Do-it-yourself installation of metal-plastic pipes. Do-it-yourself installation of metal-plastic pipes for water supply: technology, features, methods and recommendations. Example of water supply system layout

Previously, piping was associated with heavy metal pipes that only a master could handle. Now you can make a metal-plastic pipeline with your own hands, if you have the desire. Step by step description working with videos will help you understand the basic principles.

Metal-plastic pipes - a practical “sandwich”

Due to their design, metal-plastic pipes have a number of advantages over other pipeline materials. Their structure is as follows:

1. The inner layer consists of molecular polyethylene, cross-linked and compacted in a special way;
2. An adhesive layer that bonds the polyethylene layer to the aluminum layer;
3. Aluminum layer;
4. Adhesive layer connecting the aluminum layer and outer plastic;
5. Last outer layer plastic.

As you can see, the structure of metal-plastic products is similar to a complex sandwich that combines everything strengths plastic and metal. The advantages of such pipes can be described as follows:

All these qualities are very rarely combined in one product, which is why metal-plastic as a material for pipelines is very popular.

Carefully! Unpack a coil of metal-plastic pipes without using sharp objects to avoid damaging their integrity.

Preparation of tools and components

As already mentioned, installation of a metal-plastic pipeline is possible with your own hands, you just need to know the basic principles.

Selection of components

The minimum required kit for completing a metal-plastic water supply system with your own hands is as follows:

• Ball Valves;
• metal-plastic pipes;
• fitting.

Ball Valves

It all starts with the installation of ball valves, the quality of which determines the safety of the entire pipeline. In the event of a leak, the ball valve shuts off the water supply from the common riser to the apartment.

Attention! Avoid Chinese faucets, recognizing them by their poor quality casting.

Choose those models of ball valves that are capable of operating in the conditions in which they will be used. It is best to take models that are designed for 60 atmospheres and 150 ºС.

Pipe marking

When choosing pipes, it is very important to take into account the markings, which indicate the conditions under which they can be used. It is advisable to choose products labeled PEX or PE-RT, which are designed for high pressure systems and can easily withstand water hammer. Products marked PE-RS, PE-HD or HDPE have more low price, but can only be used in low pressure systems. We do not advise you to equip a pipeline using such material, since any water hammer can be destructive for them.

Fitting

Metal-plastic pipes are connected into unified system using fittings, which can be of three types:

• Compression;
• Press;
• Sliding.

In practice, compression or compression fittings, due to the fact that this requires only one wrench. This fitting can be used many times and consists of a nut, a fitting and a split ring.

Press fittings are more reliable, so they are used to equip a hot water supply system. But for installation in this way you need to have special press pliers.

Slip-on fittings will also require special equipment - an expander, which is capable of expanding the diameter for installation.

Tools for work

To complete all the work you will need A few simple tools:

• Special scissors;
• Pipe bender;
• Calibrator;
• Chamfer;
• A pair of wrenches.

A chamfer will be required to prepare the end of the pipe for installation. He removes a certain layer, creating a chamfer. Without this step it will be difficult to achieve a tight joint.

To be able to begin direct installation, you need to draw up detailed diagram pipeline. On it you need to mark all pipe sections and connecting points, as well as other key elements: filters, taps, tees, etc.

Plumbing diagram

To install a reliable water supply system made of metal-plastic, you need to know the installation sequence of certain components of this system.

Plumbing diagram:

1. Inlet ball valve;
2. Filter rough cleaning which will stop large particles of dirt;
3. Water meter;
4. Filter fine cleaning;
5. Pressure stabilizer, which equalizes the pressure during internal system during surges in the external water supply;
6. A collector that distributes water;
7. Direct routing of metal-plastic pipes to plumbing fixtures.

For metal plastic pipes A coarse filter is highly recommended, since large particles can damage the inner layer of polyethylene. As you know, there are plenty of such particles, for example, sand, metals or scale, in our risers.

The collector evenly distributes water from the riser to the points of consumption: sink, toilet, washing machine etc. These devices have multiple outlets, so you need to choose the model that will fit your plumbing circuit.

Care must be taken first when working with metal-plastic, since careless handling or brute force can easily damage this material. Do not tighten the nuts too tightly or sharply, and do not allow scratches and cuts to appear on the surface of the pipe. Before starting work, we recommend that you watch the installation video.

Installation with compression fittings

First of all, as already noted, we install a ball valve that allows you to shut off the water to your apartment or house.

Stages of DIY pipeline installation:

Wiring using metal-plastic pipes must be carried out in the form of a solid line from the collector to the point of consumption. There is no need to introduce unnecessary connections, since compression fittings periodically need to be pulled in order to maintain the tightness of the structure.

If you are installing heated floors, then the presence compression fittings under the floor is unacceptable, because their prevention will be unavailable. Fortunately, metal-plastic pipes bend, and they can be laid in any shape, avoiding unnecessary connecting nodes. In addition, there are press fittings that do not require broaching - they are strong and durable, they will provide quick installation and a performance guarantee of up to 50 years. The installation diagram using such fittings is described below.

Installation with press fittings

Press fittings can withstand a pressure of 10 bar in operating mode. However, to install them you will need at least a simple manual press machine, but there are also hydraulic ones.

Installation diagram with press fitting:

1. The first steps are completely the same as installing compression fittings: cut off the pipe, as well as calibrate and chamfer;
2. A stainless steel sleeve is placed on the end of the pipe;
3. Now you need to insert the fitting part into the pipe until it stops;
4. The sleeve must be clamped using a pressing machine;
5. The handle of the press is pressed all the way.

Here are some useful tips that will help you avoid basic mistakes when working with metal-plastic pipes:

More tips on working with pipes can be seen in the video.

Do-it-yourself metal-plastic water pipe even a non-professional can do it, having carefully studied the master class on video. This does not require any special expensive devices or special skills. However, despite the strength and flexibility of metal-plastic, in order for these pipes to serve you as long as possible, you need to follow some rules when installing them. The videos and tips in our article will help you complete all the work on installing a metal-plastic water supply system.

The sewer system is one of the most important communications in the house. Previously, its wiring was carried out using metal components, but they have their own rather significant drawbacks. Therefore, now more and more often drainage is carried out plastic pipelines. Installation of metal-plastic pipes can be easily done with your own hands without the involvement of specialists.

Benefits of using plastic

Metal communications were the most popular a few years ago. They have high levels of rigidity and strength, are durable and do not require maintenance. But at the same time, the metal is susceptible to corrosion, which is inevitable in sewer system. On steel and cast iron pipes under the influence of chlorinated water, various mineral “plugs” are often formed, which negatively affect the entire operation of the wastewater.

Photo - sewerage installation made of metal-plastic

Advantages of metal-plastic pipes:

1. Excellent durability. They are resistant to rust and internal walls no salts accumulate. Apart from this, they also facilitate the disposal of solid waste;
2. Frost resistance. Unlike conventional plastic analogues, such pipes do not crack due to temperature changes or when water freezes in them. They also do not deform;
3. Easy to install. The technology for installing sewer plastic pipes does not require the use of complex devices, for example, heavy welding inverter, they can be embedded directly into the desired location of the line using a simple fitting or adapter;
4. Availability. On this moment, the price of such communications is much lower than stainless steel ones. Sales are made in all cities (Samara, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don and others), they can be found in almost every plumbing store.

But at the same time, metal-plastic pipes for water supply require very careful handling. They are a layered material, where the first layer is a special polyethylene, the second is a reinforcing metal fiber, and the third is a rigid polymer plastic. These types of communications are very sensitive to sudden shocks or falls, so certain rules must be followed during installation.

In such communications there is hidden gasket, which increases the tightness of the system. If its integrity is compromised during installation, the sewer will begin to leak air, which will reduce its efficiency. You also need to comply with certain standards specified for the installation of any type of pipe in GOST R 50838.

Video: connecting metal-plastic pipes

Installation using fittings

The most popular devices for sewer installation are fittings. This is a unit that is a connector of various sections of pipes. It can have any shape, depending on the needs: tee, coupling, square and others. In addition, pipe parts are now made from the most different materials.

Photo - design of splitters

Instructions for installing screw units on pipes made of metal-plastic TER and PEX:

1. It is necessary to cut the metal-plastic communication into pieces. Please note that special pliers must be used to cut plastic, polypropylene and rubber elbows. They will help you get the job done as smoothly and quickly as possible. Of course you can use others possible options but it might hurt inner layer;
2. Next, you need to prepare tees or corners for water supply. Seals are put on them; they are often made of rubber, but there are also plastic models. These rings will help protect the sewer from leaks;
3. For further installation work you will need special devices - calibrators. They will help to fold the pipe opening in order to install fittings, but without bending the seal rings;
4. Experienced plumbers advise checking the pipe walls before starting installation. They must be completely smooth and clean; there cannot be burrs or other irregularities on the cuts. If there are any, carefully remove them using sandpaper and wipe the cut with an alcohol solution, which will degrease the surface;
5. Afterwards the fitting is installed into the pipe. You need to put a nut and a clamp of a suitable diameter on it. To do this, stretch the pipe a little using a calibrator and put it on the end of the “leg” of the assembly, push it inward and fix it at the required depth;
6. Make sure that the joint is completely level. After installation is complete, be sure to check its location in the pipe;
7. All that remains is to tighten the nut on the polymer or metal-plastic pipes.

Expert advice: Do not over-tighten the nut. Because of this, cracks in communications often arise. The installation requirements state that you need to tighten it sufficiently, but do not pinch it. As soon as the nut begins to crack, this means that it has already “sat” quite tightly on the metal-plastic.

Photo - types of nodes

Features of installation of press fittings

Metal-plastic pipes are often installed in an apartment or house using press fittings. Compared to ordinary ones they have whole line advantages. They are ideal for providing wiring and installation of heating systems, heated floors, heated towel rails and even gas pipelines. Their main advantage is that they do not require periodic repairs, unlike their screw counterparts.

Photo – press center

Tips for installing compression fittings:

1. The technological map requires cutting and stripping the pipe. This is very important stage, on which the efficiency of work depends. Communication can only be cut with special scissors;
2. Now using gauges, you need to open the pipe to the diameter of the nodes and chamfer;
3. A steel sleeve is placed on the pipe in the bathroom or toilet, and a fitting is inserted inside. If necessary, a sealing tape is installed;
4. Further installation is carried out by using special device. The press equipment clamps the sleeve and fitting, forming a “dead” mount, after which the manifold can be connected here. This perfect option for internal pressure pipelines that cannot be periodically tightened. But be careful - dismantling clamp fittings is quite complicated, so you need to carefully think through the plan and possible methods sewer branches.

You can buy such fasteners at plumbing stores. Good feedback about VALTEC and HENCO parts .

Before starting work, a sewerage wiring diagram must be prepared, otherwise, after installing fittings on metal-plastic pipes, you will not be able to change their location. Then, if necessary, you will have to cut the communication and reinstall it.

This way you can connect the pipe to an electric boiler or other heating systems. household devices. If you need to bend the pipe when installing a press fitting, you will need to use springs. Eat different ways, the simplest is to put a stiff spring on the communication and bend it in the desired direction.

Photo - sewerage wiring diagram

You need to understand what you will need anyway special tool for installation of metal-plastic pipes. First of all, these are adjustable or wrenches, presses, soldering devices, etc.

If for some reason you cannot install metal-plastic pipes yourself, then you can contact specialists; the price of sewer installation depends on the complexity of the work.

The variety of pipes for heating and water supply makes you think about their choice. Especially if the work is done independently. But this is only the first stage of the highway installation process. Often people who engage in self-repair, questions arise regarding working with metal-plastic pipes. Each pipeline has its own nuances and assembly rules. When installing metal-plastic pipes with your own hands, you need to know the features of their connection and fastening. After all, the reliability of a heating or water main largely depends on compliance with the technology and the quality of the work performed.

Features of connecting metal-plastic pipes

General information about metal-plastic pipes on the domestic market:

Option #2 - push fittings

No need additional tool for connecting pipes using push fittings. To connect, the pipe is inserted into the push fitting until it stops. The end of the pipe should be visible in the viewing window. After connecting the entire main line, the water is connected. This pushes and clamps the fitting wedge, which prevents leakage.

Advantages:

• ease and speed of use;
• no additional tools are needed for work;
• permanent connection;
• durability;
• suitable for bricking
• the finished connection can be rotated.

Flaws:

• high cost of push fittings;
• a waiting time after installation of three hours is required.

You can watch the video in more detail about this type of fitting:

Option #3 - collet fittings

The connection of pipes from different materials is carried out using collet fitting. If the pipes different sizes then the thread of the part must correspond to the metal product, and the remaining components to the pipe are made of metal-plastic.

For pipes different diameters take a fitting corresponding to the dimensions of the metal-plastic pipe, except for the threaded part. It is selected according to the size of the metal pipe

On metal pipe put on the fitting, first wrapping it with tow. A nut and washer are placed on the edge of the prepared metal-plastic pipe. Then connect them together and tighten the nut.

In some cases, metal-plastic pipes are used for installation of heating systems. You will learn about the pros and cons of these and other types of pipes in our material:.

Fastening metal-plastic pipes to the surface

When working with metal-plastic pipes, you need to know how to mount them to the surface. To secure the pipes you must use special clips. They are selected taking into account the size of the pipe itself. First you need to install the clip. Its fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws or dowels. To avoid sagging of the line, the distance between adjacent clips should not exceed one meter. Pipe bends must be secured on both sides.

To avoid sagging of the pipeline, the distance between adjacent clips should not exceed 1 meter. The turn of the highway in the corner of the room must be fixed on both sides

How to bend a metal-plastic pipe correctly?

The advantage of metal-plastic pipes, among other things, is the ability to bend them in in the right place. This helps reduce the number of fittings used. This feature is used when it is necessary to make a turn and install heated floors. You can bend a metal-plastic pipe in 4 ways:

• hands;
• spring;
• using a hairdryer;
• pipe bender

Option #1 - bending pipes with your hands

This method requires dexterous hands. To learn how to bend a pipe without any tools, watch the video instructions:

Option #2 - a spring will help avoid defects

There is a commercially available spring specifically designed for bending pipes. It is inserted inside the product. After this, bending is done with ease and without defects. The spring size is selected to match the pipe size.

Using a spring to bend metal-plastic pipes helps to avoid defects and damage to the product. The spring size must match the pipe size

Option #3 - using a hair dryer

Metal-plastic pipes become more pliable when exposed to heat. To warm them up they use construction hair dryer. You just need to do this carefully so as not to overheat the plastic. After heating, the pipe bends in one movement.

Option #4 - pipe bender for the master

And yet, if you are a beginner master with no work experience, it is better to use. It will help you bend a metal-plastic pipe of any size without much effort. A crossbow pipe bender is available for sale. To use it, just set the bend angle, insert the pipe and bring the handles together.

If you do not have experience working with metal-plastic pipes, it is better to use a pipe bender. A special crossbow pipe bender helps bend the pipe at the desired angle

Find out what advantages a metal-plastic pipe has, and whether it can be chosen for installing a heated floor:.

It is clear that without effort it will not be possible to create high-quality plumbing or heating. Any work that you will do with metal-plastic pipes, from choosing a product to checking the functionality of the system, must be treated responsibly. Only in this case can the durability of the water supply or heating main be guaranteed.

Metal-plastic (metal-polymer) pipes are composite pipes made from polymer pipe, reinforced with metal.

They are strong, durable, easy to install, resistant to aggressive environments and are often used in the construction of water pipelines, heated floors, and transportation systems. compressed air and various liquids (including chemically aggressive ones) for laying electrical wires and cables.

• outer protective layer made of cross-linked polyethylene;
• inner layer made of food-grade plastic;
• between the layers of polyethylene there is a reinforcing aluminum shell;
• aluminum and polyethylene layers are bonded together with adhesive layers.

Photo: structure of a metal-plastic pipe

This design provides unique properties metal-plastic pipes:

• metal-plastic pipes are easily bent, cut and hold their shape, thanks to the aluminum core;
• the outer and outer layers of polyethylene are highly resistant to corrosion and protect the inner shell of aluminum from moisture and aggressive environments;

These design features determine the ease and convenience of installation of metal-plastic pipes, their reliability, durability and wide application conditions.

Specifications

To the main technical specifications include:

• pipe diameter. Metal-plastic pipes with diameters from 16 to 53 mm are produced. Pipes with a diameter of over 40 mm are practically not used in housing construction; pipes with a diameter of 40 and 32 mm are actively used in wiring water supply network in a private house. The most popular and cheapest pipes are 16 mm, fittings for them are much cheaper than others. However, they and 20 mm pipes should only be used in networks central water supply at normal pressure in the water supply network;

Photo: pipe diameters and table of pipe diameters for heating

• pipe wall thickness(can be 2 or 3.5 mm);
• permissible bending radius. Lies in the range of 80-550 mm with manual bending and 50-180 when using a pipe bender.

Photo: pipe bend

Connection methods

For connection, special connectors (fittings) are used.

Fittings for these pipes are of two types:

• compression threaded fittings;
• press fittings.

Benefits of using fittings

• quick and easy installation;
• no welding required;
• the labor intensity of the process of installing plumbing and heating systems is reduced;
• no special skills are required to perform the work;
• A very simple way to connect metal-plastic pipes with other types of pipes (steel, copper, plastic).

Compression Threaded Fittings

Compression fittings with threads for metal-plastic pipes are the most expensive. They allow you to make dismountable connections.

Available a large assortment dismountable compression fittings of various types.

Types of threaded compression fittings:

• corners: nut-collet, collet-collet, collet-fitting;
• adapters: fitting-collet, nut-collet, collet-collet;
• crosses;
• tees: three collets; fitting-two collets;
• water sockets: two collet nuts and a collet nut.

• No special tools are required to install compression fittings. They are threaded and for their installation it is enough to have open-end or adjustable wrenches on hand;
• Compression (crimp) fittings for metal-plastic pipes are recommended for connecting pipes of cold water supply systems.

Compression fitting for metal-plastic pipes consists of:

• fitting;
• compression ring;
• union nut.

Photo: compression type connection

Press fittings

Press fittings are found during installation wide application when working on the installation of hot and cold water supply systems, when installing heating systems, heated floors.

Photo: press fitting diagram

This is due to the fact that press fittings have the following advantages over compression fittings:

• hidden laying of pipelines is allowed;
• Pouring with concrete is allowed;
• the connections are permanent. There is no need for annual preventive tightening of nuts at pipe joints;
• maximum permissible operating pressure at joints up to 10 atm:
• The service life of a connection using a press fitting is up to 50 years.

Their use is limited only by the need to use special presses (manual or automatic) during installation, which are not cheap.

Available a wide range of fittings for a press, allowing you to assemble a pipeline of any required configuration:

Photo: press fittings

• tee fitting;
• square;
• coupling;
• water socket;
• cross.

Advantages

• light weight;
• durability (service life up to 50 years);
• high throughput (one third higher than throughput similar metal pipes);
• economical and simple installation;
• resistance to aggressive environments;
• resistance to clogging;
• low thermal conductivity;
• high plasticity;
• high maintainability and ease of repair;
• are not able to conduct stray currents (antistatic);
• aesthetic appearance.

In order for the bathroom to have a neat appearance, you need to install a screen under the bathtub with your own hands, for example, from plastic panels. Read about this in the article:.

Find out in more detail about installing a sewer system in a private house with your own hands.

Flaws:

• are afraid of ultraviolet radiation;
• mechanical strength and thermal resistance below the corresponding parameters of copper and steel pipes;
• cannot be used as grounding conductors;
• accumulate electrostatic charges;
• require periodic maintenance (when using compression fittings);
• When using compression connectors, it is unacceptable to place them in concrete screed, it is necessary to provide access to the connectors for their periodic tightening;

Compression fitting installation

Required tool:

• adjustable or open-end wrenches;

Photo: adjustable wrenches
Photo6 scissors for cutting metal-plastic pipes
Photo: pipe calibrator

Installation of compression fittings on metal-plastic pipes is carried out in the following order:

• the pipe is straightened in a section of 10 cm on both sides from the cutting site;
• the location of the cut is outlined;
• at the intended location the pipe is cut at a right angle;

Photo: cutting a metal-plastic pipe

• the cut end is sanded with sandpaper and given the correct round shape using a special scan (calibration);
• a fitting and a cut compression ring are put on the pipe;

Photo: installation

• the fitting is wetted in water and put on the pipe so that the end of the pipe evenly touches the fitting;
• The nut is tightened by hand until it stops in the fitting. It should spin easily. If the nut is tight, then it is not on the thread. You need to try to unscrew and re-tighten the nut;
• Take 2 adjustable or open-end wrenches. One holds the nut body, the other tightens the nut 2-3 turns;
• check the assembled system for leaks.

Photo: checking for leaks

Important! Do not use excessive force when tightening the fitting. If a leak appears at the connection point, you need to carefully tighten the fitting nut.

Video: installation using threaded (collet) fittings

Installation of a press fitting on a metal-plastic pipe

Necessary toolfor installation of press fitting:

• automatic or manual press jaws;

Photo: press jaws

• scissors for cutting metal-plastic pipes or a hacksaw;

Photo: fine sanding paper

• special development and calibration to give the pipe the correct rounded shape.

Installation of a press fitting on a pipe:

• the pipe is straightened within the cut area;
• the location of the incision is outlined;
• the pipe is cut with scissors or sawn with a hacksaw at a right angle;

Photo: cropping

• With inside The end of the cut pipe is chamfered and burred using a reamer and sandpaper;

Photo: cleaning

• using a special calibration tool, the ovality of the pipe that occurs during its cutting is eliminated;

Photo: calibration

• a special crimp coupling is put on the pipe;
• a special insulating gasket is placed on the fitting fitting to protect against electrical corrosion;

Photo: installation of a press fitting

• the fitting fitting is carefully inserted into the pipe and crimped with press pliers;

Photo: crimping

• when crimped correctly coupling two uniform rings should appear on the fitting;
• For some manufacturers, the coupling of the press fitting is initially permanently fixed to the fitting, so after preparing the pipe at the connection point, the pipe is immediately seated on the fitting.

The correct fit of the pipe on the fitting is controlled through the hole in the coupling and the coupling is crimped.

Important! It is allowed to crimp the connection only once using press pliers. Repeated crimping is strictly prohibited!

Video: installation using press fittings

Installation rules

When performing installation work, it is important to observe the following rules:

• Before installation, it is recommended to store pipes indoors, no closer than 1 meter to heating devices. Storage under a canopy is acceptable;
• conduct installation work at a temperature not lower than +10ºС;
• do not unload rolls of pipes by dropping them from a height;
• if metal-plastic pipes were transported at low temperatures, they must be kept indoors for 24 hours;
• open laying of metal-plastic pipes is permissible in places protected from mechanical and thermal influences, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• Before pipe laying work begins, all fire and welding work must be completed;
• When laying open metal-plastic pipes, their laying is allowed only after completion of all finishing works in room;
• When marking, it is unacceptable to use sharp objects;
• It is unacceptable to twist the pipes during installation or allow excessive bending;
• pipe bending can be done manually;

In this case, the bending radius should not exceed 5 pipe diameters. If you need a larger bend, you must use a special tool for bending metal-plastic pipes.

• Metal-plastic pipes are very flexible, so they must be secured. When laying open metal-plastic pipes, special fastening clips are used. When laying horizontally, pipes are fixed every 0.5 meters, and when laying vertically - every 1 meter;
• all pipeline fittings must be secured in such a way as to avoid transfer of load to the pipes;
• If it is necessary to pass a pipe through a wall or other structure, it is necessary to use special sleeves.

To save on bathroom renovation costs, install it yourself acrylic bathtub, using the video in the article: .

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What is the use of plastic in the sewerage system of a private house? sewer well with bottom, .

Application

The scope of application is very wide:

• hot and cold water supply systems;
• floor and wall installation without radiator heating(“warm floors” and “warm walls”);
• radiator heating systems, with a circulating coolant temperature not exceeding 95 degrees;
• irrigation systems;
• heating systems for outdoor areas;
• soil heating systems in greenhouses, greenhouses, greenhouses;
• piping of thermal curtains and water heaters at a circulating coolant temperature of no higher than 95 degrees;
• installation of fuel lines and pipelines industrial use for transportation of non-food and food liquids;

Installation of water supply

Metal-plastic pipes great option for installing a hot and cold system or in an apartment.

When choosing pipes for installing water supply systems, it is necessary to take into account the operating pressure of the system and temperature (when installing hot water supply systems).

Installation of a water supply system from metal-plastic pipes is carried out in the following order:

• is being developed circuit diagram water supply system, on the basis of which an installation diagram is drawn with the distribution of pipes in the room. It is recommended to design a water supply system with a minimum number of connectors;

Photo: installation of water supply from metal-plastic pipes

• By wiring diagram the required length is determined water pipes, the required number of fittings of various types;
• The installation diagram shows where the pipes will be secured. The required number of fasteners is calculated. Special clips (plastic locks) are used for fastening;
• determined by the type of fittings. If you plan to assemble a water supply system with your own hands and there is no opportunity to buy or rent press pliers for installing press fittings, then choose a compression fitting, for installation of which it is enough to have a pair of wrenches of the required size on hand;

Fittings are the weakest link in plumbing system, so you shouldn’t skimp on fittings and buy the cheapest models.

• The pipeline is installed according to the diagram (fastening clips are installed in the designated places, pipes are separated, fittings are mounted);
• During the installation process, metal-plastic pipes are bent. Bending of metal-plastic pipes is done manually or using a special spring, which is inserted inside the pipe;

Photo: bending of metal-plastic pipes

Important! During the bending process, it is necessary to observe the maximum permissible bending radii of metal-plastic pipes, exceeding which can lead to damage to the integrity of the pipe.

• After installation is completed, the system is tested for leaks, and any leaks identified are eliminated.

Installation of heating pipes

Today, metal-plastic pipes are increasingly used in installation various systems heating.

Installation hidden systems heating is carried out using exclusively press fittings.

During installation open systems For heating, it is permissible to use threaded connectors.

Photo: installation of metal-plastic pipes for heating

When installing heating systems, the following recommendations must be taken into account:

• Heating pipes should be fastened in increments of no more than 0.5 m. With a larger increment, the pipes may sag between the fasteners, which can impair the circulation of the coolant in the system;
• pipes must be designed for a temperature of 95º C and a working pressure of 6.6 atmospheres;
• When choosing pipes, you must pay attention to the availability of quality certificates.

Installation of heated floors

Metal-plastic pipes today are the most affordable and economical option installation of underfloor heating systems. They bend easily, hold their shape well, are easy to install and operate, and last a long time.

Photo: heated floor diagram

The installation of a heated floor system is carried out using press fittings, so to perform pressure testing of the system you need to find press pliers or invite specialists.

When installing a heated floor system, pipes are laid in a snake, meander or spiral. The total length of one loop should not exceed 100 meters.

Photo: laying heated floor pipes with a spiral and snake
Photo: spiral snake

At long length there will be ineffective heat transfer. When laying loops, ensure the distance between them.

Pipe consumption rate for installing heated floors: 7 linear meters on square meter premises.

Metal-plastic pipes – polymer products, widely used in the arrangement of plumbing communications. They are an excellent alternative to steel counterparts; they are superior to them in most respects performance characteristics, including cost and durability.

This article discusses the installation of metal-plastic pipes. You will learn what methods of connecting metal-polymer products exist, how to install them yourself and what tools are needed for this.

Contents of the article

Design Features

Metal-plastic pipes have a multilayer structure, which consists of 5 separate layers that perform different functional tasks:

• outer and inner layer of polyethylene;
• intermediate reinforcing layer of aluminum foil;
• shells made of aluminum and PE are connected by two layers of adhesive that is resistant to high temperatures.

For the manufacture of metal-plastic products, two types of polyethylene can be used - PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) and PE-RT (thermal stabilized polyethylene). These modifications of PE differ in manufacturing technology; in practice, the differences between them are that PEX is more resistant to deformation during long-term heating, which makes PEX pipes the preferred choice when installing underfloor heating and hot water supply systems.

The foil sheath lying between the inner and outer PE layer ensures zero vapor permeability of the pipes, which in turn minimizes corrosion problems heating devices(boilers, radiators) due to the penetration of oxygen into the coolant.

Metal-plastic pipes can be used in the following systems:

• cold and hot water supply;
• radiator heating;
• warm floor;
• pipelines for gas supply.

The operating temperature maximum for metal-plastic products is +90 degrees, they can withstand working medium pressure up to 20 mPa.

Metal-polymer pipes are produced in the diameter range of 16-53 mm. Products with a diameter of more than 40 mm are practically never found in household use, while segments up to 32 mm are most in demand. The cheapest and most commonly used are 16 and 20 mm metal-plastic pipes, the cost of which is minimal.

The wall thickness can be from 2 to 3.5 mm, the maximum bending radius is 80 mm (when bending manually) and 40 mm (using a pipe bender).

Advantages of metal-plastic pipes

The advantages of metal-plastic products that distinguish them from polymer analogues include:

1. Ideally smooth walls (roughness coefficient 0.006), which guarantees quiet water supply and no problems with passage even after long time operation.
2. Full resistance to corrosion and chemically aggressive substances.
3. High mechanical strength, resistance to bending and tensile loads, crack resistance.
4. Minimum weight low cost The pipes themselves and the connecting elements, the pipeline is extremely easy to install with your own hands.
5. The products bend easily and, due to the aluminum layer, perfectly hold the given shape.
6. Durability – product lifespan exceeds 50 years, and maintainability.
7. Aesthetic appearance - after installation, the pipeline does not need to be painted.

Among the disadvantages, we note the tendency of the material to linear expansion. To prevent problems associated with it, the installation of metal-plastic pipes must be carried out in compliance with a number of rules, namely:

• For fixation, you cannot use rigid fasteners, since when clamping an expanding line, the tension in the material increases greatly; sliding clips must be used;
• It is important to observe a step between clips of 40-60 cm, which does not allow the pipeline to sag between the fasteners.

In general, in terms of overall performance qualities, metal-plastic pipes are superior not only to metal ones, but also to most polymer analogues.

Do-it-yourself installation of metal-plastic pipes (video)

Installation of metal-plastic pipes

Installation of metal-polymer products is carried out using two types of fittings – compression (threaded) and press, high-temperature welding is not used to connect them, since only composite pipes can be properly soldered together.

The main advantage of fitting connections is extremely quick and easy installation, which does not require special skills. We also note that using fittings, metal-plastic pipes can be connected to other types, including steel, copper, etc.

Installation with compression fittings

The compression fitting allows, if necessary, to be dismantled, which is why its cost is higher than that of its press counterpart. The design of the compression fitting consists of three parts:

• fitting (metal or);
• ferrule ring;
• union nut.

To install this fitting, no special tool is required - the union nut of the fitting has a thread, which allows you to tighten it using a universal wrench or a spanner of appropriate sizes.

Compression fittings are available in a wide range of standard sizes; you can purchase angles, adapters, crosses, etc.

Note that compression fittings require periodic repair and maintenance, since due to the tendency of metal-plastic to linear expansion, leaks may appear at the junction of individual parts of the pipeline, which are eliminated by tightening the fitting. This places a limitation on the possibility hidden installation pipelines, which involve concreting pipes inside walls and floors.

To connect the segments using compression fittings you will need the following tools:

• (can be replaced with a hacksaw or grinder);
• fine-grained sandpaper, file;
• calibrator

Do-it-yourself installation of metal-plastic pipes is carried out according to the following instructions:

1. The pipe is straightened, measured and the required cut location is marked.
2. According to preliminary markings, the pipe is cut at a right angle.
3. Burrs are removed from the end part of the cut using a file or sandpaper, then the product is given a rounded shape using a calibrator;
4. A union nut and a ferrule ring are placed on the segment, which is placed at a distance of 1 cm from the cut.
5. The pipe is put on the fitting fitting, after which the union nut is tightened manually. When the nut slows down, it is pulled out 3-4 turns using open-end wrenches.

When tightening the fitting, it is important not to overdo it - after assembly and, if necessary, problematic connections are tightened.

Installation using press fittings

Press fittings provide a permanent connection that does not require repair or maintenance, which allows for hidden installation of pipelines. Such fittings can withstand a pressure of 10 bar, and their service life reaches 30 years.

To use press fittings, in addition to a pipe cutter, a calibrator and sandpaper, you will need press pliers. This is a tool used to compress the fitting sleeve around the pipe. The cost of press jaws varies between 1-3 thousand rubles; the tool is offered in the range of all companies that sell metal-polymer products.

Installation technology metal-plastic pipelines next:

1. The pipe is marked and cut at right angles into sections of the required length.
2. Using a reamer or sandpaper, the cut area is cleared of burrs.
3. The calibrator eliminates ovality that occurs during cutting.
4. The segment is inserted into the fitting all the way so that it is placed between the fitting and the crimp sleeve.
5. Using press pliers, the sleeve is pressed until the tool makes a characteristic click. If the compression is performed correctly, two rings of equal size are formed on the surface of the sleeve.

There are fittings in which the ferrule and fitting come separately. In this case, you will need to first put a sleeve on the pipe, then fix it on the fitting, move the sleeve to its extreme position and crimp it with pliers.