1. Appointment of tow and how it works.
2. Varieties of sealing materials.
3. Method for sealing pipe threads with tow.
In plumbing work, tow is used to seal pipes and transitions connected by threads. It is made mainly from flax waste and is a coarse fiber of small size. If the tow is wound correctly, leakage protection will be provided throughout the life of the pipeline. Answering the question of how to wind tow on a thread, it should be said that the quality of workmanship prevents the risk of a leak in the plumbing system.
There is a gap between the threaded connections through which water freely exits the pipeline. If there is a properly laid plumbing tow in it, then the gap becomes smaller, and in the process of water penetration into such a connection, the flax swells and the leak stops.
Variety of sealing materials.
The main materials that create an airtight layer between threaded connections include:- plumbing tow;
- FUM tape;
- liquid FUM.
Silicone is used as an additional material for tow, but by itself, due to its properties, it cannot provide reliable leakage protection for the connection.
FUM is a thread winder consisting of a Teflon tape that is not wetted by water and creates a water-repellent layer in the joints.
Liquid FUM is a one-component sealant of blue color, upon contact with air, it slowly hardens and forms a sufficiently strong and dense filler that prevents water from flowing out of the system. But, if when using the above materials, pressure testing of the water supply can be done immediately, then after applying the liquid FUM, before checking the system, you need to wait a certain time, depending on the diameter and ambient temperature.
Method for sealing pipe threads with tow.
High-quality thread winding is carried out using the following materials and tools:- pipe lever wrenches in the amount of two pieces;
- plumbing tow;
- FUM tapes.
We will consider the procedure for obtaining a high-quality tight threaded connection using the example of combining a union nut (American) with an external thread of 1 inch and a check valve.
From the tow we separate a strand with a length approximately equal to 5 - 7 turns of a diameter of 1 inch and a density indicated in the photo.
We apply the resulting workpiece to the beginning of the connecting element of the American, while its thread should be directed towards you, and wind it clockwise, along the turns and vice versa. We bring the end of the tow to the beginning of the thread and with our fingers, clockwise, smooth it down. As a result, it should turn out as in the photo.
Then, on this part, we wind the FUM clockwise so that it completely overlaps the plumbing linen and lies on it in 2 - 3 layers.
Teflon tape prevents the tow from turning and moving off the part. Making money on the American check valve and with the help of keys we tighten them until a noticeable load occurs.
Such a combined thread winding, with appropriate skill, almost always ensures a reliable connection of two detachable elements of the pipeline. When all components of the system are assembled, it is necessary to pressurize it at a pressure of approximately 1 bar and inspect all threaded connections for leaks.
When using low-quality parts, the amount of winding should be slightly reduced, since during the swelling of flax, forces arise that can lead to damage to the part.
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 work using traditional materials such as sanitary linen. However, a number of its shortcomings are not an obstacle, since its low price remains a priority.
As the name implies, mainly sanitary flax is used when connecting elements of water supply and sewerage. This applies to pipes, fittings, taps, as well as other constituent parts. However, it can be used, according to the technical documentation, inclusive of GOST and SNiP, for other purposes. Yes, it is recommended to use it when laying engineering systems such as gas pipeline, as well as in the assembly of steam and water heating systems.
The special properties of the material are used by craftsmen. They call it flax tow, they use it as an environmentally friendly insulation for caulking baths and log cabins. It does not allow moisture to pass through, but it does allow air to pass through. It is also used as soundproofing.
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 let moisture through at the threaded joint 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, variable length of the fibers 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 the event that it is impossible to be completely satisfied with the result of using a fum tape, it is recommended to wind sanitary flax in parallel with it. They complement each other and compensate for the shortcomings of each material.
On sale there are fibers of various qualities. All of them are made on the same equipment - a carding machine. They are distinguished by the numbers that contain the description on the label. They vary in the range from 8 to 24. At the same time, fibers with a higher number will have fewer impurities and vice versa. They are also characterized by a degree of flexibility, which is of lesser importance in work.
Fibers are packaged in coils, as well as pigtails of a 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 an unpleasant smell of rot. The permissible humidity level is not higher than 12%, otherwise the material loses its properties.
Benefits and advantages
The material has an easily dosed fibrous structure and high tensile strength, which is maintained even when the reinforcement is twisted. If the appropriate accompanying materials are used, the maximum temperature can reach 140-150 degrees.
In comparison with other materials, sanitary flax fibers have the lowest cost among similar sealants, which allows them to be purchased in kilograms. This is facilitated by the wide distribution of the material.
Environmental safety, due to the use of natural raw materials, allows the material to be used in the construction of water pipes. But, despite the content of natural ingredients, the fibers do not cause allergic reactions.
Disadvantages, negative points
Despite the large number of advantages, natural sealant is not without its drawbacks. They are especially evident in violation of the technology of installation and repair. After a short period of operation, rust may form at the joints, making it difficult to dismantle the structures during subsequent repairs. In view of this, it is recommended to regularly inspect the 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 for experienced craftsmen.
Attractive physical properties compensated by the low chemical sensitivity of the material. So, flax fibers will be destroyed under the influence of antifreezes if they are part of a mixture that goes through connected communications.
There is an opinion that the material is sensitive to high pressure in pipes and at values exceeding 8 atmospheres, it can reduce the quality of sealing. However, the application sanitary flax for connecting pipes does not lose popularity.
Step-by-step instructions for use and their variations
Before winding the 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 make 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, moreover, 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. The optimal section angle is no more than 55 degrees.
Then you can go in two ways - with or without lubrication. The second option is recommended only as a temporary solution, since it does not allow plumbing linen specifications revealed completely.
In any case, the winding of flax on the thread will occur according to the same principle.
There is only one way to wind flax on a thread - against its direction. Otherwise, when twisting the part with a nut or part of a fitting, the connection will be leaky, and the wound layer of fibers will peel off.
Lubrication can also be used in two ways. In the first case, it is applied directly to the thread before the flax is wound, and in the second, after the winding, in order to dazzle the fibers and facilitate the path of the screwed part of the fitting. 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 lithol, grease, drying oil mixed with red lead, and even oil paint. But the best option in modern conditions, 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 threads on pipes with flax. So, in order to avoid slipping of the linen winding, it is recommended that, before winding the main layer, bring the edge of the strand onto 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 twisted with light force.
conclusions
Now you know how to wind flax correctly and what criteria should be followed 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, in which the coolant can have a temperature of up to 120 degrees.
Without problems, the material is used for stuffing stuffing boxes, sealing ceramic and cast iron pipes.
Subject to the rules of storage, this consumable can be purchased in advance and used as needed for a long period of time.
How to wind flax on a pipe with your own hands: step-by-step instruction+ Photo. In everyday life, it is extremely often necessary to perform small repair work, during which it is required to use flax for winding pipes. This may be required for a radiator or plumbing. Each master should be able to use tow correctly, as sooner or later it will come in handy. can be made of plastic, metal, nylon or metal-plastic. Each type of material has its own adapters in order to connect with other pipes.
We will talk about such connections.
Since everyone home master at least once faced with a problem when you want to wind flax on a thread from a tap, you should learn how to do it. If you want to hermetically connect each element of the water supply and pipes, then packing should be done. To do this, two pipes must be packed at an angle of 90 degrees using a coupling, and at the end of each pipe there must be a thread. The clutch will have internal thread in the composition, as well as external turns. Twisting alone is not enough, so you should do it for the best connection.
Description of flax (tow)
Before you start winding flax on pipes, you should know better what flax tow is. This is a fiber type material that is used to seal threads. The product is natural, it is made from the primary processing of homogeneous, thin and long-staple flax. The scope of the material is wide. Depending on the method of manufacture, the material is tape, jute, plumbing or construction. In our case, we will talk about insulation, which makes it possible to perform reliable sealing of each connection.
For the manufacture of such material, combed fibers are used, which are brought in bales. They are used for construction work during the sealing of joints, when insulating a log house and laying wood elements. The material is natural, and this is especially valuable among those people who are engaged in construction wooden house. If rolled material was used to connect pipes with flax, then it can be called tape. Such material is also used to caulk seams in log cabins and lay crowns. The advantage of using flax is the cost, since the material for plumbing works is several times cheaper than other analogues. In addition, it is economically consumed, and the fibers, although thin, are very strong. If properly wound, they can be used for various types works where any types of connections will be used. Can be used for cast iron and ceramic pipes.
Advantages
Before you start winding the linen around the threads, you should be aware that it begins to swell and absorb moisture, which allows you to increase the level of tightness, since there will be no way out for leakage. In addition, the material has high mechanical stability, and it is this characteristic that makes it possible to fit sanitary ware, and the hermetic properties will not be lost, the connections can be unscrewed by half a turn or a whole turn.
Disadvantages of using
If you are thinking about how to wind flax on a thread, then you should first familiarize yourself with all the shortcomings of the material. So, the material is based on a substance of organic origin, and therefore it can begin to rot under the influence of moisture and air. It also sometimes gets inside even during a preventive examination. To do this, when using tow, you should also use another material, additional, which will help prevent the process of decay. It can be a sealing paste, oil paints, grease or lithol.
Sometimes, before winding, you should first prepare the thread, because if you lay the material in a large layer, then there is a possibility of damage to the joints, and this is especially true for bronze and brass. If you are faced with the question of how to wind the tow on a threaded connection, then you should remember that such a sealant requires knowledge of the winding rules.
Additional materials in combination with tow will make further disassembly difficult, and this applies to oil paint and silicone. Sometimes such additions make the installation process completely unbearable. The use of flax is not suitable when the temperature reaches +90 degrees. In such places, the material begins to weld, and then completely loses its sealing properties. If you are dealing with steel, then you should definitely follow the winding technology, otherwise the thread may be corroded.
How to wind flax on a thread
Before you start winding, check the thread - if it is brand new, then you should prepare the turns. Most manufacturers currently produce fittings that already have threads, but with notches for winding flax. The fact is, the material begins to jump off a smooth thread, strays into a single bundle, and this can lead to a breach of tightness. In order for the fibers to hook well, notches should be made on the turns. If necessary, you can always apply them with a needle file, file or hacksaw. Some of the masters can use a plumbing wrench or even pliers - the thread should be wrapped around, and then apply serifs with a flick of the wrist.
The main thing is that roughness appears on the turns. Before you start winding flax on a thread, you should separate a small strand from a whole pigtail. It is necessary to capture such a number of fibers that the winding is not too thin, but not thick. Professionals advise using the thickness of the material, which will be like 1 or 2 matches in girth. If there are lumps in the strand, remove them and a small pile.
Methodology for performing work
You can apply tow according to your own technology, which you like more than others. Some of the experts twist flax into flagella, and someone braids it into a weak pigtail, someone simply puts it in the form of loose threads. The order of applying material like pastes is also different. Sometimes you can first lubricate the thread, wrap it with fibers, and then apply a second layer, and someone pre-impregnates the fibers, and then everything is prepared. Both options are correct, and if you think about how to wind flax on a thread - counterclockwise or clockwise, then you should heed the advice of craftsmen who wind pipes with flax at the same time both clockwise and counterclockwise.
In addition, the strands must be pinched with your fingers outside the turns, and the first turn should form a cross, which will fix the material. Do not leave gaps, lay all the turns one to one. If you are making a connection, a lot of the used material may be squeezed out of the fitting, as happens when working with a steel sleeve and iron pipe. Brass connections can burst from strong pressure, this is true for elements made using modern technologies.
Plumbing pastes or other sealing-type materials should be applied around the linen, and the movements should be rotational. The work must be done very carefully. Glue the second end closer to the edge of the thread, and before directly tightening, check if the pipe hole is filled. Now you know how to wind flax on a thread, and a photo of the process can be found in the article.
But according to them, you will not understand that twisting the elements should be done with effort, but moderate. If the nut will go easily, then little flax has been used. Winding will be considered correct if the material is not knocked out and the surface around the joint remains clean. For connections on gas pipes, it is better not to use an organic type tow, since under the influence of gas the winding and silicone, which will be used as additional material, will be destroyed. Here it will be most appropriate to use FUM tape.
If you have ever thought about how to wind the tape around the threads of the pipe, you can use the technology that is used when working on ecoplastic products. This material, like brass, can also burst. The main thing when twisting is not to overdo it.
Before starting work, connect both fittings and count the number of turns. Wrap the flax evenly, coat its surface with an additional composition, and only after that you can connect the fittings. If you counted, for example, 6 turns in idle, then after winding the tape it is better to make 5.5 turns, while not pulling the fitting to the end. In this case, it will be more appropriate to use packaging paste instead of sealant.
Conclusion
Very often, men are wondering how to wind flax on a thread. In this case, remove the old connection and carefully look at the thread. Then go through the turns with the tip of a knife / awl to remove all the accumulated debris. Using a metal brush, before winding the tape, clean the turns, and do this until everything is shiny.
Tow for pipes is one of the most popular sealants on the Russian market. popular for many decades due to its low price, availability and relatively good sealing of joints under special conditions. on the thread is relevant for temporary threaded connections and those located in the public domain, i.e. are always in sight, the leak is easy to fix and immediately fix. Joints on linen work up to a maximum temperature of 120-140 °C, but sometimes this figure is reduced to 70 °C. It all depends on the quality of the material and the additional sealing agent - plumbing paste.
Let's talk about the technology and rules of winding flax. How to wind the tow on the thread correctly so that the sealing is enough for the entire shelf life of the connection? What are the tricks and professional secrets for a quality thread seal?
How to wind tow
This question is asked not only by the owner of the apartment, where the faucet suddenly leaked or the mixer needs to be replaced, but also by the plumber who has recently started his career. , indeed, not the easiest and most convenient material. Linen does not look aesthetically pleasing, fluffy and easily torn, and flax fibers constantly cling to threads or clothes. Almost weightless, they fly around the room and, having finished the job, the plumber has to spend time finding and collecting all the threads.
There is nothing difficult in this, so let's try. We wind the linen on the thread evenly in the direction of the thread, but there is a small nuance, depending on the fitting on which you are winding, and on the one that you will wind.
If you are going to connect an iron pipe, and for example, a steel sleeve, then it’s not scary if you wind more flax than you need, since the iron pipe and the steel sleeve are quite powerful fittings, and when you connect them, the excess flax will squeeze out, but if the fittings are weaker, for example, a brass corner, a brass coupling, then with an excess amount of tow, it can, and even 100 percent, that it will burst, given that the quality of the manufacturer is lousy now.
The quality of brass fittings in the USSR and now differs significantly, not in favor of a modern manufacturer.
How to wind flax on ecoplastic sleeves
Also, do not overdo it when connecting ecoplastic couplings, the internal brass thread can also burst. Before winding flax on the thread, first simply screw these two fittings on top of each other, and count the number of turns for how much they are wound, for example 5. Wrap flax evenly over the entire thread, then I would advise using investment paste, not sealant, coat flax paste and connect the fittings together, in this example I recommend twisting the fittings 4 - 4.5 turns. Until the end, i.e. 5 revolutions do not need to be pulled.
There is now such a popular thing as a fum tape, so I would definitely not advise you to make any packing of fittings for it. About 6 years ago I tried to work with this tape a couple of times, and switched back to linen. See the video on winding flax below.
