How to connect copper pipe in different ways. Basic methods for connecting copper pipes Connections for copper pipes

Copper communications are today a rare, but extremely reliable option for water supply and heating of a private home. The prevailing opinion about the difficulties of installing copper pipelines is not absolutely confirmed in reality. Independent soldering of copper pipes is accessible to a non-professional if he knows the process technology and owns the tools. Master the intricacies of connecting copper pipes, assemble your own personal water supply and you will never have to deal with communications again.

Copper pipes are good because they are: not susceptible to corrosion, have a service life of more than half a century, and are soft enough not to be afraid of water freezing in them. Copper is a perfectly smooth material, this prevents the formation of plaque in pipes, and the material also has bactericidal properties.

Note! The composition of copper pipe material for home communications must be 99% pure copper. Alloys with “additives” form poorly soluble oxides on the surface, which prevents high-quality soldering.

There are two types of copper pipes, depending on the method of their manufacture:

• annealed;
• unannealed.

These pipes may have the same composition, but differ sharply in physical properties.

Annealed pipes are an elastic pipe material. The degree of flexibility can be judged by the fact that they are sold in coils, wound like a hose. The flexibility of annealed pipes is a big advantage during installation. They can be formed into different configurations without using additional parts. This provides material savings on fittings and consumables. Reduces labor costs and uses fewer connections.

And although these pipes are considered less strong than unannealed ones, their safety margin is quite enough for communications in individual houses.

Unannealed pipes are not subjected to additional processing - they remain rigid. You can purchase such material in straight runs, like conventional steel ones. The wiring of unannealed communications is carried out using fittings.

Copper pipes can be connected in a variety of ways. All these methods have their own characteristics. This article explains each of the methods for connecting copper pipes.

Connecting copper pipes using soldering

This method of connecting pipes is used when the joint is intended for further sealing. Soldering when connecting copper pipes can be of two types:

1. High temperature soldering. It is produced using the following gases: propane - air, acetylene - air, propane - oxygen, acetylene - oxygen. At the same time, the copper pipe at the junction heats up to 600-750 degrees Celsius. Particular care should be taken when soldering copper pipes using an oxygen-acetylene torch. If the pipe is heated to a temperature of more than 800 degrees Celsius, then ruptures are likely to occur in it.

2. Low temperature soldering. This type of soldering is used if the operating temperature of the pipeline is no more than 110 degrees Celsius. When low-temperature soldering, the connection heats up to a temperature of about 200-250 degrees Celsius. Acetylene-air and propane-air gases are used to heat copper pipes. Electric heaters can also be used.

Technology for connecting copper pipes by soldering

1. According to the measurements taken, the copper pipe is cut. Then it needs to be calibrated.

2. Using a special sponge designed specifically for copper, as well as a brush, you need to clean the outer edge of the copper pipe to be connected. The inside of the capillary fitting also requires cleaning.

3. After this, the pipe is inserted into the socket of the capillary fitting. You need to insert it all the way.

To remove excess flux, use a clean rag.

4. The place where the pipe will connect to the fitting must be heated using a gas burner. As soon as the flux changes color, solder can be introduced into it.

5. Once the solder has hardened, it is necessary to remove the remaining flux from the surface of the fitting.

Connecting copper pipes using fittings

Copper pipes are connected without soldering using fittings. Depending on the type of connection, fittings can be crimped (collet) or welded. Connecting copper pipes with compression fittings is of two types: for semi-hard and soft copper pipes and for hard and semi-hard pipes. The collet connection of copper pipes is made as follows:

1. First you need to select the right size collet fittings.

2. After this, the pipe is trimmed and the burr is removed.

3. Then you need to insert the copper pipe into the prepared fitting. The clamping nut is first tightened all the way by hand, and then pulled out with a wrench until the pipe is slightly deformed.

Many, in my opinion, mistakenly believe that copper pipes for installing water supply or heating a house are quite expensive, and some even believe that the age of copper for these purposes is a thing of the past. In this post, we will try to prove to you that this is not the case, precisely because copper is a fairly convenient material for installing any structures, and if we take its durability into account, then it is irreplaceable in many cases and is what a prudent owner will choose for his own home.

If we compare copper with other materials from which water and other communication pipes are made (for example, with plastic or), then its advantages are obvious. First of all, it has an unusually long service life: copper pipes and fittings often last as long as the building itself.

Copper is very plastic, which increases the safety of the water supply system and retains its properties over a wide temperature range (from -200 to +250 ° C), which makes the pipes resistant to freezing when filled with water.

Copper pipes are resistant to ultraviolet radiation (unlike plastic pipes) and have a low roughness coefficient, which allows them to be used in similar conditions

The copper pipeline is practically not susceptible to various types of viruses and bacteria; it is not afraid of oils, fats and various harmful substances. Even chlorine, which is inevitable for our water supply systems, is not capable of destroying a copper pipe, but, on the contrary, due to the formation of an oxide layer on its internal walls, chlorine helps to extend the life of the pipe.

Pipes

Round-section copper water pipes are produced both in coils (25 and 50 m long) and in sections (rods of various lengths). The most commonly used pipes have diameters from 8 to 28 mm with a wall thickness of 1 mm. It is worth emphasizing that copper pipes, due to their thin walls, are much lighter than steel ones. They may have thermal insulation.

Installation of copper pipes does not cause any particular difficulties, mainly due to the fact that they are easy to cut and bend. Copper pipes can be connected in two ways: detachable and permanent. The second includes soldering, welding, crimping.

Various fittings are used to connect pipes, connect to fittings, and to an existing water supply system.

Fitting

There are a large number of varieties of connecting and transition fittings. Some examples are shown in photos 1-12. Thus, for soldering, not only ordinary and transition couplings are used, but also various angles, tees, crosses, contours, rolls and plugs. There are fittings with a transition from a soldered connection to a threaded one, for example, “American” with a cone seal (15×1/2″). Threaded press fittings often use a ferrule that, when the union nut is tightened, compresses the pipe, thereby sealing the connection.

Soldering copper pipes

Soldering is carried out due to adhesion between molten copper-phosphorus or silver solders and heated pipes being connected. The solder is distributed at the joint by capillary forces, “wetting” the base metal. To improve the quality of soldering and increase the adhesion coefficient, special fluxes are used, and the surfaces for soldering are pre-cleaned. When soldering, you need to uniformly heat the parts to be joined to the required temperature.

Therefore, when soldering, the type of burner flame is important, which indicates the balance of the gas mixture. A decreasing burner flame indicates an excess amount of fuel in the mixture that exceeds the oxygen content. A supersaturated gas mixture due to excess oxygen forms a flame that oxidizes the metal surface. A sign of this phenomenon is a black coating on the metal. When burned, a balanced gas mixture forms a flame that heats the metal without causing any other effect.

When working on soldering copper pipes, also take note of the following:

• The application of flux promotes the adhesion of solder to the metal.
• The soldering area is pre-tinned.
• For high-quality soldering, the necessary heating of the parts being soldered is required.
• To solder copper pipes, stripping the connection is required.

Copper Soldering Tools

For soldering copper, special soldering irons and gas torches are used.

When working with copper pipes, in addition to soldering and crimping, they have to be cut, bent, expanded, and beaded. Pipe bending to avoid kinking and flattening is performed using a lever pipe bender. Moreover, for pipes with a diameter of up to 15 mm, the bending radius must be at least 3.5 times the diameter. For pipes of large diameters, the bending radius must be at least 4 diameters. You can also cut pipes with a hacksaw, but it is best to use a pipe cutter, which allows you to do this exactly to the mark and without distortions. After each revolution, you need to tighten the cutting roller, tightening the set screw. Burrs that appear during the cutting process must be removed.

To ensure insertion of the pipe into the pipe, special expander pliers and mandrels are used.

How to bend copper pipes correctly

In the photo above the numbers indicate

1. The pipe is inserted and fixed in the grip of the pipe bender at the point where the bend begins.
2. Applying force, gradually turn the movable handle of the lever pipe bender, bending the pipe around the mandrel.
3. You can also bend a pipe using a spring with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the pipe.

Pipe flaring

In the photo below the numbers indicate

To connect pipes with fittings with union nuts (especially when repairing connections), you have to do flaring.

1. If necessary, remove the union nut by cutting off the flared end of the pipe.
2. You can cut the flare using a roller pipe cutter by sliding the nut along the pipe.
3. To restore flaring, the pipe is clamped in the matrix so that the end of the pipe protrudes above the surface of the matrix by approximately 1 mm.
4. By tightening the screw of the device, the end of the pipe is deformed to form a conical expansion.
5. After removing the screw clamp, check the funnel-shaped flare, which must have the correct shape.
6. You can give the end of the pipe a flat shape with light blows of a hammer, again clamping the pipe in the matrix.
7. A smooth and even flaring surface can be obtained using a velvet file.
8. All that remains is to put on the sealing gasket, and the pipe can be connected.
9. If necessary, flaring can also be done on fittings, for example, couplings, elbows.

How to expand a copper tube

To connect pipes by soldering without the use of connecting fittings, the end of one pipe can be expanded using special pliers.

Having inserted the pipe into pliers with a head of the required diameter, apply force to the handles of the pliers, expanding the end of the pipe.

After expanding the pipe, insert a mandrel-gauge into the pipe and lightly hit the mandrel with a hammer to bring the diameter of the expansion to the required expansion using special pliers.

How to cut copper pipes with a pipe cutter:

The pipe is placed between the jaws of the pipe cutter and the cutting roller is pressed with a set screw.

Having made one or two turns around the pipe with a pipe cutter, tighten the roller with a screw and turn the pipe cutter again.

Use a folding knife to remove burrs from the inside of the pipe.

Continue cutting the pipe until the cut part of the pipe can be separated by hand.

Typical types of copper pipe connections

When performing installation work, for example, a water pipeline using copper pipes, it is necessary to provide connections, make bends, bypasses, and install plumbing fixtures.

The photo shows types of “copper” connections

1. Connecting a flexible hose.
2. Connecting pipes of different diameters by soldering using a straight coupling.
3. The outlet is made using a tee and a single-socket bypass.
4. An elbow with a wall mount and a valve ensures the connection of a flexible hose.
5. Contour with extended bells.
6. Insertion of a ball valve connected using union nuts.

Option for a plumbing system using copper components

In order to optimize the water supply system, equalize the pressure in the system, reduce additional loads on the pump and reduce the cost of the system, the diameters of copper pipes are selected depending on the water flow at each point of consumption. Typically, for flow rates up to 50 l/min, pipes with a diameter of 10 mm are used, for flow rates up to 160 l/min, pipes with a cross-section of 16 mm, and for flow rates of 250 l/min, pipes with a cross-section of 20 mm. The plumbing system option and the diameters of the copper pipes are shown in the figure.

For pipes of different diameters, threaded fittings of the appropriate sizes are usually used. For example, turnkey fittings 15x22 mm can be used for soldered connections with pipes with a cross-section of 10-18 mm (table).

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Even taking into account the fact that polymer pipes are being used more and more often, metal products are still enjoying considerable success. Typically, the metal used is copper, brass and steel. Copper is superior in terms of resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. Actually, the connection of copper pipes will be discussed in this article.

Even though copper pipes are expensive, taking into account all the characteristics of the material, their use is quite justified.

First of all, before connecting copper pipes, you should decide how to connect them, by soldering or another method.

Connecting pipes using soldering

Let's consider connecting copper tubes with fittings followed by soldering, which can be low- and high-temperature. In the first method, soldering is carried out at a temperature of 300 ºC. The second method is used when installing systems with high loads for industrial purposes.

Couplings are used as connectors for copper pipes; tin-lead solder and flux are additionally needed.

The pipe soldering technology will be as follows:

• First of all, a pipe of a certain size is cut. This process must be carried out carefully, taking into account the size of the existing fittings.
• The ends of the pipes must be inspected - there should be no defects such as chips, cracks or burrs. If they are not eliminated, there will be problems with the tightness of the connection after all the work is completed.
• After making sure that the ends are clean, you can start connecting. Due to the fact that several pipes will be connected, and they can be of different sections, the fittings must be selected accordingly.
• Next, the end of the pipe and the inner walls of the couplings should be treated with flux, which will degrease the surfaces to obtain the highest quality connection.
• Now the end of the pipe is threaded into the copper tube connector and heated. It must be selected so that the cross-section is 1-1.5 cm larger than the cross-section of the pipe. The pipes are heated with a gas burner. The gap between the pipe and the coupling is filled with molten solder. Currently, you can find any type of solder on the market to suit your needs, so there should not be any problems with the choice.
• After the solder is evenly distributed around the circumference, the parts to be joined must be left until it has completely hardened.

• At the final stage, you need to check the connectors for the copper pipes and the entire system by running water into it. At this moment, not only will the system be checked, but it will also be cleaned of flux residues, which over time can cause metal corrosion.

Sealed joining of copper pipes without soldering

Additionally, it is worth noting that, despite the fact that connecting pipes by soldering is considered the most reliable method in most cases, there are still situations when it is not possible to use this method. In such cases, you can resort to connecting copper tubes without soldering. Special fittings will be required that will ensure a reliable connection due to the clamping effect that is formed by the threaded connection.

In this case, the connection is made in the following sequence:

• First, the fittings are disconnected, which often have two components.
• One of the elements is put on the pipe. As a rule, this is a nut and a clamping ring.
• Next, thread the pipe into the fitting and tighten the nut.

Typically, such fittings are equipped with detailed instructions, which must be followed, otherwise the work performed will be of poor quality.

It is worth noting that before connecting copper tubes without soldering, you should be aware of all the risks, since it is quite difficult to obtain a high-quality connection. Minimal distortions of the connected parts are not allowed at all, otherwise the technology is grossly violated. To make the threaded connection extremely tight, it is advisable to additionally seal it with special threads. At the same time, it is worth making sure that they do not end up on the inside of the pipe, since subsequently water may not pass through the system properly.

Mandatory connection rules

For any type of connection, the list of work performed will look like this:

• The connected pipes must be made of the same metal. If you are going to connect a copper pipe with a pipe made of any other material, you must decide on the desired connection method. For example, the soldering method cannot be used to join pipes made of copper and polyvinyl chloride.
• When connecting a copper pipe to a steel pipe, the copper pipe should be placed after the steel pipe.
• When tightening a threaded connection, you need to be extremely careful, especially if you have pipes with thin walls.
• To correctly determine the amount of solder required, the piece of wire must have the circumference of the pipe being soldered.
• A special burner is best suited for heating pipes. You can, of course, use a simple blowtorch, but in this case you need to be prepared that the joint will overheat and the entire work process will become somewhat more complicated.
• It's no secret that copper pipes are a rather expensive material. In this regard, even before carrying out the work, it would not be superfluous to make preliminary calculations of the volume of required material. At the same time, remember that all connecting parts also have their own dimensions, so they must be taken into account.

In conclusion, it would not be amiss to note that connecting copper pipes is technologically a process of medium complexity. If you are doing this kind of work for the first time, then you need to be prepared for the fact that some nuances may arise. To understand the process and get as much insight as possible about it, it would be a good idea to get advice from professional workers, or at least get acquainted with the available video materials.

When connecting copper pipes, you will need special elements called fittings. Such parts contribute to the quick and easy installation of plumbing systems for the home. The store sells high-quality threaded and crimp fittings for copper pipes from the following manufacturers: Emmeti, IBP, Tiemme, Uni-Fitt, Viega. All products have the necessary certificates and comply with the requirements and standards.

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Press-B bronze tee Sanpress VIEGA 54x1/2"x54 - an adapter fitting from a threaded to a press connection when branching is necessary in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, plumbing equipment. Press-B bronze tee material Sanpress VIEGA 54x1 /2"x54 - bronze. The area of ​​application of the press-B tee bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x1/2"x54 is water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the press-B tee bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x1/2"x54: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum permissible pressure - 10 bar. Only one-time compression of the Sanpress VIEGA 54x1/2"x54 press-B bronze tee with press pliers is allowed. The Sanpress VIEGA 54x1/2"x54 press-B bronze tee is supplied with HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with a safety contour SC-Contur (microgroove on the fitting), which allows, during a pressure test, to visually identify unpressed connections and those made

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Tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3/4"x54 - adapter fitting from a threaded to a press connection when branching is necessary in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, plumbing equipment. Tee material press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3 /4"x54 - bronze. The area of ​​application of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3/4"x54 is water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3/4"x54: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum permissible pressure - 10 bar. Only one-time compression of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3/4"x54 with press pliers is allowed. The tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3/4"x54 is supplied with HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with a safety contour SC-Contur (microgroove on the fitting), which allows, during a pressure test, to visually identify unpressed connections and those made

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Tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3/4"x35 - adapter fitting from a threaded to a press connection when branching is necessary in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, plumbing equipment. Tee material press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3 /4"x35 - bronze. The area of ​​application of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3/4"x35 is water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3/4"x35: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum permissible pressure - 10 bar. Only one-time compression of the press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3/4"x35 tee with press pliers is allowed. The Sanpress VIEGA 35x3/4"x35 press-N bronze tee is supplied with HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with a safety contour SC-Contur (microgroove on the fitting), which allows, during a pressure test, to visually identify unpressed connections and those made

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Tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3/4"x22 - adapter fitting from a threaded to a press connection when branching is necessary in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, plumbing equipment. Tee material press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3 /4"x22 - bronze. The area of ​​application of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3/4"x22 is water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3/4"x22: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum permissible pressure - 10 bar. Only one-time compression of the press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3/4"x22 tee with press pliers is allowed. The Sanpress VIEGA 22x3/4"x22 press-N bronze tee is supplied with HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with a safety contour SC-Contur (microgroove on the fitting), which allows, during a pressure test, to visually identify unpressed connections and those made

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Press-B bronze tee Sanpress VIEGA 15x1/2"x15 - an adapter fitting from a threaded to a press connection when branching is necessary in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, plumbing equipment. Material of the press-B bronze tee Sanpress VIEGA 15x1 /2"x15 - bronze. The area of ​​application of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 15x1/2"x15 is water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 15x1/2"x15: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum permissible pressure - 10 bar. Only one-time compression of the Sanpress VIEGA 15x1/2"x15 press-B bronze tee with press pliers is allowed. The Sanpress VIEGA 15x1/2"x15 press-B bronze tee is supplied with HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with a safety contour SC-Contur (microgroove on the fitting), which allows, during a pressure test, to visually identify unpressed connections and those made

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Press-B bronze tee Sanpress VIEGA 22x1/2"x22 - an adapter fitting from a threaded to a press connection when branching is necessary in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, plumbing equipment. Material of the press-B bronze tee Sanpress VIEGA 22x1 /2"x22 - bronze. The area of ​​application of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x1/2"x22 is water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x1/2"x22: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum permissible pressure - 10 bar. Only one-time compression of the Sanpress VIEGA 22x1/2"x22 press-B bronze tee with press pliers is allowed. The Sanpress VIEGA 22x1/2"x22 press-B bronze tee is supplied with HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with a safety contour SC-Contur (microgroove on the fitting), which allows, during a pressure test, to visually identify unpressed connections and those made

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Press-B bronze tee Sanpress VIEGA 28x1/2"x28 - adapter fitting from a threaded to a press connection when branching is necessary in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, plumbing equipment. Press-B bronze tee material Sanpress VIEGA 28x1 /2"x28 - bronze. The area of ​​application of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 28x1/2"x28 is water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 28x1/2"x28: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum permissible pressure - 10 bar. Only one-time compression of the Sanpress VIEGA 28x1/2"x28 press-B bronze tee with press pliers is allowed. The Sanpress VIEGA 28x1/2"x28 press-B bronze tee is supplied with HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with a safety contour SC-Contur (microgroove on the fitting), which allows, during a pressure test, to visually identify unpressed connections and those made

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The crimp-B water socket with a plastic ring TIEMME 10x1/2" is designed for connecting copper and steel pipes with water collection points in the water supply, heating and plumbing systems. The material of the TIEMME 10x1/2" crimp-B water socket is brass CW617N with a plastic ring (P.T.F.E.) . The scope of application of the water socket is water, glycols, non-aggressive liquids, oil and compressed air. Pipe standards limit the operating conditions of the crimp-B water socket with a TIEMME 10x1/2" plastic ring to the following data: the maximum operating temperature is 120 degrees Celsius, the maximum permissible pressure is 30 bar. The thread of the crimp-B water socket with a TIEMME 10x1/2" plastic ring is - ISO 228 (GOST 6357-81), connection type - crimp and internal thread.

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