As pipes are susceptible to leaks, they require reliable yet quick fixes to stop any further damage and allow for a safe and uninterrupted flow of water or gas. This is where repair clamps come in.

We’ll guide you through the clamp installation depending on the clamp type so that you understand the process as well as the role of this tool. If you want the repair to go off without a hitch, you should get a high-quality Fernco clamp in Watertown.

How do you install repair clamps?

Before we get to the installation steps, you should be familiar with different types of clamps which may require different handling. Here are the most common repair clamps:

Redi-clamps

When there are punctures, splits, or pinhole leaks in your pipes, you may need a redi-clamp. It is effective on copper, plastic, and stainless steel pipes. These clamps have a full circumferential gasket with two bonded and recessed armor plates which create a complete seal around a pipe. They’re one of the easiest to install.

To install a redi-clamp, you should:

1. Prepare the pipe by scraping and wiping it to remove any corrosion and dirt
2. Back off the nuts to the end of the bolts without removing them
3. Separate the clamp
4. Place the gasket on the damaged area
5. Ensure the gasket covers the entire damaged area
6. Place the clamp over the gasket
7. Place the bolt heads into the lugs
8. Tighten them evenly
9. Follow the recommended torque value
10. Check for leaks and reposition the clamp if necessary

Full-circle repair clamps

A full-circle repair clamp has stainless-steel bands that can encompass a pipe and nuts or bolts to be able to close the clamp. These clamps are used for iron, steel, aluminum, glass, and plastic pipes. Here’s how to install one:

1. Prepare the pipe
2. Lubricate the pipe
3. Place your clamp around the pipe covering the leak
4. Put the gasket flap at the top
5. Tuck the gasket flap in place
6. Mesh the lug fingers
7. Position the nuts and bolts and tighten them following the instructions

Pin-hole leak repair clamps

A pin-hole leak repair clamp is used to repair smaller and localized pipe leaks. It has two halves that fit around the pipe. Besides having fastening bolts, this clamp has a locator pin to guide a pointed cone seal into the hole.

Follow these steps to install the clamp:

1. Prep the pipe
2. Remove the compression screw
3. Remove the fastening bolts
4. Position the clamp over the leak
5. Put the fastening bolts back
6. Tighten the clamp in position
7. Insert the compression screw
8. Tighten it until the leak stops

Bell-joint clamps

For leaks in ductile and cast-iron pipes, a bell-joint clamp is a great solution. It has bell and spigot joints to fit either rubber gaskets or caulked joints of a pipe. The gasket gets compressed when you draw up the spigot ring and bolt it to the connected belt ring.

Here are the steps to install this type of clamp:

1. Ensure the clamp is the right size and type
2. Clean the pipe surface
3. Place the gasket around the pipe on the spigot side of the joint
4. Lock the ends together
5. Make sure the flat side is facing toward the pipe bell
6. Install the clamp ring segments on the spigot side of the joint
7. Loosely engage the bolts to allow rotation
8. install the second set of clamp ring segments on the bell side of the joint
9. Insert the long rods through the segments into the corresponding bolt holes
10. Tighten the rods to compress the gasket

Where can you get a Fernco clamp in Watertown?

Blair Supply provides you with dependable and high-performing Fernco repair clamps made of stainless steel. Depending on your pipe issue, environment, and application, you can choose between shielded and flexible clamps.

Reach out to us to get the repair clamps you need and save both time and money, then enjoy a stress-free walk down the Black River. We’ll also gladly answer any other questions you have regarding pipe repair clamps, shielded repair couplings, types of flexible repair couplings, and more.