It is unthinkable to imagine comfortable housing, be it an apartment, your own cottage or a small country house, without running water. The supply of cold and heated water has long become a prerequisite for comfortable living. Homeowners try to choose the most practical water supply option.
We have presented all connection methods polypropylene pipes, gave the types of fittings used in the construction of circuits. Typical errors indicated. The information we offer is supplemented with diagrams, photo collections and videos.
Steel has long been considered the traditional material for water pipes.
However, today this option is used quite rarely. It was replaced by various plastics, among them polypropylene.
Image gallery
It is advisable to use special scissors to cut elements. True, this shortcoming is easily corrected. Most stores selling polypropylene pipes provide soldering equipment for rent.
Polypropylene pipes are an excellent alternative to traditional steel parts. They are not subject to corrosion and are resistant to aggressive environments, environmentally friendly, reliable and durable
Features of the assortment of polypropylene pipes
Polypropylene is a type of plastic produced by cracking petroleum products and petroleum gases. Its basis is propylene gas. Under high pressure With the presence of a catalyst, a polymerization reaction is carried out, as a result of which polypropylene is obtained. Pipes are subsequently made from it. Two types of such products are produced for water supply systems: single and multilayer.
The first option is mainly for various types pipelines through which cold water is transported. Multilayer or reinforced parts are used for arranging highways with hot water, they are also used for installation of heating systems. Their main difference is the presence of several layers of polypropylene, between which reinforcing material is laid.
Image gallery
Not everyone can lay their own heating and water mains. But even those whose hands “grow from where they should” cannot do without theoretical knowledge. This is especially true for complex processes. One of these is the installation of polypropylene pipes with your own hands. The main difficulty lies in welding polypropylene products. The reliability and durability of the pipeline depends on the quality of the work performed. The pipes themselves have a high degree of strength. Therefore, problems with the main line only occur due to a violation of welding technology. What this technology is today is what we will cover.
Types of polypropylene pipes and fittings
Polypropylene pipes are either unreinforced or reinforced. The former, due to their large thermal elongation, are used only for cold water supply. Reinforced – can be used in feed systems hot water, "" and heating lines.
For pipeline installation work you may need:
- pipes, their diameter varies from 20 mm to 160 mm;
- bends 45° or 90° are necessary to turn the pipeline in the desired direction;
- couplings that connect pipes to each other;
- tees, used to branch the pipeline in three directions;
- crosses, branch the pipeline in four directions;
- adapters for connecting pipes of different diameters;
- detachable connectors, taps;
- bushings, plugs;
- clips for pipeline installation.
You can learn more about the types of pipes from the video:
Detailed description of the welding process
To master the process of installing polypropylene pipes, you need to study welding technology. Tools required for work: marker; measuring tool; precision shears, auto shears or pipe cutter; for reinforced products shaver; welding tool.
How to properly prepare a polypropylene pipe?
Using a tape measure, measure the required length of pipe. Use a marker or pencil to make a mark on the product. An incision is made along the mark left. During the cutting process, the pipe should be positioned at right angles to the shear blades. If you need to cut a short piece of pipe, position it so that the longer section of pipe is to the right of the tool. This way you will avoid its deformation.
If polypropylene pipes with reinforcement are used, then before starting welding work you need to clean the aluminum layer at the junction of the parts. Otherwise, when it comes into contact with water, it will be subject to corrosion, which over time will lead to defects in the connection, which in turn will cause a leak.
Cleaning is done with a shaver. Its depth is half a centimeter greater than the socket of the fitting used. An important condition for high-quality welding of pipes is their degreasing at the joints. Alcohol wipes work well for this process. Gasoline and solvents should not be used to degrease polypropylene pipes.
To ensure an even cut of the pipe, it must be positioned at right angles to the blades of the cutting tool. For a strong connection, the pipe section must be degreased before welding.
If the aluminum layer of the reinforced pipe is not cleaned before installing the pipeline, over time the connection will corrode and its integrity will be compromised.
The fitting is also degreased before welding. The welding depth is marked on the pipe. This will help control the depth of insertion of the pipe into the fitting.
You need to make a mark on the pipe by trying on the fitting to it. This way you will clearly know the welding depth.
Must stand on a flat, stable surface. The process uses two attachments: a sleeve and a mandrel. The first is used for the pipe, the second for the fitting. They are selected taking into account the size of the pipes. Before putting on the parts, it is advisable to degrease them too.
Attention! Attach attachments to the welding machine only when the device is turned off.
The nozzles are made of Teflon, which, when heated, does not cause polypropylene to stick to the surface. After putting on the attachments, turn on the device. When the indicator on the device body goes out, you can start welding.
Polypropylene pipe welding technology
If the work is being carried out for the first time, it is advisable to practice on a small section of pipe. Since you will have to deal with high temperatures, it is better to use construction gloves. They will help protect your hands from burns.
Advice. After the device reaches the desired temperature, you need to wait 5 minutes before starting the process. And only then start welding.
Holding the pipe in one hand and the fitting in the other, I simultaneously put them on the heated nozzles. In this case, you need to apply a little force, but be careful not to melt the pipe beyond the mark. The time during which the required heating of the parts occurs is calculated according to the table. Counting begins after the parts are completely seated on the device.
As soon as the time is up, the parts are removed from the device and the pipe is inserted into the fitting up to the mark. After this, you need to wait a few seconds, and then do not make any impact on the alloy until it cools completely. During the process of heating and joining parts, it is not recommended to displace them along the axis.
When pushing the fitting and pipe onto the nozzles, you need to apply a little force. At the same time, you need to ensure that the parts do not warm up deeper than necessary.
When working with polypropylene pipes, the heating, connecting and cooling times of the elements should be observed. The quality and durability of the pipeline depends on this
You can check the connection by looking inside. The formation of “noises” is considered a defect, since they affect the throughput of the highway. They can result from failure to maintain the melting temperature or if the pipe is inserted into the fitting further than necessary. In any case, such a defect affects the efficiency and service life of the pipeline.
Attention. Work on the installation of polypropylene pipes cannot be carried out in rooms where the air temperature is below 0°.
If polypropylene pipes are walled up, then before installing them in the wall, you must first assemble the entire section of the pipeline. And only then fasten it into the groove.
Connection of polypropylene pipe with metal
To connect pipes made of different materials, such as metal and polypropylene, you need to use fittings that are equipped with threaded metal inserts. First, the fitting is welded to the polypropylene pipe, and then screwed onto it metal pipe With internal thread. For a better connection, tow or flax is used.
Installation of polypropylene pipes to the surface
In the process of laying a pipeline, it becomes necessary to attach it to the surface. This can be done in two ways:
- conventional wall mounting;
- sealing pipes in the groove.
Both options use special clips. They are selected according to the size of the pipes. The clips are attached to the surface using dowels and screws.
The section of the main line that will be walled up in the groove is first assembled, all its components are welded and only then mounted to the wall
There are two options for attaching pipes to the wall: rigid and sliding. Installation of water supply from polypropylene pipes can be done using rigid fastening. But for heating lines, in places where expansion is compensated, sliding fastenings should be made.
Other installation nuances
When using polypropylene pipes in heating lines, you need to know how to install them to the surface, taking into account thermal expansion. If work is carried out at a temperature of 20°, and the maximum value of the transported liquid is 110°, then each meter of unreinforced pipeline is extended by 12 mm. Therefore, only reinforced products must be used for heating lines. Their extension is 2.4 mm. However, it must be taken into account when laying the highway.
If the pipeline will be walled up, you can use special casings. Thanks to their soft structure, they reduce pipe stress. In addition, the casing reduces . To compensate for expansion on the external pipeline, temperature compensators are installed. They can be made in the form of loops, U-shaped or Z-shaped. Since polypropylene pipes are not plastic, bends are made using fittings.
Having studied the theory of working with polypropylene pipes, you can begin the practical implementation of the process. The main thing is to strictly follow the technology. If you are not completely confident in your abilities, it is better to invite a specialist. After all, mistakes can be costly. The quality of the measures taken can be judged after checking the line under pressure.
We will understand the technological features of the design and installation of pressure polypropylene pipes, and master the rules and subtleties of socket polyfusion welding of propylene-based products. Let's consider the causes of possible connection defects and learn how to avoid them.
Physical properties polypropylene impose specific requirements for the planning and installation of the pipeline system.
Features of the design of polypropylene pipelines
Polymer products tend to contract when cooled and elongate when heated. The characteristic does not affect cold water systems, but is relevant when planning heating systems and hot water supply.
There are several options for compensating for linear expansions of pipes longer than 5 meters. The natural flexibility of the polymer is used in corner areas, fixed in sliding supports and bending with temperature fluctuations.
U-shaped expanders made from couplings and pieces of pipe work in a similar way.
Factory-made loop-shaped expansion joints are suitable for absorbing expansion in the range of 45-80 mm, depending on the pipe diameter.
Another simple and quick solution is to install an axial-type bellows compensator, equipped with fastening units and occupying a minimum of space.
When replacing pipes within a bathroom, a movable fastening of the lines is designed, which ensures the free movement of pipelines in the supports and does not require additional compensators. When laying pipes in channels and shafts, the risers are placed further away from the walls, thereby increasing the bending arm.
Preparation of materials
Taking into account the operating features of the future pipeline, a suitable type of polypropylene pipes is selected, divided into classes and having different markings:
- For cold water- PN10, PN16.
- For hot - PN20.
- For heating systems - PN25.
There is a small price difference between the PN20 and PN16 brands, so when completely replacing communications, a PN20 pipe is usually used for all water supply systems. The supply to the equipment is made with thin pipes (21.2 - outer diameter), while thicker products are used for risers and connecting several consumers.
A water supply diagram is made in advance, internal lines are designed using welded couplings, detachable connections are planned in places accessible for inspection. Based on the created drawings, the length of the pipes and the number of components are calculated.
An example of the layout of polypropylene pipes in the bathroom: 1 - Ball Valves; 2 — elbow with fastening for connecting a toilet; 3 — polypropylene tee; 4 - polypropylene pipes; 5 - double elbows with fastenings for connecting sink and bathtub faucets; 6 — polypropylene angle 90°
Socket welding of polypropylene products
Polypropylene pipes with a caliber of up to 63 mm are connected by socket welding. Two pipes are joined using a third element - a coupling, and threaded units are organized using fittings with a socket.
Required Tools
To independently weld a polypropylene pipeline you will need:
- Machine for polyfusion welding, nozzles of the required size.
- Contact thermometer.
- Band wrench.
- Electric carrying extension cord.
- Pipe cutter for plastic pipes.
- Cleaning device.
- Tape measure, marker, sharp knife.
- Alcohol for degreasing.
- Rag made of natural fabric.
- Mounting clamps.
There is no point in purchasing a welding unit for one-time use - it is more advisable to rent a complete set of tools, including everything necessary for installation work.
Preparation for welding
Before welding, carefully inspect all material for deformations. They check the fittings by putting them on the nozzle - parts that are “sitting” too loosely are rejected. The serviceability of valves and taps is checked, the threads are driven through with a counter part.
Make a test cut of the pipe with scissors; if they compress the walls of the product, sharpen the working parts of the tool.
Welding order
The welding unit is placed on a flat surface and attachments are attached. Having set the temperature to 250-270 °C with the regulator, turn on the power to the device. After warming up the device (10-15 minutes), clean the nozzles with a tarpaulin rag to remove any dirt remaining from the previous welding. They begin to work after the instrument has warmed up to 260 °C, which is confirmed by the indicator and the temperature of the nozzle is checked with a contact thermometer. Next, proceed directly to welding:
- Cut the pipe of the required size at a right angle, taking into account the entries into the fittings.
- When sawing with a hacksaw for metal, the edges of the cut are cleared of burrs with a knife.
- When processing aluminum-reinforced pipes, plastic and foil are removed by stripping to the length of the weld seam.
- A chamfer is cut at the edge of the pipe at an angle of 30-45°.
- Place a marker at a distance corresponding to the depth of the fitting plus 1-2 mm.
- The surfaces to be welded are cleaned and degreased.
- Place the coupling on the heated nozzle, then insert the pipe into the sleeve, pushing it to the mark.
- Both parts are held for the same time according to the technical welding parameters.
- At the end of heating, the polypropylene products are removed and the fitting is pushed onto the pipe with a measured movement up to the mark, excluding the slightest axial rotation.
- A fresh seam is fixed for 20-30 seconds to partially cool the joint, sufficient to hold the pipe in the coupling.
- Leave the connection motionless for 3-4 minutes, avoiding any bends.
- Visually check the quality of the joint made.
During the work, ensure the cleanliness of the Teflon coatings of the nozzles and remove any remaining plastic.
Technical parameters of welded joints
| Pipe diameter, mm | Welding joint length, mm | Time | ||
| Heating time, sec | Waits, sec | Cooling, min | ||
| 20 | 14 | 6-8 | 2-5 | 2 |
| 25 | 15 | 8-11 | 4-8 | 2 |
| 32 | 17 | 9-12 | 6-10 | 4 |
| 40 | 18 | 12-16 | 6-15 | 4 |
| 50 | 20 | 14-18 | 6-15 | 4 |
| 63 | 26 | 22-32 | 8-20 | 6 |
| 75 | 29 | 30-40 | 10-30 | 6 |
A correct welded joint has a continuous bead of melted plastic at the edge of the socket. An unsuccessful joining can only be corrected by removing the fitting and installing a new one, so it is better to practice a little on scraps and understand the intricacies of welding.
Connection defects and causes of their occurrence
Absence or separation of the bead from the weld:
- The heating temperature has been exceeded.
- Excessive length of nozzles.
- Deviation from heating time.
Low collar height:
- Low heating temperature.
- Insufficient warm-up time.
- Part diameter mismatch.
Oblique joint: violation of the alignment of the fitting and pipe.
Oval edges: improper fixation of workpieces.
Voids in the welded joint:
- Damaged pipe surface.
- Axis displacement during connection.
- Significant deviations in the dimensions of parts.
- Dirty surfaces.
- Burnt plastic on the nozzles.
Partial weld length:
- Insufficient temperature.
- Short heating time.
- Exceeding the docking time.
- Uneven pipe end.
The passage at the welding site is narrowed:
- Excessive pressure during docking.
- Overheating of materials.
Test filling with water is carried out an hour after completion of the last joint. Having released the air at the upper points of the system, fill it with water and hold the pressure for 30-40 minutes. After inspecting the water lines, make sure there are no leaks.
Mastering the soldering of polypropylene units is the main task solved when replacing old pipes. Otherwise, the installation of this type of pipeline is carried out in accordance with generally accepted standards.
Polypropylene pipes are gradually replacing metal pipes in heating and water supply, and this is primarily due to ease of installation. Polypropylene (PP) is a material with excellent performance and qualities, which is used for both cold and hot water.
The advantages of polypropylene include:
- long service life;
- a large assortment of fittings and other components;
- light weight;
- absence of condensate and mineral deposits during operation;
- immunity to corrosion;
- strength;
- ease of installation;
- resistance to aggressive environments and high pressure.
The only disadvantages include the inability of most polypropylene pipes to withstand temperatures above 50-60ᵒ. There are several brands that can withstand boiling water (not for long, because already at 90°C the plastic softens and loses its properties).
Important! For hot water (less than 90ᵒC) pipes marked PN25 and PN20 are used, and for cold water (less than 20ᵒC) - PN10 and PN16.
Equipment for installation of water supply:
Necessary materials:
- PP pipes;
- fittings, detachable or permanent;
- tees;
- couplings;
- corners (for installation of inclined sections of the highway).
Temperature environment during operation it should be at least +5ᵒС. All parts are checked for defects, cleaned of dirt, and directly during welding/installation they are located away from open sources of fire.
Choosing the right pipes
There are several types of PP pipes that can be used in water supply.
- Pipes with an aluminum layer (another name is “stubs”) are universal because they are used in systems of all types.
- Products with a fiberglass layer. The layer can be red and blue, respectively, for hot and cold water.
- Conventional single-layer pipes. Their use is advisable when installing small water supply networks.
- Multilayer products (reinforcement + two layers of polypropylene) are characterized by the fact that they can withstand temperatures up to 95ᵒC.
In home water supply, the most common pipe diameters are 2, 2.5 and 3.2 cm. The choice of one or another of them depends solely on the diameter of the nozzles for the welding machine. There are products with diameters of 4, 5, 6.3, 7.9 and 9 cm, as well as a diameter of 11 cm, which is popular in sewer installations, but such nozzles do not come with the device as standard.
Important! It is advisable to first acquire welding and only after that, based on the diameter of the nozzles, select pipes.
Do-it-yourself propylene water supply: installation technology
The choice of certain fittings when installing a water supply system completely depends on the operating conditions. For example, to install a water meter it is better to use a detachable threaded fitting, but to connect a flexible hose it is more advisable to use a permanent connection.
When soldering products of different diameters, as well as on straight sections of the highway, couplings are used. Angles, in turn, are needed when turning the water pipe. Branches are created using tees.
Important! Do not use dirty or damaged parts. In addition, cutting threads on polypropylene elements yourself is strictly prohibited.
Sequencing
- Calculation of all necessary parameters.
- Installation of adapter fittings (if you plan to connect PP elements with steel ones).
- Welding of pipes and fasteners (welding technology will be discussed below).
- Installation of shut-off valves.
- Wall grooves (making channels for laying pipelines).
- Final installation of polypropylene pipes.
First stage. First you need to turn off the water using the valve near the riser. If the risers also change, the water in the basement will need to be turned off with prior approval from the housing office. In addition, you need to inform your neighbors about the exact timing of the work.
Second phase. Next, the old pipes are cut with a grinder about half a meter from the floor and ceiling - this will simplify installation. Each cut must be strictly perpendicular, otherwise it will not be possible to cut the thread.
Third stage. The section of the main line located in the slab must be loosened and then knocked out with a sledgehammer. If necessary, a hammer drill is used.
Fourth stage. At the end, you need to cut off all the fasteners of the old highway - dowels, metal brackets, etc.
Important! The diameter of the new water supply must be no less than the old one. In an apartment with a standard layout, you first need to install pipes in the toilet, since the risers are located there.
Pipeline installation can be closed or open. In the case of open installation, the main line is masked with plasterboard or simply remains in plain sight. With closed installation, pipes are immured in pre-grooved floors and walls.
Obviously, open installation is more popular.
First stage. First you need to determine at what distance from the riser the internal wiring will run. Taking into account the data obtained, the pipe for the riser is cut.
Second phase. In the risers of the upper and lower apartments it is necessary to cut threads using a die. Then the risers are sealed with tapers, and the polypropylene riser is assembled.
Third stage. The water supply is restored to check the tightness of the connections. If the result is positive, then it is necessary to install the wiring (taking into account the location of the plumbing, water meter and filter). You only need to run cold water to the toilet.
Fourth stage. Corrugated hoses should be connected to all plumbing fixtures. A ball valve is also installed in front of each device.
Important! If the pipe is disguised with a false wall, then it must be insulated with polyethylene foam to prevent the formation of condensation.
Welding (soldering) of polypropylene pipes
Before you start working, you need to put Teflon-coated nozzles of the appropriate diameter on the welding machine. The thermostat is set to 260ᵒC, the device warms up. detailed instructions- How to solder polypropylene pipes.
First stage. First, the pipe is marked and cut to the required length. The end of the pipe that needs to be connected is stripped.
Second phase. Then it is noted to what depth the pipe will enter the fitting. It is important that there is a millimeter gap between them.
Third stage. Fittings with a pipe are placed on the heated nozzle of the device; heating of both elements should begin simultaneously. First, a part with thicker walls is mounted; if the connection is not tight enough, then it must be rejected.
Fourth stage. The parts are kept for a certain time, which depends on the diameter:
- Ø4 cm – 12 sec;
- Ø3.2 cm – 8 sec;
- Ø2.5 cm – 7 sec;
- Ø1.6 cm – 5 sec.
After this, the elements are pressed onto each other with little effort. When connecting, you cannot make turns along the center line.
Fifth stage. The hardening time ranges between 15 and 30 seconds, it all depends on the diameter of the products. The first correction is made only a few seconds after insertion. During the curing period, the parts must be securely fixed.
At the end of the procedure, the connection is checked for cracks and gaps.
What determines the installation cost?
Important! A good welding machine for polypropylene pipes costs about 3 thousand rubles, so it is better to rent it from specialized companies.
In addition to the device itself, there are other factors that influence the cost of work:
- price of necessary building materials;
- the number of water consuming points to which the pipeline needs to be connected;
- diameter of pipes, method of their connection;
- planning features.
Manufacturers of PP pipes
To install polypropylene water pipes, it is better to use high-quality pipes from manufacturers who have already proven themselves positively. These include Ecoplast, Kalde, Pilsa, etc. Using low-quality products is fraught with consequences.
When heated, the pipes will melt longer than expected, and their diameter may not fit the nozzle. If the end of the product fits into the nozzle too freely, then a high-quality connection is unlikely to be achieved.
To prevent this from happening, buy a small piece and solder it to the fitting. This will allow you to draw the right conclusions regarding the purchase of PP pipes from an unknown manufacturer.
Finally. Safety precautions
It is very important to follow all safety standards when installing a new water supply system. For example, when using a grinder or other cutting tool, you must wear safety glasses. When welding and gating walls, you need to use a respirator. In short, in installing a water supply system, as in any other matter, the main thing is safety.
Video - Polypropylene pipes: how to choose?
Video - Installation and welding of PP pipes
Have you decided to do a major renovation in your apartment? Then it is worth considering that without replacing the water supply it will be incomplete. Agree, it would be a shame if immediately after the repair one of the pipes leaks, and, what good, you flood your neighbors. An excellent alternative to outdated water supply lines are plastic pipes.
Making plastic wiring for a heating system or water supply in an apartment is quite simple. To install polypropylene pipes with your own hands, you only need a set of special equipment and a minimum of technical skills.
Next, we will tell you what tools are needed for the job and how to use them correctly. In addition, in the article you will find information on how to correctly draw up a layout diagram for a plastic pipeline, as well as step by step instructions for welding polypropylene pipes. To help the home craftsman, we have selected thematic videos.
Most polypropylene (PP) pipes are the same at first glance. A more detailed examination of them will allow you to notice differences in material density, internal structure and wall thickness. The scope of application of pipes and the features of their installation depend on these factors.
Classification of PP material
The quality of a polypropylene weld and the operational characteristics of pipes are largely determined by the PP manufacturing technology.
There are the following types of parts, based on the material they are made of:
- PRN. Single-layer products made of homopolypropylene. Used in industrial pipelines and cold water supply systems.
- RRV. Single-layer products made from PP block copolymer. Used for installation of underfloor heating networks and cold pipelines.
- PPR. Single-layer products made from random copolymer PP. They are used in water supply and home heating systems with water temperatures up to +70°C.
- P.P.S.. Refractory type of pipes with operating temperatures up to +95 °C.
There are also multilayer reinforced PP parts.
They have an additional internal aluminum shell, which dramatically reduces thermal expansion, facilitating wiring installation and operational safety.
The disadvantage of these products is the need to remove the top polymer layer and aluminum to the depth of penetration of the pipe into the fitting before soldering.
We examined in more detail the types of PP pipes by material of manufacture and fittings in.
What does the marking look like?
You can select the required pipes and fittings for plastic wiring in the construction market yourself. You just need to know symbols markings.
To determine the scope of application of polypropylene products, the main indicator is PN. This is an indicator of the nominal pressure in kgf/cm2 (1 kgf/cm2 = 0.967 atmospheres), at which the operational life does not change. The base temperature of the coolant in the calculation is assumed to be 20 °C.
In the domestic sphere, 4 main types of PP pipes with different PN values are used:
- PN10– for cold water supply;
- PN16– for cold and warm water supply;
- PN20– for hot water and heating systems;
- PN25– for heating systems, especially central type.
Products with PN25 often have a large linear length, so they are almost always reinforced with aluminum foil or strong fiberglass for less expansion when heated. We recommend that you take a closer look at heating.
Appearance and internal structure
High-quality PP pipes have an ideal cut round shape. The thickness of the walls and reinforcing material should be the same around the entire circumference, and there should be no breaks in aluminum or fiberglass.
To trim the top layer of plastic and foil on reinforced pipes, you need to purchase a special tool - a shaver. It is inexpensive and easy to operate
A reinforced pipe traditionally consists of three layers: inner and outer polypropylene and middle aluminum or fiberglass. The surfaces of the pipes must be smooth, without sagging or depressions.
The color of the material can be green, white or gray, but the quality and characteristics of the pipes do not depend on this at all.
Advantages and disadvantages of PP
The advantages of PP pipes in the installation of internal heating and water supply are obvious and are confirmed by their undivided dominance in this area.
The properties that make this product a priority for the assembly of intra-house communications are:
- noiselessness;
- impact strength;
- ease;
- corrosion resistance;
- durability;
- tightness of connections;
- cheapness;
- immunity of the internal walls to plaque.
But polypropylene pipes also have negative sides that cause inconvenience during installation:
- lack of flexibility;
- strong relative elongation when heated;
- the need for special tools when connecting individual products.
Specialists who assemble PP pipes every day have long developed ways to compensate for the listed disadvantages, so there are no special alternatives to polypropylene.
Preparation for installation of PP pipes
It is impossible to do plumbing with hands and pipes alone, so you should understand the heating and water supply schemes, necessary tools, connection methods and materials used.
The assembly of a water supply system from PP pipes includes a number of traditional steps:
Image gallery
Schemes with adjustable valves allow you to regulate the power of radiators separately in each room of the house without compromising the hydrodynamics of the system
The water supply also has basic circuit diagrams wiring design, but there are only two of them: collector and tee (traditional in apartments).
Step-by-step instructions for welding PP pipes
After purchasing all the necessary pipes and fittings, you can begin welding them. This process will be discussed step by step, with illustrations, so that no questions remain.
Step #1 – cutting the pipes
This process is done using . If the cut is beveled, then the longer edge can form a bead during soldering and narrow the internal passage of the fitting.
The pipe cutter has a wide base, which helps maintain a right angle when cutting, but this does not mean that you do not need to control the perpendicularity of the cut yourself
Pipe cutters have a maximum diameter limitation, so you need to choose the model that fits the purchased pipes.
Step #2 - pipe processing and chamfer formation
After trimming, it is necessary to form a small chamfer on the part that will fit into the socket. For this purpose, hand calibrators or screwdriver attachments of various sizes are used.
Both tools have built-in knives that form a chamfer with standard parameters.
You can form a chamfer using a screwdriver attachment directly in your hands, without resorting to rigidly fixing the pipe in a vice.
To obtain a cut, you need to place the pipe on a hand calibrator and rotate it around the axis several times with pressure.
On reinforced pipes, in addition to chamfering, the top layer of PP and aluminum foil is removed using a shaver. It looks like a cylinder with handles and fits only one specific size.
After chamfering and removing the aluminum foil, you need to wipe all parts clean.
Step #3 – preparing the soldering iron
Before turning on, you need to put double-sided attachments (mandrel and sleeve) on the soldering iron and place the device on a cross-shaped stand.
The more powerful the soldering iron, the greater the number of pipes it can weld per unit of time, but for home work an 800-watt device is sufficient
Then you should turn on the soldering iron. When it reaches a temperature of 260 °C, the green signal light will light up.
Step #4 - heating and joining parts
It is necessary to connect and disconnect polypropylene parts with a soldering iron directly without twisting movements. A similar rule applies when connecting heated products.
To maintain the depth of the connection, you can make a corresponding mark on the pipe with a marker in advance and focus on it when inserting the product into the socket.
The table below shows the standard heating, connecting and cooling times for pipes, depending on their diameter, as well as the depth of insertion into the socket. When working in a cold room, the heating time can be increased by 1-2 seconds.
After heating, the parts to be joined must be joined with force and direct movement to the intended line. It is important to prevent parts from rotating.
Shifts of the pipe and fitting relative to each other are allowed only for 4-12 seconds. After this, any progress will have a very negative impact on the quality of the connection.
When connecting parts, their axes should be as parallel as possible, because after 20-30 seconds it will be impossible to correct the curvature
After joining, it is necessary to allow the polypropylene to cool for the time indicated in the table. It is advisable to look at the resulting internal seam to make sure that the overlap does not block the passage. Otherwise you will have to resolder the parts. This completes the soldering process.
To avoid popular mistakes in the process of welding plastic, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.
How to properly secure the pipeline?
Good heating or plumbing installation is not only about the quality of the connection, but also about the implementation of knowledge on how to install assembled polypropylene pipes.
Proper fastening of plastic wiring to the walls will prevent it from sagging and deformation when heated with hot water.
When making repairs, sometimes you have to forcefully pull the pipe out of the clips, so the dowels must firmly fix this small element near the wall
For fixing pipes, the following are used: clips (single, stacked, with a clamp) and clamps (on a hairpin, paired, wall).
New models are constantly appearing on the market, so it is better to produce clips directly in the store. Clips basically ensure free movement of pipes along the axis, and clamps firmly fix them in one position.
A particularly dangerous consequence of improper installation is neglecting the thermal expansion of pipes.
The length of simple PP pipes can change by 10-15mm/1m when heated. When they are rigidly fixed, deformation occurs at the adhesions, which can lead to rupture of the connection. To relieve stress, the following types of compensators are used:
The above-described technologies for installing polypropylene pipes and fittings are simple and do not require professional skills. The videos clearly demonstrate the stages of the soldering process, which you can master yourself in a few minutes.
Therefore, to assemble a plumbing system with your own hands, it is enough to purchase the necessary materials, find equipment and follow the action algorithms described in the article.
Do you want to assemble a plastic pipeline, but have not fully understood the nuances? Ask for advice - we will try to answer you as fully as possible.
