Whatever the cause, leaking water pipes can spell an expensive and stressful time. Maybe you have a current leak or want to be prepared. Either way, you wonder if JB Weld will work on water pipes. In this post, we thoroughly answer your questions!
JB Weld is an epoxy product that does work on rigid water pipes. Not only is the product advertised to work on water pipes, but many independent testimonials support this assertion.
However, traditional glued joints and solders are much more long-lasting and trustworthy. JB Weld does make a great quick fix, especially for more minor leaks.
Keep reading the rest of this post to learn more about JB weld and which type of JB product to use on which type of pipe.
Then, we cover a step-by-step guide on how to use JB Weld to repair your water pipes. Finally, we answer several questions related to the topic of this post. Let's begin!
What Is JB Weld?
JB Weld is a company that makes epoxy glue. Colloquially, JB Weld refers to a type of two-part epoxy they sell which comes as a solid. This is unique as most epoxy is sold as a liquid.
This solid nature makes mixing and working with JB Weld easier than many other epoxy products. This is especially true because you can get JB Weld onto a joint much more thickly.
However, just like any high-end glue, JB Weld epoxies are designed to work best under specific circumstances. Take note; JB Weld hardens into a hard solid, which makes it sandable and paintable.
However, this also makes it prone to cracking if allowed to flex. Therefore, you are not recommended to use JB Weld to repair any flexible water pipe or item.
Types Of JB Weld For Water Pipes
JB Weld recommends using JB Weld WaterWeld or JB Weld SteelStik when repairing broken water pipes. We cover these two products and their differences in the following two subsections.
JB Weld WaterWeld
WaterWeld is a generic product designed for PVC, fiberglass, ceramic, and other plastics. It can cure in the air, underwater, and on wet surfaces. When dry, it can stand a PSI of 4370.
WaterWeld sets in 25 minutes and takes 1 hour to cure and cures to an off-white color.
JB Weld SteelStik
JB Weld SteelStik is very similar to WaterWeld, but it is specifically designed to work with metals such as brass, bronze, steel, and copper.
This product sets more quickly at 5 minutes. SteelStik takes 1 hour to cure and cures to a dark gray color.
How To Repair A Broken Pipe With JB Weld
Follow these general directions to repair a broken pipe with JB Weld WaterWeld or JB Weld SteelStik. JB Weld is most appropriate for small breaks or failing joints.
Consider replacing that run of pipe or calling in a professional for larger breaks or cracks.
1. Determine What Type Of Pipe You Have
First, determine what type of pipe you are attempting to repair. Initially, this involves understanding whether you have hard or flexible piping. To tell this, give the pipe in question a squeeze.
If the pipe flexes or bends at all, it is flexible; if it does not give, the pipe is rigid. If the pipe is flexible, do not use JB Weld and consider a shark bite option.
If the pipe is rigid, you need to determine if it is metal or PVC. Most homeowners can easily tell the difference. If the pipe is metal, buy JB Weld SteelStik. If the pipe is PVC, use JB Weld WaterWeld.
The rest of these directions are the same for both of these products.
2. Shut Off Water Pressure To The Pipe
While JB Weld can patch a water pipe leak, it cannot withstand water pressure during the setting and curing process. Therefore, you will need to find a way to shut the water off to the affected area.
Most homes and units have a shutoff valve that removes the water from the entire plumbing system.
This is often in the garage or near the street under a cover. If you cannot find a shutoff, call help or your landlord before continuing.
3. Clean The Surface
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Now, use a rag to dry the area as well as you can. Then, use acetone or another quick evaporating cleaner to remove any gunk on the pipe in the area you want to repair.
The goal is to ensure that the epoxy bonds to the pipe only and not any dirt that may eventually fall off the pipe.
4. Where Possible, Roughen Surface
Now, roughen your surface using some sandpaper. Anything from 60-grit to 100-grit or so should work just fine. Other times, you may want to use a file or rasp to roughen hard-to-reach inside edges of a hole or puncture.
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Here, the goal is to create and rougher surface area for the JB Weld product to adhere. Therefore, consider roughing up around the pipe so the entire patch will contact roughed pipe.
When done, wipe away any pipe dust you may have created.
5. Prepare JB Weld Epoxy
For the next several steps, consider wearing gloves. Rubber-dipped gloves are a good option because they give you reasonable dexterity but are not expensive.
First, gather enough JB Weld product to encase the broken pipe section fully. You will notice that it comes in two colors. Be sure you have an equal amount of each color.
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Now, use your fingers for kneading the two colors together thoroughly.
The goal is to have one uniform glob of product. Mixing the two parts together has chemically activated the epoxy curing process. If you see streaks of one color or the other, keep mixing.
For WaterWeld, you have 25 minutes before the epoxy has hardened to an unworkable state. For SteelStik, you will need to work faster because it sets in just 5 minutes.
6. Form Mixed JB Weld Epoxy Around Broken Pipe
Now, take the mixed JB Weld, and form it around the broken section of pipe. Be sure to firmly knead the product into the roughened pipe and any holes or cracks.
That being said, do not put so much into the crack that it will block the future flow of water.
If you fear that you did not use enough JB Weld at first, that is ok. You can add more JB Weld on top of the epoxy you have already laid down to create a more solid final repair. Wait about 8 hours between JB Weld coats.
7. Allow JB Weld To Cure
Importantly, wait at least one hour for your JB Weld to cure before turning the water back on. Many sources recommend waiting even longer (4 to 24 hours).
If you repressurize your pipe before this cure period, the fix will likely fail.
Additional Questions About JB Weld
In the following subsections, we answer several questions related to the topic of this post.
How Long Does JB Weld Water Last?
Sources range from 7 months to 7 years. Therefore, we recommend that you regularly check your JB Weld repair.
That being said, if you use this product properly on the correct surface, you can expect your repair to last closer to the long side of this range.
How Strong Is JB Water Weld?
JB Weld WaterWeld is very strong. It is designed to withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and over 4000 PSI of pressure.
What Won't JB Weld Stick To?
According to JB Weld, JB Weld WaterWeld will not stick well to flexible surfaces such as rubber or flexible plastics, canvas or other cloths, and other similar materials.
Can You Put 2 Coats Of JB Weld?
Yes, you certainly can. As mentioned above, putting on two or more coats of JB Weld will strengthen the final bond.
Take note. It is essential to clean and rough the JB Weld's original layer to ensure the next layer will properly bond.
In Closing
In this post, we answered whether or not JB Weld will work on water pipes. We include a rundown on which type of JB weld product to use and step-by-step directions for using this product. To conclude, we answer a few related questions and provide an additional reading list. Good luck!
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