🧿I. Common Connection Methods for PPR Pipes

The most core and common connection method for PPR pipes is heat fusion connection. Mechanical connections are also used in certain specific scenarios.

1. Heat Fusion Connection (The Main Method)

Principle: Using a dedicated heat fusion machine, the pipe and fitting are simultaneously heated to a molten state (approximately 260℃-270℃), then quickly removed and the pipe inserted into the fitting. After cooling, the molecular chains of the two fuse together, forming a strong, sealed whole.

Advantages: High connection strength, good sealing performance, low cost, and durability consistent with the pipe itself.

Disadvantages: Requires high technical skills from operators; improper operation can easily lead to hidden dangers; the connection is permanent and cannot be disassembled.

2. Mechanical Connection (Mainly Used for Later Maintenance or Connection with Pipes of Different Materials)

Threaded Connection: Using iron fittings with internal or external threads (such as unions or pipe clamps), the connection is achieved by wrapping sealing materials such as PTFE tape. Commonly used for connecting PPR pipes to water meters, valves, metal faucets, and other equipment.

Flanged Connection: Two flanged pipe fittings are fastened together with bolts, with a sealing gasket sandwiched in between. Mainly used for large-diameter PPR pipes or connections to pumps, valves, and other equipment.

🧿II. Causes and Corresponding Solutions for Leaks at PPR Pipe Connections

PPR pipe leaks almost always occur at connections, with heat fusion connections having the highest probability of problems.

Main Causes of Leaks:

1. Improper Heat Fusion Operation (Most Common Cause)

“False Weld”: Insufficient heating temperature or too short a heating time results in the pipe and fitting not melting sufficiently, leading to a weak fusion that can be easily broken by slight water pressure.

“Over-Weld”: Excessively high heating temperature or too long a heating time causes excessive carbonization or melting of the PPR material. If the pipe is inserted too deeply during connection, the pipe opening may be blocked by the molten material or become a weak point, making it prone to cracking after water flow.

1. Improper Insertion or Rotation: Improper insertion angle or rotation of the pipe/fitting during heat fusion can damage the formed molecular chains, leading to leaks at the connection.

2. Material Issues:

Using inferior or counterfeit PPR pipes and fittings with substandard heat fusion performance and quality.

3. External Damage:

Impact, torsion, or prolonged stress after pipe installation can cause cracks at the heat fusion joint.

Repair Methods After Leakage:

Method 1: Cut and Redo (The most fundamental and lasting solution)

Applicable Situations: Leaks at the heat fusion joint caused by any reason.

Steps:

1. Turn off the water supply and drain the pipes.

2. Use pipe shears or a saw to completely cut off the leaking joint.

3. Use new fittings and a short section of pipe to reconnect two new joints using a heat fusion machine.

Advantages: One-time solution, restoring the pipeline to its original reliability.

Disadvantages: Requires specialized heat fusion tools and certain operating skills; space is limited.

Method Two: Using Leak Repair Clips (Quickest and most convenient method)

This is the method we will focus on below.

Method Three: Using Repair Adhesive/Epoxy Sticks (Temporary Emergency)

Applicable Situations: Extremely small pinholes or cracks, and low water pressure.

Steps: Dry the leak point, and seal it with quick-applying leak-sealing adhesive or epoxy resin sticks that can be used while the pipes are wet.

Advantages: No special tools required, extremely low cost.

Disadvantages: Poor reliability; mostly a temporary measure; prone to re-leakage under temperature changes or water hammer impact.

🧿III. Advantages of Using Leak Repair Clips for PPR Pipe Leaks

For PPR pipes, there are two main types of commonly used leak repair clips: stainless steel double-clamp leak repair clips and clamp-type leak repair clips.

Their core advantages are as follows:

1. No need for heat fusion tools, extremely simple operation

This is the biggest advantage for PPR pipe repair. It completely avoids the dependence on technology and tools for re-heat fusion, and even ordinary people can operate it after reading the instructions. Repair can be completed simply by tightening the bolts with a wrench, greatly lowering the repair threshold.

2. Fast speed, true "emergency repair"

From the discovery of the problem to the completion of the repair, it usually only takes ten minutes to half an hour. For sudden leaks, it can minimize water outage time and property damage.

3. Allows for pressurized operation or only requires a short water outage

Some well-designed leak repair clips are equipped with special sealing structures, allowing installation in cases of minor leaks, or requiring only the complete closure of the main valve at the moment of installation, with minimal impact on social production and daily life.

4. High Adaptability and Flexible Application

**High Versatility:** Leak repair clips of the same specification can be used to repair pipe cracks and holes, as well as leaks at connections.

**Unrestricted by Space:** Heat fusion operations are very difficult in confined spaces, but leak repair clips only require enough space to accommodate themselves and the wrench, offering a significant advantage.

5. Reliable Sealing and High Durability

High-quality leak repair clips use food-grade silicone or EPDM rubber sealing rings internally. Through the physical pressure of the stainless steel sleeve or metal shell, a very tight seal is formed. Their pressure resistance and service life fully meet the requirements for long-term household use.

6. Can Serve as a Permanent Repair Solution

While "cutting and redoing" is conceptually considered the most fundamental solution, a properly installed, high-quality leak repair clip offers excellent reliability and lifespan, making it a viable permanent repair solution without the risk of secondary leaks.

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 PPR pipe connection leaks:

If you have the necessary tools and skills, cutting and redoing the leak is the most authentic repair method.

However, for most ordinary users and in emergency situations, using dedicated PPR leak repair clamps (especially double-clamp or stainless steel clamps) is undoubtedly the best choice. They combine speed, ease of use, reliability, and the ability to repair without requiring specialized skills, perfectly solving the main pain points in PPR pipe repair.

When purchasing leak repair clamps, please note: Ensure their specifications perfectly match the outer diameter of your PPR pipe and choose a reputable brand to guarantee the quality of the sealing ring and the metal body.