We change the water pipes in the apartment with our own hands. How to replace old water pipes with new ones How to glue pipes with cold welding

In houses built in the 60-70s, steel pipes are installed, the service life of which is 40-50 years. Most are already subject to replacement due to the expiration of the operational period.

• Resistance to corrosion, aggressive environments;
• High strength;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Smooth inner surface. This feature prevents the accumulation of dirt and grease deposits, which increases the service life without the need for regular maintenance.

Replacement water pipes in apartment buildings produced by public utilities, as a planned procedure. But most of the apartments have been privatized, sections of the pipeline up to the shut-off valve and risers are undergoing planned reconstruction. Inside the apartment, the wiring changes at the expense of the owner. Urgent replacement is required in the following cases:

• When the pipeline is worn out;
• When a leak occurs;
• With a critical pressure drop.

Plumbing and sewer pipes mounted inside the apartments after the dismantling of the old pipeline. The process is time-consuming, requiring professionalism, accuracy and time-consuming. At self-fulfillment encounter the following difficulties:

• When replacing water supply pipes, experience and the ability to use a special tool for installing systems from various materials is required;
• The replacement of sewer pipes should be carried out carefully, since it is almost impossible to disconnect the connection to the riser, minted with sulfur, without damaging the riser itself;
• Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to risk it - experienced plumbers will perform the work quickly and safely.

Sewerage installation - connection of individual sections of the pipeline with a seal in the form rubber gaskets. Bell liner drain pipes, connection of wash basins, toilet bowls, bathtubs;

Plumbing installation - open or hidden gasket pipeline using a press tool, soldering iron, scissors and a wall chaser.

Speaking about the replacement of water pipes, one cannot fail to note the need to install a water consumption meter. Installation of a water meter is carried out immediately after the filter and reducer, which stabilizes the pressure inside the pipeline.

If urgent replacement of sewer or water pipes is required, contact the SantekhService company. Our experts will carry out repairs promptly and provide a guarantee!

Having decided to replace metal water pipes with plastic ones, you invariably face a choice: what type of pipes to supply? Today the market offers a sufficient number of types of pipes from polymer materials: plastic (polypropylene, polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, etc.) and metal-plastic with a combined polyethylene-aluminum-polyethylene structure. Moreover, each of these types has its own varieties depending on the design, material and method of manufacture. However, it is possible to note the general properties inherent in all types of plastic pipes, both positive and negative.

General properties of plastic pipes

Meeting the main requirements for pipes - durability and reliability, pipes made of polymeric materials simultaneously combine other positive consumer qualities, such as:

• low cost compared to metal pipes;
• low formation rate limescale associated with this narrowing inner diameter pipes and the presence of a number of various microorganisms and bacteria;
• resistance to pollution and corrosion; low thermal conductivity;
• quick and easy assembly and disassembly.

The disadvantages of pipes made of polymeric materials include:

• certain restrictions on maximum temperature and water pressure when using them in heating and plumbing systems;
• the need to use different technologies for the installation of each type of pipe;
• combustibility of the material of plastic pipelines, which is especially important for high-rise buildings.

Thus, when replacing pipes with plastic ones, their advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, while each of listed species has its own specifics, features and individual properties.

Metal-polymer pipes

Having appeared on the construction market in the early 80s, metal-polymer pipes immediately began to be actively used in heating systems, internal cold and hot water supply. Since then, the technologies for the production of such pipes have improved significantly, which was determined by the following reasons: an increase in the market share of plastic systems; an increased need for innovation to increase sales; the possibility of blocking the penetration of oxygen into plastic heating systems.

The main advantage of multilayer metal-plastic pipes in heating and water supply systems is the combination of the advantages of plastic and metal pipes into one combined material that has good corrosion resistance and flexibility, combined with sufficient tensile strength.

XLPE pipes

Cross-linked polyethylene is one of the polymeric materials obtained by chemical cross-linking of high-density polyethylene molecules under conditions of high pressure and temperature. Pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene have good mechanical and physico-chemical properties, among the operational and installation advantages of such pipes can be noted: the possibility of using in radiator and floor heating, in hot and domestic drinking water supply; resistance to chemical compounds; high degree of resistance to mechanical stress; the ability to withstand several freeze-thaw cycles; low coefficient of thermal conductivity ensures slow cooling of the coolant in the system; flexibility of pipes, allowing them to be bent to the required angle by cold bending; molecular shape memory, allowing you to easily correct the wrong bend.

One of the main disadvantages when replacing pipes with plastic ones made of cross-linked polyethylene is the high diffusion (penetration) of oxygen, which leads to additional corrosion of the equipment, as well as the possibility of damage by rodents.

Polypropylene pipes

Polypropylene is a long-established and well-proven material for pipes of cold and hot water supply systems. The main advantage of polypropylene is the possibility of welding and, accordingly, the use of cheap connecting elements. At the same time, the product range is represented by the widest range of such elements.

Due to low cost and availability, exceptional simplicity and speed of installation, polypropylene pipes are especially popular when replacing pipes with plastic ones and occupy a significant market share.

Of course, when replacing pipes with plastic ones, in each specific situation, it is necessary to calculate the technical and economic feasibility of using one or another type of material. But in general, when comparing plastic pipes made of polypropylene, cross-linked polyethylene and metal-plastic according to the criteria of price / quality / availability, polypropylene pipelines will have an advantage.

Ways to connect plastic pipes with metal: analysis 2

Methods for connecting plastic pipes with metal pipes: analysis of 2 best practices

Features of mounting threaded fittings

Fittings are called adapters, on one side of which a thread is applied. It can be both external and internal. This part of the part is designed for fastening metal elements.

On the other side is a smooth sleeve for soldering plastic. Practice shows that with the help of fittings of various configurations it is convenient to perform turns and bends in the pipeline being installed.

You can't do without flexible hoses and plastic pipes if you want to have a modern stove and oven, washing machine and dishwasher in the kitchen. Moreover, it is necessary to arrange all the equipment in accordance with the design project, which may involve the most non-standard solutions. To carry out such a global alteration is possible only with the help of plastic pipes.

By their own performance characteristics plastic pipes significantly superior to metal, they are durable, convenient, easy to install. The whole difficulty in installing new plastic pipes lies in the dismantling of old metal pipes, welded for centuries and requiring the work of several people.

The undoubted advantage of plastic pipes is the ease of their delivery to the house or apartment. They are light weight and will easily fit in your personal car. If you are going to transport pipes longer than 2 meters on the roof of the trunk, then the only thing you will have to take care of is the comprehensive insurance for your car and reliable load securing.

Modern stores offer a wide range of plastic pipes, and you can easily choose the best option for the price and quality characteristics. Coping with the calculation of the cost of buying pipes on your own is not easy, so it is better to consult with a specialist.

It is better to buy pipes on your own, according to the list that the plumber will make. If you looked into the hull calculator in time and took out a good car insurance, then you can deliver the pipes to your home on your own. This will save up to 20-30% of the cost of do-it-yourself plastic pipe repair. But it’s not worth doing the installation of pipes yourself, since this is a laborious and complex process, it can be difficult even for an experienced plumber to cope with the removal of old metal pipes.

After the pipe replacement work is completed, you can proceed to the next stages of repair. You can bring to life any design project for a kitchen or bathroom.

Pipe replacement: plastic or metal

Man has always strived for the best, and everyday problems are no exception. Plastic pipelines help to make life more comfortable. Today, plastic pipes are used in construction various types that outperform concrete and hardware. Until recently, the production of HDPE plastic pipes was on the same level as metal pipes, but in recent years the use of plastic pipes has tripled, and this trend is typical for all European countries.

Why are plastic pipes attractive to the average consumer? Several indicators:

– an average of 50 years.

Fire safety - low flammability of plastic.

Protection against moisture and dirt - anti-corrosion properties.

light weight– ease of transportation and installation.

Economic cost.

Retail availability.

Connection methods

The process of replacing metal pipes with plastic ones is quite simple and easy to replace a video outlet. You can replace pipes without the help of professionals, on your own. When installing plastic pipes, several types of connections and fasteners can be used: fittings, couplings, ball valves, tees, crosses, etc. All accessories for plastic pipelines are available and freely sold in stores and construction markets. Depending on the diameter of the pipe, the type of plastic and the purpose of the design are selected various ways installation. For example, the welding method is not suitable for metal-plastic pipelines; in this case, brass fittings are used. The assembly of polyethylene structures is carried out by welding, as well as using compression fittings. Sewer systems are mounted using parts using the mechanical assembly method.

Pipeline systems of HDPE pipes for water supply are connected by the butt method or the socket welding method for better sealing. When assembling pressurized water supply systems, chrome-plated brass fittings can be used to transfer pipes of various diameters, as well as from the inner pipe to the outer one. Brass fittings are also used to connect heating and gas equipment: boilers, radiators, boilers, geysers. For socket welding, an additional connecting piece is required - polymer fitting. To connect a plastic product and a metal fragment, plastic parts with an internal metal thread are used. Welding will require special devices that are convenient to use at home, for example, for repairing a bathroom, due to their compact dimensions and ease of operation.

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Specialists - Krasnodar Vodokanal - are replacing metal pipes with plastic ones

Specialists of Krasnodar Vodokanal are replacing metal pipes with plastic ones

Specialists of Krasnodar Vodokanal LLC (part of the Rosvodokanal group of companies) are carrying out measures to replace water pipes. The work was carried out on Krasnoarmeiskaya Street: here, 80 meters of metal water supply networks, built in 1954, were replaced with plastic ones within two days. As a result, the quality of water supply to a residential building and a medical center has improved.

Plastic pipes have a longer service life than metal pipes, they are much better in quality, and their installation requires much less time than the construction of steel conduits, said Stanislav Geraskov, head of the water supply department of the enterprise, quoted by the press service of Krasnodar Vodokanal LLC .

He added that the replacement of water supply networks is provided for by the production program of the enterprise. According to the action plan for this year, work to replace water conduits will be carried out at several dozen addresses, in particular, along Studencheskaya, Sadovaya, Promyshlennaya, Krasnoarmeyskaya, Aivazovsky, Komsomolskaya, Budyonny, Oktyabrskaya and others.

Replacing steel pipes with plastic ones

Those who live in apartments built in the last century have repeatedly encountered problems associated with water supply and sewerage: at the most inopportune moment (although what moment in this case can be appropriate?), the pipes began to flow, clogged, and the owners had already time to turn to a plumber for help. Not much time passed, and everything repeated again. Familiar situation? main reason in the fact that earlier all multi-storey buildings were put into operation with steel pipes replacement of plastic sewer pipes. At that time, these were the most popular and, as it was then considered, reliable designs. But the owners of square meters in modern new buildings, fortunately, do not experience such problems. This is because steel pipes that are susceptible to corrosion have been replaced by products from more modern materials that easily withstand any negative influences both aggressive external environment, and not always high-quality water.

Today, experts strongly recommend abandoning steel pipes and replacing them with plastic ones. Let us consider in more detail what advantages plastic pipes have. why are they preferred plumbing? First of all, such pipes are produced in various options so there are plenty to choose from. At the request of the customer, it is possible to install products made of metal-plastic or polypropylene. In addition, manufacturers offer sewer pipes, which are much stronger than other analogues. Plastic pipes are lightweight and easy to install. Since their advantages include increased wear resistance, such pipes almost do not require replacement.

In order to determine the degree of strength of water pipes, experts use the MRS coefficient, which has indicators of 6.3, 8 and 10. It is the figure 10 that corresponds to the parameters polyethylene pipes PE 100. Their main advantages are that such pipes are much lighter than steel pipes, they can easily withstand temperature fluctuations within -50 + 60 C and can last about 50 years. Such a long period is possible due to the fact that plastic pipes are anti-corrosion and do not accumulate condensate, which allows them to be used in conditions with high humidity bearing replacement washing machine indesit. Pipes with firmness maintain any stream of water, even the strongest. Long-term tests have proven that PE 100 and PE 80 structures do not interact with aggressive environment, they are not afraid of stray currents.

Plumbing is the most important component of housing, without which such concepts as comfort and modernity disappear. Over time, the existing plumbing in a house or apartment requires not only repair, but also replacement. Replacing water pipes with new ones is carried out in order to eliminate drips, increase pressure in the system, and also get rid of the unpleasant hum and color of water. Replacing the plumbing does not require knowledge of hydraulics, but they will not be superfluous if you are going to perform such types of work. To change pipes, you need to know the instructions, as well as stock up necessary materials and tools.

Pipe replacement: why such work is carried out

Replacing water pipes in apartments is an obligatory phenomenon that must be carried out without fail in order to improve the quality of water. Steel pipes that were installed during the construction of multi-storey buildings become obsolete over time. In their internal cavity, plaque and blockages form, which contribute to the deterioration of water quality. Blockages and plaque reduce the diameter of water pipes, so over time, a phenomenon such as a decrease in water pressure can be observed.

Steel pipes have long faded into the background, as they were replaced by plastic products. Installation of plastic pipes to replace steel pipes is The best decision which will provide you with the following benefits:

• ease of installation of water supply in a house or apartment;
• no clogging in the internal cavity of the plastic, since this material does not come into contact with water;
• durability, since after construction plastic plumbing, you can forget about water problems for the next 50-70 years.

Which plastic pipes to choose to replace the plumbing

You can replace the pipeline in an apartment or house with plastic pipes made of such materials: polypropylene, metal-plastic, and polyethylene. When choosing a material, it is important to consider not only their characteristics, but also the cost. The most expensive option is to use a metal-plastic pipeline, since the cost of one meter of a product with a diameter of 100 mm is about 1.5 thousand rubles. This cost is due to the design of the product. Polypropylene and polyethylene pipes are 2 times cheaper, so in most cases, the owners opt for polypropylene.

When calculating the cost of the pipe, you must also take into account the price of the connecting elements. These are elements such as fittings, fasteners, adapters.

The choice of pipes and the method of their installation

Before you install the pipeline in the apartment with your own hands, you need to decide on the material. This is necessary in order to select the necessary connecting elements, as well as choose the installation method.

From the analysis it is clear that the best option for plumbing is polypropylene pipes.

When the best material option is chosen for the installation of a water supply system, you need to figure out the method of connecting pipes. For polypropylene, the solder connection method is used. To carry out work with a soldering iron, it is not necessary to buy it, as you can borrow it from familiar craftsmen.

The soldering method is based on the connection of two polypropylene products using special plastic fittings or couplings. The principle of connection or soldering is based on heating the outer and internal parts products, after which they are joined.

How to change pipes in an apartment: step by step instructions

Initially, work begins with shutting off the inlet valve for supplying water to an apartment or house. Only after closing the inlet valve, it is possible to carry out the process of dismantling the steel pipeline. Usually, a grinder is used for this, which cuts the pipeline into pieces.

When sawing the pipeline with a grinder, it is necessary to drain the remaining water in the system to avoid it getting on the tool.

After the dismantling of the old pipeline is completed, you can proceed to replace it with a new one:

All the difficulties that may arise when installing a water supply system in a plastic apartment are connecting the correct fittings at the forks. To do this, it is recommended to initially sketch out the wiring diagram, and already work on it.

As you can see, replacing water pipes in an apartment or house is not a big deal. If you need to replace the sewer in the apartment, then it's even easier here. For sewerage, polypropylene pipes of a socket connection are used. To connect them, you do not need a soldering iron, but only hands and fittings. If you have been putting off the process of replacing the water supply or sewerage in the apartment for a long time, then it's time to do the work yourself.

Plumbing is one of the most important components of a home, but did you know that it needs to be changed over time? It is easy to change the plumbing in an apartment or a private house on your own, with instructions, a set of plumbing tools and a bright head at hand.

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In recent years, there has been a great demand for European-style renovation in the country - covering the apartment with plasterboard, the massive use of plastic and many other miracles of progress. But at the same time, they are increasingly forgetting about the water supply, and in fact in old houses there are often (overgrown with rust and plaque) still Soviet pipes.

Why you need to change old water pipes

In addition to pure H2O, a huge amount of impurities pass through the water supply every second, which tend to settle on the inner surface of the pipes. Over time, the lines become clogged with particles of oxidized metal, which leads to corrosion. Besides appearance old Soviet metal pipes are not at all in harmony with modern interior apartments. Sooner or later, but almost all owners of old apartments come up with one simple thought - pipes need to be changed.

The cost of replacing water pipes with plastic ones

At the moment, the most popular pipes are made of polypropylene, metal-plastic (the so-called "reinforced pipes"), or polyethylene. The price for them differs not only depending on the material, but also depending on the region of residence.

So, the price per meter of a propylene pipe with a diameter of 100 mm will be 500-600 rubles, a reinforced pipe with the same characteristics will cost 1300-1600, and the cost of a polyethylene pipe will be in the region of 300-500 rubles.

To determine the price of a new water supply, take a diagram, calculate the total length of the pipes, add 15% - just in case, add the cost of fittings and fasteners and ... voila - you will have the cost of all elements and installation of the main in your hands.

Benefits of plastic plumbing

Firstly, plastic does not rust, which makes it much more durable and safer than metal plumbing Soviet times.

Secondly, it does not have a fragile internal coating, which again prolongs its service life and keeps the water clean even after a couple of decades of operation.

Thirdly, it is more reliable, as it is easy to solder and resistant to temperature extremes. So, if you do not know what to choose - metal or plastic - feel free to buy a polymer.

The frequency of replacing water pipes

There is no unequivocal answer to this question, but the result of a statistical survey was obtained “once in 30-40 years if it is plastic and once in 20 years if it is metal”. Due to the high wear rate of the latter, the water supply system becomes unusable faster. On the other hand, if the pipes are outwardly in good condition, and the pressure and purity of the water in them correspond to your understanding of the norm, you can postpone the replacement.

As the saying goes, "don't break what still works." But if troubles appeared ahead of time- it needs to be changed, and rather urgently, since problems with pipes can have disastrous consequences. In addition, it is recommended to immediately change the entire system - simply because the method of joining plastic with metal is still not as reliable as joining two identical materials that can be securely fixed in many different ways.

Decide on the choice of material

Before you plunge into the work, decide on some questions. And the first of them is what kind of material to use in the apartment. The three most popular options have already been presented, so now let's look at their pros and cons.

Polypropylene plumbing

Until recently, polypropylene pipes were the absolute champion in the choice of material for plumbing. They are almost not subject to wear, are relatively easy to install, do not conduct electricity, are thermally stable, and reliable. But there are also disadvantages - for example, the connections cannot be disconnected, since the only truly reliable method of connecting one pipe to another is welding, and the only way fix bad soldering - pipe cutter.

Metal-plastic and reinforced pipes

More old version, originally from the 90s. It was then that the country was hit by a plastic boom and reinforced polymer was almost everywhere, including plumbing. On the other hand, since polypropylene simply did not exist then, metal-plastic really was the best option, especially in comparison with galvanized (or even non-galvanized) Soviet steel pipes. Metal-plastic holds physical impacts well, wears out little and looks great, but it also has disadvantages - it is much more expensive than its competitors and is extremely negative about temperature changes, which is why it starts to flow after 2-3 seasons. On the other hand, it is even easier to install than polypropylene, so if you are doing plumbing in a country house or other place where there is no electricity for welding yet, metal-plastic will be the best choice.

HDPE pipes (polyethylene)

A relative newcomer to the market, so it will be difficult to say exactly how good they are, but in theory everything looks just fine - polyethylene pipes are not only strong, but also flexible, which allows them to be used even where a construction made of polypropylene or metal-plastic would be too bulky. In addition, they can freely change geometry, which provides high level protection from physical impact. On the other hand, heat resistance raises some doubts, but for water pipes this is still not so important, especially considering that the price of these pipes is lower than that of polypropylene analogues. Alas, they also share a minus with polypropylene - the only truly durable connection method is welding.

Choosing a mounting method

There are two ways of normal installation of plastic pipes - welding and press fitting. Welding is divided into two types - cold (using epoxy glue) and hot (with a welding machine).

cold method

Cold welding is not only a method, but also the name of the main consumable when using it. These days, almost every hardware store sells a fast-curing, reliable adhesive that allows you to tightly connect plastic pipes together. This method is more resource-intensive than hot welding, but does not require an expensive welding machine. It will also take a little more time - the glue needs to harden, and money, since the material, although inexpensive, needs a lot of it.

On the other hand, it prevents the appearance of sagging inside the pipes, which increases their normal service life. We recommend using this method, as durability and reliability are more important than immediate savings in time and money.

Welding

The classic method of joining pipes, not only plastic, but also metal. Requires a powerful power source, as well as a set of equipment - a welding machine, a protective mask, etc. This method is faster than cold welding and traditionally considered more reliable. But, as studies show, cold welding is not inferior to hot welding in terms of speed and reliability. On the other hand, improper use of hot welding can lead to the formation of sagging on the pipes, which is guaranteed to lead to clogging of the pipes in the next few years.

Press fittings

Another option for connecting pipes, this time - purely mechanical. This method is characterized by the use of fittings made of plastic material, which, after installing pipes in them, are pressed with force by a special press machine. This leads to their deformation and fixation of the joints. The result is a strong connection.

Do-it-yourself plumbing installation in an apartment

Preparing for plumbing installation

Dismantling old pipes and installing new ones is easy, so you can do it all yourself. It is better to do the work with at least one assistant. What to do first:

1. Locate the inlet valve and close. Make sure you wrap it up completely - even if the remaining trickle is as thick as a match, a lot of water can leak out. Be careful not to break the valve.
2. Disconnect all plumbing fixtures. Do not forget about the heating boiler, if any, as well as washing and dishwasher.
3. Dismantle old pipes. If they are steel or cast iron, wear goggles and a respirator. Cast iron tends to crumble, which makes it easy to break, but small particles can get into the eyes or windpipe. Cover your ears, wear thick gloves.
4. Cut the pipes according to the diagram. This is done with a pipe cutter, regardless of the type and material of the pipes. You can try an ordinary grinder, but the cut should be perfectly even. When cutting, consider the depth - that is, add half the depth of the fitting to each end of the pipe that will enter it.
5. Align the pipes with a gauge. This will eliminate the ovality and make them round.
6. Clean the pipes of any contaminants, and also remove bumps at the ends, if any, remain after the pipe cutter has been used.

Then everything depends on the chosen method of fastening. If hot welding - warm up the welding machine, if the press fitting - prepare the press machine and the fittings themselves, if cold welding - no preparation is required, unless you forgot to buy glue.

How to glue pipes with cold welding

The simplest option, requiring only high accuracy in the execution of instructions:

1. Chamfer the end of the pipe. The angle is 15 degrees. The tool is a beveler, bought at any hardware store. The procedure is quite complicated, since barbs must be avoided as much as possible. In general, we advise you to practice first and start installing pipes only after you are completely confident in your abilities.
2. Clean the fitting sockets of dirt, dust and moisture manually or using a special CPVC cleaner. Better than the last - it's more reliable.
3. Apply glue with a brush, manually, carefully. As tightly as possible on the surface of the pipe, and on inner surface bell. In this case, it is better to spend more glue than you need than to think about how to patch the current connection.
4. Insert the pipe into the socket. Do it as soon as possible, ideally immediately after applying the glue.
5. Rotate the pipe 90 degrees around the fitting. Or vice versa - rotate the fitting relative to the pipe. This is done in order to distribute the glue as evenly as possible.
6. Hold the pipe and fitting together for 20-30 seconds. Need absolute fixation, scrolling or changing the depth of the pipe entering the fitting - not recommended.
7. Check for an even layer of adhesive around the circumference. After the fixing period has ended, inspect the pipe from all sides and make sure that excess adhesive has come out of the fitting. If there is too much, remove with a soft cloth.
8. Continue installing other pipes, but remember that it will take a long time before the final solidification of the glue.

We connect pipes with hot welding

Hot welding can be different - polyethylene pipes can also be welded by the butt method, but polypropylene will have to be processed with a socket. And there is also electrofusion, which will also have to be taken into account. So first decide on the method that you will use, and then proceed to the appropriate procedures.

Yulia Petrichenko, expert

Butt method

Due to the high flexibility and ductility of polyethylene pipes, they are welded directly without the use of fittings. For this you need:

1. Center the pipes.
2. Make sure they are as close to each other as possible. This is important because reflow cannot correct really large defects (greater than 1/5 of the pipe wall thickness).
3. Separate them again and insert a heated heating element between them. Then press them against him again.
4. Wait until the ends melt - you will know this by the amount of burr squeezed out under the influence of mechanical pressure. The height of the burr must be indicated on the welding table that came with the pipe or with the welding machine.
5. When the ends have melted, release the pressing force and wait for the deep heating of the ends. This takes the time indicated in the welding table.
6. Now remove the heating element and firmly press the ends of the pipes together for a while, gradually increasing the pressure. This must be done as quickly as possible. The phase is relatively short and should never be exceeded, so it would be better to interrupt the “settlement of the seam” procedure a little earlier than ruin the whole work from excess diligence.
7. Maintain the compression force of the pipes for some more time, but just do not increase it! This will help the pipes not "play" back during the cooling.

Socket welding

This process requires the use of fittings. Ideal for polypropylene pipes. It is carried out with a welding machine according to the appropriate instructions, but since we work “with our own hands”, we will show the installation using an ordinary blowtorch with a special nozzle consisting of a mandrel and a sleeve.

1. Warm up the welding machine to the desired temperature.
2. Put the fitting on the mandrel (this will require effort), and insert the pipe into the sleeve. This must be done as quickly as possible.
3. In the process of heating, increase the pressing force of the pipes to the mandrel and the coupling. This must be done until they are completely inserted into the nozzle for welding. After that, stop the pressure.
4. When the parts are hot enough, quickly remove them from the nozzle and press them together. After that, you get a one-piece construction of two parts.
5. Weld a plug or the next pipe into the other end of the fitting.

Electrofusion welding

This type of welding is used in the installation of gas pipelines, as it is expensive, but reliable. If you want "only the best", you can use it when installing the plumbing. It will require a special electrical fitting - a polyethylene fitting with a built-in heating element. The method is only suitable for round polypropylene pipes.

1. Prepare the welding machine.
2. Degrease and clean the contact surfaces of the pipe and fitting.
3. Put a mark on the pipe, indicating the boundary of its entry into the fitting.
4. Firmly fix the pipe and fitting. The fitting can push it out due to thermal expansion, and your task is to prevent this.
5. Connect the welding machine to the fitting and press the "Start" button on it. It will turn off automatically.
6. Leave the parts and fitting alone for at least an hour. Before the expiration of this time, the connection cannot be used!

Press fittings

A press fitting is used in cases where the pipe does not tolerate welding well and is the main method of fastening metal-plastic pipes, although polypropylene can also be fastened this way. This is the simplest method of all listed, but the least reliable.

1. Slide the compression fitting onto the pipe.
2. Insert the fitting with o-rings into the pipe.
3. Crimp the coupling with special press tongs. It is advisable to use electric tongs, as they provide more force and high reliability.

Using the selected technology, replace all water pipes with new ones. The sewerage system is installed in much the same way (this is shown in more detail in the video below), and preferably at the same time as the water supply, so as not to stop the riser again later. It is very important to do everything according to the scheme, but even after the end of the process, do not rush to turn on the water. First you need to test the system with a pressure pump.

Video lesson: Replacing water pipes with plastic ones

Pipe pressure testing

Pressure testing of pipes is an increase in pressure in one of the sections of the network in order to identify leaks or structural weaknesses in it. This is done using a special pressure test pump.

1. Hermetically cut off the pipe section from the rest of the network. This is done either by elevator valves or pneumatic plugs.
2. Connect a pipe pressure pump to the site and pump cold water into the site.
3. Give the pipe a pressure that exceeds the standard by 10-20%. For heating, plumbing and sewerage, this is 6-8 kgf / m2.

If the site passes the test, move on to the next one. If not, think about how to replace it or at least strengthen it.

TOP-5 mistakes when installing a plastic water pipe

In this section, we have collected the most offensive and popular mistakes when installing plastic pipes.

1. Incorrectly marked boundary of the pipe entry into the electrical fitting. It will force you to lose one fitting and two pipes, but in general - nothing fatal.
2. Too much butt welding force. Again, there are two pipes in the list of losses, but you lost them not because of inattention, but because of your own diligence.
3. Loose bevels in cold welding. The result will be a fragile connection that will only hold on to the glue.
4. Uncleaned pipes from dust and grease during welding. The result is a fragile connection that will simply crumble after a few years.
5. Incorrectly measured fitting size before pipe cutting. Forced to spoil all the material. There is no solution, and the process itself is characterized by large financial and time losses, for which this error gets the first place. As the saying goes: "Measure seven times, cut once."

Expertise - sewerage, water supply

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Do-it-yourself replacement of water pipes in an apartment with plastic ones: cost, video instruction - print version