Pipe repair to extend service life

Pipeline Repairs to Extend Service Life

Leaks in transport and distribution networks as well as at house connections lead to water losses that cannot be billed (Non-Revenue Water, NRW). In addition to the loss of valuable drinking water, such leaks can cause further damage to the pipeline itself or its surroundings, significantly shortening the lifespan of the infrastructure and massively increasing maintenance costs.

The use of high-quality repair products and fittings enables efficient sealing of leaks and helps extend both the operational reliability and the service life of pipelines over many years.

Benefits of Extending Pipeline Lifespan

Targeted repairs of water pipelines save costs, reduce water losses, and conserve resources by avoiding complete replacements. At the same time, drinking water hygiene remains safeguarded, as tight pipelines prevent the intrusion of contaminants. Less construction work also means lower environmental impact, shorter construction times, and a stable, sustainable water supply.

Possible Types of Leaks

Leaks in water pipelines occur in various forms and can have a wide range of causes. Small holes or cracks often result from material fatigue, embrittlement of plastics, corrosion, or external stress, while larger fractures are usually caused by pipe wear, ground movement, or overpressure.

Porous pipe materials, such as old asbestos cement pipes, may allow water to seep through over time and cause difficult-to-detect leaks. Faulty attachments—such as improper tapping or damaged house connections—also frequently represent weak points in the pipeline network.

Flange leaks often stem from poor installation, inferior products, or material fatigue at joints. Likewise, leaky valves and fittings (like gate valves or stop valves) can become defective over time due to damaged seals or wear and tear. All of these types of leaks not only lead to water losses but can also impair the security of supply and the infrastructure’s longevity.

Repair Methods

Leaks caused by faulty attachments, fittings, or valves often require the replacement of the affected components. Additionally, larger pipeline sections can be repaired using liners or by completely replacing the segment.

It is therefore advisable to use quality products and approved seals during new installations or replacements. Inferior products may have excessively high tolerances or contain organic substances that are not certified for drinking water use and lack durability.

Use manufacturer-neutral specifications with clear quality criteria and inspect incoming goods as part of your quality assurance process.

Replacing a Section of Pipe

Old plastic pipes tend to become brittle over time and are prone to longitudinal cracks or other defects. In such cases, the damaged section often needs to be fully removed and replaced. Use Frischhut U-KS pieces for this purpose. Without integrated tensile strength features, they can be completely slipped over the pipe and allow for easy insertion of a new pipe segment.

For PVC pipelines, the replacement segment is often made of PE. The Frischhut U-KS is approved for both materials. For asbestos cement and other types of pipes, Frischhut U-Megaflex couplings can be used instead. These cover a wide range of outer diameters and offer a flexible solution for various pipe materials.

Covering Localized Damage

Leaks or localized defects in pipelines can be effectively addressed with the targeted use of repair clamp sleeves. This method enables fast and cost-efficient repair, often without requiring complete pipe replacement. It is especially effective for minor damage or leaks in hard-to-reach areas.

Frischhut offers three types of clamps:

• RDS 12 for transport and distribution pipelines
• RDS 10 for house connections
• RDS 31, which covers a particularly wide range of outer diameters

All three models are manufactured with a robust cast body. Unlike cheaper stainless steel clamps, they not only provide a temporary fix but can extend a pipeline’s lifespan by several decades.

The use of high-quality repair products and fittings allows for efficient sealing of leaks and contributes significantly to the operational safety and longevity of pipelines.
Learn more at https://www.frischhut.de/en/applications/pipe-repair

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