Regarding leaking FRP pipes. This is a common problem in the municipal, chemical, and water conservancy sectors. Below, I will analyze the causes and solutions in detail, highlighting the advantages of using pipe repair clamps.

1. Main Causes of FRP Pipe Leaks

Understanding the cause of leaks is a prerequisite for effective repair. Although FRP pipes (glass fiber reinforced plastic pipes) are corrosion-resistant and lightweight, they can leak under certain circumstances. The main causes include:

1. Joint failure: This is the most common cause. Whether it's a socket, flange, or sleeve connection, aging or damage to the seal, misalignment during installation, or insufficient tightening force can lead to leaks at the joint.

2. External mechanical damage: During backfilling, sharp rocks hitting or the direct pressure of rolling machinery can cause cracks or perforations in the pipe.

3. Internal corrosion or wear: Although FRP pipes are extremely corrosion-resistant, long-term use of fluids containing sharp particles or certain highly corrosive media can cause pitting or wear on the inner wall, eventually penetrating the pipe wall. 4. Uneven Settlement: Improper pipe foundation preparation or uneven ground settlement can lead to localized stress concentrations in the pipe, resulting in cracks at the pipe body or joints.
5. Product Quality Defects: Quality issues such as bubbles, delamination, and incomplete curing can occur during the pipe production process. Under long-term pressure, these defects can develop into leaks.
6. Overpressure Operation: The actual operating pressure of the pipeline system exceeds the designed working pressure of the pipe, leading to pipe bursts.

2. Treatment Methods for Fiberglass Pipe Leaks

Different treatment methods are available depending on factors such as the leak location, leakage volume, and pipeline pressure.

1. Traditional Water Supply Shutdown Repair Method (Suitable for severe damage or planned repairs)

Pipe Section Replacement: Cut the damaged pipe section, replace it with a new pipe section, and reconnect it using flanges or sockets. This method is the most thorough, but requires shutting down the pipe, excavating a pit, and is time-consuming.

Breaking (Breaking with Hemp or Lead): This is a traditional method for leaks at socket joints, using materials such as hemp, cement, or lead to reseal the joint. This method requires high technical skills and is now being gradually replaced by new technologies.

2. Modern, non-stop water supply repair methods (common and effective)

Using pipe repair clamps (pipe patchers): This is one of the most common, quickest, and most effective methods for repairing FRP pipe leaks, particularly suitable for holes, cracks, and leaking joints in the pipe body.

Composite wrapping: Fiberglass cloth impregnated with a special resin is wrapped around the leak in multiple layers, which forms a new, high-strength protective shell after curing. This method is suitable for repairing irregularly shaped pipes, but requires certain operating techniques and ambient temperatures.
Pipe clamp plugging: For small punctures, a simple bolt-on pipe clamp combined with a rubber gasket can be used for temporary plugging.
Internal lining: For long, multi-site damaged pipes, trenchless airbag lining methods can be used for comprehensive repair, but this is more expensive.

3. Benefits of Using Pipe Repair Clamps

Pipe repair clamps (also known as pipe repair clamps or pipe patchers) are specialized repair devices designed for pipeline leaks. They typically consist of two semicircular metal shells, an internal sealing rubber ring, and fastening bolts. The advantages are significant:

1. Fast and efficient, significantly reducing downtime:
Operation is simple, typically requiring only a few steps: cleaning the surface, aligning the leak, closing the housing, and tightening the bolts.
The entire repair process can be completed in tens of minutes, compared to hours or even days required to replace a pipe section, significantly reducing the impact and economic losses caused by water outages.
2. No need to shut down the pipe, enabling repairs under pressure:
This is the greatest advantage of the pipe repair clamp. The specialized design allows for direct installation and sealing while the pipe is under pressure, making it particularly suitable for critical pipelines where water outages are unacceptable.
3. Reliable sealing and adaptability:
The built-in high-quality rubber sealing ring can withstand high pressures and provide an excellent seal.
The design is highly tolerant and can adapt to irregularities or minor defects on the pipe surface.
Different models are available depending on the leak, including integral type (for pipe body repairs), socket type (for socket-and-spigot joint repairs), tee type (for tee repairs), elbow type (for elbow repairs), and flange type (for flange repairs). 4. Sturdy Structure and Long Service Life:
The housing is typically made of ductile iron or stainless steel, offering high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. It not only stops leaks but also provides mechanical reinforcement to damaged pipe sections, creating a permanent repair.
5. Easy Installation and Low Overall Cost:
No special tools or equipment are required, and ordinary workers can operate it with minimal training.
While the purchase cost of a single pipe repair clamp may be high, the significant savings in labor, downtime, and excavation costs make the overall cost-effectiveness very high.
6. Wide Application:
Not only suitable for FRP pipes, but also for various pipe materials such as cast iron, steel, PVC, and cement, making it a must-have repair tool for pipeline maintenance.

The housing is typically made of metals such as ductile iron and carbon steel, which are corrosion-resistant and high-strength. It can last the same life as the original pipe, eliminating the need for frequent repairs. Baoshuo brand carbon steel half joints are available in a variety of rubber materials, including NBR, EPDM, FKM, and silicone rubber. The half joint body is available in Q235 carbon steel and 304 and 316L stainless steel.

The following are Baoshuo brand oil-resistant pipe repair clamps, high-temperature-resistant pipe repair clamps, acid- and alkali-resistant pipe repair clamps, stainless steel pipe repair clamps, high-pressure-resistant pipe repair clamps, and large-diameter pipe repair clamps.

Summary and Recommendations

When a FRP pipe leak is discovered, the following process is recommended:

1. Initial Diagnosis: Try to determine the leak's location, size, and cause.
2. Site Preparation: Close valves (if permitted), excavate a suitable work pit, and clean the pipe surface.
3. Select a Solution:
For most leaks from holes, cracks, and joints in the pipe body, using appropriate pipe repair clamps is the fastest and most convenient solution.
For large-scale or complex damage, composite wrapping or pipe section replacement may be considered.
4. Complete the Repair: Install the pipe repair clamps according to their instructions, ensuring uniform tightening torque.
5. Follow-up Observation: After the repair, allow water to flow through the pipe and observe for a period of time to confirm there are no leaks before backfilling.