Tap line. What is the best way to seal threads? Video about packing a threaded connection using plumbing flax

Linen - separately, impregnation - separately...

Even modern editions of SNiPs, developed in the 80s of the last century, do not exclude from circulation such thread sealant as flax strand; it is also often called “plumbing tow”. However, GOSTs require flax to be impregnated with red lead on drying oil. Modern paints do not contain the previous amount of lead, which protected threaded connections from corrosion, and lead lead on drying oil is a composite product, the components of which still have to be looked for. In addition, winding flax or plumbing tow requires a certain amount. Incorrectly wound plumbing linen strands or tow poorly impregnated (especially with the wrong product) will not create required level protection of plumbing connections. Assembly on linen without impregnation is prohibited; plumbing tow must be impregnated! Impregnation with plumbing silicone thread sealant is also prohibited. What are the consequences?

– Early aging of the thread: due to the fact that the tow is impregnated with plumbing thread sealant, wear or corrosion of metal parts occurs.
- Leaks.
– Rupture of connection under pressure.

But this type of sealing also has advantages:

– When tow or plumbing flax is impregnated with a special paste and experienced handling of flax, the connection will last quite a long time.
– - cheap and widely available material for sealing threads. Tow can be found in any specialized plumbing store or market.

Flax is an environmentally friendly plant product that does not require certification, so connections on flax strands can be used to seal supply pipelines drinking water. Provided that the tow impregnation is also safe for use in sanitary conditions...

FUM-ido - plumbing code

Instead of flax or plumbing tow, a more modern thread sealant is often used -. Many people ask the question: what is better, fum tape or tow? The quality of the connection on the fum tape largely depends on the quality of the tape itself, so many craftsmen who have unsuccessfully tried to find a decent fum tape more than once prefer to use exclusively flax or tow. Cheap, low-quality winding does not stretch well and breaks easily. Even to an experienced master This type of thread sealant will cause a lot of trouble. Of course, in this case, he will not have a question about what is better for him to use: fum tape or tow; most likely, he will prefer a more traditional and proven sealant. Calm, just calm...

When handling fum tape, experience with such a sealant is required, as well as with flax or plumbing tow. The correct winding of the fum tape or the thickness of the layer is selected experimentally, which is also similar to the technology for using tow. Therefore, a beginner will have to spend a lot of time sealing with FUM tape. In addition, when assembling assemblies that require positioning of parts relative to each other, a problem of inconsistency may arise, and unscrewing the fum connection means starting the whole work all over again.

– Fum tape is not used in heating systems due to the cold flow properties of fluoroplastic. Here fum tape is inferior to flax or tow.
– Does not withstand vibration loads, therefore this thread sealant is not used as a seal for pipelines subject to vibration during operation. Both tape and tow occupy the same positions here.

The advantage of this type of sealing material is its high chemical resistance. This allows the use of fum in aggressive environments and in pure oxygen environments.

The pipe will not “make you nervous”

Flax and fum tape are used for plumbing work ah, several decades, so they can already be called “grandfather’s”. It is worth saying that each master decides for himself whether fum tape or the old, proven tow is better for him. An alternative to such “old-fashioned” methods using flax and fum tape is modern way sealing - plumbing thread impregnated with a special sealing compound. As you know, winding plumbing thread is much more pleasant and easier than using flax or fum tape for these purposes.

In addition, plumbing thread has a number of advantages:

– The synthetic fibers of this sealant (plumbing threads) do not dry out from high temperatures and do not swell under the influence of moisture during plumbing work.
– The plumbing thread is impregnated during production optimal quantity sealing composition, so you can be sure that it performs its protective function to the fullest.
– There is no need to clean the threads from sealant (from threads) in case of contamination during plumbing work.
– The material does not require special handling skills. The Record plumbing thread is easily and quickly wound in 10-15 turns, crossing the threaded projections crosswise.
– The thread can withstand pressure 2-3 times higher than plumbing threaded connections on flax.
– Forms quick-disconnect connections.

By the way, assembling a knot using plumbing thread is also several times faster than using flax, which is very important in an emergency situation, and is simply more convenient.

How to wind plumbing thread?

Probably, everyone who picks up a winding machine for the first time asks the question: how to wind plumbing thread? It's very simple! To wind a plumbing thread you do not need to put in a lot of effort, as is inherent in winding threads with flax and paste. This does not require special skills or labor. Even an inexperienced craftsman will adapt after the first time and will wind the plumbing thread on the next threaded connection without any problems the next time.

Here small instructions, which will help you figure out the question: how to wind plumbing thread.

The first turn of thread is fixed closer to the edge of the thread, and the rest is applied in a cross pattern. Upon completion of winding, the connection is twisted. Thus, the wound plumbing thread will reliably seal the threaded connection.

We looked at the three most popular winding methods: flax strand, fum tape and synthetic thread. All of them have the right to use, since in each specific case it is necessary to take into account a number of features of the sealed systems.

The favorite in terms of price is, of course, flax or sanitary tow. His motto could be the slogan: “Cheap and cheerful.” Being quite demanding and not universal material, it can, nevertheless, claim to be a temporary thread sealant, which it is advisable to soon replace with a more modern one. However, the price of this sealing method may vary depending on the impregnation material (paint, paste, sealant, etc.). Fum tape at average price 3.5 rubles/linear. m is a less reliable method of sealing than synthetic thread (plumbing). It will work well for sealing cold “quiet” pipelines (without temperature fluctuations and vibrations).

Rewind "Record", which is a plumbing thread, perhaps best option seals from all presented. This is the most universal sealant, unpretentious and durable for plumbing work, which fully justifies its price.

However, if you need a truly durable and reliable connection, universal to all aggressive environments, what to choose? When choosing a sealant, it is also important to remember that in some cases it is better to seek help from an anaerobic sealant. For example, all windings - flax, fum and sanitary thread - are well suited for notched or roughly cut threads, but are not suitable for smooth and tapered thread- slip. European threads are often found "smooth". Here, winding or thread will no longer help; you need plumbing sealant.

A reliable connection is ensured by modern anaerobic sealants, which are easy to use and much more economical than other sealing methods per fitting. You can purchase such sealants from us directly from the manufacturer or from the nearest store, the address of which can be found in the “” section.

In many cases, special flax fiber is used to seal threaded connections. Its other name is sanitary flax. This is a natural product, it is made from flax stem. In finished product form, it represents homogeneous, thin, long parallelized fibers combed flax. This fiber has the required length, quite high mechanical strength(for tearing, abrasion).

The flax fiber fits tightly into the threaded recesses. When screwing threaded elements various connections pipelines and fittings, sanitary flax is not destroyed. Being hygroscopic, flax fibers swell when wetted. This creates a reliable sealed threaded connection. Flax sealant is widely used in Moscow and the Moscow region when performing plumbing work in the construction, repair and reconstruction of industrial and residential facilities.

Plumbing flax: features

Despite the emergence of synthetic sealants, the use of sanitary flax as a sealing material in many cases remains preferable. This natural sealant has a long history of use. Over a long period of use, sanitary linen has proven its reliability. It is especially widely used in the installation of heat and water supply systems.

Linen strand- hypoallergenic material that is resistant to putrefactive bacteria. Its durability is explained by the presence of silica, a natural anti-putrefactive substance. Unlike imported similar materials (bleached flax), chemical treatment is not used for domestic flax. It does not have foreign odors of antiseptics and fungicides. Its contact with drinking water.

Flax fiber sealant has high technical characteristics. It retains its sealing ability when high temperatures(up to 160°C). It is successfully used when connecting pipelines and fittings in industrial and municipal steam systems. It is preferable for use in heating systems and hot water supply.

Main characteristics of sanitary flax

High-quality sanitary flax fiber should not have a putrefactive (rot) odor. It should not contain wood residues in the fiber and impurities from the remains of cereals and grassy weeds. Strands of flax fibers should not be damp (no more than 16% humidity). The quality of sanitary flax must comply with the requirements of GOST 10330-76.

During production, torn sanitary flax is checked for compliance with the requirements of the standard. The test is carried out instrumentally in factory laboratories. They control such parameters as the presence of impurities, humidity, breaking load (strength), flexibility, color group.

Method of application, use of mastic

The required volume of plumbing flax strand is wound strictly along the thread in the screwing direction. At the same time, make sure that the layer is uniform and dense. A small amount of sealing compound (mastic) is applied over the wound strand of flax fiber, left for 1-2 minutes and the threaded connections are screwed in. Operation of the assembled connection can begin immediately. Drops of water are allowed to appear at first. The leak will soon disappear completely.

The mastic impregnates the flax strand and improves the anti-corrosion resistance of the joint, therefore extending its service life. The use of mastic facilitates screwing and dismantling of threaded connections. It is completely environmentally friendly in composition. It can be used to seal drinking water pipelines. Do not apply mastic in excess large quantities. This will worsen the hygroscopicity of flax fibers and reduce their sealing properties.

Currently, when installing plumbing elements, craftsmen have the opportunity to seal threaded connections various materials. They can choose from: flax tow, fluoroplastic sealant (fum tape), anaerobic sealant, plumbing thread, etc.

A very common method that has not lost its relevance over time is plumbing flax, or rather flax-based tow. It is also available when correct use copes with his responsibilities very well.

When in contact with water, flax tow increases in volume and very tightly fills the interturn space of the thread. However, when working with this material, it is necessary to take into account a number of features that you will find in this instruction “”.

Let's look at an example of connecting a water filter and a water meter mount.

Firstly, when choosing flax, pay attention to its appearance . At proper storage, it should be light, with a reflection, without darkening or lumps. A single thread must be tensile strength, and an unpleasant pungent odor is evidence of antiseptic treatment.

Second. The thread must be prepared before assembly. Inspect the grooves, remove scale, remnants of the former seal, and rust.

Third. Prepare a small strand of flax on a clean thread, iron it, make sure that it is uniform, without lumps. For example, in the photo shown, the most common thread in everyday life is ½ inch.

Fourth. We wind the strand against the direction of rotation when tightening the thread. Place the strand tightly, turn by turn, into the thread and press the tip.

Fifth. For a uniform fit and protection of the flax, you can apply a sealant (for example: silicone, graphite, special paste). Let sit for a couple of minutes to soak and wrap.

Currently, flax is not an obsolete means of protecting threads from. The main thing is accuracy and literacy in working with it.

I hope my instructions “How to properly use plumbing flax” will be useful to a beginner home handyman. I wish you good luck!

And so, if you need to connect two plumbing parts so that the connection does not leak,

this can be done using all sorts of different tapes

Or using flax. Many may accuse me of not modernizing the thread seal - flax.
But I still seal it with flax because it’s cheaper. I rarely use this kind of tape; I use it where linen won’t help, but more on that another time.

In addition to linen, I use unipack and multipack.

It's like this sealing paste. It serves to ensure that the flax does not deteriorate, does not burn due to temperature, and the connection can be disassembled. Because earlier this same flax was smeared with paint. After the “dyed” flax has been standing for a year, it is difficult to disassemble such a connection. If the flax is not smeared with anything, the connection will be short-lived.

Moreover, the use of paste allows you to adjust the connection. Those. if you twist it a little, then according to the manufacturer, the connection can be twisted back up to 45 degrees.

Now flax.

Linen is sold in different ways. Most convenient way flax packaging for the user is skeins like threads

A ready-made strand is taken from the middle. This great solution, but not very cheap.
That's why we use it in a different form. But they also differ in quality. In the first photo we see shit-linen and in the second - linen. Shit-flax differs from flax in that the former is very coarse and can be smelly. It is more difficult to make a strand of the desired “thickness” from it.

How to wind?

everything is very simple. The main thing is not to be afraid and not to overdo it. The bottom line is this: If you wind too much, the connection may burst; if you wind too little, it may leak.
How to use Unipack? The manufacturer recommends spreading the paste onto the cleaned threads, then wrapping flax and adding another layer of uniatka on top.
We smear only on top, and sometimes I just smear the entire strand with unipak and then wrap it around the thread.

The most important thing is that you need to wind the flax so that when twisting it does not unwind. On a regular thread, wind it clockwise. When twisting the product, the linen will not unravel. And so, here we go:

Did you reel it in and apply a unipak? Now let's twist it.

The most important thing is not to wrap too much so that the fitting does not crack.
This connection must be carefully tightened with two keys. And we can end here. Let's move on to the next connection.

Addition of material from comments from reader Ilya. October 2012

To seal connections you need to use your choice:

1. Linen + sanitary paste.
Linen is not suitable for temperatures above 90 degrees; over time, it boils, burns, and loses its properties.

2. TANGIT Uni-Lock or equivalent.
Tangit Uniloka is more expensive than its analogues, 20 meters of Tangit Uniloka (packaging on a blister on which it is written that it is enough for 50 connections for a 1/2-inch thread) costs 130 rubles, and the analogue - “Plumbing” 50 meters costs the same 130 rubles ( in Leroy-Merlin, St. Petersburg).

3. Polyamide thread + silicone lubricant.
On the packaging of Tangit Unilock and its analogues the composition is written: polyamide thread + silicone. If we want to save money, then we conclude: you can buy a regular thick polyamide thread in hardware store or in a sewing store and buy thick or liquid silicone grease from auto parts or the same plumbing paste.

4. Linen rope + plumbing paste.
Construction and hardware stores sell household linen, jute and similar ropes made from plant materials. They cost about 50 rubles. for 50 meters.

Silicone sealant is not suitable because it polymerizes/hardens and if you need to position the connection, say, after a few hours, it will be torn inside the thread. Therefore, it is necessary to use a non-hardening and non-washable sealing filler. Besides, silicone sealants vinegar-based products can cause corrosion of metals.

In general, in order to understand what is better, you just need to experiment.

How to wind? Crosswise, as indicated in the instructions for Tangit unilok, either with or against the thread - it’s all a matter of habit. The main thing is to wind it tightly so that the thread is covered with the material used. I can wind it this way and that way, and nothing will come out of the thread or leak. But still, thread or flax wound against the thread will be cut faster when tightening the nut, this is obvious.

Winding different materials for 1/2 inch thread:

1. We take flax, smooth it out, cut off a strand one, or maximum two matches thick.
We smooth the separated strand again, holding it between our fingers, and throw away the small fibers.
If desired, you can twist the strand into a lace.
We wind it very tightly along the thread, starting from the edge so that the thread groove is completely closed.
Then we take plumbing paste and spread it large number rotational movements on wound flax.
If your hands grow from the right place, then everything should work out very neatly.
Then we tighten the connection, twisting should occur with a certain force, but not with all the dope!
If the nut tightens easily, it means there is not enough flax, or there is too much gap between the internal and external threads. You need to unwind the flax and wind more new one.
If everything is done correctly, then the linen should not come out from under the thread and it will be dry :)

2. We wind the Tangit unilock thread along the thread or crosswise 6-8 turns and connect it. And that's it.

3. Homemade option. We also wind the polyamide thread and coat it with plumbing paste or thick silicone grease. Or first soak the entire skein of thread with liquid silicone lubricant. We wind on the connection. Let's connect. That's all.
If you soak or soak a skein of thread in liquid lubricant, then you need to put it in some small plastic box or bottle so that dirt does not stick to the thread and it does not stain anything.

4. We separate the linen rope into two laces from which it is twisted. We cut off 40-50 cm. We wind it onto the thread. Lubricate with plumbing paste and tighten the connection.

Synthetic thread - Tangit Unilock or an analogue - is the most universal!

True knowledge will come only with experience!

IN modern conditions There is a whole range of plumbing work, including installation and repair. Despite the emergence of innovative analogues, many craftsmen prefer to carry out work using traditional materials, such as sanitary linen. A number of its shortcomings are not an obstacle, since its low price remains a priority.

As the name implies, plumbing flax is mainly used for connecting elements of water supply and sewerage systems. This applies to pipes, fittings, taps, and other components. However, use it according to technical documentation, including GOST and SNiP, can be used for other purposes. So, it is recommended to use it when laying engineering systems such as gas pipelines, as well as in the assembly of steam and water heating systems.

The special properties of the material are used craftsmen. They call it flax tow and use it as an environmentally friendly safe insulation for caulking baths and log houses. It does not allow moisture to pass through, but allows air to pass through. It is also used as sound insulation.

The principle of operation of such a sealant is based on the use of hygroscopic properties. It consists in the fact that the plumbing will be in place threaded connection allow moisture to pass through and, under its influence, the flax fibers used for winding will physically expand, minimizing gaps, thereby preventing further spread of moisture, leaks and, as a result, the formation of rust.

Simple winding is facilitated by high flexibility, the length of the fibers can be varied by cutting.

Varieties, alternatives and selection rules

Linen is good for styling almost everything metal pipes, including cast iron, made of stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, including copper, as well as their alloys, such as brass. The only exceptions are aluminum and metal-plastic products, as well as those made from polymer compositions. For them, professionals recommend using fum tape.

In cases where it is impossible to be completely satisfied with the result of using fum tape, it is recommended to wind plumbing flax in parallel with it. They complement each other and compensate for the shortcomings of each material.

Fibers of various qualities are available on sale. All of them are produced on the same equipment - a carding machine. They are distinguished by numbers, which contain a description on the label. They vary in the range from 8 to 24. In this case, fibers with a higher number will have fewer impurities and vice versa. They are also characterized by a degree of flexibility, which is less important in their work.

Fibers are packaged in coils, as well as braids of fixed weight and size. Their color can vary from white to light gray, as well as beige due to the use of natural raw materials.

Damaged fibers will have bad smell rotten. Acceptable level humidity - no higher than 12%, otherwise the material loses its properties.

Advantages and benefits

The material has an easily dosed fibrous structure and high tensile strength, which is maintained even when the reinforcement is twisted. Subject to the use of appropriate related materials, the maximum temperature can reach 140-150 degrees.

Compared to other materials, flax sanitary fibers have the lowest cost among similar sealants, which allows them to be purchased in kilograms. This is facilitated by the widespread availability of the material.

Environmental safety due to the use of natural raw materials allows the material to be used in the construction of water pipelines. But, despite the content of natural ingredients, allergic reactions fibers do not cause.

Disadvantages, negative points

Despite the large number of advantages, natural sealant is not without its disadvantages. They are especially obvious when installation and repair technology is violated. After short-term use, rust may form at the joints, making it difficult to dismantle structures during subsequent repairs. In view of this, it is recommended to regularly inspect connections for leaks and take measures to eliminate damage.

The material is very sensitive to the quality of work, so it is recommended to use it only by experienced craftsmen.

Attractive physical properties compensated by the low chemical sensitivity of the material. Thus, flax fibers will be destroyed under the influence of antifreeze if they are part of the mixture passing through connected communications.

There is an opinion that the material is sensitive to high blood pressure in pipes and at values ​​exceeding 8 atmospheres, it can reduce the quality of sealing. However, the use of plumbing flax for connecting pipes does not lose popularity.

Step-by-step instructions for use and their variations

Before winding flax on the thread, check its quality. If it has factory perpendicular notches, then the pipes are designed specifically for this type of connection. Otherwise you will need to do them yourself. To do this, you can use a file, screwdriver, chisel or hacksaw.

You need to act carefully so as not to completely cut off the thread and, especially, not to destroy the product, for example, a faucet, if it is made of a brittle alloy such as brass. The sharper the edges of the notches, the more effectively the winding will hold. Optimal angle sections - no more than 55 degrees.

Then you can go in two ways - with or without lubricant. The second option is recommended solely as a temporary solution, since it does not allow the plumbing flax technical specifications opened completely.

In any case, winding flax on a thread will follow the same principle.

There is only one way to wind flax on a thread - against its direction. Otherwise, when twisting a part with a nut or part of a fitting, the connection will be leaky, and the wound layer of fibers will peel off.

You can also use lubricant in two ways. In the first case, it is applied directly to the thread, before winding the flax, and in the second, after winding, in order to mold the fibers and make the path of the wound part of the fitting easier. It is also possible to impregnate the fibers with lubricant before winding them. The choice between options is determined solely by the degree of convenience.

As a lubricant, you can use such products as litol, grease, drying oil mixed with red lead and even oil paint. But the best option in modern conditions, a pipe sealant, for example, silicone-based or sealing paste, is considered.

It is worth noting that there are other subtleties in how to properly wind flax threads on pipes. So, in order to avoid slipping of the linen winding, it is recommended that before winding the main layer, place the edge of the strand on the thread and apply turns of fiber crosswise on top of it. The layer of fibers should not be too thick - for example, the nut should be tightened with light force.

Conclusions

Now you know how to wind flax correctly and what criteria should be used when choosing it as a sealant. It's hard to name him ideal option, but in rare cases its use is certainly justified. So, for pipes whose diameter exceeds 20 mm, its use is mandatory, as is the case with steam pipelines, the coolant in which can have a temperature of up to 120 degrees.

Without any problems, the material is used for packing gland couplings and sealing ceramic and cast iron pipes.

Subject to storage rules, this consumables can be purchased for future use and used as needed over a long period of time.