Installing polypropylene pipes with your own hands is easier than you think. Do-it-yourself installation of propylene pipes: step-by-step installation of propylene pipes yourself How to assemble a pipeline from polypropylene pipes

After calculating the length of the water supply system, the size of the pipes and the number of fittings, the selection of equipment for installation and the method of installation of polypropylene pipes for water supply (plumbing), the following work is carried out:

1. The old pipeline is being dismantled.
2. Sections of the required size are cut.
3. If the pipeline design requires it, then special couplings must be installed at the ends of the metal pipes.
4. Couplings, pipes and tees are soldered using polyfusion welding.
5. Shut-off valves are installed.
6. Fasteners are drilled into the walls and installed. If necessary, grooves are made in the walls.
7. Polypropylene pipes are installed.
8. If the project provides for pipes of different diameters, then they are connected with adapter fittings.

Mounted in the wall

Installation in the wall is carried out using polyfusion welding, so the seam is monolithic and durable.

Polyfusion welding is the process of obtaining a permanent connection of parts by heating the parts to the temperature of partial melting of the surfaces.

With such a connection, there is no need to monitor the connection during operation, as is the case with steel pipes. Therefore, it can be mounted in a wall provided that it matches the temperature and pressure of the coolant used.

When installing DHW, it is necessary to provide space for thermal expansion.

How to properly install a hidden pipeline:

1. The pipeline that is mounted into the wall must be as solid as possible. The reliability of the pipeline is determined by the number of connections.
2. The connecting elements of the pipeline must be made of the same material as its main part and have the same or even greater safety margin.
3. All pipes installed in the wall must be thermally insulated to prevent condensation. Thermal insulation allows pipes to contract and expand freely.
4. It is mandatory to have an inspection hatch for access to shut-off valves and taps. Such hatches and covers are available for free sale in a huge assortment.

Fittings for polypropylene and their installation

Fittings are divided into two types:

1. With threaded connection.
2. For connecting polypropylene parts and assemblies to each other.

Fittings with threaded connections are divided into one-piece and detachable. Detachable ones are more expensive, but they are more convenient to maintain and install. The reliability of both is the same, so fittings are chosen only based on convenience.

For example, to connect a toilet tank it is more convenient to install a threaded detachable connection, but when connecting a flexible hose it is better to use a one-piece fitting.

Using polypropylene pipes and fittings, their installation is carried out in 2 ways:

1. Welded joint.
2. Collet connection.

Welded fittings are formed using a special device for diffusion welding.

The welding machine heats the joint to a temperature of 260°C.

Paired nozzles of a certain diameter heat the parts being connected, due to which the material changes at the molecular level, so the pipe and fitting become one.

This welding method guarantees a very high quality of the connecting assembly.

There are also clamping or compression fittings. They are designed for all types of polypropylene pipes. The advantage of these fittings is that no special knowledge or practical skills are required when working with them.

The principle is to put it on and tighten it. Compression fittings are also made of polypropylene, and the collet design ensures a tight and durable connection. This type is designed for operating pressure up to 16 atmospheres.

Closed and open installation of polypropylene water supply

Arranging a polypropylene water supply system with your own hands begins with drawing up a primary diagram - take a piece of paper and a pen, or use a 3D editor and draw up a plan. First, indicate and place all devices that are consumers of water - taps, bathtub, shower, washing machine, etc. Then place sources of hot and cold water on the diagram - these can be either risers or the heating boiler of a private house. Complete the plan by connecting hot and cold water supply lines to consumers from their sources.

You might be interested in information about what it is polypropylene faucet and how to install it.

Closed installation of pipelines

Then you should decide how the polypropylene pipes will be laid. There are two ways to do this - closed and open installation. The first implies that all water supply lines will be “hidden” behind the exterior decoration of the room. To do this, the walls in the house or apartment should be grooved, and polypropylene pipes should be laid in the resulting channels. The advantages of the closed mounting scheme are as follows.

1. Attractive appearance - water supply lines are hidden from view and do not spoil the beauty of the rooms in which they are laid.
2. Saving useful living space - the pipes are laid in the walls and do not take away such valuable square meters.
3. You can arrange furniture and other objects during a closed installation of the water supply system without any fear.

Water supply made from polypropylene pipes

But at the same time, closed installation of polypropylene water pipes is associated with many difficulties and problems.

1. The need to perform gating is a complex, time-consuming and not the most pleasant job.
2. Only those pipes that have a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion are allowed to be installed in the channels.
3. Not all walls are suitable for grating - some are too thin and fragile, as a result of which it is undesirable to carry out such work with them.
4. The number of fittings and various connections during closed installation of the water supply system should be minimal - for repairs it will be necessary to remove the external finishing of the walls.
5. It is almost impossible to carry out a preventive inspection of a water supply system installed in a closed manner.

You should choose such an installation scheme only if you are ready for hard work and are absolutely sure that the pipes will not leak. Otherwise, it makes sense to give preference to open installation - when all communications are laid on top of the finish. It doesn’t look as nice, but such a scheme is more reliable - any problem or leak can be fixed in the shortest possible time and with minimal effort. In addition, a water supply system installed in an open way can be modernized without any problems, new lines can be added to it, or simply replaced.

Open installation of pipeline

Interesting! An intermediate scheme between open and closed installation is the laying of polypropylene water pipes in false plasterboard boxes.

DIY pipe box

Features of installation of polypropylene pipes

The installation of a water supply system based on polypropylene pipes, as a rule, is accompanied by the purchase of special tools and a set of elements - fittings, which ensure complete installation. A special tool - a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes - can be bought or, more wisely, rented.

From the set of necessary tools you will need a pipe cutter (special scissors). However, it is quite acceptable to trim polypropylene sleeves with a hacksaw. For measurements you will need a construction tape, as well as a marker (pencil) or something similar. An angled ruler or protractor will not be superfluous in installation work. For a complete set you also need wrenches or an adjustable wrench.

One of the main tools necessary for installation of polypropylene pipes. The polypropylene pipe cutter allows you to cut quickly and accurately. However, this tool can be replaced with a regular hacksaw

The process of assembling polypropylene pipes does not require any special technological actions from the plumber. But, some experience with soldering polypropylene is still necessary. A complete lack of skills threatens to result in unpleasant consequences for the operation of the water supply system in the future. And the sequence of work is approximately as follows:

1. The water line pipe is cut to size.
2. The place of the cut (and connection) is cleared of burrs.
3. The required fitting element is selected and adjusted.
4. The polypropylene soldering iron is equipped with appropriate nozzles.
5. Turn on the heating at the soldering station (heating limit 260ºС).
6. The elements to be joined (fitting and pipe end) are brought into contact with the nozzles.
7. Heat them for several seconds (4-10), depending on the wall thickness.
8. Remove from the nozzles and quickly connect by hand by inserting the end of the pipe into the fitting body until it stops.

The peculiarity of the last action is that it must be performed quickly enough with clear fixation of the pipe and fitting in one position. After connecting the elements, you should wait at least 30 seconds. This time is enough to harden the heated areas and tightly connect them to each other.

Installation of any type of water supply system from polypropylene pipes is considered to be carried out competently when the lines are drawn from plumbing fixtures to the main source of water. The installation of pipes should be carried out as straight as possible, parallel to the floor or walls of the building. If the DHW and hot water mains are located in close proximity to one another, it is recommended that the hot water line be installed above the DHW line.

An example of successful installation of a water supply system based on polypropylene hoses. Such solutions are typical for private country houses. In city apartments, they often try to make hidden systems (hidden in the walls)

Polypropylene pipes, when compared with a metal pipe, have significantly less rigidity

Therefore, when installing polypropylene, attention should be paid to reliable fastening of the pipelines to the base. Mounting support brackets must be placed every 1.5-2 meters of the pipeline line

It is advisable to build water mains taking into account minimal loads on the pipelines. It is not recommended to bend the body of a polypropylene pipe by heating the bend in order to bypass an obstacle in this way. To solve such problems, you should use special fittings - corner or bypass.

Work order

The order of work directly depends on the purpose and location of the pipeline. Naturally, the scheme will be different for a bathroom, kitchen, country house or country house, but some general approaches can be identified, knowing which you can install a water supply system for any purpose.

It is convenient to describe these nuances using the example of how installation is carried out in a bathroom, because... this is the most common case.

A typical diagram is shown in the figure below. If you look at the image from left to right, then the first point of water collection will be the toilet, the second sink, the third bathtub, and a water heater is also provided in this scheme. The supply line (hot and cold water risers) are located on the right.

Fig.7. Typical bathroom plumbing diagram.

The assembly of the water supply system begins from the risers. The first thing they do is install meters. To do this, first install a dirt filter (mechanical coarse filter) to the shut-off valve installed at the outlet from the riser, after which a water meter is installed. Next, the entire system will be made of PP pipes. To connect to the meter, a non-detachable threaded connection is used.

Fig.8. Installation of meters on polypropylene pipes.

When attaching them, it is important to ensure that they do not get into the joints of pipes or fittings. Special jumpers are installed at the intersections of pipes

Threaded connections are installed at consumer points.

Fig.9. Bypass for cross pipelines.

Heating wiring

Heating installation

As with plumbing, before you begin installing a polypropylene-based heating system, you need to carefully plan everything on paper.

The differences lie in the complexity of the calculations, which are best left to heating specialists.

The choice of type used depends on the type of heating system. If this is a low-temperature system (up to 65C), then for its arrangement it is quite possible to get by with the PN20 brand. For high-temperature circuits (up to 95C) they are used with reinforcement.

Video - installation and soldering instructions from the master:

To supply coolant to radiators, 20 mm is most often quite sufficient. A wider pipeline can be installed, but this will significantly increase the cost of the project. The exception is cases when the length is more than 30 m. Here the diameter needed is exactly 32 mm.

Fitting

Polypropylene pipes are connected into a single system using fittings.

Their purpose is to seal connections, arrange bends and branches, as well as create transitions to pipes of a different diameter or from other materials.

The following types of fittings are distinguished: transition pipes, plugs, crosses, tees, couplings, plugs, bends, angles, caps.

The purpose of bends and crosses is to distribute the flow into several directions. Corners allow you to change direction. Pipes of the same diameter are connected using couplings, and pipes of different diameters are connected using adapter pipes. To connect to other types of pipelines, a variety of fittings and adapters are used.

A special feature of fittings for polypropylene pipes is the material of manufacture and installation technology. Polypropylene can be installed only once, so all fittings are permanent.

Installation instructions

The main method of joining into a single system is socket welding, sometimes called socket welding. Its meaning is to connect to fittings not end-to-end, but through an additional coupling. After connection, this place is tightly welded.

In addition, installation will also require the following:

Special welding fixture;

Chamfer;

Pipe cutter (special cutters).

The first stage of installation is preparing the material. The pipes are measured according to the developed diagram and cut with a pipe cutter.

Then, using a chamfer remover, the chamfer is removed from the end. For chamfering, there is a special standard DVS-2207-1, which requires that the chamfer slope be 15 degrees with a depth of 2-3 mm.

Next, you need to clean the welding area from dirt and thoroughly degrease it. The welding fixture allows for simultaneous heating of the coupling from the inside and outside. Moreover, this happens strictly to a given depth. It is not recommended to use any available devices for these purposes, since they will not be able to provide uniform heating to the desired areas of the material.

After the device has warmed up, the fitting is placed on the welding pin, and the pipe is inserted into the sleeve. Warm-up time depends on the diameter and material, most often it takes a few seconds. Then they are removed and carefully inserted into each other.

In this case, it is unacceptable to make rotational movements that can destroy the connection that has already begun to set.

Now you can proceed directly to welding. The welding machine must be set to a temperature of 260 C. Such heating will be sufficient to melt polypropylene and will not damage the Teflon nozzles on the heater.

When the pipe is inserted into the fitting all the way, it is necessary to hold them in this position for several seconds. Actually, this is where the welding work ends.

After a minute, the connection point will cool down and be ready for use.

The easiest way is to install it in separate sections of the pipeline. When all these sections are ready, they are welded into a single unit. To prevent the finished pipeline from hanging in the air, special clamps are used that are attached to the walls or floor.

As practice shows, polypropylene pipes today are the most convenient, simple and durable solution for installing water supply and heating systems. With a well-planned layout of pipes in the bathroom and proper installation, the resulting pipeline can last for several decades in a maintained mode.

How to make your own welding machine

Since a good welding device is not cheap, it would be better to rent it or make it yourself.

When the choice is made in favor of the second option, then you need to prepare in advance:

• electric drill;
• nozzle (sleeve) of the required diameter;
• iron of an outdated model;
• washer and bolt for it;
• thermal paste for computers.

The sequence of actions will be as follows:

1. To increase the degree of heat transfer, the sole of the old iron is treated with paste, after which it is necessary to fix the Teflon sleeve. Its position is determined in advance - the wide part is placed towards the bottom or towards the top.
2. The nose of the iron is cut off to make it more convenient to work with it in close proximity to the walls.
3. Heat the ironing device until it switches off again.
4. The presence of a temperature sensor in the iron allows you to more accurately determine to what temperature the unit has heated up. There is a simpler method to find out the degree of heating of the device using lead. The fact is that this metal begins to melt at 230 degrees, which almost coincides with the temperature required for welding.

The subsequent steps regarding soldering are similar to the assembly described above.

Installation of serial wiring

The principle of the sequence of inserting the outlets on the incoming pipe is carried out using tees. They are installed sequentially on the supply pipe, each opposite its supply object.

In this way you can connect 2-3 objects. It is more profitable to dilute a larger quantity in parallel.

Installation of parallel wiring

To install parallel wiring, you need a special part - a collector. Polypropylene manifolds are produced for installation of cold and hot water supply with 3 or more outlets.

The manifold is a unit with several outlets that is installed on the incoming pipe. As a rule, each outlet is equipped with a separate valve, which allows you to isolate the water supply to each branch.

Often the wiring is combined. For example, cold water supply in a private house is installed in parallel through a 5-outlet manifold. Outputs go to the sink, toilet, washing machine, shower and boiler.

The hot water supply from the boiler only needs to be supplied to the sink and shower. A tee is installed here. One inlet is the supply from the boiler, two outlets distribute the supply to both objects.

Note! In the example given, the hot water supply (and therefore the water temperature) of the shower stall will drop as soon as the water in the sink is turned on, and vice versa. .

Welding technology for PVC polypropylene pipes

Working with polypropylene pipes requires following some recommendations. A properly installed connection is leak-proof and can withstand high pressure.

Welding at negative temperatures

It is difficult to obtain good welding quality at low temperatures. Manufacturers of polypropylene pipes do not recommend welding at air temperatures below +5 degrees. At temperatures below 0, the plastic becomes brittle and the solder may not be airtight. This will lead to leaks or rupture of the pipeline. In the cold season, the place where welding is carried out is warmed up - a tent with a heat gun is installed.

Is it possible to cook products from different manufacturers?

Manufacturers of plastic pipes emphasize that polypropylene products of different brands cannot be soldered. Pipes and fittings from different manufacturers may differ in several respects:

• diameter tolerance;
• softening rate;
• color shades.

An attempt to combine materials with different technical characteristics leads to difficulties during installation and becomes the reason for the failure of the entire structure.

Butt welding of large diameter products

When laying pipelines, large-diameter plastic pipes (from 63 mm) are welded butt-to-butt. This method is based on heating and melting the ends of the pipes, and their subsequent connection with sufficient force.

It is important that the ends of the workpieces are perfectly straight. This makes it possible to obtain a solder of maximum strength, one-piece and capable of working under high pressure.

Socket soldering of fitting-pipeline connections

Polypropylene pipes with a diameter of up to 40 cm are welded using a special manual device. Consists of a centering device and attachments for fixing workpieces. The ends of the cut section of the pipe are cleaned with a file or sanding paper. The apparatus is heated, parts of the future pipeline are driven into it and soldered. All movements are done quickly and clearly, until the material is heated to the desired state.

Please note that with socket or coupling welding, the outer diameter of the pipe must be greater than the inner diameter of the unheated fitting. . After welding, maintain the time allotted for cooling, do not move or turn over the elements to avoid deformation

After welding, maintain the time allotted for cooling, do not move or turn over the elements to avoid deformation.

How to cook reinforced pipes (plus video instructions)

Reinforced pipes are used in heating systems, laying “warm floors” and hot water supply.
Before starting work involving reinforced polypropylene pipes, it is prepared - the aluminum layer is cleaned with a shaver. This is necessary so that during operation, when it comes into contact with water, the aluminum foil does not collapse and the structure does not leak.

The fitting is of a size that the pipe can fit into without the top layers.

Installation of water supply from polypropylene pipes

Now that the old pipes have been removed, you can begin installing new products. First, check the plumbing diagram drawn earlier. Compare it with the system you just dismantled. Make changes to the plan if necessary. After this, the diagram must be transferred to the walls - take a marker and draw lines where the pipes will be laid. Also mark the locations of tees and shut-off valves.

Marking of polypropylene pipes and fittings for water supply

Important! For tees, elbows and other fittings, choose places so that during the installation process you can easily organize the soldering of polypropylene pipes. .

Further work looks like this.

Step 1. If possible, install filters on the cold water and hot water lines - the quality of tap water leaves much to be desired, and the presence of such products will only be beneficial and will increase the service life of your plumbing and the polypropylene pipes connected to it.

Step 2. Install hot and cold water meters. It is advisable that this work be performed by a specialist who has the appropriate clearances and permits. After installation, the meters must undergo acceptance and sealing - for this you will need to invite a person from the management company or the HOA.

Installation of water meters

Step 3. When installing parallel water pipes made of polypropylene, install the collector yourself.

Step 4. Install the clips on which the polypropylene pipes will be attached. If you are planning a closed installation, then pre-drill the channels in the walls with a hammer drill.

Installing clips

Step 5. Using soldering, assemble the main cold water and hot water lines with tees, other fittings and components. You can learn how to join polypropylene products in the next section of this article.

Assembly of main lines

Installation of polypropylene pipeline

Plumbing installation process

Advice! When cutting a pipe for a specific section of water supply, consider not only the length of the line, but also the part of the product that will be inserted into the fitting during the soldering process. On average, each of them takes about 15 mm of polypropylene pipe.

Installation of supply pipes and fittings

Step 7 Connect a polypropylene water supply to one of the sinks and check the functionality of the entire system.

Step 8 If any problems were identified during the inspection, correct them. Then connect all the necessary appliances and plumbing to the water supply.

Step 9 Clean up construction debris generated during the work.

Step 10 If desired, cover the water lines with decorative boxes made of plastic or drywall.

Plasterboard box in the bathroom

Resistance welding soldering

Since the water supply is carried out under fairly high pressure, pipes and fittings must be connected as securely as possible.

1. Pipes are cut into lengths the desired length using a grinder, pipe cutter or special scissors. To clean products with aluminum reinforcement, a special device is used - shaver .

Shaver for stripping pipes with reinforcement

2. To ensure that the pieces fit freely into the fittings, be sure to remove them from their edges. chamfer at a slight angle. In this case, its recess should have a size of up to 3 mm. For these purposes it is used chamfer .

3. Pipe ends degreased alcohol or white alcohol.

4. It is applied to them mark. equal to the depth of the fitting minus a couple of mm (for example, for a 25 mm pipe it will be 16 mm);

5. Fitting and pipe are placed on both sides of the nozzle soldering iron so that when heated they reach the required mark. The ends of the nozzle have a slight cone, so putting the pipe and fitting on them requires little effort.

Installation on the nozzle

Welding apparatus (soldering iron)

6. If the soldering iron is equipped with a temperature regulator, it should be set to 260°C.

7. Pipe heating interval depends on its thickness. After maintaining the required time (it is indicated in the instructions for the soldering iron and can range from 5 to 15 seconds), the pipes and fittings are smoothly removed from the nozzle (mandrel) and docked. It is advisable to do this in one movement, without unnecessary movements, as quickly as possible - after all, the hardening time of polypropylene is only 30 seconds.

Important! During the heating process, in order to avoid damage to the plastic, it is not recommended to rotate the pipe and fitting. You shouldn’t force it to cool either.

8. Large-diameter products are more difficult to join, so they are joined using a special device.

Advice. To get used to welding, it’s better to practice a little: buy several fittings and try to secure them in small sections.

9. Small drips formed during welding are removed with a regular knife.

10. After assembling the water supply system, it is filled with water and check for leaks under pressure. In this case, it is selected 1.5 times higher than the nominal value. You can increase the pressure using a car pump. If necessary, problematic joints are cut out and new sections are soldered into the system.

Important! Testing the system is allowed only 2 hours after soldering is completed.

Restrictions on use

Welding table for polypropylene pipelines.

With all their positive qualities, polypropylene pipes are not ideal - this must be taken into account when planning the installation of heating systems. This also applies to the choice of polymer raw materials and their qualities. According to standards, pipes can be made from several grades of polypropylene - the grade is indicated on the outer walls of the products. The nominal strength depends on the pressure and temperature for which the product is designed. The rule is: the higher the pressure, the lower the operating temperature, and vice versa.

To compare the properties of polypropylene pipes, a special gradation of types of polypropylene and areas of its application was introduced. She looks like this:

1. PN 10 - thin-walled pipes for cold water supply and heated floors (working temperature up to 45°C, working pressure 1 MPa.
2. PN 16 - for cold water supply with high pressure and central heating supply with reduced pressure.
3. PN 20 - for hot and cold water supply pipelines (operating temperature up to +80°C, pressure 2 MPa.
4. PN 25 - for central heating and hot water supply (up to +95°C), operating pressure 2.5 MPa, three-layer pipes reinforced with aluminum foil.

Installation diagram of polypropylene pipes with upper distribution circulation.

New on the market is the PN 25 glass fiber reinforced pipe. It differs from the usual one in that there is no need to clean the joints. People strive to save on everything, including the installation of polypropylene pipes. When installing heating and water supply systems, this can lead to high costs in the future. The price difference depending on the brand can be significant. But if you put hot liquid into a pipe designed for low operating temperatures, it may burst. Before planning the installation of polypropylene pipes, you need to remember their specific features.

Polypropylene has a high coefficient of linear expansion: when exposed to high temperatures, pipes stretch and increase in diameter.

Scheme of a polypropylene pipeline with temperature compensators.

If the pipeline is designed for cold liquid, the effect is not visible. At temperatures up to 45°C - also. However, at high temperatures and there is no room for expansion, the pipe may rupture or damage the outer lining. This must also be remembered when installing pipelines outdoors - in winter, pipes can shrink, which will lead to their ruptures and damage to fittings.

There is one reliable method of preventing such consequences - the implementation of compensation loops. You can make them yourself by creating loose U-shaped sections of pipes (their frequency and size are indicated in the specifications). Many companies offer ready-made shaped products in the form of loops. A few words need to be said about the methods of installing polypropylene. Such products can be installed in any of the following ways: hidden laying of the pipeline, open laying, laying in shafts, boxes or soil. Pipelines for water at elevated temperatures must be secured with the possibility of subsequent longitudinal displacement.

PP fittings for water supply systems

The term fitting is taken from English. Literally translated: to mount, adjust, assemble. Structurally, the fitting is a component of a pipeline, in particular made of polypropylene.

This component can take the form of an angle (90º or 120º), tee, cross, etc. There are fittings with threaded inserts for connecting shut-off and other valves. There are special bypass elements that allow you to carefully bypass the places where one pipe bumps into another.

Along with polypropylene pipes, a huge variety of fittings are produced. Mounting elements - fittings - significantly expand installation freedom and allow you to choose the most appropriate technology for constructing water supply systems

Using any of these mounting elements, it is convenient to build water supply wiring diagrams in almost any configuration. So, to connect one polypropylene pipe to another in a straight line, a coupling is used. The same fitting is used if it is necessary to make a transition from a pipe of one diameter to a pipe of another diameter in a straight section. It is easy to connect pipes with a bend using corner fittings.

Various types of adapters are produced for the installation of water pipes with polypropylene pipes. If one type of such elements is intended for use for soldering, another type is used for mechanical threaded connections. Fittings for mechanical threaded connections allow you to create a completely strong, reliable connection using force crimping, eliminating soldering technology from the process.

In addition to traditional installation methods - soldering polypropylene and mechanical connections, the technology of gluing circuit elements is used. The advantages of this technology are obtaining a high-quality appearance of the plumbing system due to the complete absence of any deformations

In addition to the threaded connecting technique, the technology of gluing water supply parts is often used. For example, using special glue, tees and polypropylene pipes, you can easily make a distribution manifold for cold water supply with your own hands.

The actions of a master plumber in this case boil down to the following steps:

1. The pipe is cut to size and deburred.
2. The surface of the pipe at the junction is degreased.
3. A layer of glue is evenly applied to the surface.
4. The end of the pipe is inserted into the fitting until it stops.

Glue drying time is 20-25 minutes.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Advantages and disadvantages
• Pipe connection methods
• Pipe Connection Tools
• Work plan

Among the main advantages are the following:

• resistance to corrosion (metal systems quickly rust, while plastic systems are not at risk of this at all);
• low cost (they cost less than pipes made from other materials);
• lightness (they weigh very little, which also, undoubtedly, prolongs their life, because the heavier the system, the greater the load both on it directly and on the soldering points, fastening to the wall, etc.);
• polypropylene pipes are easy to install (of course, we could not help but mention this advantage again, just make sure to comply with SNiP during installation);
• such systems are easy to clean;
• strength (plastic can be durable; in addition, these pipes can be further strengthened with the help of expansion joints and special “elbows”).

Among the disadvantages, the only thing that can be highlighted is that a special tool is required for installation.

The video below shows instructions for installing polypropylene pipes.

In addition, as for any redevelopment, when installing water supply systems, you must be guided and know SNiP.

How to use a polypropylene welding machine

The welding machine for polypropylene has a fairly simple design; it consists of a heating plate, a thermostat and a handle. The nozzles are attached to both sides of the heating plate, have a Teflon coating and come in different diameters, which allows you to solve, in principle, any household problems.

• First, the required length of the pipe is measured and cut off strictly according to the mark using special scissors. Using a trimmer, we remove burrs; if there is an outer aluminum reinforcing layer, it is also removed. The cut area is cleaned and degreased. Nozzles selected by size are also degreased.
• To determine the depth of insertion of the pipe into the fitting, they must be connected while still unheated and a mark must be made with a marker. The nozzles are installed on both sides of the welding machine, the end of the pipe is put on one of them, and the fitting on the other.
• The device turns on and the nozzles begin heating. As soon as the lights on the thermostat go out, the products are heated to 260°. After this, a pipe and 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 to the mark. Your movements are prompt and precise! And no spins! After a few seconds, the monolithic part is ready.

Installation of polypropylene pipes using welding (soldering)

To perform 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 scraps.

Some tips for installing polypropylene water pipes:

• It is recommended to install a water supply system in an apartment with your own hands from polypropylene from the points of consumption to the input - the nodes of the distribution devices.
• Fastening elements are installed along the entire intended line, pipelines are fixed to them, thereby combining into a single system.
• If the laying of a water supply system from polypropylene pipes requires that hot and cold water pipelines run side by side, then the cold water line should be laid higher, which will prevent condensation from falling on it.
• The pipes are positioned strictly horizontally or vertically and are joined only at right angles.
• In hard-to-reach places, pipes are installed in a separate stage.

Fundamental conditions for quality installation

There are mandatory rules for high-quality installation of polypropylene pipes. The subtleties that you need to know begin already at the stage of planning work, purchasing material and fittings, and preparing tools.

How weather conditions affect

Installation of polypropylene pipelines that require welding should be planned at an air temperature of at least +10°C. The exception is sewer pipes, which are connected into a socket without welding.

The subtlety is that too low an air temperature accelerates the cooling of the parts being connected, and this time is only 30 seconds (of which 4 seconds are given for a small correction of the connection guide). Low air temperature does not leave time for correction, which can cause a poor-quality connection.

Note! Installation of polypropylene pipes at negative ambient temperatures is not carried out!

Influence of weather conditions:

• direct sunlight accelerates the heating of polypropylene parts, since the starting temperature is higher than the calculated one;
• wind accelerates cooling, reduces correction time (it is recommended to install a shield);
• rain requires mandatory protection of the work site, since welding wet parts is prohibited.

Note! It is very important to comply with the required work conditions. Violation of polypropylene welding technology leads to a leaky connection

The error can only be corrected by replacing the node.

Selection of components

There are several rules that will help you avoid mistakes in installing polypropylene pipelines:

1. The selection of pipes and fittings is carried out depending on the purpose of the communications.
2. It is better to buy material from one manufacturer - in this case, the pipes will fit perfectly into the fittings. You should focus on the markings. The color of the product does not affect the quality and technical characteristics of the product, but rather is the “calling card” of the manufacturer. For example, gray pipes made in the Czech Republic, white pipes made in Turkey or Valtek. The exception is black products - they are resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
3. If you plan to hide the pipeline in the floor or walls, then it is better to choose green material - it is made in Germany and is rightfully considered the highest quality.
4. The material should be purchased according to the detailed plan and diagram of the future pipeline.

Note! You can purchase fittings exactly according to plan. Pipes should be purchased with some reserve, 1-1.5 meters is enough.

What does the marking of polypropylene materials mean?

Manufacturers offer several pipe diameters, which differ in wall thickness and performance characteristics. The material for installation should be selected according to the following criteria:

1. Installation of cold water supply PN10, PN16 (not often used).
2. Installation of hot water supply PN20 or PN25 (25 is more expensive, which is not always justified in a private house, unless the owners use boiling water).
3. Installation of water heating PN25.

Note! Polypropylene materials cannot be used for installation of steam heating. They cannot withstand the temperature of hot steam and become deformed.

Work technology

The main advantage of using plastic communications for conduction and drainage of water is the ability to install it yourself and use it within 30 minutes after completion of work. There are the following methods for installing polypropylene pipes:

1. Outer;
2. Hidden.

In an apartment you can often find a hidden type of water supply - where the pipes go into the wall. This is a more convenient option to use, but it is more difficult to implement without the help of a specialist. In particular, because it requires destroying the wall. Therefore, installation of the pipeline externally is more popular.

Photo - open pipes

Also, the installation diagram depends on the heating and water supply system. It can be one-pipe, two-pipe or combined.

Instructions on how to install a single-pipe heating system made of polypropylene pipes:

1. First, the system is designed. A single-pipe circuit uses a heating apparatus (say, a boiler), radiators, piping, a water tank and additional installation elements;

   Photo - example of a diagram

2. Next, the boiler is connected. A thermostat and other devices must be installed on the main pipe to protect the water supply. Please note that you will need to install a water drain handle at the lowest point of the risers. This will be needed during repairs or, if necessary, to refill water;
3. A pump and filter must be installed on the supply pipelines, which will transfer heated water from the coolant through a single-pipe heating system;
4. When the warm water drainage system is ready, you need to connect polypropylene pipes together. They are centered in clamps, which will help ensure maximum evenness of the cut. After this, the communication is cut to the required size with scissors. The cut area is cleaned with degreasing compounds and rubbed with sandpaper to obtain a perfectly flat surface. SNiP rules for installing polypropylene pipes state that it is necessary to chamfer. It is performed with a size of 2 mm at an angle of 45 degrees using a special machine or chamfer;

   Photo - cropping

5. Afterwards, fittings and a heating tool are prepared, which will be used to install polypropylene pipes. The soldering iron or coupling is plugged into the network and heated to a certain temperature. At this time, a suitable nozzle is inserted into the pipe. The diameter may differ by 1 mm, but no more. The nozzle is tightened with clamps onto the pipe and heated with a soldering iron. After a certain time has elapsed (this indicator determines the diameter of the pipe and the thickness of the walls), the inverter turns off, and a second section of pipe is installed in the nozzle. The sequence of actions does not change, but keep in mind that the rotating elements may require more time to connect;

   Photo - soldering

6. After heating, you need to carefully remove the pipes from the fitting, but you cannot twist or squeeze them - you can break the tightness of the connection and then you will have to cut the polypropylene again;
7. The entire system from the radiator to the coolant is installed on supporting brackets, but near the well and the wall the pipes must be left suspended. The average distance of the brackets is 20 centimeters. This will help protect the system from overload during operation.

Depending on the chosen scheme, the principle of connecting the boiler or boiler and pipes may change, but the connection of polypropylene sections is almost always carried out according to the same principle.

Features of working with polypropylene:

1. The angle of inclination is selected in accordance with the requirements of SNiP and ENiR. This is a very important point, without which the operation of the water supply system will not be effective;
2. It is necessary to adhere to the melting temperature of polypropylene and not overexpose the connections over time;

   Photo – welding time

3. It takes literally a few minutes to cool the plastic, but during this period it is necessary to ensure complete immobility of communication.

Video: how to install polypropylene pipes

Where to begin

In order for the job to be done efficiently, you need to be well prepared. To do this, you will need to solve the following tasks:

• At the first stage, the installation instructions for polypropylene pipes should be carefully studied.
• Then you need to make calculations, draw up diagrams and purchase materials for assembling the pipeline.
• Next, you should acquire the skills to connect pipes. As a rule, it is enough to make two or three test connections in order to then assemble the pipeline without any problems.

Learning Theory

Before starting work, it is worth getting acquainted with the properties of polypropylene pipes, as well as studying the issue of making connections. Regulatory materials - SNiP - contain a lot of useful information.

Drawing up a scheme and conducting procurement

If the pipeline is installed to replace the old one, then the previous wiring should be taken as the basis for the diagram. When performing installation in a new building, it is better to contact specialists to draw up a diagram.

It must be remembered that you can begin installation only if you have a well-written project with detailed wiring diagrams, drawn up taking into account all the requirements of SNiP. Next comes shopping time. It will be necessary to purchase pipes in the required quantity, as well as connecting parts - fittings.

There are different types of polypropylene pipes on sale, so when choosing, you need to take into account the operating conditions of the future pipeline. For example, there are pipes that are designed for indoor use only.

It is prohibited to use this material for external networks, as the pipes will not withstand the load. In addition, by studying the markings of pipes, one can draw conclusions about the conditions of use this type of pipe is designed for. So, according to SNiP:

• Pipes marked PN 10 are only allowed to be used for cold water.
• Material marked PN 16 can be used for installation of both types of domestic water supply.
• Pipes marked with the symbol PN 20 can be used for the installation of hot water supply pipelines and for wiring in the heating system.
• PN 25 pipes are mainly used only for heating systems.

Advice! Pipes marked PN 20 and PN 25 have additional reinforcement made of a layer of fiberglass or metal foil. This reinforcement helps protect pipes from temperature deformation.

In addition, to perform installation you will need to purchase connecting parts - fittings. The following items may be required:

• Couplings. These are connecting parts that are used to connect straight sections of pipeline. In some cases, a special coupling may be required to transfer to a threaded connection.
• Corners. These are parts designed to perform a turn. As a rule, corners with an angle of 45 degrees are used.

• Tees or crosses. These fittings are used to connect additional pipes to the main branch of the pipeline.
• Adapters. Such fittings are necessary when connecting pipes of different diameters.
• Clamps. The use of clamps is necessary to secure the pipeline to the walls. If the pipeline is not secured, it may sag over time.

Advice! The range and number of fittings is determined by the wiring diagram.

Required Tools

In addition to materials, you will also need to purchase tools for installing polypropylene pipes. Required:

• An electric welding machine equipped with Teflon nozzles of the required sizes for connecting pipes.
• Special scissors with wedge-shaped cutters - pipe cutters.
• Calibrator is a special reamer for preparing the end of a pipe and removing the internal chamfer.

Areas of use

Depending on the diameter, design features and type of polypropylene, this material can be used in a wide variety of systems. First of all, these are water pipes.

To supply water to points of consumption, it is customary to use tubes with a diameter of 20 mm. Areas with higher throughput (collectors, risers) require the use of 32 mm.

Moreover, the type also depends on the temperature of the supplied water. For example, for hot water supply, pipes with a layer of reinforcement made of aluminum film are used.

In heating systems, they are used in the design of which there is a reinforcing layer of fiberglass or aluminum. In addition, in areas with water temperatures exceeding 75C, it is customary to install pipelines made of cross-linked polypropylene. They have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion compared to their solid counterparts. This avoids deformation due to strong heating.

Sewerage is another area where polypropylene pipelines are widely used. Thanks to the properties of this material, it is possible to create sewer systems that are not prone to blockages and leaks. Most often, pipes with a diameter of 110 mm are used for these purposes, but 50 mm options are also suitable for sewerage in the kitchen or bathroom.

Moreover, at present, the SNiP regulations generally do not recommend the use of other types for water supply systems in residential buildings. Only polypropylene can provide the required level of reliability and hygienic cleanliness.

Distinctive features of polypropylene pipes

It is quite possible to make a seemingly complex water supply system made from polypropylene pipes yourself. But first, it is advisable for the master plumber to obtain as much information as possible on the topic of installing water supply systems based on PP pipes.

Since the main element of the installation process is polypropylene pipes, you should remember that there are products on sale:

• single-layer for pressure up to 10 ATI (PN10);
• single-layer for pressure up to 16 ATI (PN20);
• three-layer for pressure up to 25 ATI (PN25).

The first type of polypropylene hoses for a working pressure of up to 10 atmospheres is quite suitable for the installation of a cold water supply line for the domestic sector and the construction of water-heated floors. A cold water supply system with a working pressure of up to 10 atmospheres is usually installed from this material.

Polypropylene pipes for installing water supply lines are produced under different pressure levels. Typically, the maximum pressure value is indicated by markings on the pipe body. The purpose of the water supply system (DHW/HVS) is indicated by color marks

The second type of product, designed for operating pressure up to 16 ATI, is also used for distributing cold water mains. They can also be used to install hot water supply lines if the maximum temperature in the system does not exceed + 60ºС.

The third modification - PN20, is represented by more durable products, suitable for the installation of not only cold and hot water supply systems, but also heating circuits. Such polypropylene can be used in systems with increased operating pressure (up to 20 ATI) and coolant temperature up to + 80ºС.

Polypropylene pipe PN16 is most often used for the installation of cold water supply systems in private housing construction. The same pipes can be used for the installation of hot water mains, subject to temperature compliance

Propylene pipes, marked with the abbreviation PN25, are intended for heating systems, but can also be used for hot water supply. Made using the same three-layer technology. Only the reinforcing layer is made of aluminum foil. The operating temperature limit is + 95ºС.

Products under the PN25 brand are positioned as an innovative development, thanks to which it was possible to get rid of a significant drawback of polypropylene hoses - thermal expansion. In fact, these products are a universal product that can be used for installing water pipes of any type.

One should take into account the peculiarity of the installation of such pipes - when soldering, the reinforced layer is removed. Only the polypropylene base can be heated with a soldering iron.

The structure of the hose is made of polypropylene, designed for use in hot water supply and heating systems. Aluminum foil is used here as a reinforcing layer, which no less successfully performs the function of an insulator

The entire existing range of polypropylene pipes for water supply, as a rule, is labeled based on its specific purpose. Typically, markings are colored stripes applied directly to the outer wall of the pipe:

• blue (green) under cold water supply,
• red (brown) for hot water supply or heating,
• orange for any water supply system.

Color marking makes pipe selection easier.

Series and parallel distribution of polypropylene water pipes

When creating a preliminary diagram of a polypropylene water supply system, the owner of an apartment or private house should decide how the cold and hot water supply pipes from the riser or heating boiler will be routed. As in the previous case, there are two methods - sequential and parallel.

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Series wiring, also known as tee wiring, is simple and economical in material. It is structured as follows - a line is laid from the source to the very last consumer of water. There are tees embedded throughout its entire length. Through them, water consumers are connected to the common cold water and hot water pipes. But the simplicity of the sequential circuit hides one significant drawback - when several devices operate simultaneously, the pressure will drop significantly. For small city apartments this is not so critical, but for a large country cottage the problem can be quite significant.

Sequential piping

Interesting! Sometimes another disadvantage of sequential water supply wiring is voiced - the need to completely shut off the cold water and hot water lines to repair/replace a particular device. But this problem can be solved extremely simply: a ball valve is inserted between the branch from the common pipe and the water consumer. In this case, there is no need to completely shut off the water supply for repair work.

Parallel distribution of polypropylene water pipes is more complex - a collector is installed immediately after the riser or boiler, and separate hot water and hot water lines extend from it to each sink, shower and other consumers. All pipes leading to them are equipped with valves that can be closed for maintenance, repair or replacement of the device. Parallel water distribution prevents changes in water pressure and temperature at each individual consumer when the number of devices turned on simultaneously changes. But at the same time, such a scheme requires more pipes. In addition, it takes up a lot of space and, if possible, parallel wiring should be done in a closed way.

Parallel water distribution

Connection diagrams for water intake fittings

Unusual uses of propylene pipes

You can make many useful things from plastic pipes; you just need to learn how to use a soldering iron and stock up on a variety of fittings.

There are many options for making chairs. Legs can be made by connecting pipes with a diameter of 20-25 mm in a U-shape. They can be strengthened by a pipe welded around the perimeter at the top or bottom. Afterwards, the back of the required size is soldered, and a sheet of chipboard is screwed onto the legs, which can first be covered with fabric stuffed with foam rubber.

Furniture made of polypropylene is well suited for a summer residence. It is also increasingly possible to find greenhouses and greenhouses made from polypropylene pipes. This design is quite durable, and its low weight makes it possible to assemble and disassemble it without any extra effort.

A small greenhouse can be made by placing a pipe on a metal wedge previously driven into the ground, then bending it and placing the other end on another wedge. After bending several pipes, such a structure can be covered with film and then attached with brackets.

When making a greenhouse, the ends of the pipes should be concreted, and several pipes should be passed through to increase the rigidity of the structure. Subsequently, they can be used to tie tall plants.

You can make a small gazebo from plastic pipes. The drawing is not difficult to find on the Internet; it is enough to replace heavy metal with plastic. However, even in this case, it is better to choose large diameter pipes. A lightweight, durable material, such as polycarbonate, is suitable for roofing. This option is not the most economical, but it is simpler and more affordable than welding from metal. The canopy is mounted in the same way.

The storage shelving system will fit well in a cellar, nursery, pantry, wardrobe, etc. Mounting to the wall allows you to take a large load, and making such a structure is not difficult. Having assembled a small module, using the same principle, you can make a rack with any number of shelves, which can be cut from laminated chipboard or painted plywood.

System planning

Due to the fact that PPR pipes do not bend, when developing a wiring diagram it is necessary to create as few detours and turns as possible. After all, they are all made using fittings, and they have a significant cost (compared to a pipe). Therefore, we try to optimize the wiring - make as few turns, detours and bends as possible.

Serial (Tee) connection

Installation of water supply from polypropylene pipes with serial connection of consumers (plumbing and household appliances) is used in small systems. Usually they have 5-6 connection points. With this arrangement of the water supply system, one pipe leaves the riser and it sequentially bypasses all connection points. In the case of PPR plumbing, all branches are made using tees, which is why this type is also called tee.

Installation of water supply from polypropylene pipes with serial connection of consumers

The advantage of this system is that a small number of pipes are required, and the disadvantage is that the pressure on each branch drops. As a result, with one or two working disassembly points, the third, located further from the riser, may simply not have enough pressure.

Parallel (collector) wiring

A parallel connection circuit is also called a collector circuit. This is because after the outlet from the riser, a special device is installed - a collector. This is an element with one input and a number of outputs. Available in polypropylene and metal. For water supply, polypropylene manifolds are more suitable (and cheaper).

The connection diagram is such that a separate pipe runs from each branch to each consumer (sometimes to a small group of consumers).

Parallel scheme for installing a water supply system from PPR pipes

The advantage of such a system is that the pressure at all water points is the same, the disadvantage is that a lot of pipes are required. Another plus is that if any branch fails, only one consumer does not work. The rest of the system is functioning normally. By the way, in order to be able to turn off individual devices, valves are installed at the outlet of the collector (usually ball valves, but if you need the ability to adjust the pressure, you can install a valve).

Plumbing and household appliances

In each method of installing a water supply system made of polypropylene pipes, a pipe is suitable for a specific consumer. There are two ways to connect to the system: flexible and rigid connection.

Rigid liner is more reliable: PPR pipes and fittings have high strength. In addition, in this case there is only one thread - at the consumer connection point. But this type of eyeliner requires high precision: the error can be only a few millimeters. This is difficult to achieve when installing a polypropylene water supply with your own hands, so flexible hoses are often used. Just be careful, in some cases it is impossible to use it: connecting gas boilers or gas water heaters, supplying water to storage water heaters, water heated towel rails is recommended only using a rigid connection.

Rigid liner options

Soft eyeliner, on the contrary, does not require high precision - errors are leveled out by a flexible stainless steel braided hose or a hose that is used to connect a washing machine or dishwasher. The tubes are removed approximately in the area where the equipment is installed or the plumbing is connected. It ends with an adapter for metal, to which a flexible hose is connected (its other end is connected to the device).

Flexible hoses are connected to the adapters

This option is less reliable, since much depends on the quality of the flexible liner. Also not the most pleasant moment is the presence of two threaded connections, and this is a potential place for a leak to appear.

How to weld polypropylene pipes with your own hands

The technology for welding polypropylene pipes is called coupling or socket welding. The pipes are connected not joint to joint, but with the help of fittings - additional conductors, which are used to solder the edges of the pipes at a temperature of 260 degrees.

Cutting and processing of plastic pipe

When installing a plastic pipeline, it becomes necessary to cut polypropylene pipes in the middle or at the ends in order to adjust them to size and dock with each other. There are several cutting methods - each requires a separate tool:

1. Battery-type pipe cutter is a scissors equipped with an electric drive. High cutting speed is their main advantage. You will spend about 5 seconds on each pipe. The downside is restrictions on the diameter of the cut workpiece.
2. Roller-type pipe cutter - the principle of operation of the tool resembles the operation of a seaming wrench for preservation. The cut with the tool is smooth, without torn edges. They make several turns around the pipe, then tighten the hard alloy roller and turn it a few more times. The downside is that it cannot be used if the pipe is adjacent to the wall and cannot be removed.
3. Professional scissors for cutting plastic pipes - consist of an upper sharp knife and a lower holder. The device is easy to use - mark the desired length on the pipe, place it between the blades and cut it. The edge will be smooth, without crumbs or scraps.
4. An electric jigsaw is a convenient method, but it can give a slight bevel, so the tube is cut by turning it several times.
5. Grinder of any power - cut the plastic without applying strong pressure, use a metal disc.

After trimming, the end of the polypropylene pipe is treated with sandpaper to remove all possible burrs and snags.

How to prepare a welding machine

1. The welding machine must be installed on a special stand - a clamp.
2. Make sure that the contact surfaces of the device are free of dirt. If excess particles or dust adhere to them, clean the Teflon layer with a rough cloth soaked in alcohol.
3. Set the temperature sensor to 260 degrees.
4. Connect the welding machine to the mains and press the power button.
5. Heating occurs in no more than 15 minutes, depending on the ambient air temperature.

Soldering temperature and heating time of parts. Table

After cutting and marking, the pipes are ready for welding. You can proceed to the next stage - heating the parts.

Pipe diameter, mm	Heating time, s	Welding time, s	Waiting time, min.
16	5	4	3
20	5	4	3
25	7	4	3
32	8	4	4
40	12	6	4
50	18	6	5
63	24	6	6
75	30	8	8
90	40	8	8
110	50	10	10
160	80	15	15

Instructions “How to properly weld plastic pipes”

At the beginning of work, decide where the pipeline will be installed. Make a plan in advance to avoid welding parts on the fly or in hard-to-reach places. It is much easier to assemble a structure from polypropylene pipes on a table, so that later, without much effort, you can fix it in a designated place.

1. Turn on the device and warm it up to the recommended temperature. If you are using it for the first time, after heating, wait another 5 minutes before starting the work process.
2. Insert the fitting and the end of the plastic pipe into the welding nozzle at the same time. They must be placed in the same plane. Taking into account the diameter of the pipe, add temperature and hold the time indicated in the table.
3. When the elements are heated, they are removed from the welding machine and instantly connected. Then hold motionless for the recommended time.
4. Immediately after cooling, the pipeline can be used for its intended purpose.

After soldering, the assembly is checked for patency by blowing air through it or running water through it.

Have you decided to do a major renovation in your apartment? Then it is worth considering that without replacing the water supply it will be incomplete. Agree, it would be a shame if immediately after the repair one of the pipes leaks, and, what good, you flood your neighbors. An excellent alternative to outdated water supply lines are plastic pipes.

Making plastic wiring for a heating system or water supply in an apartment is quite simple. To install polypropylene pipes with your own hands, you only need a set of special equipment and a minimum of technical skills.

Next, we will tell you what tools are needed for the job and how to use them correctly. In addition, in the article you will find information on how to correctly draw up a 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 thematic videos.

Most polypropylene (PP) pipes are the same at first glance. A more detailed examination of them will allow you to notice differences in material density, internal structure and wall thickness. The scope of application of pipes and the features of their installation depend on these factors.

Classification of PP material

The quality of a polypropylene weld and the operational characteristics of pipes are largely determined by the PP manufacturing technology.

There are the following types of parts, based on the material they are made of:

1. PRN. Single-layer products made of homopolypropylene. Used in industrial pipelines and cold water supply systems.
2. RRV. Single-layer products made from PP block copolymer. Used for installation of underfloor heating networks and cold pipelines.
3. PPR. Single-layer products made from random copolymer PP. They are used in water supply and home heating systems with water temperatures up to +70°C.
4. P.P.S.. Refractory type of pipes with operating temperatures up to +95 °C.

There are also multilayer reinforced PP parts.

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

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

We examined in more detail the types of PP pipes by material of manufacture and fittings in.

What does the marking look like?

You can select the required pipes and fittings for plastic wiring in the construction market yourself. You just need to know the labeling symbols.

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

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

1. PN10– for cold water supply;
2. PN16– for cold and warm water supply;
3. PN20– for hot water and heating systems;
4. PN25– for heating systems, especially central type.

Products with PN25 often have a large linear length, so they are almost always reinforced with aluminum foil or strong fiberglass for less expansion when heated. We recommend that you take a closer look at heating.

Appearance and internal structure

High-quality PP pipes have a perfectly round shape when cut. The thickness of the walls and reinforcing material should be the same around the entire circumference, and there should be no breaks in aluminum or fiberglass.

To trim the top layer of plastic and foil on reinforced pipes, you need to purchase a special tool - a shaver. It is inexpensive and easy to operate

A reinforced pipe traditionally consists of three layers: inner and outer polypropylene and middle aluminum or fiberglass. The surfaces of the pipes must be smooth, without sagging or depressions.

The color of the material can be green, white or gray, but the quality and characteristics of the pipes do not depend on this at all.

Advantages and disadvantages of PP

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

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

• noiselessness;
• impact strength;
• ease;
• corrosion resistance;
• durability;
• tightness of connections;
• cheapness;
• immunity of the internal walls to plaque.

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

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

Specialists who assemble PP pipes every day have long developed ways to compensate for the listed disadvantages, so there are no special alternatives to polypropylene.

Preparation for installation of PP pipes

It is impossible to do plumbing with hands and pipes alone, so you should understand the heating and water supply schemes, the necessary tools, connection methods and materials used.

The assembly of a water supply system from PP pipes includes a number of traditional steps:

Image gallery

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

The water supply system also has basic design diagrams for 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 begin welding them. This process will be discussed step by step, with illustrations, so that no questions remain.

Step #1 – cutting the pipes

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

The pipe cutter has a wide base, which helps maintain a right angle when cutting, but this does not mean that you do not need to control the perpendicularity of the cut yourself

Pipe cutters have a maximum diameter limitation, so you need to choose the model that fits the purchased pipes.

Step #2 - pipe processing and chamfer formation

After trimming, it is necessary to form a small chamfer on the part that will fit into the socket. For this purpose, hand calibrators or screwdriver attachments of various sizes are used.

Both tools have built-in knives that form a chamfer with standard parameters.

You can form a chamfer using a screwdriver attachment directly in your hands, without resorting to rigidly fixing the pipe in a vice.

To obtain a cut, you need to place the pipe on a hand calibrator and rotate it around the axis several times with pressure.

On reinforced pipes, in addition to chamfering, the top layer of PP and aluminum foil is removed using a shaver. It looks like a cylinder with handles and fits only one specific size.

After chamfering and removing the aluminum foil, you need to wipe all parts clean.

Step #3 – preparing the soldering iron

Before turning on, you need to put double-sided attachments (mandrel and sleeve) on the soldering iron and place the device on a cross-shaped stand.

The more powerful the soldering iron, the greater the number of pipes it can weld per unit of time, but for home work an 800-watt device is sufficient

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

Step #4 - heating and joining parts

It is necessary to connect and disconnect polypropylene parts with a soldering iron directly without twisting movements. A similar rule applies when connecting heated products.

To maintain the depth of the connection, you can make a corresponding mark on the pipe with a marker in advance and focus on it when inserting the product into the socket.

The table below shows the standard heating, connecting and cooling times for pipes, depending on their diameter, as well as the depth of insertion into the socket. When working in a cold room, the heating time can be increased by 1-2 seconds.

After heating, the parts to be joined must be joined with force and direct movement to the intended line. It is important to prevent parts from rotating.

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

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

After joining, it is necessary to allow the polypropylene to cool for the time indicated in the table. It is advisable to look at the resulting internal seam to make sure that the overlap does not block the passage. Otherwise you will have to resolder the parts. This completes the soldering process.

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

How to properly secure the pipeline?

Good heating or plumbing installation is not only about the quality of the connection, but also about the implementation of knowledge on how to install assembled polypropylene pipes.

Proper fastening of plastic wiring to the walls will prevent it from sagging and deformation when heated with hot water.

When making repairs, sometimes you have to forcefully pull the pipe out of the clips, so the dowels must firmly fix this small element against the wall

For fixing pipes, the following are used: clips (single, stacked, with a clamp) and clamps (on a hairpin, paired, wall).

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

A particularly dangerous consequence of improper installation is neglecting the thermal expansion of pipes.

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

The above-described technologies for installing polypropylene pipes and fittings are simple and do not require professional skills. The videos clearly demonstrate the stages of the soldering process, which you can master yourself in a few minutes.

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

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

The advantageous difference between polypropylene pipes and other types of these construction and repair materials is their low cost and easy assembly technology. Of course, the installation of polypropylene pipes has its own subtleties, knowledge and adherence to which is necessary. But as practice shows, a pipeline made of such materials rarely leaks, and only in cases where the soldering technology has been violated.

Is it worth it to install a water supply system from polypropylene pipes yourself? Definitely worth it. This way, you will not only save on bathroom or sewer repairs, but you will also be able to do the work the way you need it.

The most important thing is to strictly adhere to the rules of installation technology. We will tell you how to avoid mistakes and get the job done professionally.

Everything you need to know about polypropylene pipes

The material from which such pipes are made is called copolymer. Their marking is PP-R. In everyday life, these pipes, depending on the type, are used for:

• Cold water supply (cold water supply at an operating temperature of 20 degrees and a pressure of 10 atm);
• Hot water supply (hot water supply at an operating temperature of 60 degrees and a pressure of 10 atm);
• Heating networks (at an operating temperature of 60-90 degrees and a pressure of 6 atm).

When installing polypropylene pipes at home with your own hands, manual polyfusion thermal welding is usually used.

For hot and cold water, you will need to take two types of pipes, differing in wall thickness. Their markings are PN16 and PN10, respectively. For a heating system using water with a temperature of 60-80 degrees, you can use a homogeneous PN20 pipe or combined PN20 Al pipes (aluminium-stabilized polypropylene). These types of pipes have lower thermal elongation than homogeneous pipes, but they require special tools and are a little more difficult to assemble.

By the way, another plus that distinguishes them: their plasticity allows them to easily withstand low temperatures, which is guaranteed to eliminate freezing and mechanical damage associated with it.

Installation diagram of polypropylene pipes

Before you begin installing a water supply system made of polypropylene pipes, you need to complete a primary task: design. This will allow you to calculate the amount of materials needed, and therefore their cost. In addition, pre-planned work, drawn on paper in the form of a diagram, will save you from possible mistakes. There is no need to spend a lot of time; it is enough to take into account all the details and dimensions.

To make the diagram of future installation of a water supply system with your own hands convenient, take a sheet of paper in a cage. Decide right away what kind of plumbing equipment and in what places you will install it, where the furniture will be located. If your bathroom space is large enough, the pipes can later be easily hidden behind an additional plasterboard wall.

Please note: if you expect to add any additional plumbing fixtures over time, immediately take this into account and provide for terminals in the plan, covering them with plugs

1. Considering the number of pipe turns during installation, make sure that all the necessary parts are available. For example, each bend corresponds to a certain type of corner, 45 or 90 degrees.
2. The tap installed at the inlet of the water supply system must be reliable and capable of properly shutting off the water in the apartment. Be sure to consider the location for installing water meters; it must be within easy reach. Taps and fittings should also be included in your plan.
3. To significantly save on the materials used, place the main decoupling units not at the beginning. And in the middle of the diagram. This will save on the length of pipes.
4. Tees will also allow you to save money: for example, the branch to the washing machine departs from the washbasin branch. True, you will have to try so that it does not look sloppy later.

To completely simplify your task, you can draw a diagram directly on the wall, along with all the details - the location of the pipe, installation of the tap and tee, and so on.

Materials and tools that will be needed for the installation of polypropylene pipes

After the diagram has been calculated and drawn on paper, stock up on the necessary tools.

• The main thing you will need is a special iron, that is, a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes. It is cheap, and besides, if you do not work on plumbing systems all the time, you will not need an expensive device with a long warranty.
• Plastic pipes will need to be cut. For this, special scissors are used. They are also inexpensive, but they can be replaced with a hacksaw.
• Fittings, tees, angles - all connecting materials - are made of the same material as pipes, but they are larger in diameter. Just in case, buy them with a reserve, as well as pipes.

After all materials have been purchased according to the diagram and all tools have been purchased, proceed to the work process.

First, you will need to dismantle the old plumbing, if there is one in your bathroom. To do this, you need to shut off the main riser in the apartment. Then carefully remove the pipes, cutting them for convenience in suitable places. Try to avoid unnecessary damage so that you don’t have to rebuild the walls and floor.

You may need to replace all water pipes in your apartment. This kind of work is more complicated and will require contacting the housing department, since it will be necessary to shut off the riser in the house for some time. This need must be discussed in advance to avoid any trouble with neighbors.

Do-it-yourself water supply installation from polypropylene pipes

Installation work should begin by cutting the pipes into sections of the required length in order to insert them into the fittings and install the taps. Installation of water pipes is carried out from the riser.

It is important to remember: during installation, part of the pipe is inserted inside the extension or angle. Therefore, measure the depth of the fitting in advance so that you have an allowance for the length of the pipe.

Let's start soldering polypropylene pipes with our own hands.

1. Read the instructions for your iron: different models may differ slightly from each other and have some features. Assemble the device according to the instructions and install the required attachment. The size of the nozzle depends on the diameter of the pipes you are using.
2. The pipe cut must be clean and smooth, so if you used a hacksaw for cutting, thoroughly clean the surfaces. Check the instructions for the iron to determine how long it will take for the connecting parts to heat up, and then turn on the device.
3. After the indicator on the soldering machine indicates the desired heating level, take the pipe and fitting and insert them all the way into the nozzle on both sides at the same time. Maintain the required time, usually it is 5-25 seconds depending on the power of the unit and.
4. After the required time has passed, remove the pipe and extension from the nozzle and immediately connect them together. The parts should be held in this position for 5-10 seconds for the plastic to set. If the fitting is made at an angle, consider its direction when welding.
5. In the same way, connect the pipes with fittings, moving from the very beginning of the riser to the taps and plumbing items. If you do everything correctly, the connection will never leak, since the surfaces are tightly soldered to each other.

The same installation scheme for polypropylene pipes is suitable not only for water supply, but also for sewerage equipment. Let's look at this option in more detail.

Sewage polypropylene pipes: features, differences, choice

1. To save space in the bathroom and money on purchasing materials, use one common pipe for all plumbing fixtures except the toilet, choosing the optimal size.
2. Having carried out all the preparatory work, the same as those that precede the installation of a water supply system (that is, dismantling the old system, cutting and stripping pipes), you can begin assembling the structure. The main thing to remember is that the pipes must be located with a slope. Wall-mounted brackets will help you fix the established slope; you will purchase them along with the pipes.
3. The installation scheme for sewer pipes itself is practically no different from the process of assembling water pipes, with the exception of the obligatory tilting. The connection between the pipe and the fitting is ensured by a sealed rubber band inside the extension. The main thing is that the pipe is inserted exactly until it stops.
4. Experts often recommend using a soap solution or glycerin lubricant to treat the ends of the pipe being connected: this ensures greater reliability of the connection.
5. After the main system is assembled, connect all the plumbing fixtures one by one.
6. Start testing your sewer and checking its tightness. To do this, you can turn on all the devices that provide water supply, or you can use the old method: collect water in several buckets and pour it into the washbasin, toilet and bathtub. While the water is draining, check the connections for leaks.
7. If leaks are detected, use a special one. Apply it to the joints without removing the sealing gum, connect the pipe to the fitting and let it dry, then test the system again.

Video about installation of polypropylene pipes

The main thing when working with polypropylene pipes is attention during installation and compliance with all rules. Please ask any questions you are interested in in the comments, and we will be happy to help your work become even easier and your skills more professional!

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

The physical properties of polypropylene determine specific requirements for the planning and installation of the pipeline system.

Features of the design of polypropylene pipelines

Polymer products tend to contract when cooled and elongate when heated. The characteristic does not affect cold water systems, but is relevant when planning heating systems and hot water supply.

There are several options for compensating for linear expansions of pipes longer than 5 meters. The natural flexibility of the polymer is used in corner areas, fixed in sliding supports and bending with temperature fluctuations.

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

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

Another simple and quick solution is to install an axial-type bellows compensator, equipped with fastening units and occupying a minimum of space.

When replacing pipes within a bathroom, a movable fastening of the lines is designed, which ensures the free movement of pipelines in the supports and does not require additional compensators. When laying pipes in channels and shafts, the risers are placed further away from the walls, thereby increasing the bending arm.

Preparation of materials

Taking into account the operating features of the future pipeline, a suitable type of polypropylene pipes is selected, divided into classes and having different markings:

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

There is a small price difference between the PN20 and PN16 brands, so when completely replacing communications, a PN20 pipe is usually used for all water supply systems. The supply to the equipment is made with thin pipes (21.2 - outer diameter), while thicker products are used for risers and connecting several consumers.

A water supply diagram is made in advance, internal lines are designed using welded couplings, detachable connections are planned in places accessible for inspection. Based on the created drawings, the length of the pipes and the number of components are calculated.

An example of the layout of polypropylene pipes in the bathroom: 1 - ball valves; 2 — elbow with fastening for connecting a toilet; 3 — polypropylene tee; 4 - polypropylene pipes; 5 - double elbows with fastenings for connecting sink and bathtub faucets; 6 — polypropylene angle 90°

Socket welding of polypropylene products

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

Required Tools

To independently weld a polypropylene pipeline you will need:

1. Machine for polyfusion welding, nozzles of the required size.
2. Contact thermometer.
3. Band wrench.
4. Electric carrying extension cord.
5. Pipe cutter for plastic pipes.
6. Cleaning device.
7. Tape measure, marker, sharp knife.
8. Alcohol for degreasing.
9. Rag made of natural fabric.
10. Mounting clamps.

There is no point in purchasing a welding unit for one-time use - it is more advisable to rent a complete set of tools, including everything necessary for installation work.

Preparation for welding

Before welding, carefully inspect all material for deformation. They check the fittings by putting them on the nozzle - parts that are “sitting” too loosely are rejected. The serviceability of valves and taps is checked, the threads are driven through with a counter part.

Make a test cut of the pipe with scissors; if they compress the walls of the product, sharpen the working parts of the tool.

Welding order

The welding unit is placed on a flat surface and attachments are attached. Having set the temperature to 250-270 °C with the regulator, turn on the power to the device. After warming up the device (10-15 minutes), clean the nozzles with a tarpaulin rag to remove any dirt remaining from the previous welding. They begin to work after the instrument has warmed up to 260 °C, which is confirmed by the indicator and the temperature of the nozzle is checked with a contact thermometer. Next, proceed directly to welding:

1. Cut the pipe of the required size at a right angle, taking into account the entries into the fittings.

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

1. Both parts are held for the same time according to the technical welding parameters.
2. At the end of heating, the polypropylene products are removed and the fitting is pushed onto the pipe with a measured movement up to the mark, excluding the slightest axial rotation.
3. A fresh seam is fixed for 20-30 seconds to partially cool the joint, sufficient to hold the pipe in the coupling.

1. Leave the connection motionless for 3-4 minutes, avoiding any bends.
2. Visually check the quality of the joint made.

During the work, ensure the cleanliness of the Teflon coatings of the nozzles and remove any remaining plastic.

Technical parameters of welded joints

Pipe diameter, mm	Welding joint length, mm	Time
		Heating time, sec	Waits, sec	Cooling, min
20	14	6-8	2-5	2
25	15	8-11	4-8	2
32	17	9-12	6-10	4
40	18	12-16	6-15	4
50	20	14-18	6-15	4
63	26	22-32	8-20	6
75	29	30-40	10-30	6

A correct welded joint has a continuous bead of melted plastic at the edge of the socket. An unsuccessful joining can only be corrected by removing the fitting and installing a new one, so it is better to practice a little on scraps and understand the intricacies of welding.

Connection defects and causes of their occurrence

Absence or separation of the bead from the weld:

1. The heating temperature has been exceeded.
2. Excessive length of nozzles.
3. Deviation from heating time.

Low collar height:

1. Low heating temperature.
2. Insufficient warm-up time.
3. Part diameter mismatch.

Oblique joint: violation of the alignment of the fitting and pipe.

Oval edges: improper fixation of workpieces.

Voids in the welded joint:

1. Damaged pipe surface.
2. Axis displacement during connection.
3. Significant deviations in the dimensions of parts.
4. Dirty surfaces.
5. Burnt plastic on the nozzles.

Partial weld length:

1. Insufficient temperature.
2. Short heating time.
3. Exceeding the docking time.
4. Uneven pipe end.

The passage at the welding site is narrowed:

1. Excessive pressure during docking.
2. Overheating of materials.

Test filling with water is carried out an hour after completion of the last joint. Having released the air at the upper points of the system, fill it with water and hold the pressure for 30-40 minutes. After inspecting the water lines, make sure there are no leaks.

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

Installation of a water supply system from polypropylene pipes is a sequence of operations for assembling a main line in a house or in a local area. The unique properties of the products make it easy to install the structure even for an inexperienced user. We will look at how to do this in this article.

Features of the design of water supply systems made of polypropylene pipes

A water pipeline made of polypropylene pipes is assembled in the form of a multi-branch structure through which the liquid flows to the point of consumption. To create it, you will need pipes and special parts for connecting individual pieces - fittings, also made of plastic.

When choosing pipes, pay attention to the material from which they are made. The scope of application of the products depends on the type of polypropylene.

Pipe material	Application	Advantages	Flaws
PP-N single-layer pipe	For cold water	High strength	Low temperature resistance, high thermal expansion
PP-B single-layer pipe	For cold and warm water		High thermal expansion
PP-R multilayer pipe	For cold and hot water	High strength and heat resistance	Very low thermal expansion

There are several dozen types of fittings, but the most popular are:

• Couplings- cylindrical products, the diameter of which is the same and corresponds to the diameter of the connected sections.
• Adapters- parts for connecting workpieces of different sizes.
• Corners- products for changing the direction of the route. The parts are bent at an angle of 45-90 degrees. The use of angles when bending water pipes is mandatory. It is strictly forbidden to bend plastic after heating, because the walls become thinner, and the pipe loses its strength.
• Crosses and tees- fittings for connecting several workpieces in one place. Available in various configurations and sizes.

The photo shows components for polypropylene pipes

Other components that are often used in plumbing include:

• Contours- pipes bent at the factory, allowing you to easily bypass small obstacles. They are produced in a large assortment, which allows you to choose samples that will pass at a minimum distance from the object.
• Compensators of various types necessary to eliminate the effects of thermal expansion of polypropylene pipes.
• Plugs for closing holes, which are not planned to be used in the near future.
• Distribution nodes for collector pipe distribution, allowing equalization of liquid pressure at different points of water intake.
• Ball Valves- placed in front of each plumbing fixture to shut off the water.
• Mounting clamps or clips- used for fastening the main line to the walls.

Technology for installing water pipes from polypropylene pipes

To ensure installation goes smoothly, careful preparation is necessary. Break the whole process into stages and think through each operation. First, study the properties of polypropylene products and carry out design work. After completing the theoretical part, proceed to assembling the structure.

Development of a water supply system made from polypropylene pipes

A water supply diagram is necessary for quick and high-quality installation of the structure. When designing a water supply system from polypropylene pipes, comply with the requirements of SNiP and listen to the advice of experts:

• Draw on the plan the location of the taps and water source.
• Show on the water supply diagram polypropylene pipes and everything that can influence the direction of the route. Branches with a minimum number of turns are considered optimal. A sharp change in the direction of the route reduces the pressure.
• Polypropylene pipes are connected by welding, so leave a good approach to the joint and space for a soldering iron.
• A successful solution is to hide the highway in wall grooves or behind plasterboard sheets.
• Place vertical lines in the corners of the room, horizontal lines near the floor near the walls.
• Select the pipe routing method (tee or manifold) and show the location of the branches.
• To save money and materials, make the wiring in the middle of the highway. For the same purposes, connect new lines to existing ones.
• Consider in what places it is necessary to place compensators that can accommodate the linear expansion of the route. They prevent the appearance of stress in seams and joints. Compensators must be installed in hot water supply systems.
• Decide where it is possible to connect additional lines to the pipelines in the future. Make temporary conclusions in these places and drown them out.

Preparation for installation of polypropylene pipes

At this stage, decide on the size of polypropylene pipes for the water supply, purchase consumables and a special tool to complete the work.

The photo shows polypropylene pipes and fittings for installing water supply systems

When purchasing pipes, pay attention to the following points:

• Each type of polypropylene pipe has its own advantages and disadvantages and is designed for use in certain conditions. Therefore, the products you choose must meet consumer requirements.
• It is easiest to determine the footage of workpieces and the number of fittings using a pre-developed water supply diagram. Buy all blanks with a reserve.
• When choosing components, inspect them carefully. The presence of roughness and sagging on the surface is not allowed.
• The cut of the product should be round, the wall thickness is the same along the entire length.
• Try fitting the fitting onto the pipe. If the parts are connected, it means that you have a defective product. It is impossible to join the workpieces without heating with a special soldering iron.

To install polypropylene pipes for water supply with your own hands, buy or rent assembly tools. Do not use improvised means. Only special devices will allow you to work easily and quickly and obtain a high-quality connection.

The photo shows a tool for welding polypropylene pipes

Tools that are used when welding individual parts of the line:

1. Soldering iron (welding machine) for attaching parts to each other. Do not choose cheap equipment; the price may indicate low quality of the device. It is necessary to select Teflon nozzles for it, the diameter of which corresponds to the diameter of the pipes. Typically this kit comes with a soldering iron. It is not recommended to use sleeves partially coated with Teflon. In this place, the plastic will stick, which leads to deterioration in the quality of the joint. If you install the water supply system with your own hands, buy a device with a special stand to hold it in the working position, because you will have to work on weight.
2. Ring cutter (pipe cutter) or special nippers for cutting plastic products. The device allows you to cut even thin-walled products without disturbing their shape. If there are few joints, you can get by with a regular wood hacksaw.
3. Calibrator- a device in the form of a reamer for chamfering the ends of pipes and preparing the surface for soldering.
4. Shaver- a device for removing the aluminum layer located on the outside. If the metal layer is inside the plastic, the operation is not performed.

Connecting polypropylene pipes by welding

Connecting pipes by soldering is considered the best option for polypropylene water supply. It is used for fastening adjacent products made from the same material, preferably even from the same manufacturer. It is better to do the work together: an assistant is needed to hold the device at a given distance from the pipe

Take the work very seriously, because... the joints are permanent.

Photo of a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes

If you have never soldered plastic yourself before, practice on unnecessary corners and cuts. Please note that soldering at a table is easier than assembling the line in a regular place.

On the finished water supply plan, highlight areas that can be welded separately and then connected to the main line. In this way, it is possible to reduce the work performed by weight.

First, assemble and fasten those parts of the line that cannot be assembled separately. There should be terminals on the wall, to which branches mounted to the side will subsequently be connected.

Important! Begin laying water pipes from polypropylene pipes from the plumbing fixtures.

Work on assembling the pipeline by welding is carried out in the following sequence:

• Install the main elements: taps, washbasins and other plumbing fixtures.
• Mark with a marker on the wall (or other surface) the route between the plumbing fixtures using the developed diagram.
• Attach movable and fixed clamps along the route to secure polypropylene pipes for water supply.
• Measure a piece of pipe on the workpiece that corresponds to the size on the plumbing diagram, taking into account how the pipe fits into the connector, and cut it with a pipe cutter. If you don't have one, use a hacksaw or sharp knife. It is recommended to cut the product at an angle of 90 degrees.
• Clean the cutting area from burrs (if any) and the parts from dust. Make sure they are dry. Even small wet areas will deteriorate the quality of the joint. Degrease surfaces with alcohol.
• Determine the size that the pipe will fit into the fitting. Measure this distance from its end, add 1 mm and put a mark. To determine the size, use a ruler or other measuring tool to avoid mistakes.
• Clear the externally reinforced pipe from the foil in the space between the end and the mark.
• Cut a chamfer on the end of the workpiece. Regulatory documents allow cutting a chamfer at an angle of 45 degrees to half the wall thickness of the product. The operation is performed with a calibrator or other instrument. Make sure that the material is removed evenly.
• Before soldering polypropylene pipes for water supply, read the operating instructions for the soldering iron.
• Select nozzles according to the size of the pipe and fitting. They must fit tightly onto the workpieces so that there is good contact between the parts. The sleeves are coated with Teflon, which prevents them from sticking to the plastic.
• Place nozzles of suitable diameter on the device.
• Attach the soldering iron to the stand, securing it from moving. If necessary, use an assistant to hold the device in the desired position.
• Turn on the device and set it to a temperature of 260 degrees (if the soldering iron has a regulator). It is optimal for plastic and safe for Teflon coating of nozzles. Soldering irons do not use any other temperature, so there is no need to worry if there is no regulator. The readiness of the device for further operation is determined by the indicator.
• At the same time, install the pipe into the sleeve-shaped nozzle and the fitting into the pin-shaped nozzle. The workpiece is inserted into the sleeve with force due to the special shape of the device: the nozzle is made in the form of a cone with an inclination of 5 degrees, and the flat part begins only from the middle. Press the pipe into the sleeve until it stops, but no more. If you apply further force, a thickening will appear at the end, directed inward, which will reduce the cross-section of the product.
• Wait until the workpieces heat up. Typically the process lasts 10-15 seconds. During this time, the outer surface of the pipe and the inner fitting will melt. The warm-up time is indicated in the operating instructions for the device, and these requirements must be strictly adhered to. It depends on the diameter of the product and the thickness of the walls. Information about temperature conditions can also be obtained from special tables in international standards. You cannot overheat the parts - they will lose their shape. If you remove it earlier, a leak may appear in this place.
• Remove the parts from the soldering iron and quickly assemble them, following the pre-made marks. Join the parts smoothly, turning is not allowed. During the process, check the coincidence of the axes of the pipe and fitting.
• There are only a few seconds to correct the position of the products. The heated plastic of the pipe and connector is mixed and, after hardening, forms a single structure.
• Fix the parts motionless for 20-30 seconds so that the plastic hardens. After this, any changes in their relative position can lead to loss of sealing at the joint. You can move the unit after 15 minutes. Test for strength and tightness - every other day.
• After welding, inspect the Teflon nozzles. If you find any remaining plastic, remove it with a wooden object. Carry out the procedure until the plastic hardens.
• After assembling all the units, connect them to the pipes that were installed in the first place and secured to the walls.
• Fix the structure to the walls with clamps in accordance with the recommendations given below.

Note! A sign of a high-quality connection is the collar that forms around the pipe. He also appears inside, but is not visible. If the dimensions of the bead are the same around the circumference, it means that the parts are heated evenly. With uneven heating, the height of the thickening changes, and a leak may appear in the lowest place.

The use of compression fittings for connecting polypropylene pipes

In this way, polypropylene pipes for water supply are connected to metal products. The pieces are joined with compression fittings, consisting of threaded parts and pressure rings. The joints can withstand pressure up to 16 atmospheres.

The work is performed in the following sequence:

• Select a compression fitting based on the outer diameter of the pipe.
• Cut the workpiece to the required size.
• Insert the pipe into the connector, put on the ferrule and nut.
• Screw the nut in first by hand until it stops, and then finally with a special crimp wrench.
• Screw the fitting into a metal pipe or other product connector. For reliability, screw a sealing thread onto the threaded part.

Fastening polypropylene pipes to the wall

After welding the line, secure it to the walls, taking into account the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material. Single-layer pipes elongate the most. For reinforced ones it is 5 times less. Work is carried out no less than 1 hour after connecting the entire system.

If polypropylene pipes for water supply are improperly fastened, longitudinal stress appears in the structure, which reduces strength and reduces its service life.

To avoid trouble, follow our recommendations:

• Do not use short branches with increased rigidity in the main line.
• The distance between the clamps must comply with the requirements of regulatory documents. You should not fix the water pipes too rarely, this can lead to them sagging and pinching at the location of the clamps.
• To fix the pipes, use fixed and movable supports. The first firmly fasten the product and prevent it from expanding. They are used to fix individual sections of the highway (risers, branch points). Movable supports allow the pipes to expand freely.

Prices for installation of water supply from polypropylene pipes

The photo shows hidden wiring of polypropylene pipes

It is not difficult to install a water supply system from polypropylene pipes with your own hands, especially since the manufacturers have done everything to facilitate the assembly of the structure. However, if the installation is performed by inexperienced users, there will be no confidence in the quality of the work performed. If there are no experienced specialists among your relatives and friends, you can turn to professional plumbers.

When calculating the cost of installing a water supply system made of polypropylene pipes, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances of the work. The following factors determine prices:

• Type of polypropylene pipes. Products with outer braiding are more expensive due to the need to remove the outer layer at the soldering point.
• To weld the pieces, a soldering iron is used, which should be held motionless in a predetermined place. If the conditions are difficult, the master will need an assistant, the price of the work will be higher, because... he will also have to pay.
• The complexity of the developed water supply project and non-standard wishes of the customer.
• The number of floors of the house, its area, unusual design.
• The number of plumbing fixtures and mechanisms to which water must be supplied, and their location in the house.
• When installing polypropylene pipes, it is necessary to pay for drilling technological holes in the wall to lay the route.
• If the customer saved on the cost of the material and bought low-quality workpieces, the master will spend more time on their installation, and therefore increase the prices for his services.

The tables below show the cost of individual operations when installing polypropylene pipes.

Price for installation of polypropylene pipes in Ukraine:

Job title	Conditions	Unit	Price, UAH.
Installation of route d 20-32 mm		p.m.	15-40
		PC.	10-20
		PC.	20-25
		dot	From 160
Pipeline fastening		dot	From 12
Ball valve installation	Depending on the diameter	dot	From 30
		m.p.	70-150

Price for installation of polypropylene pipes in Russia:

Job title	Conditions	Unit	price, rub.
Installation of route d 20-32 mm		p.m.	250-300
Soldering fittings (angle, coupling) d 20-32 mm		PC.	100-150
Soldering fittings (tee) d 20-32 mm		PC.	150-200
Pipe supply to plumbing equipment	Depending on the type of equipment	dot	From 300
Pipeline fastening		dot	From 80
Ball valve installation	Depending on the diameter	dot	From 150
Grooving to hide pipes in the wall	Depending on the wall material	m.p.	350-800

How to make a water supply system from polypropylene pipes - watch the video:

It is not difficult to assemble a water supply system from polypropylene pipes with your own hands. To do this, you should learn how to use a soldering machine to connect workpieces. In addition, you will need knowledge of SNiP requirements for water supply systems, which should be strictly followed during installation work.