What is the STOP ITŪ PIPE REPAIR SYSTEM?
STOP ITŪ is used to stop leaks in metal or plastic pipe, reinforce joints
and form an anti-corrosion coating. STOP ITŪ is a fiberglass tape coated
with polyurethane resins that are activated by immersion in water. Once
activated, the STOP ITŪ will transform from a "wet" adhesive tape to
a hard, machinable "urethane plastic." Included in each container of
the "SYSTEM" is a plug of FIX STIX epoxy
that should be used to plug leaks or cracks or to provide a smooth transition
at offsets. <top>
Where is STOP ITŪ used?
STOP ITŪ can be used anywhere there is pipe or rigid hose. Maintenance personnel in chemical industries, oil refining and production, processing plants, bottling facilities, pulp and paper mills, utility companies, wet and dry mining, building maintenance, military and marine operations have all used STOP ITŪ. In addition, hazardous materials response teams use STOP ITŪ for
emergency spill control. <top>
What types of repairs are made with STOP ITŪ?
STOP ITŪ is used to repair steam lines, chemical lines, water lines and process lines. STOP ITŪ may also be used on pneumatic, LP gas and Freon lines as well. STOP ITŪ may be used with most chemicals that are compatible with epoxy. The end user should determine the suitability of STOP ITŪ for
their particular application. <top>
How is the STOP ITŪ PIPE REPAIR SYSTEM used?
STOP ITŪ is so easy to apply, its directions could be as simple as, "Dip it, wrap it and rub it!" STOP ITŪ is a hand-applied product, and the only tool required is a rasp or file to rough score the pipe or hose surface. STOP ITŪ bonds through adhesion as well as the mechanical bond resulting from the tension of the wrap. Proper surface preparation is key to promoting a better foundation for the repair. The FIX STIX epoxy provided in each kit should be used in conjunction with the STOP ITŪ. After mixing the inner and outer cores until they become uniform in color, the FIX STIX may be used as a fill material for holes and cracks. The FIX STIX can also be used to create a smooth transition at offsets or joints (the FIX STIX would be formed into a long rope, wrapped around the offset or joint and pressed into place before wrapping the STOP ITŪ over the leak site). Wearing the gloves, the roll of STOP ITŪ is immersed in water for 3-5 seconds (squeezing it a few times to get it good and saturated) and wrapped as tightly as possible where needed. Remember the material is very conformable and can be used to address leaks or cracks in crosses, tees or elbows. After wrapping the STOP ITŪ, re-wet your hands and begin to compress the resins back into the fiberglass material. Maintain the polishing action until the resins harden to the touch and all bubbling ceases. There will be a slight exotherm to the repair that is part of the chemical process and is quite normal. The heat generated is minimal and will not damage plastic pipe or harm the applicator. Wait the 30 minutes needed for the STOP ITŪ to
fully cure before re-pressuring the line. <top>
Can STOP ITŪ PIPE REPAIR SYSTEM be used to address
active leaks?
Yes. It is important to realize that any drip or stream from the leak
will cut through STOP ITŪ's resins before they have the chance to setup and harden. If there isn't the time to wait to allow the pipe to completely drain, but the line pressure has been reduced (by diverting some of the flow by opening valves or by shutting the flow entirely) to 15-20 psi which might represent remaining line or head pressure-the active leak application technique may be attempted. A quick rule of "thumb" is to try to stop the leak by pressing your thumb or finger on the leak. If the pipe pressure doesn't build and you are able to keep your thumb on the pipe, then there is a good chance you will succeed using this technique. Put on the gloves and activate the FIX STIX epoxy. Put the epoxy aside and open the pouch of STOP ITŪ. Take a part of the activated plug and press it into the material at a place about 1 - 1.5" from the end of the tape. Use your thumb to press the epoxy into the fiberglass until you see it protrude on the other side of the tape. Pat the epoxy until it is smooth and in full contact with the STOP ITŪ material. Immerse the roll into water and activate in normal fashion. Center the epoxy plug over the hole and cinch the material over the active leak by wrapping the STOP ITŪ a few times and pulling firmly. Keep wrapping, and if by chance you "miss" the leak, apply some more of the FIX STIX on the leak (over the few plies of STOP ITŪ already
on the pipe) and finish wrapping, pulling smoothly and firmly throughout
the application process. You should notice the leaking has stopped,
and that the final stages of wrapping are performed without any signs
of an active leak. Polish the resins as normal and wait the allotted
time before re-pressuring the line. <top>
How difficult is it to apply STOP ITŪ?
STOP ITŪ is much easier to use than most adhesive and epoxy products because there is no mixing. After activating STOP ITŪ's
resins in water, wrap the fiberglass material around the leak site
and polish the resins until they form a smooth, hard cap. The keys
to obtaining a good application are properly preparing the pipe, quickly
applying the roll by pulling the STOP ITŪ tightly around the
leak, and hand polishing the product until a smooth, shiny cap is formed.
(Reading and following the instructions [included in each kit] and/or
reviewing the readily-available, instructional video will assist the
user in obtaining a successful repair.) <top>
What are STOP ITŪ's set-time and cure time?
STOP ITŪ's resins set-up in three to four minutes. The cure time for a 1/2" thick application is about 30 minutes at 75°F. <top>
Does temperature affect STOP ITŪ's set-time?
Yes. The resins in STOP ITŪ are extremely temperature sensitive. When working in a hot environment, you can immerse the UNOPENED pouch of STOP ITŪ in a cool water bath to slow down the resins' set-time. Conversely, in a cold environment, using a heat gun or some other source of warmth near the STOP ITŪ application will speed the set-time. STOP ITŪ is
fully cured in 30 minutes under normal conditions. <top>
Do I need to wear the gloves included in every kit?
Yes, the gloves are provided for easy clean up after the repair has
been completed. STOP ITŪ's resins are not harmful-they are a strong adhesive and will not wash off, and it takes about 2-3 days for them to wear off. During the polishing process you are compressing the resins back into the fiberglass material and without wearing the gloves, you will be forcing the resins into your skin as well. Any foam that falls onto your skin or clothing should be allowed to completely expand and set. These non-compressed resin "pieces" should
peel off rather easily. <top>
What are the temperature limits of STOP ITŪ?
STOP ITŪ may be used on hot lines. The material should be applied when the pipe is at ambient temperature, and normal directions should be followed. At temperatures above 250°F, thermal decomposition may occur over an indeterminable period of time. The working life of the repair depends on temperature, thickness of application and individual application technique. STOP ITŪ should not be used in applications where the substrate is over 500°F. STOP ITŪ has
good flexural strength and can withstand some expansion and contraction
resulting from temperature fluctuations. <top>
What is STOP ITŪ's shelf life?
STOP ITŪ's shelf life is two years from date of purchase. <top>
What makes STOP ITŪ so effective?
While STOP ITŪ can be used on straight runs of pipe, its conformability makes it especially useful for repairing leaks at joints, crosses, tees, or any other location. STOP ITŪ's knitted fiberglass tape allows it to be twisted, turned and maneuvered as it is being applied. STOP ITŪ not only bonds because of its adhesive properties, but also because of the mechanics involved in the tight wrapping of the product. These properties enable STOP ITŪ to form an effective repair on hard-to-stick-to pipe surfaces such as tight rust and properly rough-scored polyethylene, polypropylene, PVDF and nylon. STOP ITŪ is not like the fiberglass "patch" products that are available. In addition to its conformability, STOP ITŪ's
heavy resin load enables it to finish out beautifully-creating a strong,
homogenous repair. <top>
Why should STOP ITŪ be used instead of more
traditional repair methods?
It is not always feasible or practical to replace pipe-especially in
cases where downtime means lost revenue. STOP ITŪ not only stops a leak; it also provides structural reinforcement to the repair site. In the case of badly corroded metal piping, STOP ITŪ can repair a leak without causing stress (by replacing the pipe) to neighboring fittings. STOP IT® is often used to rebuild thin-wall, corroded steel pipe. Covering plastic pipefittings with STOP ITŪ can provide over 2,000 pounds of additional pullout strength. The industrial, environmental and governmental regulations that are in place make quick response to a leak extremely important. STOP ITŪ's
quick cure, conformability, chemical resistance and ability to make
a repair in an explosive environment (no hot work is required) have
made it an attractive alternative for maintenance personnel in all
types of industry for over a decade. <top>
Is my STOP ITŪ repair permanent?
If the repair site is kept within STOP ITŪ's pressure and temperature limits, the repair could be considered permanent. STOP ITŪ can be buried underground, or remain under salt or fresh water. Another factor in the decision about whether or not the repair would be considered "permanent" is
the maintenance procedure policies of the facility where the repair
is being made. <top>
Is STOP ITŪ affected by exposure to UV?
STOP ITŪ's white formula will slowly turn brown when exposed to UV. This color change does not affect the performance of the repair, and does not penetrate past the surface of the urethane cap. The brown color can be circumvented by lightly sanding the STOP ITŪ after it has cured and painting it. STOP ITŪ in
its black formulation has shown no signs of discoloration after two
years in direct sun. <top>
How much STOP ITŪ is needed to stop a leak?
Refer to our Product Selection Guide charts
for 2"x4' STOP ITŪ and for 2"x12'/4"x12' STOP ITŪ. <top>
All statements, technical information and
recommendations contained herein are based on information and tests we
believe to be reliable.
The accuracy or completeness thereof are not guaranteed. Since STOP ITŪ is a hand-applied product, results
will vary with the expertise of the product's applicator. Recommendations regarding the number of rolls needed,
and STOP ITŪ's pressure retention capabilities assume the applicator has some experience with applying STOP ITŪ PIPE
REPAIR SYSTEM.
Since conditions of use are outside our control, the purchaser should determine
the suitability of the product
for his/her intended use and assumes all risks and liability whatsoever
in connection therewith.
