When working underwater to repair leaks, seal cracks or bond materials, traditional adhesives fail because they lose strength or wash away in wet conditions. Underwater epoxy repair putty is specifically designed to overcome this challenge.
Its unique formulation – some might even say magic – enables it to provide reliable, permanent solutions in environments where water is always present.
That might be in swimming pools or aquariums. Boats or plumbing systems. Even fully submerged in rivers and oceans.
An epoxy putty to repair a leaking pipe running underneath the sea? We said it was magic stuff…
What is underwater epoxy repair putty?
Epoxy putty in general is a mouldable, clay-like material made by combining two components – resin and hardener.
When these initially soft components are mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction called polymerisation. This causes the putty to cure into a strong, rigid, hardened, waterproof material.
Unlike liquid adhesives which wash away in contact with water, there is a thick and doughy consistency to epoxy putty – making it easier to shape and press in submerged conditions.
But not always apply. Most general epoxy putties will struggle to harden or form a cohesive bond in wet conditions.
Which is where underwater epoxy putty – and its specialist, unique formulation allowing it to work in freshwater and saltwater environments – comes into play.
How underwater epoxy repair putty works
Ordinary adhesives often fail in water because they cannot bond properly to wet surfaces.
Specialist underwater epoxy putties are formulated with hydrophobic compounds. This means they repel water, enabling them to displace moisture and stick firmly to surfaces.
They also offer greater mechanical adhesion. Their soft, pliable texture enables them to be pushed deep into cracks, gaps and porous surfaces. This increases the surface area they can bond to.
And this physical keying in improves the bond strength – even when working on rough, corroded or irregular areas.
How to use underwater epoxy putty
Underwater epoxy putty can be mixed both above and below water. One consideration before deciding where to mix is that some putties will cloud the water as the chemical process takes place. This can make it difficult to see the repair area.
How long you have to work with an underwater epoxy repair putty depends on its cure time. Most epoxy putties are formulated for making fast repairs. As such, they offer less than 10 minutes to mix and apply before hardening.
Whilst this is useful in many applications, underwater repairs are often more complex. Because they require greater care during the application process, a slower cure time is often beneficial.
Surface preparation is still important when it comes to making an underwater repair. Loose debris, grease and other contaminants like algae should all be removed for best results.
Is underwater epoxy putty harmful to marine life?
The biggest question we are often asked after recommending epoxy putty for an underwater pipe repair is whether it is dangerous to marine life or will contaminate water.
And the answer is no. In fact, underwater epoxy putty is so harmless that it is used for bonding and repair in aquariums.
Limitations of underwater epoxy putty
Whilst versatile and a generally-brilliant product, underwater epoxy putty does have some limitations. Once hardened, it is not flexible – so it may not perform well in joints subjected to constant movement.
Depending on where the underwater repair is, access may be difficult for both surface preparation and application.
The ideal material for underwater pipe repair
Underwater epoxy putty works by combining advanced hydrophobic chemistry with the strong bonding properties of epoxy resins.
Its unique ability to cure and harden in submerged environments makes it an indispensable repair material for sealing underwater pipes.
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