Effective Thread Sealing – How to Prevent Leaks

A thread sealant is a material used to fill gaps in threaded pipe connections to prevent the leakage of liquids and gases. Choosing the right thread sealant for metal pipe joints in a specific application is crucial for ensuring leak-proof connections and avoiding costly breakdowns.

What to Consider When Choosing a Thread Sealant?

Sealing threaded pipe connections helps prevent leaks caused by vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and pressure changes. Threaded joints alone do not provide a fluid-tight seal.

Key factors to consider when selecting an effective sealant:

• Environmental conditions of pipes used in water installations – is the sealant resistant to extreme temperatures that could cause it to crack and leak?

• System pressure – can the sealant withstand the operating pressure inside the pipe?

• Compatibility with the thread material

• Compatibility with the working fluids

• Curing time

• Ease of application

How to Seal a Leaking Thread? Thread Sealing Products

A leaking thread in a water, pneumatic or gas system is a problem that should not be ignored. In this section, we explore several traditional methods for sealing threads as well as modern solutions available on the market.

PTFE Thread Seal Tape

PTFE sealing tape is used in water and gas systems, both low- and high-pressure. It is applied without the need for additional paste or lubricant. The product is factory-impregnated and does not swell upon contact with water. The sealing tape allows for minor adjustment of the joint (up to half a turn) without compromising the seal. It can be used on plastic threads as well.

Hemp Fibres and PTFE Tape

Hemp and PTFE tapes are common sealing methods. PTFE tape comes in various sizes and colours and is used to seal threaded joints against water, gas, and air leaks. It's suitable for sealing connections with high temperatures and pressure. The tape should be wrapped counter-clockwise to the pipe thread to ensure a tight fit. If wrapped in the tightening direction, the material may bunch up and fail to provide a watertight seal. Re-adjusting the joint can tear the tape and create leaks. There's also a risk of tape fragments entering the medium and clogging components like valves.

Hemp fibres (often called oakum) are bundles of flax or hemp fibres used for sealing hydraulic threads. They usually require a sealing paste. Before installation, the surface should be roughened with a saw blade to increase adhesion. Apply the paste to the thread, wrap the hemp, and then tighten and test the joint. Hemp is commonly used for bathroom and gas pipe installations.

Thread Sealing Paste

Thread sealing paste is used to secure threaded pipes, hydraulic systems, and other joints from leaks. It fills all gaps and ensures a deep-set connection. The paste is applied with a brush or finger directly to the internal and external threads.

There are two types of pastes to seal leaking threads: solvent-based compounds and anaerobic resins. Solvent-based pastes may shrink, harden, and crack over time, particularly in water installations, and pipe vibrations can accelerate leakage.

Each method has its advocates and critics.

If you're wondering which sealing product to choose, Power Rubber recommends anaerobic thread sealants. They provide a reliable seal across the entire system!

Thread Sealant Glue for Pipe Connections

Anaerobic sealants are a modern method for sealing metal threads. These are single-component liquid formulations that do not shrink or crack.

Anaerobic adhesive is a sealing material that cures at room temperature once air is excluded and in contact with metal ions. Its benefits include:

• Creates a strong seal resistant to loosening from vibration and impact (prevents self-loosening)

• Does not shrink or crack

• Prevents corrosion

• Protects threaded surfaces from galling

• Resistant to chemicals, engine oil, unleaded petrol, acetone, and brake fluid

• Does not shred over time

• Prevents contamination within the system (won't clog valves, filters, etc.)

• Suitable for all fitting sizes

• Slow curing time allows adjustment

• Suitable for high-pressure applications

Types of Anaerobic Thread Sealants

Anaerobic thread sealants are available in three strength levels:

• Low strength – easy to disassemble with standard tools

• Medium strength – may require hand tools for disassembly

• High strength – requires heating the bolt head to about 250°C for removal

Anaerobic Glue – Quality and Performance

Anaerobic adhesive creates a reliable seal that eliminates the need for conventional sealing materials like tapes and hemp. It's easier to apply compared to other sealing methods. Only minimal thread preparation is required – threads must be clean and free from oil and grease.

Anaerobic adhesives are used across many industries, including aerospace, energy, automotive, defence, agricultural machinery, and more. They're used for bonding threads, shafts, bearings, and other components.

Modern Thread Sealing Solutions from Power Rubber

Power Rubber is a reputable manufacturer of rubber products and offers trusted solutions for securing threaded connections.

Our store features a wide selection of single-component liquid adhesives that fill and seal all gaps while withstanding the burst pressure of most piping systems. Our thread sealants are suitable for both active and passive metals.

Get in touch with our experts to learn more!

Contact us by phone at +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 505 16 03 03, or email us at Power@PowerRubber.com. You can also use our contact form.