How can I connect wires so they are waterproof?

[Deeg]

I bought this submersible water pump: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XHZ25G/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The problem is the leads from the pump are only 6" and I need to make it longer, like a foot or two. How can I connect wires to the leads in a way that is waterproof? Can I solder them and use shrink tubing? What if I included some rubber cement?

 

[JimB]

Can I solder them and use shrink tubing?

That would be a start, but the heatshrink on its own would not seal out the water.
It is possible to get heatshrink sleeving with an adhesive liner. That usually makes a good seal.

What if I included some rubber cement?

A good idea, I would be inclined to use epoxy resin.


I think what I would do is:

Twist the wires together and solder.
Cover with one layer of heat shrink.
Cover the ends of the heat shrink with epoxy, and then before the epoxy sets...
Cover the whole joint with another layer heatshrink.

JimB

 

[jamie_s]

self amalgamating tape, its designed for this very purpose

 

[ericgibbs]

self amalgamating tape, its designed for this very purpose

I agree, I have used this tape for submerged joints in cables without problems.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

I agree, I have used this tape for submerged joints in cables without problems.

Yes, it's wonderful stuff - VERY, VERY useful.

 

[kinarfi]

Scotch 130C is that type of tape, another idea is put silicone on your joint and put shrink tube over the 'wet' silicone and heat and shrink

 

[ronsimpson]

I don't know where you are. Here I go to the lumber yard, hardware store, home repair store, etc and ask about wire in a well or wet location. (underground splice)
I have shrink tubing that has some kind of jell inside. When the tubing shrinks the jell fills the ends.

I would not use the wire nuts that come with sprinkler systems. I have seen large wet location wire nuts but I don't like them for pumps.
Where you get pumps will have part to make wet wire splices.

 

[Deeg]

Thanks guys! I got some silicone tape at HD.