Lightweight steel pipes used in water supply. Which pipes are best to choose for water supply to an apartment? Metal-plastic pipes for water supply, their advantages and disadvantages

July 30, 2016
Specialization: Capital construction work (laying a foundation, erecting walls, constructing a roof, etc.). Internal construction work (laying internal communications, rough and fine finishing). Hobbies: mobile communications, high technology, computer equipment, programming.

I have a new friend who works as a police colonel in the regional department of internal affairs. We met when I was renovating his bathroom and toilet. And everything would be fine, but he is haunted by his position and the irrepressible desire to lead everyone, always.

Therefore, he and I often had and continue to have (we communicate a lot) disputes about how and what is the best way to do repairs. For example, recently we got into a serious fight over which pipes are best for water supply in an apartment. And, by the way, we never came to a final decision.

Well, I decided not to lose face, since I feel like a great professional in this area, and prepared a whole study for him dedicated to this issue. I think it will also be useful for home craftsmen who are used to doing repairs with their own hands.

So that you do not have to look for additional information, the information about the different types of pipes below is accompanied by instructions that will allow you to independently install a water supply system in your own home.

Types and features of pipes for water supply installation

Installing pipes in an apartment is an important and integral stage of repairs in a plumbing room. But before you get to work, you need to choose the right material for this.

For many, the guideline when purchasing 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 reliability, strength and ability to withstand high pressure to be the main selection criteria. In addition, long service life, resistance to temperature changes and the ability to withstand exposure to aggressive chemicals.

Well, if you are going to carry out the installation and subsequent repair of water supply pipes in the apartment yourself, you also need to choose 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 quite durable, but currently 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 utility lines assembled from steel pipes are capable of transporting liquid at high temperatures under high pressure. However, this is hardly necessary in an ordinary apartment.

Modern metal water pipes are made from black steel or galvanized steel. 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 constantly covered with condensed moisture. It is necessary to carry out thermal insulation and take other additional measures. And this is all against the backdrop of the fact that special equipment must be used to install pipelines and repair them.

With proper care (periodic painting), metal pipes can last for more than fifty years. But despite this, now in my work I use such products only if I am asked to repair existing and working water pipelines.

I have 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 -. We will talk about it further.

Copper pipes

Water communications in an apartment made from such pipes have increased strength and reliability. However, I can immediately warn you that constructing a high-quality engineering network from them is not an easy task.

Well, the most important thing that I want to say right away is the high cost of the products. Although the investment will pay off in the future, you should prepare a considerable amount of money 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 really, really like the look of copper pipes. They can perform not only the practical task of delivering water to plumbing fixtures, but also serve as an exquisite decoration.

I have seen designs where copper water pipes were used only to give the plumbing space a personal and unique touch.

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 the person who consumes water for food.

As in the previous case, I will combine all the pros and cons into a small table.

Metal-plastic pipes

A good option for designing water supply systems in an apartment or private country house. Metal-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 laid in a spiral shape.

These pipes weigh very little and are practical to use. Personally, I can also highlight the ease of installation. To connect products to each other and to various fittings, fittings are used that can be secured using ordinary open-end wrenches.

The average service life of metal-plastic pipes is about 35 years. Metal-plastic pipelines are capable of transporting liquid 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;
• possibility of use for hidden installation (if you buy compression fittings rather than compression ones).

If you use detachable (threaded) fittings, I advise you to inspect all connections from time to time to ensure that leaks are identified and repaired in a timely manner.

I consider the disadvantage to be poor frost resistance. If ice forms in a metal-plastic pipe (for example, the water supply at the dacha freezes in winter), most likely the plastic will break and the damaged section of the pipe will have to be replaced. Although the procedure itself is simple, no one wants to bother again.

Therefore, I consider plastic pipes to be the best choice for household water supply, the characteristics of which we will begin to describe immediately.

Plastic pipes

Products made from polymers are perfectly suited for long-term use for the purpose of transporting liquid and gaseous media. In addition to water pipes, there are plastic pipes for gas in the apartment. That is, you can make all engineering communications from modern materials that have excellent performance characteristics.

Several types of plastic pipes are used in private and commercial construction:

• 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, you can use reinforced pipes, but 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 use for plumbing and heating;
• simplicity and speed of installation, even on your own.

As I already said, if you plan to install cold water supply, you can take any polypropylene pipes. However, when it comes to constructing a system for supplying hot water, the choice of suitable materials should be taken more seriously.

The store offers several options for pipes made of this type of plastic:

• ordinary;
• reinforced

The fact is that one of the disadvantages of polypropylene is its high coefficient of thermal expansion. To make it clearer for you, I will 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, installers often make compensation loops to compensate for such size changes.

However, there is another, simpler option to avoid deformation. Just buy pipes reinforced with foil or fiberglass. In the latter case, when heated to 100 degrees, the material will increase in size to 1.5 cm, which can be completely neglected.

I’ll 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. The unreinforced pipe is simply 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 foil, it’s not so simple. There should be no reinforcement at all in the soldered joint, therefore, before heating and soldering, the aluminum is completely cleaned off to avoid damage to the water supply during operation.

Again, to make it easier for you to choose, I will briefly summarize everything related to polypropylene pipes:

1. Unreinforced pipe is perfect for cold water supply. It is very cheap, easy to solder and lasts a long time.
2. 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 the fiberglass is fused simultaneously with polypropylene.
3. Foil-reinforced pipe is a compromise option. It does not deform greatly when heated, but during soldering it requires additional processing.

Polyethylene

Pipes made from this type of polymer are characterized by high strength and excellent elasticity. But at the same time they have a low thermal conductivity coefficient. They are excellent for arranging water supply systems, especially external ones (on the street), as they are not destroyed when the water inside freezes.

If you are going to use polyethylene for the installation of hot water supply 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 can withstand high temperatures and pressure and do not deform when heated.. But the price of such parts is quite high.

Polyethylene pipes are not so often used for the installation of internal water supply systems, since there are more optimal options in terms of cost and performance properties. I directly stated this to the colonel arguing with me.

Polyvinyl chloride

You are most likely familiar with PVC pipes if you have built or upgraded your sewer system yourself. However, there are varieties that are used when installing water pipes.

Polyvinyl chloride, which is the raw material for the manufacture of the parts in question, is initially very soft and plastic, but during the production of pipes stabilizers and modifiers are added to it, 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 have seen PVC pipes used to transport industrial oils in a manufacturing plant. And clean tap water will not harm the polymer in any way.

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’ll say right away that in apartments water is supplied under pressure of about 4 atmospheres, so, at first glance, PN6 would be suitable.

But unfortunately, due to breakdowns of main equipment, water hammers occur, raising the pressure to 12 atmospheres. Therefore, I recommend using either stronger pipes or (I prefer this option) a pressure reducer through which the local water supply is connected to the central pipe.

The photo shows a pressure reducer on a water pipe.

Plastic pipes can be installed at any air temperature, but they cannot be used. When the water inside the water pipe freezes, the PVC will simply burst, and when heated above 60 degrees Celsius, it will melt.

Nevertheless, I can highlight several advantages of polyvinyl chloride pipes, thanks to which they are quite popular among specialists who install water pipes:

1. Tolerate internal mechanical stress well. Solid abrasive particles found in tap water do not thin the walls of water pipes, so PVC engineering systems can last more than half a century.
2. Products are safe for humans, during use they do not release harmful chemical compounds into the air and water.
3. Absolutely non-corrosive regardless of external conditions.
4. They don't burst when frozen I (if there is no water inside, which turns into ice).
5. Light weight and very easy to install(mounted using glue fittings, without using a soldering iron).
6. Cost less than similar products from other types of plastic.

PVC can be used for plumbing, but I personally am put off by the impossibility of transporting high-temperature water and the risk of destruction when ice forms.

Conclusion

As you can see, the process of selecting pipes is a non-trivial task. But it is the correct selection of material that allows you to design high-quality and reliable water supply in the apartment. And as a supplement, watch the video in this article.

If you still have any questions or have your own wishes, you can leave them in the comments to the material.

July 30, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

The cold water supply system to a residential building is a complex of engineering structures and mechanisms installed for the purpose of extracting and carrying water from natural sources into the building. Without a high-quality pipeline, performing all these procedures is considered impossible. The water supply system must be durable, last a long time, and have a high efficiency factor. Steel, reinforced concrete, cast iron, plastic products, as well as asbestos-cement pipes are endowed with suitable quality characteristics. This article describes the main quality characteristics of pipes suitable for installing a cold water supply system.

• The materials must be homogeneous and not contain any inclusions;
• The pipes must be marked and the GOST in accordance with which they were manufactured must be indicated;
• There should be no unpleasant odor in such pipes;
• The wall thickness should be the same along the entire length of the product;
• The surface of the pipe must be smooth.

If the selected pipe fully complies with all the above points, the product can be called of sufficient quality. This pipe is excellent for installing a main line in a cold water supply system. Low-quality products can only be used to satisfy simple technical needs.

A pipe that can be installed in a cold water supply system is marked with a blue stripe along the entire length of the product, painted black. Pipes used for such purposes are also painted blue.

HDPE pipes for cold water supply systems are often marked by embossing or printed; the following information is indicated on the products:

• Purpose and GOST;
• Overall dimensions, or the ratio of wall thickness and diameter;
• Product strength factor. PE100 high quality collectors. PE80 pipes of a lower class;
• Manufacturer's name;
• The footage is not indicated by all manufacturers.

The cost of products also requires attention in the process of choosing a suitable product. If the price per meter of pipe is lower compared to the market average, then the buyer is looking at a fake or a product intended for simple household needs.

Polyethylene pipes

Polyethylene pipes are marked according to their purpose, similar to products of other possible materials. Products can be wound into coils and coils if they have a small diameter. The high elasticity of the pipe can be maintained even in frosty winter conditions. Consequently, the polyethylene plumbing system is quite resistant to freezing. The walls of the pipe will only be slightly stretched by the ice. The pipes will be in their original size after the ice melts.

Let's consider the areas of application of polyethylene pipes:

• Underground water pipelines;
• Water supply inlets;
• Systems installed in dachas and temporary removable summer water pipes.

The service life of such devices is at least 50 years. The permissible operating pressure is 6-16 kgf/sq.m. cm.

Polypropylene

Cold water pipes made of polypropylene attract many homeowners with their affordable price. The cost of products can reach 20-25 rubles per linear meter with a standard pipe diameter of 20 mm. To connect such pipes, special fittings are used, which are also affordable.

Other quality characteristics can also please users:

• The service life of products in which the operating temperature does not exceed 20 degrees can be 50 years or more.
• The operating pressure can range from 10 to 20 kg/sq.m. cm;
• Welded joints are durable and tight.

Polypropylene pipes can be hidden in grooves or cement screed without any leaks in the near future.

Metal-plastic

These are composite products consisting of aluminum cores and several polyethylene shells, which are connected to glue using a core.

The following material can be used for the shell:

• Low pressure polyethylene PE;
• Cross-linked PEX material has high mechanical strength and fairly high heat resistance
• PERT is a material with a high level of heat resistance, capable of withstanding operating temperatures up to 110 degrees.

The operating period is over 50 years. The operating pressure is 10-16 atmospheres.

For installation, you can use several types of fittings:

1. Compression ones, in which a pipe is put on a herringbone fitting, after which it is crimped using a special split ring. The main advantage of such devices is that there is no need to use complex tools during installation.
2. Press fittings in which a special stainless steel sleeve is used instead of a ring. Electrical pliers or similar mechanical devices are required for installation. This type of connection cannot be disassembled and further serviced.

The second type of connection is highly reliable.

HDPE pipes

Homeowners who are solving the problem of installing water pipes in a private home have heard about materials such as HDPE. For beginners in this matter, it is advisable to understand the types of HDPE pipes that can be used for installation.

The abbreviations indicated on the products (HDPE, PVC, etc.) help determine the material from which the pipe is made. HDPE is low pressure polyethylene. This is the initial raw material used for the manufacture of PE products, in particular for pipes.

The quality of HDPE products may vary. The basic properties of the source material used affect the characteristics of the manufactured pipes. Performance characteristics and possible duration of use are also determined by these basic material properties.

Some developers install a pipeline made of HDPE products, which can be used for 45-50 years. Some products become unusable after 1.5-2 years of operation. The qualitative characteristics of the feedstock are decisive in this matter. Therefore, you need to understand how to choose the right polyethylene pipes.

Cink Steel

The service life of steel pipes can be extended by applying zinc coating to the surface on the inside and outside. Galvanization allows you to obtain a completely new material that is resistant to corrosion and the formation of blockages in pipes. Previously, in so-called stalinkas, galvanized products were installed without welding using cast iron corners or special tees. Even after several decades of successful operation, galvanized steel pipes remained in good condition.

The relative complexity of installation is one of the main disadvantages of such products. It is highly undesirable to use synthetic materials for sealing joints. Traditionally used substances like flax impregnated with drying oil or paint have proven themselves to be the best.

Choosing the right diameter

To select a pipe of a suitable diameter, you need to use specially compiled hydrodynamic tables.

The tables contain the following information:

• Optimal water consumption;
• The material from which the pipes are made and the indicator of its roughness;
• Length of the water supply structure;
• Number of turns provided in the pipeline;
• Reduction in internal diameter due to overgrowing with deposits.

Metal-plastic, copper or galvanized pipes are made in such a way that their internal diameter will not decrease over time.

For installation in a private house, you can use a galvanized steel pipe with an internal diameter of ¾; products made of polypropylene or polyethylene with an external diameter of 25 mm are also suitable.

You need to understand that polyethylene can only be used for cold water supply systems. It is better to install copper and galvanized products with an internal section of ½ in the building. The outer diameter of metal-plastic products can be 16 mm. The outer diameter of polypropylene should be 20 mm.

When choosing suitable materials, it is advisable to give preference to products with permanent connections. In fairly long areas, compensation loops or U-shaped bends can be installed.

Once installation is complete, every connection installed must be accessible, excluding soldered and welded seams. First of all, such requirements apply specifically to metal-plastic products. The duration of use of household appliances or individual elements of household plumbing will be extended in a situation where a filter device is installed in the water supply at the entrance to the building. Homeowners are given a choice of a large number of various communications, fittings, fixing elements, fittings, etc.

Advantages of polymer pipes and technical products

Let's consider the main advantages of technical pipes:

• Light weight makes the installation process much easier;
• Pipes are resistant to corrosion;
• The connection of pipe structures is carried out both by welding the seam and using special PVC fittings. This will significantly reduce installation time;
• Long service life;
• Thanks to their elasticity, the pipes will not burst when icing;
• Any homeowner can install a plumbing system from such pipes independently without prior professional training;
• Absolute safety of the material. No toxic harmful substances are released;
• Relatively low cost of pipe structures made of HDPE.

Advantages of polymer products:

• Long service life;
• Relatively light weight;
• Corrosion resistance;
• Low thermal conductivity;
• No plaque forms on a smooth surface;
• High throughput of products;
• Assembly and installation can be completed without any difficulty.

Polymer pipes can be used for about 30 years. Propylene pipes are characterized by high throughput. Metal structures can become clogged over time.

When renovating a bathroom or kitchen, one of the main tasks is the correct choice of pipes. There is a wide range of these products on the plumbing market, but before purchasing it is better to know the advantages and disadvantages of each type of pipe.

Criteria for choosing water pipes

Before you make your choice, you should know the criteria that you should pay attention to:

1. Strength and reliability of the material.
2. Lifetime.
3. Resistant to temperature changes. When it comes to pipes for hot water supply, the resistance of the material to high temperatures plays an important role.
4. Ability to withstand high pressure.
5. Installation features.
6. Price category.

So, the material from which the pipes are made plays a big role. Today we can highlight the following materials:

• steel;
• copper;
• plastic (polypropylene, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride);
• metal-plastic.

Which material should you choose?

Steel pipes

It’s worth saying right away that this material has already lost its relevance. Today, more and more preference is given to modern materials. However, experts note that the choice in favor of steel should be made in the case of reconstruction of steel water pipes. This option will be cheaper than completely replacing the entire system with more modern pipes.

Advantages of steel pipes:

• long service life - can reach 50 years;
• strength and resistance to increased pressure in pipes;
• galvanized steel is practically not subject to corrosion;
• tolerate high temperatures well.

Among the disadvantages, one can note the coating with condensate, which negatively affects the passage of water. In addition, installing steel pipes can be quite problematic and requires certain skills and tools.

Copper pipes

Meda is an even stronger material than steel. Its service life can reach 70 years. Copper pipes have a number of advantages:

• strength;
• resistance to mechanical damage, temperature fluctuations, pressure;
• beautiful appearance, which allows you to “play up” the pipes in the design of the room.

However, despite the advantages, copper pipes are not the best option. Firstly, their cost is quite high. Secondly, the installation of such pipes is often difficult. Thirdly, they are presented in a limited edition on the plumbing market. Well, fourthly, before installing copper pipes you will have to carry out a system cleaning procedure.

Metal-plastic pipes

Compared to the previous two materials, the service life of metal-plastic is significantly lower - only 35 years. However, it has a number of advantages:

• ability to withstand hot temperatures up to +75°C;
• light weight;
• strength;
• ease of installation;
• no need to purchase additional equipment for connecting pipes;
• low cost;
• flexibility of pipes.

If we talk about the disadvantages, then metal-plastic pipes need periodic tightening of threaded connections.

In general, this option is quite suitable for an apartment.

Polypropylene pipes

This material can last up to 50 years and withstand temperatures up to +90°C. Other advantages include ease of installation, tightness of connections, strength and reliability.

At the same time, it is worth considering that for cold and hot water you should take different types of polypropylene pipes. Any option is suitable for cold water supply. But for hot food, the best choice would be reinforced pipes with fiberglass. Their installation is simple, and the material itself is reliable, durable, tolerates high temperatures and does not require stripping.

Polyethylene pipes

This material is considered more elastic than all previous types. It is characterized by increased strength, resistance to low temperatures, ductility, and resistance to deformation.

At the same time, for cold water you can use ordinary polyethylene pipes. But for hot water it is better to purchase pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene.

PVC pipes

The most practical and inexpensive option of all the above. Excellent for hot and cold water supply, characterized by durability and strength. It is worth considering that to connect the pipes you will need fittings or a special adhesive.

What are the best water pipes in an apartment?

So, if we are talking about partial replacement of existing steel pipes, then steel pipes will be the best option.

If a complete replacement of pipes is being carried out, then it is better to give preference such options:

1. For cold water supply, polyethylene, polypropylene pipes, and PVC are suitable. In extreme cases, preference can be given to metal-plastic.
2. For hot water supply, the best option would be to choose polypropylene reinforced pipes with fiberglass.

As for the other options, their disadvantages slightly outweigh their advantages.

The choice of pipes for water supply is a very important issue that must be resolved when arranging a system in an apartment or private house. There are a lot of requirements for pipes: they must be durable, reliable, affordable and easy to install.

Metal and plastic pipes fully meet these requirements. Both options have a fairly extensive range, so choosing the optimal material suitable for a particular situation is quite possible. This article will discuss which pipes are best for plumbing in an apartment.

Metal pipes

One of the main disadvantages of metal pipes is their excessive weight, which causes difficulties that arise during the transportation and installation of products. Pipe installation is carried out using permanent (welding or soldering) and detachable threaded connections. The use of a detachable connection simplifies further repairs of the system due to the ease of replacing damaged parts of the structure.

Using ordinary steel pipes in water supply is extremely unprofitable - this material has practically no resistance to corrosion, so the pipeline begins to rust. In addition to the fact that because of this, the system will begin to deteriorate at an accelerated pace, the water in the tap will also have a characteristic color and taste of rust.

When transporting water, steel pipes quickly begin to leak and lose their tightness, so they have to be replaced. Another negative factor associated with rust is plaque on the inner surface of the pipeline, which reduces its throughput. So it turns out that with high mechanical strength and heat resistance, it is undesirable to use steel pipes for arranging water supply systems.

Galvanized pipes for water supply are a completely different matter. The cost of such pipes is an order of magnitude higher than the cost of steel products, but it is clearly justified. The most important advantage of galvanized steel is its resistance to corrosion, which eliminates most of the disadvantages associated with this factor. However, a lot of weight is inherent in this type of pipe, so their installation cannot be called simple.

The best option for metal pipes for water supply is copper products. They are distinguished by a very high cost and a considerable number of advantages. The service life of copper pipes is quite high, as is safety (however, there is a nuance associated with the appearance of copper oxides, but this phenomenon does not occur in every case). Also, this material is characterized by the traditional complexity of installation for metal pipes - soldering copper pipes cannot be classified as a simple process.

Plastic pipes for water supply

A modern alternative to metal products is plastic pipes, which have many advantages and disadvantages compared to their more traditional steel counterparts. In particular, polymer products are lightweight, simplifying transportation and installation, and are characterized by good performance characteristics and low cost.

There are two main types of plastic pipes used in plumbing:

• Polyethylene;
• Polypropylene.

It is worth considering both types in more detail.

Polyethylene pipes

One of the materials used for the manufacture of plastic pipes is cross-linked polyethylene, which, due to a special production technology, has increased strength characteristics without loss of flexibility and elasticity. There are also low-pressure HDPE pipes, but they are not very suitable for use in apartments.

In addition, this value is not limiting - the destruction of polyethylene pipes begins only if the water temperature exceeds +110 degrees.

An important quality of polyethylene pipes is their plasticity. A water pipeline assembled from such pipes does not collapse even when frozen, which is especially important for private homes. In apartments, flexibility is more important, which allows you to give the pipeline the required shape.

Polypropylene pipes

If the budget allocated for construction is not too large, then polypropylene pipes would be a good option for arranging a water supply system. They are cheaper than other polymer products, and in some places they even surpass them in characteristics: the operating temperature of polypropylene is +95 degrees, and the pressure is up to 20 atmospheres. In addition, it is worth noting the service life, which on average is about 50 years. All that remains is to decide which polypropylene pipes are better in order to make the final choice.

The disadvantage of polypropylene products is the lack of plasticity, so installation of the pipeline at an angle is possible only with the help of appropriate fittings. Permanent connections of such pipes are made using a special soldering iron. In any case, before purchasing, you need to carefully understand which propylene pipes are best for water supply, and prepare the equipment necessary for installation.

Metal-plastic pipes - which ones are better?

The heat resistance of metal-plastic pipes varies depending on their production technology. Pipes that are marked in blue are suitable for transporting water whose temperature does not exceed 30 degrees, and white pipes are designed for use in hot water supply systems.

For the installation of a metal-plastic pipeline, compression fittings of various types are used. Connections using ferrule fittings can only be made in an open manner to provide access to the area for regular tightening of the fitting.

Diameter of pipes for water supply in an apartment

Of course, increasing the diameter of the pipes also entails an increase in the cost of the system, while a pipeline that is too narrow will not have sufficient throughput. It would be best to find the “golden mean” and select pipes of the optimal diameter for a specific situation.

The diameter of the water supply system in an apartment must be calculated taking into account the initial pressure and the degree of its reduction along the entire length of the system. A regular pressure gauge is suitable for measuring inlet pressure, but even without one, you can get approximate values. For example, if in apartments three floors above the pressure is normal, then the input pressure is at least two atmospheres.

The change in pressure in the pipeline is influenced by:

1. Number of different connections and fittings.
2. Total length of the system.
3. Availability and number of turns.

The pressure in the pipeline cannot be lower than 0.6 atmospheres, and the pressure, taking into account normal delivery to the farthest point of the system, must have a double reserve. If, taking these factors into account, 12 mm plastic pipes are installed, then the only result will be a guaranteed decrease in the performance of the system.

Pipes with a diameter of 16 mm are much better suited - they will be enough for normal operation of the water supply without loss of characteristics. To accurately calculate metal or metal-ceramic pipes for water supply, special formulas are used, but they are quite complex, so they are used only by specialists in this industry.

Pipeline layout in an apartment can easily be carried out according to the standard scheme:

1. Pipes with a diameter of 1 or ¾ inches (25 and 20 mm) are most often used as risers.
2. Direct piping is carried out using ½ or 3/8 inch (15 and 10 mm).

When choosing the diameter of water pipes for an apartment, you should consider the following points:

• The internal diameter of polypropylene pipes is not directly related to the external diameter (a half-inch pipe can have a clearance of 11 to 13 mm);
• The dimensions indicated in inches do not reflect the pipe capacity, which is especially important when arranging a pipeline that includes both metal and plastic elements;
• Before installing polypropylene pipes, you need to study the technology of their welding, for which you will need appropriate instructions.

The nuances of installing a water supply system

Knowing what water pipes are made of, you can get an idea about the installation features of each material:

1. Plastic pipes are much more convenient and profitable. There are a considerable number of fittings for them, so the choice is quite extensive. Tightening the threaded connections in this case will not require serious effort, which greatly simplifies the work. The one-piece method of connecting pipes will ensure the tightness of the structure with minimal installation labor.
2. To install a pipeline from metal parts, you will need special equipment: steel pipes are connected by welding, and for copper products you need soldering kits. If the connection is threaded, then it is imperative to use seals.

Conclusion

For water supply systems, you can use a variety of pipes, the choice of which directly depends on the operating conditions of the system and its features. There are metal and plastic pipes, the characteristics of which allow you to assemble any pipeline. When the question of what kind of pipe is needed for a water supply system is closed, all that remains is to choose the optimal pipe diameter for a specific situation.

One of the first engineering systems that the civilizations of Ancient Rome and Greece, the Mayans and Babylonians, as well as Ancient Egypt were proud of was the water supply system. Providing the population of countries with high-quality water has always been given great importance. After all, the health of those who consume it depends on the quality of water. This is how it was when the first aqueducts appeared, and this is how it is now, in the age of developed engineering technologies. And so that the quality of water in our water supply systems does not create unnecessary problems for us, we must worry about the quality of the pipes from which the system that brings life-giving moisture to our home will be made.

For a person who is just starting to organize the water supply of his own home, as well as for someone who has decided to update the pipes in his own apartment, it is very important to understand "". The author of the topic asks participants to justify their preferences, which may help you make the right choice.

Another type of pipe used to create an economical heating system is chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipes. You can discuss the quality, performance characteristics and installation of these pipes in the topic ""

The most popular recently due to ease of installation and cost-effectiveness has become a water supply and heating system made of polypropylene. The main thing is to master "". The theme of the same name and the theme " " will help you with this.

Now let's move on to the video recommendations of our Internet channel about House and Dacha ForumHouse.TV. In the video "Working with steel pipes" Vladimir Romanov will give a master class on preparing steel pipes, tell you how and what is the best way to cut pipes, chamfer, make threads, how to measure the diameter of a pipe, etc.