Specialization: Capital construction works (laying the foundation, erecting walls, constructing the roof, etc.). Internal construction works (laying of internal communications, rough and fine finishing). Hobby: mobile connection, high technologies, computer equipment, programming.
I have a new acquaintance who works as a police colonel in the district department of internal affairs. And we met when I was doing repairs in his bathroom and toilet. And everything would be fine, but he is haunted by his position and an indefatigable desire to lead everything and always.
Therefore, we often had and continue to have (we communicate a lot) disputes about how and what is better to do repairs. For example, recently they seriously grappled on the basis of which pipes are best for water supply in an apartment. And, by the way, never came to a final decision.
Well, I decided not to lose face, because I feel like a great professional in this field, and I prepared for him a whole study on this issue. I think it will also come in handy for home craftsmen who are used to doing repairs with their own hands.
In order not to look for additional information, to information about various types pipes below, instructions are attached that will allow you to independently install the water supply system in your own home.
Varieties and features of pipes for the installation of water supply
Installing pipes in an apartment is an important and integral stage of repair in a plumbing room. But before you get to work, you need to choose the right material for this.
For many, the guideline for purchasing the necessary products is their price. However, I think this is fundamentally wrong. It is much more important to pay attention to the technical characteristics and performance properties.
I consider the main selection criterion to be reliability, durability and the ability to withstand high pressure. In addition, long service life, resistance to temperature extremes and the ability to withstand exposure to aggressive chemical substances.
Well, if you are going to carry out the installation and subsequent repair of water supply pipes in the apartment on your own, you also need to choose such an option so that you can easily cope with the necessary operations.
My interlocutor and I discussed several of the most common types of pipes that are used for domestic purposes. I will tell you about all their technical characteristics so that you can, if necessary, choose a specific option yourself.
Steel pipes
For as long as I can remember, steel piping has always been used to install plumbing systems. They are very strong and durable enough, but at present the popularity of such solutions is rapidly falling. Metal products are giving way to more technological options: plastic, copper, and so on.
In defense of the classics, I can say that engineering communications assembled from steel pipes are capable of transporting liquids with a high temperature under high pressure. However, this is hardly necessary in an ordinary apartment.
Modern plumbing metal pipes made of black steel or galvanized. The latter option is protected from corrosion, which has a positive effect on the service life of the designed engineering systems.
The main disadvantage for me personally is that the surface of such parts is covered with condensed moisture all the time. It is necessary to carry out thermal insulation and take other additional measures. And all this against the background of the fact that special equipment has to be used for the installation of pipelines and their repair.
Metal pipes can last for more than fifty years with proper care (periodic painting). But despite this, now in my work I use such products only if I am asked to repair existing and working water pipes.
I summarized all the advantages and disadvantages of steel pipes in a table so that it is convenient for you to analyze the information.
To avoid the negative aspects associated with the use of these pipes, modern builders have replaced black steel with another metal -. She will be discussed further.
Copper pipes
Plumbing communications in the apartment, made of such pipes, have increased strength and reliability. However, I can immediately warn you that it is not easy to construct a high-quality engineering network from them.
Well, the most important thing that I want to say right away is the high cost of products. Although the investment will pay off in the future, a considerable amount of money should be prepared for the purchase and installation of such pipes.
However, copper is a material that will last you more than 70 years without any problems. The water supply is not damaged by mechanical stress, and can also be used in rooms with significant temperature fluctuations in the air.
I like it very very much appearance copper pipes. They can perform not only the practical task of delivering water to plumbing fixtures, but also serve as an exquisite decoration.
I met design solutions, in which copper water pipes used only to give the sanitary room individual and unique features.
Among other things, copper pipes have antiseptic properties. Copper prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria inside the water supply.
In addition, this metal does not react with dissolved chlorine, which also has a positive effect on the health of a person who consumes water for food.
As in the previous case, I will combine all the pros and cons into a small plate.
Metal-plastic pipes
A good option for designing plumbing systems in an apartment or a private country house. Metallo plastic pipes are multilayer products consisting of two layers of plastic, between which a metal reinforcing frame is installed. The latter can be solid, perforated or stacked in the form of a spiral.
These pipes weigh very little and are practical to use. Personally, I can highlight the ease of installation. For joining products with each other and with various fittings, fittings are used that can be fixed using conventional open-end wrenches.
The average service life of metal-plastic pipes is about 35 years. Metal-plastic pipelines are capable of transporting liquids whose temperature does not exceed 75 degrees Celsius.
The main advantages of this type of water pipes for me personally are:
- maximum ease of installation;
- the ability to bend metal-plastic pipes without installing corners;
- low price of parts and fittings;
- the possibility of using for hidden gaskets (if you buy not compression fittings, but compression fittings).
If you use detachable (threaded) fittings, I advise you to inspect all connections from time to time for the timely detection and elimination of leaks.
The disadvantage I consider poor frost resistance. If ice forms in a metal-plastic pipe (for example, a water supply system freezes in the country in winter), most likely the plastic will break and you will have to change the damaged section of the pipe. Although the procedure itself is simple, no one wants to bother once again.
So the best choice for domestic water supply, I consider plastic pipes, the description of the characteristics of which we will proceed immediately.
plastic pipes
Polymer products are well suited for long-term operation for the purpose of transporting liquid and gaseous media. In addition to plumbing, there are plastic pipes for gas in the apartment. That is, you can make all engineering communications from modern materials which have excellent performance.
In private and commercial construction, several types of plastic pipes are used:
- polypropylene;
- polyethylene;
- polyvinyl chloride.
Our argument with the colonel was heated, so we discussed each option in detail. Which is what I suggest you do.
Polypropylene
I use such pipes very often for installation of both plumbing and heating. If we are talking about hot water, reinforced pipes can be used, and cold water flows well through ordinary ones.
The service life of polypropylene is up to 50 years, the possible temperature of the liquid inside is 90 degrees Celsius.
So, the advantages of polypropylene pipes:
- long service life;
- low price of both the pipes themselves and the fittings for their installation;
- high strength and absolute tightness of soldered joints;
- versatility, that is, the possibility of application for plumbing and heating;
- Easy and quick to install, even on your own.
As I said, if you plan to install a cold water supply, you can take any polypropylene pipes. However, in the case when it is necessary to design a system for supplying hot water, the choice of suitable materials should be taken more seriously.
The store offers a choice of several options for pipes made of this type of plastic:
- ordinary;
- reinforced.
The fact is that one of the disadvantages of polypropylene is a large coefficient of thermal expansion. To make it clearer, let me explain with an example. We take a pipe made of ordinary polypropylene 10 meters long. If you heat it to a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, it will lengthen by as much as 15 cm.
I can tell you with confidence that this is a lot. Therefore, it is not uncommon for installers to make compensation loops to compensate for such dimensional changes.
However, there is another, simpler option to avoid deformation. Just buy pipes reinforced with foil or fiberglass. In the latter case, the material, when heated to 100 degrees, will increase in size up to 1.5 cm, which can be completely neglected.
I must say right away that despite the name, the presence or absence of a reinforcing layer does not affect the strength of the product.
But, I warn you, these two types of pipes differ in installation technology. Not reinforced pipe just soldered to the fitting. Reinforced pipes with fiberglass are connected in the same way (since both of these materials have the same melting point).
As for the foil, everything is not so simple here. There should be no reinforcement at all in the brazed joint, therefore, aluminum is completely cleaned before heating and soldering to avoid damage to the water supply during operation.
Again, to make it easier for you to choose, I will briefly summarize everything that concerns polypropylene pipes:
- Unreinforced pipe is perfect for cold water supply. It is very cheap, easy to solder and lasts a long time.
- Fiberglass reinforced pipe is more expensive than other varieties, but is universal: suitable not only for cold and hot water supply, but also for heating. In this case, there will be no problems with soldering, since fiberglass is fused simultaneously with polypropylene.
- Foil-reinforced pipe is a compromise. It does not deform much when heated, but requires additional processing during soldering.
Polyethylene
Pipes made of this type of polymer are characterized by high strength and excellent elasticity. But at the same time they have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity. Great for arranging water supply, especially external (on the street), as they do not collapse when the water inside freezes.
If you are going to use polyethylene for arranging hot water and heating systems, you need to buy another type of material - cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).
Such pipes change at the molecular level, which radically changes their technical characteristics. They withstand high temperature and pressure, do not deform when heated.. But the price of such parts is quite high.
Polyethylene pipes are not so often used for arranging internal plumbing, as there are more best options in terms of cost and operational properties. I said so directly to the colonel who was arguing with me.
PVC
PVC pipes are most likely familiar to you if you yourself made or upgraded the sewer system. However, there are varieties that are used in the installation of water supply.
Polyvinyl chloride, which is the raw material for the manufacture of the parts in question, is initially very soft and plastic, but stabilizers and modifiers are added to it during the production of pipes, which give the plastic greater strength and make it more frost-resistant.
The main advantage of this material over other types of plastic is its resistance to aggressive chemicals. For example, I saw how PVC pipes were used to transport industrial oils to manufacturing plant. And pure tap water will not damage the polymer in any way.
Here it should immediately be noted that there are three classes of pipes:
- PN10;
- PN16.
The number after the marking corresponds to the liquid pressure that the pipe wall can withstand without destruction. I must say right away that water is supplied in apartments under pressure of about 4 atmospheres, so, at first glance, PN6 is also suitable.
But unfortunately, due to breakdowns of the main equipment, water hammers occur, raising the pressure to 12 atmospheres. Therefore, I recommend using either more durable pipes, or (I prefer this option) a pressure reducer through which the local water supply is connected to the central pipe.
In the photo - a pressure reducer on a water pipe.
It is possible to install plastic pipes at any air temperature, but not to operate. When water freezes inside the plumbing, PVC will simply burst, and when heated above 60 degrees Celsius, it will melt.
Nevertheless, I can highlight several advantages of PVC pipes, thanks to which they are quite popular among specialists who install water pipes:
- Well tolerated by internal mechanical stress. Solid abrasive particles in tap water do not thin the walls of water pipes, therefore engineering systems made of PVC can last more than half a century.
- Products are safe for humans, in the process of use do not emit harmful chemical compounds into the air and water.
- Absolutely resistant to corrosion regardless of external conditions.
- Doesn't burst when frozen I (if there is no water inside, which turns into ice).
- Light weight and very easy to install(mounted with fittings on glue, without using a soldering iron).
- Cost less than similar products from other types of plastic.
PVC can be used for plumbing, but personally I am repelled by the inability to transport high temperature water and the danger of destruction when ice forms.
Conclusion
As you can see, the pipe selection process is not a trivial task. But it is the correct selection of material that allows you to design a high-quality and reliable water supply in the apartment. And as an addition, watch the video in this article.
If you have any questions or have your own wishes, you can leave them in the comments to the material.
July 30, 2016If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!
Are we creating a water supply system from scratch in a new house or apartment, are we doing overhaul at home - in any case, there is always the problem of choosing a material.
Let's try to analyze what we can offer modern market. So, we are trying to understand which pipes are best for plumbing in an apartment.
Types of pipes
We go to the nearest large plumbing supermarket and look at the racks with pipes.
You can see there, if we live on the same planet, the following types of water pipes:
- Steel pipes;
- Steel pipes with zinc coating (galvanization);
Steel
Let's start our review with the first contender. Steel is steel. In the glorious times of developed socialism, water supply systems apartment buildings made exclusively from a simple pipe without an anti-corrosion coating; perestroika, in addition to freedom of speech and the disappearance of sausages, brought another innovation: thin-walled gas pipes began to be used for water pipes.
So after all, the construction cost even a penny, but cheaper. All the features of this material were studied by our fathers and grandfathers; the person who is now deciding which pipes for plumbing is better, can only formulate conclusions.
Advantages:
- Mechanical strength;
- Relative cheapness;
- Large selection of any compatible fittings.
Flaws:
- Corrosion susceptibility, and extremely fast. Paint and other protective coatings save only partly.
- Inevitable narrowing of the lumen of pipes in cold water. Pipes overgrow, and all that can be done besides replacement is to periodically disassemble the plumbing for cleaning.
- Electrical conductivity, which increases the likelihood of electric shock in case of malfunctions of electrical appliances.
- Formation of a galvanic pair with aluminum and copper. Weak currents at the junction of these metals sharply accelerate corrosion.
- Extremely labor intensive installation: gas or electric welding. An alternative is manual threading, which requires a special tool and enormous effort, or the manufacture of pipes and spurs of the required length on a lathe.
Summary: in the furnace. In order to now, at home, sculpt a pipeline from a steel pipe, you need to seriously not be friends with your head. When deciding which water pipes are best, cross steel off the list.
Galvanization
Galvanization - the material is already much more interesting. A layer of zinc on the outer and inner surfaces of the pipe both protects it from corrosion and prevents deposits - sand and pieces of slag - from turning into full-fledged growths inside. In the last century, before the era of general savings, when houses were still large and apartments were spacious, galvanization was widely used.
Heating systems were assembled from it. And they were going to - welding was not used, and all threaded connections were sealed as it should be - flax with drying oil and red lead. Having disassembled the riser of that time, you can see the ideal inner surface of the pipe without deposits and defects.
Galvanized pipes. Not bad material ... or rather, it was like that half a century ago
Advantages:
- Strength.
- The surface protected by zinc is not subject to corrosion.
- Again, full of fittings for every taste and color.
Flaws:
- Pretty high price.
- We still conduct electricity, shock and gnaw out the connected aluminum radiator with our teeth for several years of operation.
- Threads that expose steel under a layer of zinc in the cavities still rust.
- Hemorrhoids with the assembly also did not go anywhere.
Application makes sense when:
- High mechanical strength is required (active children; the plumbing in the beer toilet that helps to maintain balance; the pipe, due to the characteristics of the room, passes underfoot in the aisle); it is not so much what is better for water pipes that matters to you, but how durable they are.
- You are ready for significant expenses both in the purchase and in the installation of water supply.
Copper
Copper. The material is very inconsistent. Copper plumbing has been widely used in European and American private homes since the mid-twentieth century and has earned flattering reviews because it does not create problems for the owners. However, almost all of their consumer qualities can now be obtained at much lower costs using other materials.
When choosing which water pipes are better, remember that copper, for all its merits, is a very expensive metal.
Advantages:
- No corrosion, deformation, huge service life;
- No deposits;
- Effective appearance;
- Large operating temperature range.
Flaws:
- High price;
- A rarity in the sale of both the pipes themselves and the fittings for them;
- The relative complexity of installation (especially when assembling a water pipe by soldering);
- Fairly moderate mechanical strength. Copper water pipes are quite thin-walled, and it is easy to damage the pipe just by hitting it with portable furniture. It is not easy to break through the wall, but to crush the pipe by reducing its clearance is easy.
Summary: if you are absolutely not constrained by funds and really want to make your home stylish at any cost, using plumbing as a design element, this is your choice.
Then it is rather not the question of which better pipes for plumbing, but the question of the appearance of these pipes. In all other cases, go to the next rack.
metal-plastic
Metal pipes. Hit of the nineties. For a while, they were not just not masked with tiles or other decorative elements - they were put on display along with shining fittings. In fact, against the backdrop of soviet squalor of steel pipes painted twenty times with rust stains, they looked beautiful, looked prestigious, looked expensive.
However, one or two seasons - and the brass of the fittings faded, and the connections began to ... drip. The people who at that time chose which pipes were needed for plumbing did not yet know that the plastic shell of the pipes - which was external, which was internal - was high temperatures ah is easily deformed, “flows”.
After several tens of heating cycles from room temperature to hundreds of degrees (for Siberian winters - a very real temperature of hot water in winter), gaps appeared between the fitting and the pipe - and the drops began to delight the neighbors.
Advantages:
- Ease of installation;
- Large selection of fittings;
- No corrosion;
- Outer sheath made of dielectric material.
Flaws:
- Connections withstand a limited number of heating cycles, then they need to be tightened;
- The pipe can be pulled out of the fitting with relatively little effort. Pulled out, and more than once.
Summary: for a person deciding which plumbing pipes are best, this is a good choice. Perhaps the best for plumbing in the country, where there is no electricity for soldering polypropylene, and minor leaks are not so terrible. But not the best for the home.
Polypropylene
Finally, the last rack with the champion reclining on it. Polypropylene.
Connections - welding using a simple low-temperature soldering iron. Absolute tightness and reliability of joints. Strong pipes, neat installation of fittings, decent appearance. They probably collected all the advantages of competitors.
For a person looking for water pipes, which is better - a definite must have. A small fly in the ointment: the connections are not separable. Once welded, then only cut. However, the welding procedure is so simple that it will not create problems. By the way, since we have chosen which pipes for the water supply are better, let us finally give
tip: despite the fact that usually assembling a water pipe is a one-time event, buy yourself a special soldering iron for welding polypropylene pipes.
It will cost you much less than paying for a qualified plumber during the installation phase, and will prove to be useful more than once in the future.
Good luck with the repairs!
The Russian market has a large selection of pipes made from different material. Therefore, it is difficult to choose products for creating a water pipe in an apartment.
Before purchasing a product, you need to understand which pipes are best suited for installing plumbing in an apartment.
One of the main criteria is the strength and reliability of the product. The cost of the product and its conditions for assembling the structure also affect the choice of the buyer.
Plumbing in an apartment
First you need to choose the material of manufacture. On this basis, the following types of pipes for water supply are distinguished:
- metal;
- plastic;
- metal-plastic;
- steel;
- copper.
Each of these types has its own positive and negative sides, special characteristics.
Steel products
Steel pipes for plumbing in an apartment are quite durable. But it should be noted that they have lost their former popularity due to the appearance of plastic ones on sale.
Speaking about steel products, we note that they can withstand a serious difference in temperature fluctuations and operate under high pressure conditions. Plumbing structures are made of galvanized or black steel. In the first case, high resistance to corrosion can be distinguished, which is an undoubted plus for prolonged use of the pipeline.
metal pipeline The main disadvantage of this material is the coating of their surface with condensate. When it interacts with oxygen, oxidative processes occur, the product begins to rust. In addition, for assembly, repair work special equipment and professional skills are required. Therefore, the installation of a steel plumbing system is very costly. But they will last more than 50 years, which allows you to maintain the demand for these products.
Advice! Use the same material to repair steel pipes. When creating new sewer systems or plumbing, it is better to choose other options.
The advantages of this type include:
- Ability to operate under high pressure conditions in pipes;
- Differs in a high indicator of reliability;
- Resistant to corrosion, mechanical damage;
- Long service life.
Cost is also an advantage. Compared to plastic, it is not the lowest, but it is quite affordable for the average buyer. The material is very easy to work with. There are many different fasteners and fittings that can be purchased at the most basic plumbing store.
It is better to use this type in an apartment to create a heating system or hot water pipes. When choosing a product, pay attention to the wall thickness. There are 3 types:
- Lungs;
- Ordinary;
- Reinforced.
The thicker the pipes, the longer the plumbing will last.
Copper products
As a rule, they try to disguise the water supply system, but this does not apply to this type. This is the case when the appearance is able to please and become an interior decoration. Aesthetic appearance is not their only advantage, they also differ:
- reliability;
- long service life, which can reach 70 years with proper care;
- resistance to deformation and high pressure;
- the tendency to internal overgrowth is less than that of steel;
- resistance to chemicals, which allows the use of cleaners with chlorine and alkaline reagents.
The use of copper structures for humans is not only safe, but even useful. The material has useful properties for a person. If you look from this side, then this type of material is the most preferable.
The use of copper pipes when creating a plumbing structure in an apartment is associated with some difficulties in their installation. In addition, it is worth noting their high cost, so fewer people buy them, which means that the offer has become limited. When problems arise, it is difficult to find a similar repair material or fittings.
Copper plumbing Plumbers are usually reluctant to work with copper products, as it requires special skills, and, accordingly, the installation cost will be high, which is a minus when choosing this material.
To make wiring around the apartment from copper pipes, you will need products with a diameter of 20 and 25 mm.
metal-plastic material
Metal-plastic pipes are lightweight and durable. They will be a good option for arranging water supply in a multi-storey building. The combination of metal and plastic made this product versatile.
Thermal stability indicators depend on the production technology. This can be determined by the color of the product: blue ones are designed for installation of cold water pipes, white ones can withstand water temperatures above 45 degrees.
With the installation procedure in this case, no problems should arise. Compression fittings are used for this. different diameter. If fittings are connected with a ferrule, there must be room for regular tightening.
Metal-plastic construction The presence of a multilayer structure allows us to talk about high strength indicators. Metal-plastic is created in the form of a multilayer cake and consists of:
- metal frame;
- soft plastic covering the base on both sides.
In this case, the frame can be solid, spiral and perforated.
The service life is about 35 years. The material is able to withstand heating up to 75 degrees.
The benefits of this material include:
- Ease of assembly of structures and its further operation;
- When heated, they are able to bend and take the necessary shape;
- Relatively low price;
- The soldering passes directly and does not require additional equipment for connection;
- Resistant to low temperatures, so they can be laid even in the soil.
Quietness can also be attributed to the positive qualities. Due to the features of the multi-layer construction, they absorb noise well.
This type also has its drawbacks. Metal-plastic does not tolerate a sharp temperature drop, which can cause delamination of the base. It is worth mentioning the fitting connection, which is not reliable.
Plastic
Relatively recently, plastic pipes for plumbing in an apartment appeared on the construction market, which gained great popularity among ordinary consumers and became number one among professionals. A number of benefits have contributed to this success:
- Light weight. Thanks to this, they are easy to transport, do not create additional load on the walls. Lightness allows you to install them inside the wall, thereby hiding the unsightly design from the eyes;
- Differ in durability. The service life without repair can reach 50 years;
- Low prices and a wide selection of fittings have made plastic products affordable for the majority of the population.
Plastic plumbing in the bathroom When it comes to plastic products, we note that they are distinguished by composition and method of production:
- polyethylene;
- polypropylene;
- PVC pipes.
Consider all options.
Polyethylene
The first type is cross-linked polyethylene, which is manufactured using a special technology. Pipes made of this polymer are highly elastic and durable. At the same time, they have low thermal conductivity. You can install them not only in the apartment, but also on the street, as they are resistant to temperature extremes.
Polyethylene does not change at the molecular level when heated and does not change its qualities, which makes them the best for creating heating and hot plumbing.
Wiring with sewer outlet They are good material to create sanitary structures in the apartment. The product is able to withstand the temperature of the water inside up to 95 degrees and this is not a chapel. A destructive effect on them can be exerted by a temperature starting from 110 degrees, which, let's say, is quite a lot.
The benefits include:
- Resistance of plastic to chemicals;
- Does not highlight harmful substances and does not change the composition and taste of water;
- The inner walls do not retain dirt and sticking. Even after a long time there will be no stagnation;
- Due to their smooth structure, they have less resistance to water flow, which means that the power of compressors and boilers is needed less;
- Ease of installation. They are easy to break or cut into the required sizes;
- Polyethylene is resistant to vibrations, and also absorbs the sound of water, which allows you to make the plumbing silent;
- Plastic. The design made of such pipes is resistant to sudden changes in temperature and does not deform even when freezing.
For apartments, the flexibility of the material is important, which allows you to sewer even in hard-to-reach places. Installation of the structure is carried out using compression fittings.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then they are few. The negative side can be attributed to the combustibility of the material and poor resistance to UV. But this does not affect the design inside the apartment.
They are produced in diameters from 20 to 120 mm with a cross section of up to 40 mm. These are used for internal wiring, wider risers.
Polypropylene products
If the budget for the construction or replacement of an old water supply is limited, you can create a structure from polypropylene pipes. They are considered the most affordable of all polymer products, but they are not inferior in quality. They can easily withstand a temperature of 95 degrees and a pressure of 20 atmospheres. The service life of communications reaches 55 years.
It is worth noting a number of advantages of this material:
- Resistance to chemicals allows you to get water without dangerous impurities;
- Does not corrode;
- Easily assembled and mounted in the required structure. Fasteners and fittings are affordable, they can be easily purchased at any plumbing store;
- The low level of thermal conductivity avoids large heat losses;
- Not afraid of sudden changes in temperature.
There are almost no drawbacks to this product. Problems usually arise not with the communications themselves, but with defects during their installation or assembly.
Conclusion of the design in the bathroom
To avoid problems, it is worth choosing pipes for cold water some, and for hot others. Using the same view is the most common mistake. When buying this product, pay attention to their labeling. Products marked PP-R and PP-B are suitable for hot water supply, they are less dependent on water heating.
Polypropylene pipes are produced with a diameter of 15 mm to 12 cm. They can be used to create various water supply structures, as well as sewers. It is better to choose products with a greater wall thickness, as they are able to withstand more pressure.
PVC pipes
PVC pipes are superior to other types plastic products across a range of technical specifications. The structure of the polymer created using special technologies makes it possible to increase strength several times. For production, toxic substances are not used, so the water does not change its properties, remaining clean.
PVC pipes are especially distinguished by their positive qualities:
- Affordable price. This is one of the most important criteria when choosing a material, especially if financial possibilities are limited;
- Durability. The design of this material will serve you for at least 50 years, and with good care enough for a lifetime;
- Does not collapse under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
- Withstands high operating loads and internal pressure;
- Due to the smooth structure, the mud layer does not stagnate and does not grow in them.
However, even they have some drawbacks. Polyvinyl chloride is afraid of high temperatures, so they are not suitable for hot water supply. the best way.
Collection of PVC water pipes Professional installation, right choice high-quality pipes will significantly improve living conditions and not return to the repair of communications for a long time.
The choice of pipes for water supply in an apartment is a very non-trivial task, for the solution of which it is necessary to have a certain set of knowledge.
Due to the fact that products of this type are represented on the market by a fairly wide range, making the right choice will be very problematic. You may even have to resort to the services of a specialist in this field.
Types of pipes and features of their choice
It will take an inexperienced consumer a lot of time to make the right choice. One of the main criteria are indicators of reliability and strength. Also, one should not forget about the level of price indicators and about possible date product operation. Pipes must be resistant to temperature extremes and. In addition, the procedure for installation work should not be associated with great difficulties.
When choosing pipes for water supply, you should pay attention to the material that was used to make these elements. On this basis, the main parts of the plumbing system can be different:
- steel;
- copper;
- plastic;
- metal-plastic.
Plastic pipes combine polypropylene and polyethylene elements. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products can also be added here. Each of these product variations has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Steel pipes
Pipes for water supply made of steel are quite durable. But it should be noted that this type of element of the plumbing system is not particularly popular today. The priority still remains a plastic or copper variation of pipes.
Steel pipes are used less and less for water supply
As for this product, it is able to withstand a large temperature difference and function under high pressure conditions. Such pipes can be made of black or galvanized steel. In the latter case, we can talk about high resistance to corrosion, which has a very positive effect on the overall service life.
The main problem with steel pipes is that they can be covered with condensate. In addition, installation work may require special equipment and certain skills. Steel pipes for a water supply system can last more than fifty years, so there is still a demand for such products.
Advice! It is advisable to use steel pipes in the reconstruction of a water supply system from identical elements. When building a new system, it is recommended to opt for an alternative option.
Advantages. Here, attention should be focused on the long service life, which, under certain conditions, can reach an indicator of fifty years. Among other things, steel pipes steel pipes differ in durability and a possibility of functioning in the conditions of the increased pressure. This should also include resistance to negative corrosive effects.
Flaws. Plaque forms on the inner surface of steel pipes, which impedes the passage of liquid and significantly impairs water quality. In this context, it is necessary to take all possible measures to prevent the appearance of such formations. The disadvantages of this material can also be attributed to high rates of electrical conductivity. The installation procedure when using steel pipes can be associated with certain difficulties. Special tools may be required to resolve this issue.
Copper pipes
Copper pipes are durable and reliable. At the same time, the option of building a water supply system using such elements is not the most practical, due to the complexity of the installation work. In addition, the price indicators of these products are quite high, so their purchase will be associated with large financial costs.
Copper pipes for plumbing - quite a costly option
Copper is a very durable material that can last for seventy years. The main advantages of this product, which are resistance to mechanical damage, as well as the ability to operate at various temperatures, should also be added to the unique appearance of copper pipes. Thanks to this, it is possible to solve design problems of any level of complexity. The room where these elements of the plumbing system are located can be significantly transformed.
Connectors for copper pipes
Important! Copper has beneficial properties for the human body. Due to the interaction of this material with chlorine, the formation of various harmful compounds does not occur. In this context, copper pipes look more than preferable.
Advantages. Pipes for the water supply system, made of copper, are durable and reliable. In favor of the expediency of choosing this element, the long service life, which can reach seventy years, also speaks. Another significant advantage of copper pipes is their attractive appearance, which allows them to be turned into a unique design element.
Connecting copper pipes requires special welding
Flaws. First of all, attention should be paid to the high price indicators of products. In addition, copper pipes are on the market today in a limited edition, so finding them will be very problematic. To the high cost of the material, one should also add the costs of installation work, which are determined by the involvement of third-party specialists. Before installing copper pipes, it is necessary to carry out a mandatory system cleaning procedure.
Metal-plastic pipes
Metal-plastic pipes are a good option for arranging a summer house. For an apartment or residential building, it is recommended to opt for another alternative. Such pipes are distinguished by small weight indicators and practicality. With the installation procedure in this case, no problems should arise. The presence of a multilayer structure allows us to talk about high strength indicators. Metal-plastic pipe consists of a metal frame, which is covered with plastic on both sides. In this case, the frame can be solid, spiral or perforated.
The service life of these elements is about thirty-five years. The material is able to withstand temperatures up to seventy-five degrees. Fittings are used as connecting elements.
Advantages
- Weak frost resistance;
- Ease of installation;
- Ability to bend pipes;
- Low cost;
- No additional equipment required for connecting pipes;
- Suitable for buried pipelines.
The clear advantages of the material include low price indicators, ease of installation work and the possibility of using a water supply system for hidden installation.
The composition of metal-plastic (metal-polymer) pipes
Flaws
Here it should be noted the low frost resistance of metal-plastic, as well as the need for regular tightening of threaded connections. In addition, the cost of connecting elements, which are fittings, is quite high. The direct joints of such a water pipe are not durable.
plastic pipes
Plastic pipes are well suited for long-term use. They differ in practicality and low price indicators. We can say that this material was able to absorb all the best features of its direct competitors. For the manufacture of plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride can be used.
Polypropylene pipes
They are used not only for water supply, but also. A reinforced variation of pipes is used to supply hot water, and a regular one is used for cold water. The material can last 50 years. It can withstand temperatures up to 90 degrees.
Advantages
- Durability;
- Low cost;
- High tightness of connections;
- Possibility of use for the water supply system;
- Quality and ease of installation.
Almost any plastic pipes are suitable for cold water, since in the apartment they are not exposed to significant temperature effects. For hot water, the choice must be approached much more seriously. There are reinforced and non-reinforced pipes on sale. What is the reason for choosing among them?
Propylene has such an indispensable property as thermal elongation, unlike other types of pipes, only propylene has this property very high. For an unreinforced pipe, it can reach 150 mm per 10-12 m of the pipe at temperature drops of 95-100 degrees - this is a huge value, therefore, for such discrepancies in the size of the pipe, it is necessary to make all kinds of indents, compensation loops. To reduce this property to zero or to a minimum, reinforcement is applied. In this case, the most stable pipe is a pipe with fiberglass and its thermal elongation is about 1.5 cm per 10-11 meters, in contrast to an unreinforced pipe.
There are also pipes reinforced with aluminum. Aluminum is just a piece of foil that is sealed inside. Inside, it is not soldered and serves to reduce thermal elongation.
The strength of different reinforced pipes is the same. The difference is only in thermal elongation. Fiberglass has the smallest. For aluminum reinforcement (internal or external), this number is approximately the same and is much larger than for a pipe with fiberglass and significantly less than for a pipe without reinforcement at all.
Mounting Features
The most convenient for installation is an unreinforced pipe, there are simply no obstacles to a high-quality connection with a fitting. It should be noted that pipes with fiberglass reinforcement are also easy to install. The fiberglass layer melts in the same way as the rest of the polypropylene, so the connections are very, very high quality and reliable.
As for the pipe with aluminum reinforcement, it must be cleaned off, both with external reinforcement and with internal reinforcement, otherwise the aluminum layer simply will not allow the polypropylene layer to melt. There are special tools for this.
For soldering polypropylene pipes, a special device is used
Conclusion
An unreinforced pipe can only be used in cold water supply. It is easy to install, cheap, and more in cold water is not even required. An unreinforced pipe in this case is the best option.
For hot water supply - a reinforced pipe with fiberglass - the most convenient for installation, reliable, practical and least of all subject to thermal elongation. It is because of this that it is preferable for hot water supply - it does not require any stripping, it will not “walk” and “jump” out of the clips, sag somewhere and retain a decent appearance for a long time.
All the rest - with external and internal aluminum reinforcement and combined pipes have a number of disadvantages, which makes them less preferable for use with hot water.
