1. Main Causes of Leakage in Stainless Steel Tees

Understanding the cause of a leak is crucial for effective repair. The following are common possibilities:

1. Welding Defects (Most Common): For welded tees, the leak is likely at the weld seam. Causes include:

Cold Joints/Leaks: Incomplete fusion occurs during welding, resulting in a small gap.

Blisters/Porosities: Impurities or gas enter the weld during welding, forming small holes after cooling.

Stress Cracking: Thermal expansion and contraction of the pipe or external vibrations cause stress concentration at the weld seam, leading to cracks.

2. Corrosion Perforation:

Chemical Corrosion: The transported medium (such as certain chemical liquids) or chemicals in the environment corrode the stainless steel, especially the weld area, where corrosion resistance may be compromised.

Electrochemical Corrosion: Direct contact between dissimilar metals (such as copper and carbon steel) creates a galvanic cell reaction under the action of an electrolyte (such as water), accelerating corrosion of the stainless steel.

3. External Damage:

The pipe may sustain mechanical damage during installation, such as scratches or bumps, which may not be discovered at the time. Over time, these defects may expand and cause leaks. System pressure is too high or water hammer occurs, with the instantaneous pressure exceeding the tee's pressure rating.
4. Leaks at threaded connections:
For threaded tees, this could be due to insufficient tape wrapping, damaged threads, or insufficient tightening, resulting in a poor seal.
5. Product quality issues:
The tee itself may have material or manufacturing defects (such as uneven wall thickness or microcracks).

II. Leak Repair Methods

Depending on the size of the leak, system pressure, and whether water can be shut off, you can choose from the following methods:

(I) Temporary Emergency Methods (Requires shutting off water and reducing pressure)

1. AB Glue/Metal Repair Agent:
Applicable to: Minor pinholes and leaks.

Method: Thoroughly clean dirt and rust around the leak and sandpaper until the metallic sheen is exposed. Mix the repair agent in the correct proportions and apply it to the leak and surrounding area. Allow to cure before re-opening the system.
Advantages: Simple operation and low cost.
Disadvantages: Not resistant to high temperatures and pressures, not a permanent solution, and may leak again over time.
2. Repair Welding with Stainless Steel Rods:
Applicable: Weld defects and cracks. Must be performed by a professional welder.
Method: The system must be completely drained and depressurized to ensure there are no flammable or explosive gases in the pipes. Grind and clean the leak before repairing with welding.
Advantages: A permanent solution that restores the pipe's original strength.
Disadvantages: Requires specialized skills and equipment, requires water shutoff, requires adequate space for operation, and poses safety risks when working with open flames.

(II) Permanent Methods Without Water Shutoff (Recommended)

1. Using Pipe Leak Repair Clamps (Pipe Repair Clamps/Clamps):
   This is currently the most common and effective repair method without water shutoff. Its advantages are detailed below.
   2. Using Stainless Steel Clamps:
   Applicable: Smaller holes.
   Method: Place a rubber pad (such as a bicycle inner tube) at the leak, then securely clamp it with a stainless steel clamp.
   Advantages: Extremely low cost and fast.
   Disadvantages: Average sealing, not resistant to high pressure, and unsightly.
   

3.Advantages of Using Leak Repair Clamps

Leak repair clamps (also called pipe repair clamps or clamp-type emergency repair joints) are designed specifically for quick pipeline repairs. They typically consist of two semicircular metal shells, a built-in sealing ring, and fastening bolts.

Their core advantages are significant:

1. Quick repair without water outage:

The biggest advantage: They can be installed directly while the pipe is under pressure, avoiding the significant inconvenience and financial losses caused by water outages.

2. Simple operation and extremely high efficiency:

No specialized welding skills are required; ordinary repair personnel can operate with common tools (wrenches). From preparation to tightening, it typically takes only a dozen minutes, significantly reducing repair time.

3. Reliable sealing and strong pressure resistance:

Using high-quality food-grade or industrial-grade rubber sealing rings, the bolted connection generates a strong sealing pressure ratio, effectively withstanding high system pressures (typically up to 1.6 MPa or higher), ensuring a long-lasting seal. 4. Adaptable and Widely Used:
A variety of specifications and models are available, specifically designed to repair leaks in tees, elbows, straight pipes, flanges, and other locations.
They can adapt to uneven or corroded pipe surfaces.
They are suitable for pipes made of various materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, and PVC.
5. Safe and Environmentally Friendly:
This process involves no hot work, eliminating the fire and explosion risks associated with welding, making it particularly suitable for flammable and explosive environments.
No pollutants are generated during the process, ensuring environmental safety.
6. Reusable:
High-quality leak repair clamps can be reused for other repairs after removal, provided the seals are intact, offering excellent value for money.

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

Cause Identification: First, carefully observe the location and shape of the leak to determine whether it's a weld or corrosion issue.

Selection Method:
For urgent, non-stop repairs, use a tee leak repair clamp. This is the most reliable, quickest, and professional method.
For minor leaks where water can be shut off, consider using a metal patching compound as a temporary solution, but maintain close monitoring.
For permanent repairs where water can be shut off and conditions permit, hiring a professional welder for repair welding is the most fundamental solution.

When purchasing a leak repair clamp, remember to accurately measure the pipe's outer diameter (OD) and select a compatible model. For tees, purchase specialized tee leak repair clamps designed to perfectly fit the contours of the tee.