ears. When tightened with bolts, it will decrease
Insert bolts with washers and wrenches or use a wrench and pliers to tighten the bolts so as to press the rubber gasket against the pipe as much as possible.

Almost always, clamps are placed on a leaking pipe without shutting off the water supply or waste water, so you can immediately evaluate the quality of the clamp installation. Wipe the clamp and pipe dry and wait 5-10 minutes; if water does not ooze from under the clamp, then everything is fine.

The clamp can stand for years and even decades, but still better pipe, especially plumbing or heating, brew.

If, when installing the clamp, you used too long bolts and they irritate you or your wife with their sharp appearance, they can be cut with a hacksaw or grinder.

Accidents in plumbing and heating systems, although common, are always unexpected and unpleasant. The good news is that minor damage can usually be repaired. on our own. For this it would be good to have a few clamps in stock the right size. They will help close a corrosion crack, block an “extra tap” or connect a broken section of a pipeline. Our article will tell you how to make a pipe clamp in one case or another.

Scope of application of clamps

Repairs can only be made on straight sections of the pipeline

The scope of application of such devices concerns only horizontal and vertical sections of highways. It is impossible to place a clamp on a pipe with a branch or at the junction where tees and crosses are located.

But these special parts are successfully used on structures made of different materials. You can equally well tidy up a fragile cast iron pipe and a flexible copper pipeline. The range also includes special clamps designed for asbestos-cement pipes. Also in open sale You can buy parts that are used in the repair of polymer and composite (metal-plastic) pipelines.

Repair tools of this type allow you to eliminate the following defects:

Cracks in the body of highways. Their size can be very small or quite large (in length and width).
Pipe fractures. To eliminate them, use a repair clamp with fastening. It not only helps to “heal” the structure, but also allows you to securely fasten the “break” to a support - a ceiling or wall.
Fistulas in straight areas. In this case, the clamp on the pipe to eliminate the leak must have an elastic backing that is pressed into the fistula. For systems that transport aggressive chemicals, special repair parts made from stainless steel.
Damage caused by corrosion.

Types of devices

Industrial Clamps

Repair clamps industrial production have the following varieties:

Repair double-sided. It consists of two “halves” connected by screws. This repair kit should be selected taking into account the specific pipe diameter.
Unilateral U shape. Used on small diameter pipelines ( maximum size- DN 50). The upper part of the element is perforated for threaded mounting.
Multi-component. Designed to protect pipelines large diameter. Pipe clamp 6000 includes three or more elements. Accordingly, when installing such devices, at least three threaded pairs are used (one for each joint between the elements).
For fastening pipes. In this embodiment, the repair kit can be single-sided or double-sided. At the bottom, a self-tapping screw is attached to it, passed through a special perforation. When assembling such a clamp, first of all, attach it to the wall bottom part. This is done using a self-tapping screw. Then they put the pipe into the lower connector, after which they press it top part devices.

Homemade clamps

Single-sided and double-sided clamps

Sometimes it becomes necessary to make homemade repair kits. In this case, you can use a rubber band, wire and tape. In practice it should go like this:

A rubber band should be wound around the pipe (this may be suitable rectangular piece old bicycle tube).
After this, it must be tied with wire. The winding is done especially carefully around the edges homemade device- here it should be tightened with thick coils, laid in a row.
Then the rubber fixed with wire is wrapped with insulating tape or tape.
At the end, it is recommended to paint the homemade clamp on the heating pipe.

Application of repair parts

Limitations on the use of clamps

As already mentioned, such devices can only be used on straight sections of networks and installed only on outside pipes. In addition, there are other restrictions:

The pipeline being repaired should not have a diameter of more than 350 mm. This is why it is so difficult to find clamps for sewer pipes large size.
The dimensions of the products should be within 15-20 cm plus the length of the damaged area. During repairs polymer pipes this excess is 20-30 cm.
When a line ruptures, it can be repaired provided that the distance between the torn ends does not exceed 1 cm. The deviation of their axes should not be more than 2-3 degrees.
Damage that can be closed with a clamp should not cover more than 60% of the pipe body. Otherwise, the section is simply cut out and replaced with a tap-in using fittings or two clamps.

Advantages of the part

Part for fastening pipes with self-tapping screw

If you use these universal parts, you will be able to appreciate its advantages:

The repair kit is installed very quickly, literally in a few minutes. To fix it, you just need to screw in two pairs of bolt nuts.
If you install the factory clamp correctly, it can withstand a heavy load - within 6-10 atmospheres. Moreover, the temperature of the transported substance in the system can reach 120 °C.
Products have wide range by size. The smallest clamp is designed for a 1/2 inch (150 mm) pipe, and the largest one can repair a pipeline that has a diameter of 1200 mm. True, in stores building materials you can only find serial products with a diameter of 350 mm. Larger items will need to be made to order.
Having restored the integrity of the pipeline using a clamp, you can take your time to remove it. From experience, such “repairs” can last at least 5 years.
The devices allow you to produce renovation work in the existing transport system. This is why clamps are highly respected by emergency plumbers.

Clamp-based repair kits are produced all over the world. However, experts most value such manufacturers as Romacon (Holland), Melcher and Frenzen Armaturen (Germany), Domex (Poland), IDRA (China).

If the question of how to install a clamp on a pipe is very difficult for you, you should contact a specialist. They will do it with ease. Let everything work smoothly and trouble-free in your home!