Laying of polypropylene pipes. Do-it-yourself polypropylene plumbing - from the choice of pipes to installation. Socket welding of polypropylene products

Metal pipes, which have been massively used for many years in water supply systems, are a thing of the past. They were replaced by the latest generation material - polypropylene. Do-it-yourself polypropylene plumbing is easy to install, resistant to high temperatures and chemicals.

The main advantages are:

the service life of pipes for hot water is more than 25 years, for cold water - more than 50;
high resistance to corrosion;
smooth inner surface of the walls prevents the formation of build-ups;
low hydraulic resistance;
environmental friendliness of the material;
tightness of welded seams;
high strength;
ease of installation.

So that during the operation of the water supply system there are no problems, the installation of a water supply system from polypropylene pipes with your own hands should be carried out only from high-quality materials. The determining factors when choosing components are the conditions of their operation, temperature regime and the operating pressure of the entire system.

Marking of polypropylene pipes

PN10 - for cold water supply.
PN16 - for cold and hot water.
PN20 - for hot water and installation of heating systems.
PN25 - mainly for heating systems.

Sometimes the temperature of the liquid passing through the pipes exceeds 90 ° C. In such cases, PN20 and PN25 markings are used, which have a reinforcing layer of aluminum or fiberglass foil. The arrangement of a cold water supply system is accompanied by the use of pipes of the first two markings.

Remember: If the water passing through the pipes reaches 100 ° C, nothing will happen to the polypropylene pipes. The maximum operating temperature is taken with a margin.

Diameter of polypropylene pipe for water supply

Pipes with a diameter of 20 mm are used for systems with a length approaching 10 meters. Pipes with a diameter of 25 mm are preferred for systems with a length of 10 to 30 m. Systems longer than 30 m are supplied with pipes with a diameter of 32 mm. The diameter of the riser (if applicable) should be 32 mm.

Having determined which polypropylene pipes are best for plumbing in your home, carefully review all purchased products. They should not have sagging and roughness. When a quality pipe is cut, its shape remains round, and the wall thickness remains unchanged.

Water supply system design

So that the installation of a water supply system made of polypropylene with your own hands in the country or in an apartment was competently and without incidents, a detailed wiring diagram, connection and fastening of pipes is drawn up. When drawing up this scheme, it is necessary, if possible, to avoid unnecessary bends, details and try to organize the shortest length of the pipeline.

Tip: To see the whole picture, namely: the intersection of pipes, the number of bends and bevels, the most accurate marking scheme is best outlined with a pencil right on the walls.

Do-it-yourself plumbing in an apartment made of polypropylene can be organized in two ways: closed or open... The first is considered the most common, but difficult. This requires accurate calculation and professional execution. Most of the pipeline in this case must be carried out without joints. Although welding at the joints does not reduce the reliability of the entire system, it is still better to leave such areas open. This is necessary for preventive maintenance and regular inspection.

Another thing is open wiring. When choosing this option, the pipes can also be made less "noticeable" if they are laid in the corners of the room in vertical planes, and along the floor level in horizontal planes.

The important benefits of open wiring are:

ease of maintenance;
ease of installation;
the ability to replace part of the system at any time in the event of a leak.

Wiring options

There are two options: series and parallel (collector) wiring systems. Each has its own pros and cons.

Serial wiring

It is also called tee system... In this case, do-it-yourself installation of polypropylene pipes is carried out from the central highway to the points of water consumption. From one main riser, on which there is an inlet shut-off device, two pipelines depart: for hot and cold water. Outlets to all points of water consumption from them are organized using tees.

System advantages: easy installation, material savings.
Flaws: dependence of water consumption points from each other. For repair or inspection of one device or consumer, the entire system is turned off. Water pressure drops occur with the simultaneous opening of all points.

Parallel wiring

In this system collector required, having one input and a certain number of outputs, corresponding to the number of points of water consumption. Each pipeline is led out individually.

Advantages: there is no need to turn off the entire system when repairing or maintaining one area. In the event of a pressure drop, all available devices and points of consumption receive an absolutely equal amount of water.
Flaws: laborious process, high cost, sufficient big number wiring.

You can find out how to choose and calculate correctly from our other article.

More information about the wiring of tee and collector water supply circuits is in the article.

If you need to choose a bath mixer, then useful tips is on this page. We analyze the features of each of the types.

We prepare the necessary tools and fittings

To equip a water supply system in an apartment with your own hands from polypropylene, not only pipes are needed. A large number of additional connections are also required, also made of polypropylene. Fittings can be threaded or unthreaded.

What are the types of connecting elements for polypropylene pipes:

Couplings are necessary for high-quality connection of straight pipe sections and for transition to a pipe of a different diameter.
Angles are needed to set the pipeline at a certain angle and avoid obstacles.
A bypass (arc tube) is necessary to bend around one tube by another.
Tees are used in places where pipelines are taken from the main riser.
Plugs for closing the pipeline.
The crosses are used in the places where the pipes are cross-connected.
Clips are required to fix the pipeline to the wall. The distance between the fasteners on straight lines is 1.5-2 m. Clips are also used in corner joints. To fix the pipelines located one above the other, double clips are used.
with rubber gaskets are needed to fix the risers. For rigidity, the connected ends of the clamp are fixed with a bolt and nut.

Please note: All fittings have different diameters and sizes. To purchase connecting elements of the required dimensions and in the required quantity, "walk" once again through the water supply wiring diagram.

What tools are needed:

Scissors (in extreme cases, a hacksaw for metal, jigsaw) for cutting plastic.
and attachments to it.

How to use PP welding machine

Welding machine for polypropylene has a fairly simple design, it consists of a heating plate, a temperature controller and a handle. The nozzles are mounted on both sides of the heating plate, have a Teflon coating and come in different diameters, which allows you to solve, in principle, any domestic problems.

First, the required length of the pipe is measured and cut off strictly according to the mark with special scissors. We remove burrs with the help of a facing tool; in the presence of an outer reinforcing aluminum layer, it is also removed. The cut site is cleaned and degreased. Selected nozzles are also degreased.
To determine the depth of entry of the pipe into the fitting, they must be connected while still unheated and put a mark with a marker. Nozzles are installed on both sides welding machine, on one of them the end of the pipe is put on, on the other - the fitting.
The device turns on and starts heating the nozzles. As soon as the lamps on the thermostat have gone out, it means that the products are warmed up to 260 ° C. After that, a pipe and a fitting are installed on the device and the required time is maintained, which depends on the diameter of the pipe. The pipe and fitting are connected up to the mark. Your movements are fast and accurate! And no rotations! In a few seconds, the monolithic part is ready.

In order to carry out a high-quality installation of polypropylene pipes with your own hands, you will need a little skill in operating a welding device. You can learn this from unnecessary pipe cuttings.

Some tips for installing a polypropylene plumbing:

Do-it-yourself plumbing in an apartment made of polypropylene is recommended to lead from consumption points to the input - switchgear nodes.
Fastening elements are installed along the entire planned line, pipelines are fixed on them, thereby combining into a single system.
If the laying of a water supply system from polypropylene pipes provides that the hot and cold water pipelines pass side by side, then the cold water line must be laid higher, which will exclude.
Pipes are located strictly horizontally or vertically and dock only at right angles.
In hard-to-reach places, pipes are mounted in a separate stage.

Polypropylene pipes for water supply installation video

In this video, you can watch the installation of polypropylene pipes and listen to the comments of the master.

Finally, I would like to add that the price of polypropylene pipes for water supply is low. To better represent the price level, here are a few examples.

The cost of a pipe without reinforcement 4 meters long by the Czech manufacturer Ekoplastik (PN10, diameter 32mm) is 330 rubles. A pipe from this manufacturer with the same characteristics, but with reinforcement - 880 rubles.

A Turkish pipe of the SPK PN25 brand () costs 46-68-110 rubles / running meter with a diameter of 20-25-32 mm, respectively.

Polypropylene fittings are also inexpensive, for example, a coupling made in Turkey (brand SPK) will cost only 5-13 rubles for a diameter of 20 and 32 mm, respectively.

We will understand the technological features of the design and installation of polypropylene pressure pipes, master the rules and subtleties of polyfusion socket welding of products based on propylene. Let's consider the causes of possible connection defects and learn how to avoid them.

Physical properties polypropylene dictate specific requirements for the planning and laying of the piping system.

Features of the design of polypropylene pipelines

Polymer articles tend to shrink when cooled and lengthen when heated. The characteristic does not affect systems with cold water, but is relevant when planning heating systems and hot water supply.

There are several options for compensating for linear expansion of pipes with a length of more than 5 meters. The natural flexibility of the polymer is used in corner sections that are anchored in sliding bearings and flex with temperature fluctuations.

U-shaped expanders made from couplings and pipe pieces work in a similar way.

Factory-made hinged expansion joints are suitable for damping expansion in the range of 45-80 mm, depending on the pipe diameter.

Another simple and quick solution is the installation of an axial-type bellows expansion joint, equipped with fasteners and taking up a minimum of space.

When replacing pipes within the bathroom, a movable fastening of the mains is designed, which ensures the free movement of pipelines in the supports and does not require additional expansion joints. When laying pipes in channels and shafts, the risers are placed away from the walls, thereby increasing the bend shoulder.

Preparation of materials

Taking into account the peculiarities of the operation of the future pipeline, choose a suitable type of polypropylene pipes, divided into classes and having different markings:

For cold water - PN10, PN16.
For hot - PN20.
For heating systems - PN25.

There is little price difference between the brands PN20 and PN16, therefore, with a complete replacement of communications, a PN20 pipe is usually used for all water supply systems. The supply to the equipment is carried out with thin pipes (21.2 - outer diameter), thicker products are used for risers and connecting several consumers.

The water supply scheme is preliminarily made, the internal highways are designed on welded couplings, detachable connections are planned in places accessible for inspection. Based on the drawings created, the length of the pipes and the number of components are calculated.

An example of wiring polypropylene pipes in a bathroom: 1 - ball valves; 2 - a square with a mount for connecting a toilet bowl; 3 - polypropylene tee; 4 - polypropylene pipes; 5 - double elbows with fasteners for connecting sink and bathtub mixers; 6 - polypropylene corner 90 °

Socket welding of polypropylene products

Polypropylene pipes with a caliber of up to 63 mm are connected by means of socket welding. Two pipes are joined using a third element - couplings, and threaded assemblies are organized using flared fittings.

Required tools

For self-welding of a polypropylene pipeline, you will need:

The device for polyfusion welding, nozzles of the right size.
Contact thermometer.
Tape key.
Electric carrying extension cord.
Pipe cutter for plastic pipes.
Stripper.
Roulette, marker, sharp knife.
Degreasing alcohol.
A rag made of natural fabric.
Mounting clamps.

It makes no sense to purchase a welding unit for one-time use - it is more advisable to rent a full set of tools, including everything you need for installation work.

Preparation for welding

Before welding, carefully inspect all material for deformations. The fittings are checked by putting them on the nozzle - the overly loose parts are rejected. The serviceability of valves and taps is monitored, the threads are driven with a counter piece.

A test cut of the pipe is carried out with scissors, in case of squeezing the walls of the product, the working parts of the tool are sharpened.

Welding procedure

The welding unit is placed on a flat surface, attachments are attached. By setting the temperature regulator to 250-270 ° C, turn on the power to the device. After warming up the device (10-15 minutes), clean the nozzles with a tarpaulin cloth from the dirt left over from the previous welding. They begin to work after warming up the tool to 260 ° C, as evidenced by the indicator and check the temperature of the nozzle with a contact thermometer. Then proceed directly to welding:

Cut the pipe to the desired size at right angles, taking into account the entry into the fittings.

When sawing with a hacksaw for metal, the edges of the cut are cleaned from burrs with a knife.
When processing aluminum-reinforced pipes, the plastic and foil are removed by stripping to the length of the weld.
At the edge of the pipe, a chamfer is cut at an angle of 30-45 °.
Place a marker at a risk at a distance corresponding to the depth of the fitting plus 1-2 mm.
The surfaces to be welded are cleaned and degreased.
Put a sleeve on the heated nozzle, then insert the pipe into the sleeve, pushing it up to the mark.

Withstand both parts for the same time according to the technical parameters of welding.
At the end of heating, the polypropylene products are removed and the fitting is pushed onto the pipe with measured movement 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 sleeve.

Leave the connection motionless for 3-4 minutes, avoiding any bends.
The visual quality of the made joint is checked.

In the process of work, they monitor the cleanliness of the Teflon coatings of the nozzles, remove plastic residues.

Technical parameters of welded joints

Pipe diameter, mm	Welding joint length, mm	Time
Pipe diameter, mm	Welding joint length, mm	Heating, sec	Expectations, 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 solid bead of molten plastic at the edge of the socket. Unsuccessful joining is corrected only by removing the fitting and installing a new one, so it is better to practice a little on the scraps and understand the intricacies of welding.

Connection defects and their causes

Absence or separation of the shoulder from the weld:

Heating temperature exceeded.
Excessive attachment length.
Deviation from heating time.

Low collar height:

Low heating temperature.
Insufficient warm-up time.
Inconsistency in the diameters of the parts.

Oblique joint: misalignment between fitting and pipe.

Ovality of edges: incorrect fixing of workpieces.

Weld joint voids:

Damaged pipe surface.
Axis offset when joining.
Significant deviations in the dimensions of parts.
Dirty surfaces.
Burn plastic on the attachments.

Partial weld length:

Insufficient temperature.
Short heating time.
Exceeding the docking time.
Uneven pipe end.

Narrowed passage at the welding point:

Excessive docking pressure.
Overheating of materials.

A test filling with water is carried out one hour after the completion of the last joint. Having released the air at the upper points of the system, they fill it with water and hold the pressure for 30-40 minutes. Having examined the water conduits, they are convinced of the absence of leaks.

Mastering the soldering of polypropylene units is main task, solved when replacing old pipes. Otherwise, the installation of this type of pipeline is carried out in accordance with generally accepted standards.

Have you decided to make a major overhaul in your apartment? Then it is worth considering that without replacing the water supply system, it will be defective. Agree, it will be a shame if immediately after the repair one of the pipes leaks, and, good luck, flood the neighbors. Plastic pipes are an excellent alternative to outdated plumbing.

It is quite simple to make a plastic wiring for a heating system or a water supply system in an apartment. To carry out the installation of 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 to work, and how to use them correctly. In addition, in the article you will find information on how to correctly draw up a wiring diagram for a plastic pipeline, as well as step by step instructions for welding polypropylene pipes. To help the home craftsman, we have selected themed videos.

Most polypropylene (PP) pipes are the same only 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.

PP material classification

The quality of the welded polypropylene seam and the performance characteristics of pipes are largely determined by the PP manufacturing technology.

There are such types of parts, based on the material of their manufacture:

PPH... Single-layer products made of homopolypropylene. They are used in industrial pipelines and cold water supply systems.
RRV... Single-layer PP block copolymer products. They are used for the installation of underfloor heating networks and cold pipelines.
PPR... Single-layer products made of PP random copolymer. They are used in water supply and home heating systems with water temperatures up to + 70 ° С.
PPS... Non-flammable type of pipes with operating temperatures up to +95 ° С.

There are also multilayer reinforced parts made of PP.

They have an additional inner aluminum shell, which dramatically reduces thermal elongations, facilitating wiring installation and operational safety.

The disadvantage of these products is the need to remove the upper polymer layer and aluminum to the depth of pipe penetration into the fitting before brazing.

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 choose the required pipes and fittings for plastic wiring in the building market yourself. You just need to know the symbols of the marking.

To determine the scope of application of polypropylene products, the PN indicator is the main one. This is an indicator of the nominal pressure in kgf / cm2 (1 kgf / cm2 = 0.967 atmospheres), at which the service life does not change. The base temperature of the coolant in the calculation is taken equal to 20 ° C.

In the domestic sphere, there are 4 main types of PP pipes with different PN values:

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.

PN25 products often have a long linear length, so they are almost always reinforced with aluminum foil or strong fiberglass for less expansion when heated. We recommend that you understand in more detail with for heating.

Exterior and internal structure

High-quality PP pipes have a perfectly round cut. The thickness of the walls and reinforcing material should be the same along the entire circumference, 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

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 grooves.

The color of the material can be green, white or gray, but the quality and characteristics of the pipes are completely independent of this.

Advantages and disadvantages of PP

The advantages of PP pipes for the installation of internal heating and water supply are obvious and are confirmed by their undivided domination in this area.

The properties that make this product a priority for the assembly of inter-building communications are:

noiselessness;
impact strength;
ease;
corrosion resistance;
durability;
tightness of connections;
cheapness;
insensitivity of the inner walls to plaque.

But polypropylene pipes also have negative sides that cause inconvenience during installation:

lack of flexibility;
strong elongation when heated;
the need for special tools when connecting individual products.

Specialists who assemble PP pipes on a daily basis have long worked out ways to compensate for these shortcomings, so there are no special alternatives to polypropylene.

Preparation for the installation of PP pipes

Plumbing wiring using only hands and pipes cannot be done, therefore, you should understand the heating and water supply schemes, the necessary tools, the connection methods and the materials used.

Assembling a water supply system from PP pipes includes a number of traditional stages:

Image gallery

Circuits with adjustable valves allow, without compromising the hydrodynamics of the system, to regulate the power of the radiators separately in each room of the house

The water supply system also has basic schematic diagrams for the design of the wiring, 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 start welding them. This process will be covered step by step, with illustrations so that there are no questions left.

Step # 1 - trim pipes

This process is done using. If the cut is beveled, then the longer edge can form a bead during soldering and narrow the inner passage of the fitting.

The cutter has a wide base that helps maintain a right angle when cutting, but this does not mean that you do not need to control the squareness 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 machining and chamfering

After trimming, it is necessary to form a small chamfer on the part, which will be stuck into the socket. For this, manual calibrators or screwdriver bits of various sizes are used.

Both tools have built-in knives that produce a standard bevel.

You can form a chamfer with a screwdriver nozzle right in your hands, without resorting to rigid fixation of the pipe in a vice

To obtain a cut, you need to put the pipe on a manual calibrator and scroll 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 only fits one specific size.

After chamfering and removing the aluminum foil, all parts must be wiped clean.

Step # 3 - preparing the soldering iron

Before switching on, you must put on the double-sided nozzles (mandrel and sleeve) on the iron of the soldering iron and place the device on a cross-shaped stand.

The more powerful the soldering iron, the more pipes it can weld per unit of time, but an 800-watt device is enough for household work.

Then you should turn on the soldering iron. When it reaches a temperature of 260 ° C, the green signal light comes on.

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 mark on the pipe in advance with a marker and orient yourself to it when inserting the product into the socket.

The table below shows the standard heating, connection and cooling times of 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 with an effort of direct movement must be docked to the intended line. It is important to avoid turning parts.

Movements of the pipe and fitting relative to each other are allowed only for 4-12 seconds. After that, any progress will have a very negative effect on the quality of the connection.

When connecting parts, their axes should be located as parallel as possible, because after 20-30 seconds it will be impossible to correct the curvature

After connecting, it is necessary to allow the polypropylene to cool down for the time indicated in the table. It is advisable to look at the resulting inner seam to make sure that the flow does not block the passage. Otherwise, you will have to re-solder the parts. This concludes the soldering process.

In order to avoid popular mistakes in the process of welding plastic, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

How to properly fix the pipeline?

A good heating or water supply wiring is not only the quality of the connection, but also the realization of knowledge of how to install assembled polypropylene pipes.

Correct attachment of the plastic wiring to the walls will prevent it from sagging and deforming when heated with hot water.

During repairs, sometimes it is necessary to pull the pipe out of the clips with force, so the dowels must firmly fix this small element against the wall

To fix the pipes, the following are used: clips (single, inlaid, with a clip) and clamps (on a hairpin, coupled, wall-mounted).

New models are constantly appearing on the market, so it is better to produce clips directly in the store. Clips mainly provide free movement of pipes along the axis, and the clamps firmly fix them in one position.

Especially dangerous consequence incorrect installation is neglect of thermal expansion of pipes.

The length of simple PP pipes can be changed when heated by 10-15mm / 1m. When they are rigidly fixed, deformation occurs at the points of the adhesions, which can lead to rupture of the connection. To relieve stress, the following types of compensators are used:

The above technologies for installing polypropylene pipes and fittings are simple and do not require professional skills. The video materials clearly demonstrate the stages of the soldering process, which you can master on your own in a few minutes.

Therefore, to assemble the plumbing wiring with your own hands, it is enough to purchase the necessary materials, find the equipment and follow the action algorithms described in the article.

Do you want to assemble a plastic pipeline, but have not fully figured out the nuances? Ask for advice - we will try to answer you as fully as possible.

Metal pipes are confidently being replaced by more modern counterparts. When repairing or erecting a new building, they are increasingly arranging water supply and heating in an apartment with their own hands from polypropylene.

DIY installation.

Anatomy of polypropylene pipes

Externally, polypropylene pipes differ only in diameter and color. Other indicators are much more important: the density of the material, internal structure, Wall thickness. These characteristics affect application and installation.

By structure, there are 3 types:

single-layer - only homogeneous polymers are used;
three-layer with fiberglass reinforcement, which is located in the middle of the pipe;
multilayer with aluminum foil - the design is similar to the previous one, but with some differences.

Polypropylene pipes are reinforced to reduce Negative influence thermal expansion... When heating products without a layer, it is 15 mm per 1 m.

Pipes began to be made multilayer, with aluminum foil or fiberglass between the polymer. The main purpose of such a pad is to reduce thermal elongation. Fiberglass reduces it by 4-5 times, aluminum - by half.

Reinforcement material has different properties. Products with fiberglass can withstand heating up to + 90 ° C, which is not enough for some heating systems. The temperature range of aluminum foil is slightly higher.

Pipes are perforated if aluminum mesh is used for reinforcement. Plastic flows into its holes, forming a strong connection of dissimilar materials. Polypropylene pipes with aluminum foil, smooth.

PP material classification

There are 2 large groups of polypropylene pipes: single-layer and multi-layer. The features of the former are determined by the material used in production. Homopropylene (PPH) is suitable for cold water, random copolymer (PPR) - for hot and heating with temperatures up to + 70 ° C. More resistant to temperature PPS. For underfloor heating, pipes are made of block copolymer (RRV).

Multilayer PP pipes are more rigid and less susceptible to thermal expansion.

They are durable, but the use of aluminum foil has negative aspects:

if it is in the middle, it must be cleaned before welding, which takes a lot of time;
half of the pipe is soldered to the fitting, an error leads to a fragile connection;
if the foil is inside, it looks like a metal-plastic, water can penetrate to the metal and get dirty.

Classification of polypropylene pipes.

Products reinforced with fiberglass are far superior to them in terms of characteristics. Manufacturers paint it on purpose.

Positive aspects of using fiberglass for reinforcement:

no cleaning required before welding;
increased rigidity;
less thermal expansion;
the walls are monolithic, not multi-layered.

For cold water, the best option is single-layer; they are cheap and easy to install. It is better to run hot water through a pipe reinforced with fiberglass. For heating systems of a private house, polypropylene pipelines with an aluminum layer are more suitable. It is better to choose those where it is located closer to the surface, and not in the middle - this makes installation easier.

What the marking looks like

Products have a special designation from Latin letters and numbers.

Understanding their meaning, it is not difficult to choose PP pipes on your own:

PN10 - withstand low temperature and pressure. They are used in private housing for plumbing.
PN16 - the wall is thicker, suitable for centralized cold and hot water supply. Withstand temperatures up to + 50 ° С.
PN20 - maximum temperature - + 90 ° С. They can be used for hot water and heating of a private house.
PN25 - specifications ultra-high. It is not profitable to use - the cheaper PN20 fully satisfy the needs.

Buyers can also be guided by the colored stripes. For pipes intended for heating, they are red, for cold water - blue or absent.

Table “Marking of polypropylene pipes”.

Exterior and internal structure

At the end, you can see that high-quality products have a regular round shape. Along the circumference of the wall of the same thickness. Internal structure can be single-layer or 2-layer polypropylene with reinforcement. An additional aluminum or fiberglass jacket is used. The surface should be smooth, even, reinforcement without breaks.

They are painted gray, white or green, which does not affect the quality. The color is chosen for aesthetic reasons. Green color typical mainly for German firms.

Advantages and disadvantages of PP

The use of polypropylene in the installation of plumbing and heating is explained by its advantages:

the material is cheap, lightweight, not afraid of blows;
it is not afraid of corrosion, the internal section does not decrease from plaque - it does not form;
withstands several freezing cycles without damage;
manufacturers indicate a 10-year warranty, but a cold water line serves up to 50 years;
attractive appearance, which is maintained throughout the entire service life - pipelines do not need to be painted;
high sound absorption - water noise is not audible;
low thermal conductivity, which makes them effective for the heating system;
completely environmentally friendly, drinking water remains clean.

Advantages and disadvantages of polypropylene pipes.

The main advantage is convenient and quick installation, at which a completely sealed, durable connection is achieved. Installation is simpler, cheaper than installing metal counterparts.

There are disadvantages when working with PP-products:

they do not bend;
lengthen when heated;
special tools are required for installation.

Craftsmen who professionally deal with polypropylene have long developed techniques to compensate for these difficulties.

Preparation for the installation of PP pipes

Before installation, you need to prepare everything you need - tools and materials for connecting pipes. You should choose which routing method to use.

Drafting a project

So that after work it turns out that the installation of polypropylene pipes was made with errors, make up detailed diagram with an indication of the connections. They try to keep the length as small as possible, avoid intersections, and minimize the number of bends. The drawing can be transferred to the walls by drawing with a pencil.

Before purchasing materials, they are determined with a wiring diagram.

For heating, there are 4 ways to connect batteries:

flowing;
with bypass;
with valves;
through a three-way valve.

The final scheme depends on financial capabilities - the cost of valves is significant.

For do-it-yourself plumbing installation, use tee or collector wiring.

The first is more suitable for apartments with a small amount of plumbing equipment that is connected in series.

The second scheme is parallel, branches from the collector at the inlet go each to a separate device. They use a closed or open method of laying pipelines.

The first option is more complicated and requires accurate calculations, in particular, the calculation of the thermal expansion of polypropylene. The open one is less conspicuous if done carefully. Vertical pipelines are located in the corners, horizontal ones - at the floor. Installation is simpler, easy to maintain.

Instrument preparation

The main tool is a soldering iron for polypropylene with nozzles.

In addition to it, you will need:

pipe cutter for cutting plastic;
shaver - they remove the reinforcing layer before soldering;
calibrator with chamfer.

You will also need other tools - tape measure, wrenches, marker, knife.

Selection of polypropylene fittings

Types of polypropylene fittings.

According to the diagram, the joints are determined and what fittings will be needed:

couplings - connect straight segments;
corners - to change the direction of the pipeline;
bypasses - carry out the transition of one pipe through another;
tees and crosses - for connecting branches;
plugs - close the pipeline.

To connect pipes made of polypropylene of different diameters, adapter couplings are used. To connect a polypropylene pipeline to a metal one, use a fitting. It has a thread on one side.

Choosing a connection scheme

For polypropylene with a diameter of up to 63 mm, the socket soldering method is used, when the pipe with its molten end enters the sleeve. If the size is more than 63 mm, they are butt-welded.

The presence of threads on the parts allows you to make the connection detachable. 2 fittings are used, one with an external thread, the other with an internal thread. If 2 polypropylene products are soldered, the connection is one-piece.

Step by step instructions for welding PP pipes

When the scheme is thought out, everything you need is purchased, they start welding.

Cutting pipes

Use a pipe cutter that provides a straight end without bevels. You can use a hacksaw for metal by laying the pipe in a miter box. If the cut is uneven, the longer end will create a bead during soldering that will block part of the inner bore.

The pipe cutter is designed so that, pressing the wide base to the product, it provides a right angle. When choosing a tool, pay attention to what the maximum diameter is available.

Pipe machining and chamfering

Step-by-step instructions for welding polypropylene pipes.

The cut pipe is deburred and chamfered on the side that will enter the socket of the fitting.

There are many types of calibrators, bevellers, screwdriver bits that do this job.

The top layer and foil are removed from the aluminum-reinforced pipes. A shaver is used - a cylinder with handles. It is designed for products of the same diameter.

After the operations done, the parts are wiped off, removing dust and abrasives that spoil the nozzle. It is also cleaned, inspected to see if there is any molten plastic left inside.

The marking of the planting depth of the PP into the fitting is carried out. For products of different diameters, the welded joint deepens unevenly. This parameter is measured and a marker is applied to the tubular product with a marker. If planted too deep, the passage narrows.

Soldering iron preparation

The welding machine is placed in a convenient place and firmly fixed. If the design does not provide for fixation, it is better to work with an assistant so that your hands are free. Then the attachment is installed, the power is turned on. The soldering iron heats up, which takes about 10 minutes.

Soldering temperature + 260 ° С. This is optimal for polypropylene and gentle for Teflon tips. It is better for a novice craftsman to buy a tool without setting the temperature - it is set by the manufacturer. When the machine warms up, the green LED turns on or the red one turns off, depending on the model.

Heating table and connected parts.

After preparing the parts and warming up the soldering iron, welding begins:

The fitting and the pipe are simultaneously put on the nozzle heated to the operating temperature. They are inserted with little effort, because the nozzles have a slight taper. The workpiece is pushed all the way to the stop.
The waiting time depends on the diameter of the items. They use the table that is in the instructions for the tool. Violation of the norms leads to marriage - the inner diameter decreases from overheated plastic, which forms an influx. Subsequently, the circulation of water decreases.
The elements are removed, the pipe is smoothly inserted into the fitting up to the mark. Hold for 5 seconds, then release. This is the time it takes to correct the error. Hot products can be turned by no more than 10 °.

How to fix the pipeline

It is required not only to properly solder, but also to dilute the polypropylene water supply system, fix it so that it does not sag or deform. Fixation is carried out using special fasteners. Clips (single, double, clamping) allow free movement of the pipeline along the axis. The clamps are designed for tight fixation.

Hot water leads to an increase in the length of the PP-products. If the mount is rigid, a rupture at the soldering point is possible. The voltage is relieved by compensators different types: ring-shaped and similar in configuration to Z, G, P. Polypropylene pipelines cannot be mounted tightly in the corner - a short distance is required for the pipe to move freely during expansion.

Polypropylene pipes are increasingly used in the installation of various systems - from plumbing to hot water heating. Thanks to its excellent characteristics and optimal prices for this building element, its popularity is constantly growing.

Advantages of the material

The possibility of using plastic pipes for the design and implementation of various systems: water supply, sewerage, drainage, water heating. Most often they are used for laying in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen.
Polypropylene is an environmentally friendly material that allows for both industrial and drinking water.
With their light weight, they are easy to install, which makes installation quite easy.
Thanks to the material of manufacture, they are not subject to corrosion, deposits from the inside do not accumulate in them, which significantly increases their service life.
When designing a water supply system using polypropylene pipes, you can count on 50 years of trouble-free operation.

Types of pipes

During construction, 3 pipe options are most often used:

PN10 markings for cold water;
PN20 markings intended for sewerage systems, supply of warm and hot water;
PN25 markings for heating systems.

The last two types - pipes PN20 and PN25 are reinforced with reinforcement, which allows them to conduct warm and hot water without deformation.

When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the condition of the material: the cuts must be even and clean, without sagging and burrs. The same goes for fittings, i.e. connecting elements.

During installation, the following types of connecting elements are used from the same material:

Couplings: connect pipes of different diameters; contribute to the transition from thread, both internal and external, to another type of connection; connect elements from different material... For example, switching from cast iron to polypropylene.
Angles: allow you to implement the rotation of the projected system in 45 or 90 degrees.
Tees: help to branch off the system and bring three pipes into one.

Stages of work

Before installation, you must make sure that no purchased building element is free from dirt, sagging or any other imperfections. It is advisable to install pipes at a warm, but not hot, ambient temperature.

At temperatures less than 5-10 degrees, work is not recommended.

For installation you will need:

Polyfusion welding machine with various attachments.
Scissors (hacksaw) for cutting.
Knife for pre-stripping pipes and fittings or for removing sagging.

Installation begins with cutting polypropylene pipes of the required length: using a marker, mark the places of future cuts and prepare the parts for further processing.

After preparation, you need to select fittings for the individual parts. Having marked the depth of entry of a certain fitting into the pipe with a marker, you can start welding.

Directly installation is carried out using a welding machine. It is designed to soften certain parts of polypropylene at high temperature and then join them. To do this, it is heated to 260 - 270 degrees. When the desired temperature is reached, prepared parts are put on one by one on the previously selected nozzle of the welding machine. The first to be heated should be a part with a large thickness.

The prepared pipe or fitting must fit tightly over the nozzle, otherwise the installation will be of poor quality.

The heating time directly depends on the diameter. The smaller the diameter (from 16 to 50 mm), the shorter the time period lasts: from 5 to 15 seconds.

After warming up both parts, they are neatly connected according to the marks made, while trying to avoid any distortions. This must be done carefully and quickly: after all, the solidification time of heated polypropylene is no more than 30 seconds. During this time, it is necessary not only to connect the two parts, but also to fix them until they completely solidify.

Any rotation during this time will deform part of the pipeline.

When connecting one part to another, you do not need to use excessive force: heated parts are easily deformed, which means that the integrity of building materials may be compromised.

At the end of the installation, if necessary, using a knife, you can remove the drips formed during the connection.

The result of a properly carried out installation of polypropylene pipes will be an uninterrupted operating system, whether it is water supply, sewerage, water heating or drainage. All that is required for this is attention, accuracy and thoroughness.

Video

This video will show the process of working with polypropylene pipes during their installation.