If there is a pinhole leak in the straight section of a fire main, which patch should be used?

If there is a pinhole leak in the straight section of a fire main, which patch should be used?

• A. Soft pipe patch
• B. Box patch
• C. Duct patch
• D. Rubber patch

Answer: (A)

For a pinhole leak in a straight fire main, a soft pipe patch is the best choice. It’s a flexible, fabric-backed patch that can conform to the circular surface of the pipe and seal quickly over a small hole without needing a rigid backing plate. This allows a fast, temporary fix in straight sections where the patch can wrap around the pipe and be secured with patching material and bands. A box patch relies on a rigid plate and is better suited for larger or rectangular holes or flat surfaces, which makes it awkward to apply on a curved, cylindrical section. A duct patch is intended for larger openings in ductwork and requires more time and hardware. A rubber patch can be used in some situations, but on a pressurized metal fire main it’s generally less reliable than a proper soft patch and won’t seal as securely as the recommended option.

For a pinhole leak in a straight fire main, a soft pipe patch is the best choice. It’s a flexible, fabric-backed patch that can conform to the circular surface of the pipe and seal quickly over a small hole without needing a rigid backing plate. This allows a fast, temporary fix in straight sections where the patch can wrap around the pipe and be secured with patching material and bands.

A box patch relies on a rigid plate and is better suited for larger or rectangular holes or flat surfaces, which makes it awkward to apply on a curved, cylindrical section. A duct patch is intended for larger openings in ductwork and requires more time and hardware. A rubber patch can be used in some situations, but on a pressurized metal fire main it’s generally less reliable than a proper soft patch and won’t seal as securely as the recommended option.