What is your choice when seeing a hole in your towable tube: throw it away or repair it?
For the first choice, it is too easy to make. But how about the latter, “Can you patch a towable tube?” With this question, some answer yes meanwhile others say no, so it becomes controversial.
This article will provide you with a clear answer about whether you can repair your towable tube instead of throwing it away and some tips, as well as address your frequently asked questions regarding this topic. So check it out!
Can You Patch A Towable Tube?
Absolutely yes. You can patch a towable tube.
PVC and vinyl are two materials that are often used to make the most fantastic towable inflatables. Despite the fact that they are rigid and can withstand numerous riders, their seams can deteriorate and break apart. Also, with your towable tube, you may have to cope with a puncture problem.
Once this occurs, patching a towable tube might save you much money.
What To Do Before Patching a Towable Tube?
Examine the valve
First, you should examine the valve for any grit or sand blocking the device before looking for the hole in your inflatable tube. These unwanted bits are likely causing the safety valve flap to malfunction, resulting in air leaks.
If this is the issue, use an air pump to push them out or change the valve entirely if needed.
Suppose the inflatable does have any holes or tears. In that case, you must first determine the degree of the damage before purchasing the appropriate repair kit.
Consider the materials
Substrate and a coating make up the majority of the inflatable towable tubes. The substrate’s primary function is to offer strength, whereas the coating’s primary function is waterproofing.
A coating may be made of neoprene, copolymer (such as PVC), or Hypalon. On the other hand, a substrate can be made of either nylon or polyester.
Knowing the material of your inflatable can aid you in selecting the best glue for your patching work. For example, the glue that works perfectly with neoprene may not work with Hypalon and vice versa.
Ensure your towable tube is clean
To ensure that the repair materials can work, you will need to clean your towable tube carefully with arm water and light dish soap. It is also applicable if a seam has ruptured or if a puncture has occurred.
You should clean the entire part and leave it to air dry for 6 to 8 hours to prevent infection.
Invest in a patching kit
If you see holes or rips appear in your towable tube, you will need materials to patch it. However, there are a lot of items required, and it will be troublesome if you are patching and realize something is missing.
To avoid this situation, we recommend you to have a patching kit on hand as it is more convenient and cost-saving than buying things separately but still ensure the patch does not come off when extended.
Materials Needed
The components you will need to patch your towable tube may vary with adhesives, cloth, patch, etc.
As we mentioned above, it is a great idea to get a patching kit because when you own one, you can repair your towable tube right away.
We highly recommend the O’Brien “Tear Aid Patch Kit for small-scale holes because it has many great features.
You can fix tiny leaks on inflatable tubes, cushions, towables, pool toys, and more with this vinyl patch repair kit. Also, it aids in the immediate mending of holes and tears. It chemically adheres to the vinyl, eliminating the chance of peeling off.
In addition, for the large holes, the GEAR AID Wader and Boot Repair Kit is an ideal choice.
It is a reliable patch kit that fits into a small container and is suitable for repairing various varieties of vinyl, nylon, neoprene, and GORE-TEX® fabric goods. The package comes with everything you need to make a home repair or a rapid field repair, including adhesive, round patches, a brush, and instructions.
How To Patch A Towable Tube?
Assume that you had all materials needed, so let’s discover the patching process.
Small holes
- Clean the repair area with water, ideally warm and mild soap. Allow 5 to 6 hours for air drying.
- Directly around the hole, utilize two or more droplets of repair adhesive.
- Allow for a 24-hour drying period for the adhesive.
Large holes
- First, cut the PVC or vinyl patch to fit over the hole and extend 12 mm beyond it. Make sure the patch is in oval or round shape.
- Second, clean the surface of the patch and the tube with the primer and cleaner using the lint-free towel. Then leave it to flash off after wiping until the surface is sticky.
- Third, rub or brush a thin layer on the patch’s top and over the damaged area. Wait for the patch to dry for about 5 minutes, or until it is sticky, before applying it to the inflatable.
- Fourth, apply the patch on the damaged section or area of the inflatable with care. To make a seal, push down and slide the smoother from the center to the outside of the patch’s corners. In addition, to guarantee that the patched area dries completely, you can place a hefty object, like a landscaping stone, on top of it.
- Lastly, allow at least one day for the adhesive to set.
What Are Some Tips When Patching A Towable Tube?
- Check the materials
Before you begin the repair, double-check that you have all the necessary materials. That implies you will be able to start and finish the repair with relative ease.
- Take care of your tubes
The outside coating of inflated tubes is often quite pliable, rendering them subject to scratches and punctures, even though the tubes are made of extremely robust materials.
As a result, the best approach to avoid having to patch your inflatable is to take excellent care of it.
- Keep away from sharp objects
Keep the inflatable away from sharp objects. When preparing to launch it into the water, try not drag it on barnacles, rocks, or shells. You should resist tying it to the dock if it has rough wood sides.
- Deflate your towable
After you have finished dragging or floating on the water, deflate it as soon as possible. Adequate care and maintenance will guarantee that your towable lasts long, providing you with the amount of enjoyment you desire.
Regarding this topic, if you want to have a more detailed description of how to patch a towable tube, check this video:
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Guarantee A Good Towable Repair?
Ensure you spread the glue across the entire hole while applying it to the damaged region of the inflatable. The patch should be treated similarly.
If you are using a self-adhesive patch in the inflatable kit, you may need to apply more adhesive to the borders of the patch once it has dried for a better seal.
You can verify that the glue is entirely dry and the patch is airtight by filling the chamber. Also, you can release the inflatable back into the water as you are confident that it is leak-free when fully inflated.
How Do You Find Out If There Is A Leak?
One of the most valuable techniques is to dissolve detergent or soap in water in a small container, fully inflate the tubes, and pour the soapy water on the sections that you assume are leaking. If it has a hole or a tear, soap bubbles will form around that hole or leak.
Another way is to take the inflatable tube out of its protective coating and deflate it until it is approximately 3/4 full of air before carefully submerging it in water. Once you notice a line of bubbles, there is a leak in that part. Keep inspecting the rest of the tube’s surface for any additional probable leaks.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to fix a towable tube and can answer the question, “Can you patch a towable tube?” We hope that after reading this post, we hope that you will not waste time or money going to a repair shop in the future.
Still, you need to take good care of your inflatable and correctly maintain it to guarantee that it lasts longer and provides you with more value for your money.