Cold welding for heating under pressure

For prompt repair of heating radiators, in accordance with all norms and regulations, an emergency team must travel during the heating season, an “ambulance” for radiators. But in life, these rules usually apply in rare cases; otherwise, you have to do everything yourself and not rely on the wizard from the housing office. And if so, then a variety of methods, even the most incredible ones, can be used, although cold welding for radiators is not magic, but a completely realistic method of eliminating leaks.

Cold welding - what is it, application for heating system

The technology of gluing metals has been used since ancient times; as a result, permanent connections were created without the risk of oxidation of parts. Cold welding is understood as a technological process of joining products without additional heating, as a result of which their surfaces undergo plastic deformation. The latter destroys the film of oxides, which previously prevented the metals from joining. Welding occurs in a short period of time as a result of setting. In appearance, this adhesive composition resembles putty and is made on the basis of epoxy resin.

Cold welding is now widely used to join the following metals:

Using welding glue, you can repair steel and aluminum batteries, cast iron radiators, and bimetallic radiators. Polymer products for pipelines can also be welded in this way. We are talking about propylene pipes, which are used for installing a heating system. If the technology is strictly followed, it is possible to seal a pipe, riser, or radiator with any defect, although the strength of the joint will be somewhat inferior to that after electric arc welding.

Cold welding composition

Adhesive for metal and plastic is made from epoxy resin, a polymer with high strength characteristics. It is this resin that is responsible for the homogeneity, plasticity of the mass, the ability to seal even minimal cracks and fill holes. Epoxy can thicken only when in contact with the hardener that comes with the kit (in some products it is in solid form and is activated after exposure to air and mixing).

Cold welding contains various fillers that optimize technical properties: steel powder (strengthening additive), sulfur, plasticizers. When repairing radiators, you must definitely pay attention to such additives; they must be in the putty.

Types of cold welding used to repair cast iron batteries

Not all types of epoxy compounds are used to repair heating radiators. Despite the general disadvantages that are inherent in all types of adhesive compositions, the industry has mastered the production of several compositions that have their own specialization. So there are mixtures for repairing plastic, metal, aluminum and gluing wood, there are universal compositions. For repairing heating appliances, a mixture for gluing ferrous metals and steel or a special composition for repairing radiators and steel heating pipes is best suited.

Cold welding for heating radiators, unlike other compositions, has its own characteristics - it must be heat-resistant, quickly fixed on a metal surface, and form a coating that has a linear expansion coefficient similar to metal.
Simple or universal compositions can solve the problem of sealing a leak, but at the same time, the service life of the composition will be limited. Cold welding for heating radiators must withstand not only high pressure, but also temperature. It is recommended to use compositions for repairs in which the temperature range is greater, with the upper limit being no less than 200-250 degrees Celsius.
Another point that needs to be taken into account when choosing the type of glue is the setting time. If 3-4 hours are enough to splice parts under normal conditions, then if the battery leaks, there is no such time, here the count is in minutes, therefore, the faster the patch hardens, the better.

Types of welding

All products belonging to this type are divided into plastic and fluid. The latter are necessarily two-component mixtures - one bottle contains epoxy resin with additives, the second contains a hardener. Plastic masses are sold in tubes, bottles, jars; they can be used to coat a pipe or radiator without dilution. The mass looks like plasticine, consisting of two blocks that need to be mixed together by kneading with your fingers. It is possible to separate a small piece of the mass and save the rest until the next need.

Methods of use

To repair pipes, you need to prepare everything you need - the welding agent itself, acetone or alcohol, sandpaper, rags and clamps. The method of sealing radiators varies somewhat depending on the type of welding - liquid or plastic. It is important to choose a suitable product that is suitable for pipes under pressure (metal or polypropylene). Next, you need to prepare and mix the material, and you should work faster with liquid products.

Welding application methods:

simply sealing the defect with a piece of mass, flattened and kneaded with your fingers;
the use of special fiberglass fabrics, threads for wetting with epoxy, followed by wrapping with rubber, wire or without it;
gluing onto a large defect covered with a metal patch.

If the leak is strong, you can make the composition even more durable with your own hands. You need to take any aluminum or bronze part, grind it a little over paper, obtaining metal powder. It needs to be added to the epoxy mixture, which is then used to saturate the turns of thread or fabric.

Temperature indicators of the mixture

Depending on the exact composition and specific manufacturer, the temperature range of welding applications can vary greatly. Most products can withstand freezing, for example, Mastix glue will not lose its properties even at -60 degrees. The overwhelming majority of cheap epoxies only work up to +150 degrees, so they can be used for welding radiators and heating pipes (heating networks usually operate at +95...+110 degrees).

Better quality products can withstand up to +260 degrees, but there are also high-temperature mixtures - they are used even in extreme conditions (up to +1300 degrees). Although there is no point in spending money on purchasing such products, you can buy a simple low-temperature composition.

Advantages and disadvantages

The technology allows you to eliminate pipe leaks with high reliability. This procedure is safe to perform, which cannot be said about conventional welding. Other benefits are:

convenience, ease of the technique even for beginners;
excellent seam quality, which depends mainly on the type of material, and not on the speed of work;
no need to purchase special tools, equipment, machinery and expensive materials;
minimum energy consumption;
fire, anti-explosion properties of epoxy;
low cost of repairs;
Availability of cold welding - adhesives are sold in any store.

The technology also has disadvantages. Welding of this type is not designed for too high loads - pressure, high heat. Therefore, if there is a serious defect in a pipe or radiator, it is better to use hot welding or replace the area completely. It is important to follow the preparation measures - otherwise the quality of the weld will decrease. The durability of cold welding is lower than that of standard welding - repaired pipes will not last for many years, but will require new repairs. In fact, such repairs are considered by specialists to be a temporary measure.

Preventative care for cast iron radiators

To prevent cast iron batteries from leaking in cold weather, you need to take care of them in the summer. Outside the heating season, be sure to inspect the batteries. If you find cracks, rusted areas, traces of leaks and problems with shut-off and control valves, invite a specialist who will weld cast iron and replace the taps. It is often better to replace old rusted radiators with new, more modern ones.

Batteries that have served for 25-30 years need to be replaced, even if they do not leak. These products have served their purpose and can cause trouble at any time. It is advisable to replace rusty pipes. Then you don’t have to worry about leaks during the cold season.

Types and manufacturers

Typically, cold welding is used when it is not financially feasible to use the hot method or it is difficult. Such situations occur when a minimal defect appears, damage to a dimensional product, or the risk of serious internal stresses in the pipe.

The following types of products can be used for repairs:

universal – used for gluing metal, plastic, stone, wood, glass, concrete and most other materials;
automotive - if the material indicates that it can withstand high temperatures, then it is allowed to be used in pipe repair;
for plastic - usually the heat resistance of such products reaches +260 degrees and above, so they are also suitable for work.

Products marked “for wood” or “for plumbing” are not suitable. They, as a rule, are not heat-resistant, and the quality of adhesion will be lower. It is better to find a specific welding method for working on metal or plastic with a clear indication of the temperature conditions. There are even super waterproof products for working underwater, which can also be used for cold welding.

Domestic formulations are cheaper than imported ones, but are not inferior in quality to the latter. Just don’t take the cheapest welding, it will certainly produce a low quality weld. The most popular means are:

Hi-Gear. A universal adhesive, it is often purchased by car owners to seal elements subject to heavy loads. This glue will help eliminate any leaks in the heating system.
"Titanium". Suitable for any materials, does not deteriorate from exposure to water and high temperatures.

Types of adhesives

Cold welding is in demand for spot repairs of pipes. Glue from foreign and domestic brands is available for sale. It differs not only in cost, but also in quality. The following materials have proven themselves well:

Abro and HI-Gear - imported;
Almaz and Polymet are domestic.

The main element is epoxy resin, which gives the ingredients a uniform composition and plasticity. Mineral additives are used as additional components: iron oxide, sulfur and others that affect the quality of adhesion. Each manufacturer determines their name and quantity independently. A metal component is used to enhance strength after hardening.

A composition marked “for pipes” is suitable for repairs; there is no need to drain water from the heating system. Cold welding sets within 15-30 minutes. It is not recommended to subject the pipeline to load for 1.5-2 hours after welding. Some brands of glue require a day to completely harden. After filling holes and cracks, the surface is sanded, followed by priming and painting.

Instructions for cold pipe welding

First you need to properly prepare the base. To do this, all areas to which the resin will be applied are cleaned of rust, dirt, and old paint. You can sand them down to immediately remove all dirt. You should not try too hard, otherwise deep scratches will remain on the surface. But small abrasions will come in handy - they will enhance adhesion. Immediately before welding, parts must be degreased with a solvent (usually acetone) or washed with detergent. If possible, you need to dry the joints with a hair dryer - heating will improve adhesion.

The glue is prepared depending on the instructions. To produce a liquid adhesive composition, a strictly measured amount of hardener is added to the resin. The lifetime of the composition is also indicated in the instructions, then its polymerization begins. Usually the period is 10-15 minutes or a little more. This time can be slightly extended by cooling the product.

Plasticine-like mastics are prepared by kneading with your hands, after putting on gloves and wetting them with water. The required amount of material should be cut from the rod and the rest should be removed. You only need to cut strictly across, otherwise the ratio of epoxy and hardener will be incorrect. When ready, the color of the mass will become uniform, and it will heat up due to the release of heat.

Repairs are carried out as follows:

apply glue to the future joint, directly into the hole, to ensure the mass penetrates deeper;
the second option is to wind glass fiber or fiberglass, cover it with a liquid composition that has already begun to thicken a little;
smooth the outside of the product with a small spatula or other flat device, slightly moistening it in water;
within a few minutes you can change the position of the mixture;
if the hole is too large, you will have to put a metal patch on it (directly using cold welding);
fix the area for 15-60 minutes, depending on the instructions, using a clamp;
If possible, the joint should not be subjected to intense loads for 1-24 hours, although 1-1.5 hours is sufficient for most welds.

If the repair is carried out in a room with a low temperature, the glue should be rolled into a ball and the mass inside should be allowed to warm up to +40...+50 degrees. The holding time of the ball should not be longer than the life time of the mixture (usually it is not kept for more than 4 minutes). To effectively heat the ball, it must be made with a mass of at least 50 g. It must be remembered that when repairing complex joints and assemblies, it is better to immediately use hot welding or replace parts; a cold joint may turn out to be unreliable.

Security measures

After drying, the material is safe for humans, but care must be taken when working with it. All work is carried out with gloves, avoiding direct contact of the epoxy with the skin. Do not use a food grade knife to cut resin. When contacting the mass, the skin is washed with soap and water.

Repair of polymer pipes

Polymer pipes require specialized compounds.

Regardless of the chemical composition of the material being processed and the nature of the welding used, it is imperative to comply with the conditions and recommendations specified in the instructions.

Cold welding for plastic heating pipes proceeds according to the following scheme:

An obligatory step is to prepare the surface of the material being repaired. To do this, the surface of the pipe ends is treated with sandpaper and then degreased. Roughness on the pipe will increase the degree of adhesion with the adhesive. Greasey contaminants can react chemically with cold weld components and degrade their performance;
determine the correct perpendicularity tolerance of the ends. In the case of pipes with a diameter of 20...40 mm, it should be no more than 2 mm;
measure half the length of the coupling at the ends of the pipes to determine the area of the surface to be treated;
the marks are scraped, that is, a thin layer of material (0.1...0.2 mm) is removed from the pipes, burrs are also removed;
Direct preparation of the adhesive composition consists of mixing the components until a homogeneous mass is formed. In the case of plasticine welding, hands are moistened with water before mixing. The paste will not stick to the skin. The shelf life of liquid formulations lasts no longer than 3 minutes, so you need to act quickly;
the prepared mixture is applied to the surface of the material being repaired or joined. Everything is put under pressure. What force should be exerted on the seam is indicated in the instructions for cold welding.

The repaired pipeline or heating circuit can be used 8 hours after welding.

Repairing cast iron and other types of radiators

Working with radiators is similar to sealing defects on pipes. The surface is cleaned and degreased. You can use alcohol for this purpose, applying it with a cotton swab. Next, take a ball of resin approximately 2 cm in diameter, knead it, mixing the components. Press the resin to the damaged area, smooth it out, and hold it with a rag or clamp.

Usually 30-40 minutes are enough for polymerization, but it is better to use the battery after a day, not earlier. Naturally, the water supply must be turned off before repairs. If you need to remove a fistula, you need to take fiberglass and a liquid solution, wrap the area and seal it securely.

Cold welding is an excellent temporary measure until the end of the heating season. It will help eliminate pipe or radiator leaks quickly and without hassle!

A leak in a hot pipe or radiator is a nuisance, but a leak that starts in a pressurized circuit is an even bigger problem. If a heating pipe is leaking, the problem must be repaired urgently.

Methods for sealing a leak depend on where it occurs:

A seamless or welded heating pipe is leaking;
A leak has appeared at the interface between pipe and battery, pipe and fitting, fitting and fitting;
In the intersection space of the radiator;
In an open area of the battery that is accessible for repair.

Each of these accidents can be eliminated using available means and in different ways, but only in one case - if the leak in the heating radiator or in the pipe is small, and water or coolant flows in a thin stream or drips. More serious leaks can be eliminated using more radical methods, which we will talk about. Anyone who has ever repaired a leak in their heating system knows how much trouble they saved themselves and their family from.

In both large and small leaks, you must immediately turn off the shut-off valve for supplying working fluid to the system. The problem is solved by using the following options:

If the radiator is leaking, then you need to close the shut-off valves at the inlet and outlet of the device. If the radiator has a bypass, then the entire system will continue to operate without stopping; if there is no bypass, then it is better to turn off the boiler to avoid unexpected overheating of the heating system;
If there are no shut-off valves or they are installed, but not where needed, then the heating must be stopped so that the pipes do not remain under pressure, and the leak must be repaired.

Steel pipes with hot water quickly rust, even if they are painted, and this causes thinning of the pipe walls. In the thinnest places, a leak may appear over time and, if it is not eliminated in time, the drops will imperceptibly turn into a trickle.

If a colored spot appears on the pipe, the paint begins to swell, traces of rusty water drips or rust on the pipe are visible, water is dripping imperceptibly, you should not wait in the hope that it will stop on its own. It is better if you find a suspicious place in the summer, with the heating turned off - there will be fewer problems with turning it off and maintaining the temperature in the room during repairs.

What and why can break in the radiator

Cast iron tolerates the alkaline coolant environment well, is slightly susceptible to corrosion and has high mechanical strength. Heating devices have a simple design and are very durable, so breakdowns due to simple metal wear are a rare occurrence. A striking example of a potentially possible service life is working pre-revolutionary batteries that have been preserved in the homes of some St. Petersburg residents. But cast iron batteries also have weak points; it is in them that the “root of evil” lies.

The most common causes of battery problems

Heavy weight, bulky

Cast iron batteries are large and heavy, which becomes a problem during installation. The slightest flaws in the installation can lead to malfunctions during operation. If you do not take care of a sufficient number of powerful brackets, the batteries may become distorted over time, which will also lead to negative consequences.

Insufficient resistance to high pressure and water hammer

Cast iron has good technical and operational characteristics, but the load that domestic heating networks can create may be too great. Due to water hammer, leaks are possible at the junctions of sections.

Dirt and trash

Along with hot water, foreign impurities, small particles of dirt and rust circulate through the pipes, which leads to blockages in the internal channels. Batteries must be washed promptly, otherwise malfunctions in their operation are inevitable.

Wear of intersection gaskets and threaded nipples

Joints are always a “risk factor”. Nipples and gaskets last much less than cast iron. They need to be replaced periodically. After this, you can forget about heating problems for a long time.

Signs of a broken cast iron radiator

The room doesn't warm up well

If during the heating season the room temperature is lower than usual, check how things are with your neighbors. If they have no complaints, it's time to tackle the heating. Perhaps regular flushing of the channels will solve the problem.

There is a coating on the radiator

It usually forms at joints. The reason is the low quality of the coolant. When the gaskets wear out, they leak fluid. After drying, a residue similar to scale remains.

The most obvious sign of malfunction is the appearance of leaks. Repair involves sealing and applying a metal clamp. If there are several leaks in the radiator, it is better to replace the device.

How to fix a leak in a pressurized water pipe

If a pipe is leaking when the coolant pressure is low, then an ordinary iron pipe clamp to eliminate the leak is a sure and quick solution to eliminating a leak in the heating system. The factory clamp is a round metal structure with a wall thickness of 1-1.5 mm, rubberized on the inside and equipped with a bolt and a nut for tightening (or a pair - depending on the width of the clamp);
People's advice on how to seal a leak if there is no steel clamp: wrap the accident site with rubber from a bicycle tube, a pharmaceutical bandage, or any suitable piece of rubber, for example, a rubber glove. You can secure such a homemade clamp with wire, or wrap it with any cord;
In the absence of a factory clamp and rubber, you can make a homemade clamp from tin, even from a tin can lid;
Even a piece of elastic polymer (for example, vulcan rubber), tightly wrapped with wire, turn to turn, can temporarily save the situation.

Other methods of eliminating an accident if a heating pipe is leaking will not work - only dry surfaces can be sealed with cold welding, although the hardened composite can then work even in water. It will not work to seal a hole or crack with sealing compounds for the same reason - the surface to be repaired must be dry, and preferably clean. Therefore, sealant for heating pipes, epoxy resin, dichloroethane and other fast-hardening composites are used only on disconnected dry sections of the heating route. This also applies to the repair of the water supply line in the water supply pipe for hot water supply or hot water supply.

Restoration of cast iron batteries using improvised means

How to repair it depends on where the cast iron battery is leaking. If a small gap has formed at the junction of the sections, then this can be corrected using an ordinary clamp, which is sold on the market and in any hardware store. The clamp has the appearance of a metal structure with two rubberized plates on the inside, which are connected by two bolts to each other. Careful fixation occurs with the help of nuts tightened to the required density.

The rubber gasket is the main element for blocking leaks. By the way, clamps come in all sizes, so it won’t be difficult to choose the right one.

There is another method to repair cast iron batteries at the junction of sections if you do not have such a clamp at hand. You can use a simple piece of rubber cut from an elastic medical tourniquet or a bicycle inner tube. The leakage area must be wrapped in several layers of rubber. You can secure it with wire, wrapping it on top.

How to fix a leak in your home heating system

If the leak is strong and a simple clamp cannot be used to close it, the heating circuit with liquid will have to be turned off. It doesn’t matter where the leak is found - on a heating or water supply pipe - eliminating the leak will only be possible by turning off the water supply. A disconnected circuit gives scope for repairs: you can at the same time check the entire route and repair (replace) all suspicious areas.

Let's start with the simplest ways to fix a leak in a heating pipe:

Seal the gap or hole with a fabric (fiberglass) patch liberally coated with epoxy glue. The patches (there should be 2-3 of them) are cut twice as wide as the diameter of the pipe; the length should allow the pipe to be wrapped 5-7 times. The metal around the violation is cleaned with sandpaper, a file or a grinder, the area is well dried, and epoxy resin is applied to it. The fabric can be soaked with glue in advance, or you can coat it as you wind it onto the pipe - whichever is more convenient on the spot. The last fabric layer is not saturated with glue, and the end of the fabric is secured with cord or wire. Epoxy dries on a pipe in different ways: at a temperature of 20 0 C-25 0 C, a few hours are enough; at a temperature below 18 0 C, even a day is not enough.

If you have repaired a central heating pipe, then the system operates under higher pressure than individual heating, and when water is initially supplied to the circuit after the repair, a noticeable water hammer may occur, which can simply rip off the patch. Therefore, the supply valve should be opened slowly, tracking the area with the patch visually.

You can increase the strength of the patch by adding bronze or aluminum powder to the epoxy glue. If you were unable to buy powder, you can make it at home by grinding off the surface of any non-ferrous metal part with a small file or needle file. By adding such powder, you can make not 5-7 turns of fabric, but 2-3, and repairing such an area will become easier and faster.

Factory materials

From ready-made solutions, adhesives and liquids, you can use a heat-resistant, waterproof sealant to seal the leak. Such adhesive compositions are produced specifically for the repair of heating systems. When purchasing, make sure that the word “neutral” is on the label - this means that your glue will not corrode non-ferrous metal and adjacent materials.

Cold welding is also good for eliminating leaks:

A liquid epoxy substance that is convenient for impregnating fabric patches that are applied to a hole in a water pipe. Some compounds can also work on a wet surface;
Semi-solid plastic compositions. This cold welding looks like a small piece of plasticine consisting of two different component strips. Knead the plasticine in your hands until the substance becomes plastic (your palms should be wet - moisten them in water), cover the hole in the pipe with a small piece, and spread it over the cleaned surface. It takes 10-15 minutes to harden, after which the patch becomes so hard that it is difficult to take even with a file.

Both liquid and solid cold welding contain toxins, so it is recommended to use rubber gloves when working with it.

Sealing connections on pipes and between radiator sections

If connections at the junction of pipes or fittings are leaking, then, depending on the difference in diameters, you can immediately seal the pipeline with a metal clamp or first wrap rubber in place with a smaller diameter. The rubber band is easily wound even under pressure, stopping severe leakage.

BF-2 glue works well for sealing the threaded connection in the place where tow or FUM tape is wound. The tow is first soaked in alcohol, then coated with glue. The glue dissolved in alcohol impregnates the winding, and after drying it forms a dense waterproof layer.

What else can the winding be impregnated with and what can you wrap the pipe with so that it does not leak: in most cases, ordinary oil-based (not nitro) paint is used. To do this, wrap the tow around the thread, apply the paint with a brush, and after tightening the thread, paint this area 2-3 more times. You can turn on the heating or water supply only after 2-3 days.

If you can’t fix the leak with your own hands, you need to turn off the heating or water supply and redo the threaded connection: completely remove the old winding, clean the threads and degrease them. New tow or FUM tape must be wrapped with preliminary impregnation with sealant or paint.

When a metal-plastic fitting leaks, it is easier to eliminate a water supply network leak: you can stop the leak by simply tightening the thread. In 90% of cases this helps;
To stop the leak, the copper circuit only needs to be soldered;
Propylene pipes on the heating circuit are repaired by replacing the cracked section with a new section of pipe - this requires a special welding machine for welding PP products - there are no other ways to weld propylene.

If you don’t know what to do if there is a leak between battery sections, then the most common repair is replacing the gasket between the radiator elements, or replacing the nipple. To do this, the system is turned off and the failed part is replaced with a new one. There are no other options other than temporary repairs - applying a patch using the method described above. This is a rather complicated process, since aluminum radiators have a very small distance from section to section.

To seal a leak on an aluminum surface between sections, you need to somehow manage to clean hard-to-reach places. To do this, you can use a cable - you need to wrap it around the leak and pull the ends one by one until all the paint is erased. A clean aluminum surface is sealed with epoxy mixed with aluminum powder or by cold welding.

Few people know, but you can coat a heating pipe with regular table salt! A small hole in a water supply line or heating pipe will immediately stop flowing if you rub it with a pinch of salt. If the hole is rather large, then salt is used together with a regular bandage - rewinding the leak area, sprinkle the bandage with salt.

If an aluminum radiator is leaking, then repair is a temporary measure for one season. To get through next winter, the radiator needs to be changed - it will definitely leak in another place.

How to fix a leak on a radiator

Not between sections, not on the threads, but simply on the body of the radiator - such cases occur mainly with cast iron or steel devices due to cavities that occur in the casting. Temporary repairs can be carried out as follows:

The easiest and fastest way to stop a leak if the hole is small is to hammer a wooden plug (plug) into it. Level it with the surface of the product, cover it with sealant or cold weld;
In addition to wood, a self-tapping screw or press washer will work well. The hardware also needs to be lubricated with sealant before screwing it into the hole.

Leaking hidden pipes

It is clear that this is the biggest nuisance that can be imagined in a newly renovated apartment. There are two options for how to seal to prevent pipes from leaking in the wall or under the floor:

If this is a heating route, then add 100 grams of dry mustard to the expansion tank. 2-3 hours are enough for small holes to heal. The next day, you need to drain the mustard water from the system and fill in with new, clean coolant. This is done to prevent the filters in the heating circuit from becoming clogged;
Mustard is a popular household method, but factory sealants that need to be poured into the coolant to prevent the pipe from leaking also work. The principle is the same - the next day the liquid is drained and replaced with clean one.

How to seal a heating radiator

Miraculously, a problem with an aluminum heating radiator arose when frosts hit all over Russia. Moreover, the radiator leaked late at night. I woke up several times at night because the heating radiator was making noise. I also thought that this was not without reason and was very similar to depressurization. Alas, I was not mistaken - in the morning there was a decent puddle under the radiator on the laminate floor. Initially I thought that the problems were related to the faucet, but then I discovered swollen paint on the side of the radiator from under which water was oozing.

It was possible to determine the location of the leak by the swollen paint

After removing the swollen paint with a flat screwdriver, I saw the cause of the leak - two small holes.

Two holes in the left section of the radiator

Most likely, the microscopic hole appeared a long time ago, since just a year ago, a noise similar to a clicking emanated from this battery. I kept blaming Mayevsky's damaged faucet, but even after replacing the faucet, the noise did not stop.

Classic high temperature welding

How to weld heating from an iron pipe in accordance with building codes is indicated in GOST. Both the diameter of the pipes and the length of the system matter. SNIP will indicate how to properly weld heating pipes in each specific case: private household, multi-storey building or industrial water supply line.

When using a gas welding machine, creating high-quality seams will require considerable practical experience. Electric welding can also create welded joints of impeccable quality, but in this case you will need not only experience, but also high-quality electrodes, the correct current level and “arc feeling”. High-quality electric welding of heating pipes is available only to real professionals.

Metal pipes are the most common material for heating systems

The strength of metal pipes is more than sufficient for the water supply system and for the heating circuit. It is the connection sections that have to be implemented in order not to deviate from the design documentation that are the “weak link” of the system. How to weld a heating pipe using electric welding is described in detail in outdated training materials and articles. In modern construction, the cold welding method is more often used for heating pipes.

It is important to know! Threaded connections for metal pipes are used in cases where it is necessary to create a detachable connection. The tightness of the connection in this case is guaranteed by a sealant, most often tow.

Every qualified installation engineer knows how to weld a heating pipe correctly. There are a number of rules that must be followed:

The weld should not consist of scale. This happens if you weld a pipe by electric welding using low-quality electrodes.
To weld metal with an electric welding machine, it is necessary to use a multilayer metal melt method. Primary weld scale is removed before the next welding layer.
It is important to choose the correct current level - low current does not guarantee the strength of the weld. Excessively high current during welding is also unacceptable.
If the butt welding method is used, the electrode metal or molten wire is used as the reinforcing material.
Electric welding of metal pipelines and other elements of heating and plumbing systems is prohibited near flammable objects.

Gas welding is a universal method for creating a strong connection between metals; metal parts of different sizes can be connected in any combination.

For traditional welding you need to have special equipment and welding experience

The high temperature of the burning gas stream allows you to melt the metal in the area of local heating, and cook the metal at the molecular level. Requires expensive equipment and highly qualified welders.