Find HS Code and trade information for water stopper

Water Stopper

A water stopper is a device used to prevent or halt the flow of water, typically within a contained system or structure. The term encompasses a broad range of products designed for diverse applications, varying significantly in material, mechanism, and scale.

Materials

Water stoppers are constructed from materials chosen for their impermeability, durability, and compatibility with the fluid being contained. Common materials include:

• Rubber: Frequently used in expandable stoppers for pipes, drains, and laboratory equipment. Offers flexibility and a good seal.
• Plastic (PVC, Polyethylene, etc.): Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, often used for drain stoppers, expansion plugs, and temporary seals.
• Metal (Steel, Aluminum, Brass): Employed in high-pressure applications, pipe plugs, and structural seals. May be coated for corrosion resistance.
• Concrete: Used in construction to create waterproof barriers in foundations, walls, and tunnels.
• Geotextiles & Bentonite Clay: Used in expansive soil applications to prevent water migration.
• Expanding Foam: Used for sealing gaps and cracks against water intrusion.

Purpose & Function

The primary purpose of a water stopper is to create a watertight barrier. Functions include:

• Leak Prevention: Stopping existing leaks in pipes, containers, or structures.
• Pressure Testing: Isolating sections of a plumbing system for pressure testing.
• Drainage Control: Temporarily or permanently blocking water flow in drains and sewers.
• Structural Waterproofing: Preventing water ingress into foundations, walls, and tunnels during construction or repair.
• Soil Stabilization: Reducing water movement through soil to maintain structural integrity.

Usage Scenarios

Water stoppers are utilized in a wide array of applications:

• Plumbing: Blocking drains for cleaning or repairs, testing for leaks in pipes, and sealing connections.
• Construction: Waterproofing foundations, expansion joints in concrete structures, and tunnels.
• Laboratory & Industrial: Sealing flasks, beakers, and other containers; blocking pipes for experiments.
• Automotive: Sealing openings during vehicle washing or repair.
• DIY/Home Improvement: Blocking drains, sealing leaks around pipes, and waterproofing basements.
• Agriculture: Controlling water flow in irrigation systems and preventing soil erosion.

Common Types

• Rubber Expandable Plugs: Tapered rubber stoppers inserted into pipes to create a seal. Available in various sizes.
• Drain Stoppers: Typically made of plastic or metal, designed to fit into standard drain openings. May include levers or mechanisms for tightening.
• Concrete Water Stops: Polymeric or metallic strips embedded in concrete joints to prevent water passage. Often used in dams, tunnels, and foundations.
• Water Stop Bags/Pillows: Inflatable bags used to block tunnels or large pipes.
• Bentonite Clay Water Stop Socks: Used around foundations to absorb water and expand, creating a waterproof barrier.
• Foam Water Stop Strips: Expandable polyurethane foam used to seal gaps and cracks.
• Mechanical Plugs: Utilize bolts or screws to compress a sealing element against the pipe wall.
• Hydrophobic Water Stop Membranes: Applied as a coating to concrete or other surfaces to repel water.

Based on the provided information, “water stopper” can be classified under the following HS codes:

• 3925900000: Builders' ware of plastics, not elsewhere specified or included: Other. This HS code covers a broad category of plastic builders' ware not specifically detailed elsewhere. A water stopper, if made of plastic and used in construction, could fall under this classification.

  • 39: Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof.
  • 25: Heading 3925 specifically relates to builders' ware of plastics.
  • 900000: Subheading 3925900000 denotes "other" plastic builders' ware not covered by more specific subheadings within the chapter. The applicable tax rate is a base tariff of 5.3%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 60.3%.

• 3926904510: Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Gaskets, washers and other seals O-Rings. If the water stopper functions as a seal (e.g., an O-ring or similar component), this HS code may be applicable.

  • 39: Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof.
  • 26: Heading 3926 covers other articles of plastics.
  • 904510: Subheading 3926904510 specifically relates to gaskets, washers, and other seals, including O-rings. The applicable tax rate is a base tariff of 3.5%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 58.5%.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'water stopper' are limited, with only the following 2 found.