Will tee or collector distribution of water supply pipes in an apartment be better? In order to answer this question, you should not only carefully study the installation principle in both cases, but also evaluate the pros and cons of each option. Comparing the features of installation and operation with the conditions of a specific facility (house or apartment) will allow you to make the best choice. The importance of choice cannot be underestimated - the ease of use of water supply systems (hot and cold), durability and maintainability of communications depends on it.

Technically tee diagram of water supply distribution in an apartment is a serial connection– one pipe extends from the riser, to which plumbing and other water-consuming equipment are connected using tees.

The advantages of such a system are:

• economical (with a series connection, a minimum number of pipes is required),
• ease of installation.

Tee wiring diagram for water supply in an apartment It also has its disadvantages:

• a large number of connections and serial connection make it difficult to find leaks,
• there is always a risk of pressure drops in the system and a decrease in pressure at the points furthest from the riser when several taps are turned on simultaneously,
• if it is necessary to carry out repair work, a complete shutdown of the water supply will be required, which represents a certain inconvenience,
• Installing tees is not always convenient in small spaces.

Tee water supply schemes recommended for small apartments. With a small number of consumption points and their location close to each other, many disadvantages become less relevant - in this case it is much easier to coordinate water consumption, which means the risk of pressure loss is minimized.

When installing a tee circuit, the tees are often hidden in the walls or under the floor, which complicates inspection of communications, and during repairs inevitably leads to damage to the finish.

Collector circuit

The collector wiring in the house makes it possible to connect a large number of consumption points, including those located at a distance from the riser. Collector circuit is a parallel connection– each element (faucet, shower, toilet, bidet, etc.) is connected to the collector using an individual outlet equipped with a valve.

The advantages of the collector circuit are:

• constant pressure regardless of the number of plumbing fixtures turned on,
• easy detection of faults on each individual line,
• high reliability of communications due to the small number of connections in the system,
• the ability to shut off the water on the line requiring repair and maintain the ability to use other lines at the same time (for example, while repairing a shower, you can wash dishes, wash your face, etc.),
• collector wiring connection lines are easily hidden in boxes, niches, etc., ensuring an attractive appearance of the premises.

Collector distribution of water supply pipes in an apartment It also has its disadvantages:

• its implementation requires a larger number of pipes,
• installation of parallel connections is more complex (if you plan to do it not yourself, but with the involvement of specialists, the complexity directly affects the cost of services).

The collector distribution of water supply pipes in the apartment allows you to optimize the operation of each device included in its composition. Filters or pressure regulators can easily be installed on individual outlets in accordance with the characteristics of water-consuming equipment and its requirements for operating conditions.

Installation according to the collector circuit

Principle of organization of collector systems

Do-it-yourself collector distribution of water supply in an apartment is carried out according to the following principle - the central branch does not have branches, but is connected to a collector, to which, in turn, the supply lines for each device are connected. When installing heating systems, collectors are installed in special cabinets (when implementing a scheme for houses with several floors, collectors are installed on each floor).

Cold and hot water supply systems are installed in the same way. In apartments, water supply collectors are conveniently installed for. The collector principle of supplying water or coolant is also called radial, and it has its own characteristics for water supply and heating systems. These nuances deserve close attention.

Installation of collector water supply

The junction of the collector with the central pipe is equipped with a ball valve to allow a general shutdown of the water supply. The valve is complemented by a pre-filter (coarse) filter, which traps large insoluble inclusions that can damage other equipment.

If you follow the flow of water, after the coarse filter there should be a counter, and after it there should be another filter that removes smaller inclusions (compared to the first).

The next element of a well-designed water supply pipe distribution system in an apartment is a check valve, which prevents the reverse flow of liquid from the collector into the central pipe when the water supply pressure decreases.

Note: It should be noted that the installation of the above equipment at the beginning of the pipeline is also necessary for the sequential layout of water supply pipes in the apartment.

Only after the equipment listed above is the connection to the collector made. Each collector outlet is equipped with its own tap to turn off the branch’s water supply.

When selecting and installing a collector, one of the determining factors is number of water consumption points. It must correspond to the number of outlets, and to be able to connect additional plumbing equipment in the future, you should choose collectors with a large number of outlets. Those of them that are not used in the system until a certain point are provided with stubs.

If the central branches of both cold and hot water supply enter a house or apartment, the installation of water supply distribution in a collector-type apartment is identical in both cases. If there is only a central cold water supply, one of the outlets of the cold water collector directs the liquid to the water heater, from where the heated water flows into a separate collector for hot water distribution.

Our topic today is the installation of water supply and sewerage in the apartment. We have to get acquainted with the regulatory requirements for these engineering systems, find out what materials can be used in their installation and how to carry out this installation correctly. So, let's go.

Areas of responsibility

1. Who is responsible for the condition of sewerage and water supply in the apartment?

However: SP 30.13330.2012 prescribes the use of materials for water distribution with a service life of at least 50 years for cold water and 25 years for hot water. This instruction is relevant for all buildings under construction and for old buildings undergoing major renovation.

Regulatory Requirements

1. What regulatory documents regulate the installation of sewerage and water supply in an apartment, and what are the requirements for these systems?

The requirements for internal engineering networks are set out in SNiP 2.04.01-85, however, during design and installation, an updated version of the document is used - the notorious set of rules SP 30.13330.2012.

Here are excerpts from his text, one way or another affecting the distribution of water and sewerage in the apartment.

Water pipes

• For distribution of drinking water, you can use materials that have a hygienic certificate;

• For hot water, it is necessary to use pipes with a heat resistance of at least +75 degrees. It is to this value that the temperature in the DHW system can rise;

Author's note: in houses with hot water supply directly from the heating network (that is, in the vast majority of Soviet-built buildings), a situation may arise when the water temperature rises to 100 degrees or more. To do this, it is enough not to switch it from the supply to the return pipeline with the onset of cold weather.

• Heated towel rails must be connected to the supply risers of the DHW circulation system. In this case, the dryer must be equipped with shut-off valves and a bypass;
• The water pressure in the pipes can reach 6 atmospheres;

It is worth clarifying: for new buildings the maximum permissible pressure value is lower - 4.5 kgf/cm2. It can rise up to 6 kgf/cm2 in the water supply system of a building erected under existing development conditions.

• Water distribution in an apartment can be open or hidden. At the same time, serviced connections of pipes and fittings (including threaded ones) cannot be installed hidden;
• When installing sewer and water supply systems together, sewer pipes are laid lower;
• When installing hot water supply and hot water supply systems together, pipes with cold water are laid below;

• Long DHW connections made of polymer materials must be equipped with compensators (bends and sliding clamps that prevent pipe deformation due to elongation when heated);
• Pipes used for water supply must have constant hydraulic resistance throughout the entire period of operation;

Hint: from a practical point of view, this requirement means that water cannot be distributed with black steel pipes. Rust and lime accumulate on the inner surface of their walls, limiting the capacity of the water supply system and reducing water pressure.

• There should be a shut-off valve at the water inlet into the apartment;

• Cold water and hot water supply lines must be equipped with water meters (they are placed at the entrance to the apartment after the taps);
• There must be a filter (mechanical or magnetic-mechanical) in front of the water meter;
• The water meter must be equipped with a check valve installed before or after it;

• The standard diameter of an apartment meter for water consumption up to 10 cubic meters per day is 15 mm.

Sewerage

• Sewer pipes must not be installed with deformation or tension. For bends and turns of the comb, bevels should be used (corners, half bends, etc.);
• It is advisable to make connections to the comb for connecting plumbing fixtures using oblique angles and tees;

• In sections of the sewer system limited by turns, tees or revisions should be installed to clear blockages (if clearing is not possible through bends for connecting plumbing fixtures);
• The sewerage system is laid with a constant slope (0.02 for a diameter of 100-110 mm and 0.03 for a diameter of 50 mm).

Wiring diagram

1. What is the difference between tee and collector water supply wiring?

A tee involves sequential connection of water collection points to a common pipe. In the case of collector (radial) wiring, each device is connected to a common collector with its own connection.

1. Which wiring is more practical?

If we forget about the high material consumption and the need for hidden wiring of a large number of pipes - a collector pipe. It eliminates the problem of pressure drop on all devices when dispensing water through one of them.

If you open the cold water tap in the kitchen, you won’t hear from the bathroom the cry of your wife scalded by boiling water, full of bitterness and pain.

The video in this article will more clearly introduce you to how the water supply of an apartment is installed.

Pipes

1. with your own hands?

The answer depends on... the heating system of the house.

In buildings with an open heat supply circuit (with elevator units), hot water is taken from the heating network. In winter, the supply temperature of the heating main can reach 150 degrees. If a forgetful plumber does not switch the hot water supply to return, pipes designed for a maximum temperature of 90-95 degrees will make a strong protest: your apartment may simply be flooded with boiling water.

Please note: if the water supply system was installed with materials not specified in the apartment’s registration certificate, you will automatically be the only culprit for the flooding.

Image	Description
	A layer of zinc protects the steel from corrosion and eliminates the appearance of deposits on the walls. Installation of galvanized liner is carried out only on threaded connections: during welding, low-melting zinc evaporates and the weld begins to rust.
	Copper. Copper combines the highest strength (destructive pressure is estimated at 200 atmospheres or more), heat resistance and bactericidal properties. Solder fittings, as well as compression and press fittings can be used for installation.
	Stainless. With a wall thickness of only 0.3 mm, they are not inferior to a copper pipe in strength (the destructive pressure declared for corrugated stainless steel by the Lavita company is 210 atmospheres) and heat resistance (heating up to 150 degrees is allowed). In addition, the pipes are extremely easy to install using compression fittings and can be easily bent with a minimum radius. The only disadvantage of the material is the fairly high hydraulic resistance due to the corrugated walls.

In houses with autonomous hot water supply or with water supplied to the hot water system from heat exchangers, the water temperature and its pressure are much more controlled and stable. Here you can use any modern materials, without looking at the margin of strength and heat resistance.

Here are the key features of the most popular types of pipes:

Image	Description
	Polypropylene is probably the most popular material for water pipes. They are attractive due to the combination of durability with ease of installation and low cost of the pipes and fittings themselves. Socket welding is used to connect pipes and fittings.
	Made from heat-resistant (PERT) and cross-linked (PEX) polyethylene. They are supplied in coils and are used primarily for hidden collector water distribution. PEX is connected with fittings that use the material’s inherent shape memory and compression fittings, PERT with socket welded fittings.
	Metal-plastic. In their production, modifications of polyethylene are used - PERT and PEX, and the aluminum core increases the tensile strength of the pipeline. During installation, compression, press and push fittings are used.

A few nuances related to the choice and use of materials:

• For hot water supply systems they are usually used with a reinforcing layer - fiber or aluminum foil. Reinforcement increases the tensile strength of the water pipeline and significantly reduces its elongation at high temperatures;

• Aluminum reinforcement needs to be stripped before welding to the fitting. Without stripping, galvanic corrosion of aluminum can lead to pipe delamination;

• When installing metal-plastic, it is very important to use a calibrator. An unevenly cut and uncalibrated pipe, when connected to a fitting, squeezes the latter's O-rings out of the grooves, and the connection leaks after a short time.

Please note: the problem only occurs with hot water. Cold forgives even the grossest errors in the installation of metal-plastic pipes.

1. What kind of pipes are used for sewerage?

PVC and polypropylene. The latter have higher heat resistance (80 degrees versus 65); otherwise there is no practical difference between them. Pipe connections and fittings are socket-type, with O-ring seals.

Useful: plastic sewer pipes conduct sound much better than cast iron pipes used in the recent past. If you don’t want to know the toilet schedule of your upstairs neighbors, choose the so-called silent sewer system - plastic pipes with mineral filler. They are easily recognized by their white color.

For open installation of sewerage on the wall, clips and adjustable clamps are used. The fastening step should be no more than 10 pipe diameters: with a larger step, over time it will sag and form a constantly clogged section with a negative slope.

1. What is the typical diameter of water and sewer pipes?

The steel pipes familiar in our childhood homes are marked with a nominal bore, which approximately corresponds to the internal diameter and indicates the size of the attached pipe thread. To distribute water throughout the apartment, pipes of size DN15, or 1/2 inch, were used. A copper or corrugated stainless steel liner can have the same diameter.

Modern polymer and metal-plastic pipes are marked with a different size - outer diameter. Accordingly, their size should be one step larger - at least 20 mm.

The toilet is connected to the sewer riser with a pipe or fitting measuring 110 mm. The remaining plumbing fixtures are connected to a 50mm comb.

Armature

1. What kind of fittings will be required to install water supply systems throughout the apartment?

In addition to fittings for connecting pipes and connecting plumbing fixtures, you may need:

Image	Description
	Ball Valves. This is the most fail-safe type of shut-off valve. The taps are installed at the water inlet into the apartment and at the supply to the cistern, and, if necessary, in front of each plumbing fixture.
	Coarse filters. They retain sand and large suspended matter carried by tap water. Filters are placed at the inlet, immediately after the taps, and significantly increase the service life of mixers (primarily devices with cartridges and ceramic faucets, which are very sensitive to water quality).
	Water meters. Metering devices must have a diameter of 15 mm and be verified. After installation, the meter is sealed by a representative of the water supply organization.
	Pressure reducers. They are useful not only when the pressure in the water supply network is consistently higher than the standard pressure, but also as protection against water hammer.
	Check valves. They, as mentioned above, are placed before or after the counters.
	When preparing water autonomously in a boiler, you will need its safety group - safety and check valves combined in one housing. This device prevents the water heated by the boiler from draining into the water supply system when the cold water supply is turned off and limits the increase in pressure in the tank due to an increase in the volume of water when it is heated, discharging its excess into the drainage.

Conclusion

We hope that we were able to answer all the relevant questions for our dear reader. Good luck!

Plumbing in an apartment, along with electrical wiring and gas communications, is one of the most important elements for ensuring a comfortable stay for residents. Therefore, if there is a need to replace old pipes or install new ones, you should take this task seriously.

Distributing water, although not an easy task, is quite doable if you have certain knowledge and skills. If the work is done with your own hands, you will need to find answers to many questions and make the right decisions about organizing the water supply. This article will discuss the main methods of wiring, the choice of materials for pipes, and also provide instructions for installing the pipeline.

Choosing a water distribution method

When creating the wiring, there is an alternative: install a hidden pipeline or lay communications in an open way. For small rooms, the issue can be considered critically important, since placing pipes on top of the walls will reduce the usable area in the room. As a result, due to lack of space, furniture or household appliances may not fit.

If the area of ​​the room allows, you can choose any wiring method. However, it is important to take into account a number of technical nuances. For example, you cannot put any butt joints of pipelines into the walls: compression fittings, threaded couplings, nipples, American females - all such elements must be on the surface, and there must be free access to them in case of repair work. It is allowed to install copper, polypropylene and metal-plastic pipes with press-type connections into the walls.

Hidden installation of water supply with copper pipes

Advantages of hidden wiring:

1. A more aesthetic appearance of the room, not overloaded with communications.
2. Pipes do not interfere with the arrangement of furniture and household appliances.
3. In the event of a fire, the hidden plumbing will most likely remain intact.

Disadvantages of hidden wiring:

1. The choice of materials for hidden installation is limited, since any collapsible elements are not suitable for this purpose.
2. The preparatory stage is labor-intensive, since it is not easy to tap walls - it requires a lot of effort and time.
3. Installation work is also difficult, since the pipes must be laid exactly in the groove, and if this fails, the groove needs to be expanded.
4. To install the pipes, you will have to remove facing materials and plaster.
5. It is often possible to detect a leak in a hidden wiring only after water has entered the neighbor’s apartment.
6. It will not be possible to conduct preventive inspections of hidden communications.
7. There is a risk of accidental damage to the pipeline when carrying out any work on the wall surface (for example, when drilling holes).

Advantages of the open installation method compared to the closed one:

1. Installation of any type of pipes is possible, without any restrictions.
2. The installation process is less labor-intensive, since there is no need for gating.
3. Installation of a water supply system is not so complicated, since there is no connection to the grooves.
4. Removing pipes is also much easier than with a bricked-up system.
5. Monitoring the condition of the pipeline is possible at any time.
6. Leaks immediately make themselves known as puddles on the floor.
7. The system can be improved and supplemented with new elements.

Disadvantages of open wiring:

• the appearance of open pipes is not very attractive (although there is an option with camouflage boxes that can be adapted to the design of the room);
• reduction of usable area;
• fire hazard.

Water distribution diagram

Proper design of wiring is the most important issue in arranging a water supply system. For example, we can cite a situation where, due to an incorrect circuit, too hot water suddenly begins to flow while taking a shower due to the fact that someone turned on the water in the kitchen or flushed the toilet tank. To avoid such troubles, you need to choose the right wiring diagram and diameters of the water supply elements.

Two basic wiring schemes are used. There is also a combined scheme, where a combination of two possible options is used.

Sequential connection diagram of water supply units

The sequential circuit (another name is “tee”) consists of sequential connection of all consumption points. In the described case, one pipe goes from the main water supply to all consumers at once. A tee is installed near each consumption point, from which a local pipe is taken. Disadvantage of the system: if several consumers use the system at the same time, the pressure in the area of ​​​​the last tee will be the lowest.

The collector circuit is based on a different principle: the pipe is connected to the main line and directed to the collector, from which separate branches of the water supply line diverge to consumers (i.e. one to the water heater, another to the boiler, etc.). In this case, there are ball valves before the entrance to the manifold and at the outlets. Thus, it becomes possible to carry out repair work on each pipe separately, while the overall system will maintain its functionality. In addition, the pressure in such a system is approximately the same in all its parts.

Plumbing diagram in the apartment bathroom

The collector circuit also has disadvantages. Such a system is more material-intensive - it will require more components, including pipes, taps, fittings and more area for its placement. Naturally, such wiring will cost more than sequential wiring.

Below is a diagram for installing filters to ensure proper water quality for different points of consumption.

The choice of plumbing scheme is also influenced by the wiring diagram in the building as a whole. For example, if the main line goes into the bathroom, and the return line goes into the kitchen room, it is recommended to make serial connections in the kitchen, but in the bathroom you can make the wiring at your discretion.

Scheme for water purification in an apartment

Pipe selection

The following pipe options can be used for water supply:

Do-it-yourself wiring organization

We draw up a water distribution diagram

First of all, we choose a specific type of wiring (open, hidden). Then we draw a diagram where we indicate all the wiring details:

• footage of the room;
• installation locations and dimensions of devices, as well as plumbing fixtures;
• pipe diameter;
• node sizes;
• We indicate all fittings, as well as their type, size, installation location;
• places of bends and turns of the water supply system, etc.

Advice! Before starting installation work, it is recommended to show the diagram to specialists.

Selecting the right materials

The cost of the work will be affected by the selected materials, the type of wiring (open, hidden), its layout (tee, manifold). Polypropylene and metal-plastic water pipes are considered the best option. Systems made of copper and polypropylene pipes are expensive, but they are characterized by maximum quality.

It is recommended to begin dismantling the old system only after purchasing everything necessary. If the plans include not only replacing the water supply pipes in the apartment, but also the supply line, you will need to turn off the water supply in the riser. To solve this problem, you need to contact the appropriate operating organization.

Metal-plastic water supply

As an example, we will analyze the process of installing a metal-plastic pipeline. Installation of metal-plastic pipes is carried out in one of two ways: press connections (open or hidden installation) or compression fittings (only for open installation).

Instructions for correct installation of pipes with compression fittings:

• use a calibrator to remove the chamfer from the pipe;
• put the nut on the pipe;
• install the ring;
• install the fitting;
• crimp the fitting with open-end wrenches.

Note! Connections need to be tightened at least once a year.

Instructions for installing pipes with press fittings:

• cut the pipe to the required size;
• do calibration;
• connect the pipe to the fitting;
• We carry out pressure testing.

Note! The pipe must be level at least 5-7 centimeters in front of the fitting.

After installing the water supply, you need to check it for leaks with a special device under high pressure. Only after making sure that the connections are reliable can the system be put into operation.

What might make you think about installing a new water supply? Morally and physically outdated rotten rusty pipes, an upcoming major renovation in the apartment - it would be stupid not to take advantage of the situation and ignore such an important point as communications. Well, and also the entrance to a new building, where in the bathroom there are only pipes and nothing else: no water distribution pipes, no sewer pipes, i.e. everything is left to your personal discretion as to where and what to place. Distributing water in an apartment is a difficult task, but it is quite feasible for a person who has at least a modicum of engineering thought and straight hands. If you decide to do all the work yourself, you will have to solve more than one issue and make more than one choice before you begin the installation. Therefore, in this article we will discuss which is the best water distribution scheme to choose, what material to choose pipes from, what installation rules are for certain types of pipes and how it is done.

How to route water: open or hidden

Probably the very first question that arises among apartment owners is whether to bury pipes in the walls or do the wiring in an open way. For small rooms, this issue is critical, since pipes laid in an open way will not make it possible to place all the equipment that we would like in the bathroom. There just isn't enough space. In large rooms you can do it the way you like, but it is important to know a number of limitations.

Important! You cannot embed any detachable connections on any pipes into the walls. For example, metal-plastic pipes with compression fittings, transition couplings from propylene to threads, any American pipes, nipples, barrels, threaded couplings and more must be laid openly in order to be able to service and repair them.

Can be built into walls: copper pipes, polypropylene pipes And metal-plastic with press connections. As you can see, the wiring method already imposes certain restrictions on the ability to use certain materials. So when choosing how to properly route water, you can start from what pipes you plan to use and take into account the pros and cons of both route methods.

Advantages of walled water pipes:

1. All pipes are hidden from view, nothing is visible anywhere - the result is a beautiful, neat appearance of the room.
2. You can arrange furniture and appliances without losing useful space. Otherwise, the pipes are “taken” approximately 10 cm along the walls.
3. In the event of a fire, plastic water pipes will not be damaged.

Disadvantages of laying water pipes in grooves:

1. Restrictions on the choice of pipe material and method of their connection and installation, since any dismountable connections cannot be hidden.
2. Labor intensity of preparatory work. Chasing walls is not only time-consuming and difficult, but also dusty.
3. The complexity and complexity of pipe installation. They must be assembled with exceptional precision, strictly according to the groove, otherwise at the most inopportune moment it will become clear that it is necessary to finish the groove.
4. It is impossible to carry out repair work without destroying the wall decoration and dismantling plaster and pipes.
5. If a leak appears in a pipe, it will become clear only when the neighbors below come with angry threats and reproaches.
6. If repairs are needed, you will have to make new cosmetic repairs to the room, since the walls will be “ripped apart.” This is not only additional labor costs, but also financial losses.
7. It is impossible to inspect the pipes, check their condition or suspect a leak.
8. You can accidentally damage the water supply if you forget exactly where the pipe goes when you have to drill a hole to secure a boiler, mirror or other device.

Obviously, the hidden installation method has a significant number of disadvantages. So before choosing it, you need to weigh everything carefully. Do not forget that water communications are classified as dangerous and require constant monitoring.

Advantages of the open method of laying water pipes:

1. ANY pipes can be installed using the open method. There are no restrictions.
2. You don’t have to scratch the walls, which means installation is less labor-intensive.
3. Easier installation of pipes, since without being tied to the groove, it is easier to assemble everything.
4. Easy, simple and inexpensive dismantling of the entire water supply system. In this case, the finishing of the walls and floor will not be affected.
5. The condition of the pipes can be monitored at any time.
6. When a leak appears, it is immediately visible, and it is also easy to notice by the presence of a puddle on the floor.
7. The water supply can be improved at any time, a line can be added, without spending time and money on complete dismantling and renovation of the premises.

Disadvantages of open water supply:

1. Unsightly appearance. Although the pipes can be hidden in boxes and neatly sewn up, this design is not suitable for all rooms. In some, such boxes can be beautifully decorated or even create entire niches and mini-pantries for storing all sorts of “bathroom” items.
2. Reducing usable area. For example, you can no longer move a washing machine or laundry basket close to the walls.
3. In the event of a severe fire, the plastic pipes will burn and you will lose your water supply. True, water will extinguish part of the fire, but it will not solve the problem.

To make the right choice, measure the room and calculate everything down to the centimeter, what will go where and what will not fit. It may be better to sacrifice free space and perform an open installation.

Water distribution diagram

An important issue is the wiring diagram. Probably everyone has encountered this situation at least once: you are washing in the shower, enjoying a wonderful warm stream of water, and at that moment someone flushes the toilet or turns on the faucet in the kitchen and just boiling water starts flowing from the shower. Unpleasant and dangerous. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to choose the correct wiring diagram and pipe diameters. By the way, if you want to buy acrylic bathtubs, you can go to the store and buy a high-quality bathtub at a reasonable price.

In total, there are two schemes for routing water pipes, but a third is also possible, which is essentially a combination of these two.

Series circuit or as it is also called “tee”, where all consumers are connected in series. Those. one pipe runs from the main line along all consumers and a tee is placed next to each, diverting the pipe to a given consumer, and the main pipe goes further, and a tee is again installed at the next consumer, etc. This scheme is fraught with the fact that if several consumers are used at once, the last one in the system will have the lowest pressure. The result may also be the situation described above.

Collector circuit It's done a little differently. The pipe connected to the main goes into a collector, from which a separate pipe goes to each individual consumer. A ball valve is installed at the inlet to the manifold and at the outlet of each pipe. This allows you to repair one pipe and one consumer without damaging others, i.e. You can repair the toilet and use the sink in the kitchen or bathroom at the same time. Also, the pressure will be distributed more evenly and there will not be a situation where boiling water suddenly pours or the pressure drops sharply.

But for all its advantages, the collector circuit also has a drawback - it will require more materials (pipes, fittings and taps) and more space to accommodate it all. So installation according to this scheme is somewhat more expensive.

When choosing a pipe layout for an apartment, you should also take into account the water distribution pattern in the house. For example, in a layout where the main line goes into the bathroom, and the return line goes into the kitchen (i.e. the water passes through all the apartments on the upper floors, and then goes down and passes through the kitchens), you don’t have to think too much and just connect it in the kitchen Serial connection between sink and dishwasher. But the wiring in the bathroom will depend on the number of consumers.

In principle, if everything is done correctly, with knowledge of the matter, then the tee system can ensure correct pressure distribution so that there are no accidental losses of cold water pressure.

Cold water distribution should look something like this: the first tee should have an outlet to the shower in the bathroom, the second - to the shower in the toilet (if there is one), the second - to the sink in the kitchen, and then the outlet to the toilet, washing machine and boiler. Since the last three points do not depend on hot water, they do not suffer from temperature changes, but are connected only to cold water supply. There are such apartment layouts that the first tee simply has to lead to the toilet. In this case, you can cheat. For example, if the wiring was done with a 25 mm pipe, make a tee towards the toilet with a transition to a 20 mm pipe, then install a ball shut-off valve, and after that make a branch with a narrow 10 mm pipe. This way, water will flow into the toilet tank more slowly, and the pressure drop in the hot water system will not be felt.

You can organize something like a collector using pipes of different diameters. For example, after introducing a 25 mm pipe and all the required fittings (ball valve, coarse filter, meter, check valve), we install a pipe with a diameter of 32 mm, and from it we lead branches to consumers with a 20 mm pipe.

Hot water distribution may look something like this: a tee with an outlet to the shower in the bathroom, then to the shower in the toilet, and then to the sink in the kitchen. Usually this is not a problem. The main thing is to install a check valve on the cold water main so that hot water does not flow into the cold riser. Up to a couple, you can install OK on DHW, but this is not necessary.

When choosing a water supply wiring diagram for an apartment, also keep in mind that it will be almost impossible to bury the collector circuit in the walls (it can be in the floor), and the collector itself must be open for maintenance and access to the ball valves.

Which water pipes to choose

Until relatively recently, such a question did not arise at all, since there was simply no choice. Today, the choice is dizzying, since the market has been able to offer not only pipes made of various metals, but also plastic ones with different characteristics. So, what kind of water pipes can you buy?

Galvanized steel pipes- the good old proven option. They are resistant, strong, durable (up to 25 years), but over time they rust, growths appear inside, which affects the quality of the water. In addition, the installation of such pipes involves some difficulties: you will have to cut threads and twist the pipes together. In this case, everything must be calculated with an accuracy of a millimeter.

Stainless steel pipes- durable (up to 50 years) and are not afraid of rust. But their price is high, and the cost of fittings for them is even higher, although the installation itself is not so complicated. Very simple repair. A universal option, most often used for heated towel rails.

Copper pipes- one of the best universal options, but very expensive. Durable, smooth, do not corrode, are not afraid of high pressure and harmful impurities in water, do not harbor microorganisms, and are also indifferent to ultraviolet radiation. The most durable (up to 70 years). The installation is not very difficult, the only drawback is the price.

Metal-plastic pipes- the cheapest, but fittings for them are of average cost. They serve for 25 - 30 years. They are easy to install, bend, are not afraid of rust, and deposits do not accumulate on the walls. But at the same time, metal-plastic pipes are afraid of too high temperatures (more than 95 ° C), and pipes with fittings cannot be bent.

Polyethylene pipes Quite durable, elastic, average in price, fittings for them too, last more than 30 years. Installation is quite simple - they are welded together. Such pipes do not bend and cannot withstand high temperatures, so they can only be used for cold water supply. There are also pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene, they are a little more expensive, but can also be used for hot water supply.

Polypropylene pipes Recently they have enjoyed enviable popularity for several reasons: they can be hidden in plaster, there is no need to check them often, they are universal (cold water supply, hot water supply, heating, heated floors), strong and durable (about 50 years). They are connected by welding, which requires a special welding machine and scissors. For hot water supply, reinforced pipes (aluminum or fiberglass) are used.

The choice depends entirely on the wishes of the owner and on the scheme and method that were chosen.

Do-it-yourself water distribution

Anyone who is confident in their abilities and has minimal engineer skills can replace or make a new water supply with their own hands. But at the same time, it is better to coordinate the wiring diagram with a professional. Perhaps he will notice shortcomings or give practical advice on materials and pipe diameters.

We draw up a water distribution diagram in the apartment

It is necessary to begin work on replacing the water supply by drawing up a diagram. First of all, we decide on the installation method: open or closed. Then we make a diagram. It can be drawn on paper by hand, but absolutely everything must be indicated: the dimensions of the room, the installation location and dimensions of appliances and plumbing in the bathroom, the location of the pipes, their diameter and the exact length to each node, it is necessary to indicate all fittings, their type and size , installation locations where the pipe bends and turns. Well, that's all. Before you begin installation, you should show this diagram to a professional. It makes no sense to begin work on dismantling the old pipeline before the final design is ready and all materials have been purchased.

We select and purchase the required materials: pipes, fittings, tools

After drawing up the diagram, it is necessary to calculate how many and what kind of pipes, fittings and other fittings will be needed. It is advisable to buy everything with a margin of 5 - 10%, since anything can happen during the installation process. Of course, the price for water distribution in an apartment will depend on the chosen pipe material and installation method. The collector circuit immediately increases the cost of laying the pipeline several times. Pipelines made of metal-plastic pipes and polypropylene can be considered average in cost and optimal in characteristics. Copper and stainless steel pipelines will be more expensive.

Only after all materials and tools for installation have been purchased can you begin to dismantle the old water supply system. If you plan to change not only the internal pipes, but also the supply lines, then it is necessary to shut off the water supply to the riser. You cannot do this yourself, only a plumber from the management company.

We install water pipes from metal-plastic pipes

Metal-plastic pipes can be connected in two ways: compression fittings or press connections.

Metal-plastic pipes connected by compression fittings Can only be used for open pipe laying. The connection is made like this:

• We measure and cut the pipe to the required size.
• Using a chamfer calibrator, we remove the chamfer from the pipe.
• We put the nut from the fitting kit on the pipe.
• Then we insert the ring.
• We insert the fitting and crimp it with two open-end wrenches.

This connection is considered a threaded connection, which means it is susceptible to leaks; the pipes must be checked and the connection tightened at least once a year.

Connection with press fittings can be laid using both open and closed methods. It's done like this:

• We measure and cut the required section of pipe.
• Let's calibrate.
• We insert the pipe into the fitting and press it using a hand press.

The resulting connection is durable, able to withstand sudden changes in pressure, but non-separable.

Metal-plastic pipes bend, the maximum bending radius is 3 - 5 pipe diameters. The section of the pipe to the fitting must be level at least 5 - 7 cm.

We install water pipes from polypropylene pipes

For cold water we use pipes with a diameter of 25 mm with a wall thickness of 2.8 mm, and for hot water we use reinforced pipes with the same diameter, but with a wall thickness of 3.2 mm.

• We cut the pipes into the required lengths with special scissors, holding them strictly perpendicular.
• On the pipes we mark the welding depth (it depends on the depth of the fitting), for example, 1.6 mm.
• Using a trimmer, we remove the middle layer of the pipe to a depth of 1 - 2 mm.
• We install nozzles of the required diameter on the welding machine and turn it on, setting the temperature to 240 - 260 °C.
• We begin welding when the lights on the welding machine go out. We push both pipes or a pipe and a fitting onto the nozzles of the welding machine, evenly, without twisting, to the mark on the pipe.
• After 7 seconds, remove the pipes. We start counting the seconds from the moment we put the pipes on the nozzles and started moving along them. When removing pipes from the welding machine, it is necessary for a second person to hold it, since it is very light.
• Carefully connect the pipes to each other (or a pipe and a fitting), placing one on top of the other. Under no circumstances do we make rotational movements. Everything needs to be done smoothly and quickly.

We wait a few seconds until the connection cools down, then the pipes can be used. You should get a beautiful perpendicular connection, if you are not happy with the result, then the connection should be cut and the whole procedure should be repeated, cutting off the damaged piece.

Do-it-yourself water distribution in an apartment is completed by checking the assembled pipeline, i.e. crimping with a special device. Only after good results have been obtained from testing the connections and pipes for strength under high pressure, can the water be connected. All pipes and connections should be inspected for leaks.

What should be the water supply scheme for the apartment? Before starting work
You have come to the conclusion that the water supply pipes in the apartment need to be replaced, since the existing water supply system is rotten and unusable. The issue of replacing communications can also be prompted by such factors as the need to carry out major repairs in the apartment, moving into a new building, where except for the walls you will have to do everything yourself. If the apartment is new, then the cards are in your hands, as they say, since a well-thought-out water supply scheme in the apartment can turn out to be convenient to use. Before starting work, you should also take into account one important point: you should install the water supply system in the apartment with your own hands in parallel with the water filtration system.

Filter elements can be installed both for each tap individually and at the inlet, after the metering device. This should be taken care of at the very beginning, before installing the water supply, since the quality of the water consumed and the state of your health will depend on it. In addition, filtered water contains a small percentage of impurities and salts, which will significantly extend the life of pipes and auxiliary equipment.

Before proceeding with the installation of a water supply system, it is necessary to resolve a number of issues:

• Select pipes and, accordingly, the material from which they will be made.
• Determine the number of fittings, valves, taps, pipes, risers and other elements of the plumbing system. To facilitate the solution of this difficult issue, planning is necessary.

First, a water supply diagram for the apartment must be drawn up, the plan of which should be displayed on paper in the form of a drawing, taking into account the layout of the premises.

A well-drawn drawing will help you decide on the choice of consumables and the quantity of all elements of the water supply system.

The old plumbing system can tell you how many pipes will be needed for installation if you do not decide to completely redesign the plumbing system. When planning a plumbing system, do not forget to think about the possibility of connecting additional equipment in the future, for which you need to prepare reserve places for their connection.

Methods for installing water pipes

Laying water pipes in the apartment. Tee and collector water supply scheme for the apartment.

Installation of water pipes in an apartment can be carried out in several ways; the most relevant and technically correct are tee and manifold schemes. Let's look at them in more detail:

The tee (sequential) scheme for connecting the water supply in an apartment involves wiring from the central water supply main to all consumers separately. This connection method uses a large number of connecting elements, however, the pipe consumption is slightly less than when using the manifold method. In addition, laying a water supply system in an apartment using tees and fittings is not a complicated design, and the price is quite affordable. Significant disadvantages of this scheme include the periodic flow of water at some connection points, since the system consists of many individual elements. In addition, at some connection points there may be a decrease in water pressure. Possible in the apartment.

Water supply wiring diagrams in an apartment

The collector connection scheme is considered more reliable, although the costs for it will be significant. But it costs a lot to fix, so it’s better to invest once in the proper installation of water supply in the apartment. A distinctive feature of this scheme is the independent connection of each consumer in the apartment from the supply branch, which easily allows for maintenance, repair and replacement of each of them without disconnecting the entire water supply system. This, unfortunately, cannot be boasted by a sequential circuit through which a water supply system can be installed in an apartment. In addition, replacing water supply pipes in an apartment will not pose any problems, since in certain sections of the water supply this can be done independently. This connection scheme is practically free of serious drawbacks.

Hidden and open laying of water pipes in the house

Surely you have had to deal with the fact that pipes located outside begin to irritate over time, and they do not have a very aesthetic appearance. This is especially true for old apartments that have long been in need of renovation. Remember how unsightly the installation of water supply in an apartment looks, especially risers and pipes in small rooms of the toilet or bathroom, which have to be covered with decorative screens, thereby limiting the already scarce space. Therefore, open pipe laying has a certain disadvantage. But the hidden installation will allow you to remove the clutter of pipes. In addition, replacing water pipes in an apartment in a hidden way has a number of significant advantages. Both methods have certain characteristics and advantages:

With the hidden method, pipes are embedded in the wall grooves, then sealed, after which the room has a beautiful appearance. Replacing water supply risers in an apartment is also necessary, since over time their clearance narrows and they become clogged, which can lead to undesirable consequences. In addition, pipes hidden in the walls do not interfere with the placement of furniture, plumbing items, household appliances and other equipment, which sometimes cannot be installed due to the fact that the pipes simply get in the way. In addition, the absence of pipes outside eliminates their damage.

Replacing water supply pipes in an apartment using an open method also has positive nuances. First of all, there are no restrictions when choosing consumables, so any pipes can be installed. Installation and replacement of water supply pipes in an apartment does not require cutting out grooves for their installation, which means the costs will be much lower. In addition, replacing a leaky element of the system will not be any problem and it will be much easier and more convenient to do than in a hidden water supply system. The disadvantages include an unsightly appearance and a reduction in the usable space of the room, which is why sometimes it is not possible to install, for example, a furniture module.

What pipes can be used for installation?

Pipes made of stainless steel are considered durable, since their service life exceeds 60 years, and they are not afraid of rust and build-up. They are easy to install, however, such pipes are very expensive. Through them, for example through heated towel rails, the temperature of the hot water supply in the apartment is easily determined.

Copper pipes are also expensive, but they can last up to 80 years and are very easy to install. They are not afraid of corrosion and can be easily bent during installation.

Polypropylene pipes have good strength and can be used for over 50 years. For installation you will need a special soldering iron and a hacksaw (or scissors) to cut them. It is recommended to lay the hot water line with pipes reinforced with metal or fiberglass.

Polyethylene pipes are also connected by welding. They are quite durable and can last more than 40 years.