Plastic pipes for technical water. Plastic pipes: material of manufacture, marking, types of pipes for different applications

Various materials may be used. Today, plastic pipes for plumbing are quite popular, the sizes and prices of which can vary in a fairly wide range. It can be difficult to make a choice in favor of a particular product. We offer you to get acquainted with the features of plastic fittings, its cost and recommended area of use.

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Normative and technical documents

Pipes used for plumbing must meet certain regulatory requirements. GOST 25151-82 establishes general requirements for a water supply system. Hygienic requirements for drinking water and the procedure for passing control are regulated by GOST 2874-82. Polyethylene products are manufactured in accordance with the requirements of GOST 18599-2001, PVC products - GOST R 51613-2000. There are other regulatory and technical documents that determine the procedure for installing a water supply system and presenting certain requirements for the installation work. The parameters of non-pressure devices are regulated by building codes.

Main characteristics

When choosing products for plumbing, you should focus on their characteristics. The parameters of purchased products depend on the installation location. We offer you to get acquainted with the characteristics that should be taken into account when buying materials for plumbing.

Diameters of plastic pipes for water supply and other overall dimensions

In accordance with the regulatory requirements for plastic pipes, 34 standard sizes have been established in the range of 10–1600 mm. Non-pressure products with a diameter of 50–110 mm and a length of up to 8 m are most widely used. The wall thickness is usually 3.2 mm. For pressure structures, the diameter can be 63–315 mm.

The main overall dimensions of plastic products for water pipes include:

Inner diameter.
Nominal diameter.
Wall thickness.
Length.

When choosing transverse dimensions, the installation location is taken into account. For an external system, products with a diameter of 32–100 mm are selected. For the inside, you can purchase material with a smaller cross section. For vertical risers, a diameter of 32 mm is sufficient; for horizontal segments, plastic pipes for water supply with a diameter of 16 or 25 mm can be purchased.

Weighted

The weight of a linear meter depends on the characteristics of the material used and the linear dimensions of the pipe itself. On average, a linear meter of a product with a diameter of 16 mm weighs about 100 g, a meter with a diameter of 25 mm weighs a little more than 200 g.

Advice! To find out the approximate weight in kg, you should find the volume (in m³) and multiply the resulting value by 950.

Strength

For water pipes operating under, the strength characteristics of the plastic used have a fundamental pressure. The products used must withstand the pressure created inside the plumbing system, as well as the external pressure created by the ground.

Attention! For plastic pipes with high strength characteristics, the price will be higher.

Temperature

The maximum operating temperature is determined by the characteristics of the material from which the water pipe is made. If for polyethylene it is only + 45 ° С, then for cermets it reaches + 95 ° С.

Advantages and disadvantages

Plastic pipes for water have a number of undeniable advantages:

long service life;
low noise level;
light weight. Plastic pipes are easier to install and easier to transport;
the absence of corrosion processes characteristic;
sufficient strength properties. Quality products can be used for plumbing, operating under a sufficiently high;
resistance to a number of aggressive substances;
absence of deposits on the inner surface;
low thermal conductivity;
environmental Safety. Plastic products have no harmful effects on human health or the environment;
the possibility of forming a water pipe of the desired configuration due to a wide range of fittings and fittings

The disadvantages include:

the complexity of the installation work due to the need to use special fittings;
maximum temperature limit that must not be violated;
different requirements for the installation of pipes made of different materials.

Applications

Plastic pipes have a wide range of applications. They are used not only for plumbing, but also for other systems. We offer you to get acquainted with the main area of \u200b\u200buse of such products and their distinctive features.

Water pipes

The molded structure has a long service life. Various materials can be used for its manufacture, depending on the purpose and place of work. For domestic purposes, mainly polyethylene, polypropylene are purchased. In industrial enterprises for collective use, products made of polyvinyl chloride are used. The features of the listed materials and the recommended area of \u200b\u200buse are discussed below.

Sewerage

For the device, pipes made of PP, PVC, PE can be used. Standardized dimensions make it possible to use various plastic sewer pipes. The dimensions and prices of such products are closely related: the larger the transverse dimensions, the higher the throughput and cost.

The choice in favor of plastic pipes is made due to:

resistance to aggressive environment;
optimal strength characteristics. They are able to maintain their integrity at a meter depth;
low roughness, which reduces the likelihood of blockages and sediment on the inner surface;
light weight;
availability;
simple installation.

Plastic pipes for heating

The choice in favor of a plastic contour for is made due to:

Before purchasing plastic, you should decide on the optimal diameter and type of system. The throughput of the system and the level of heat loss will depend on this. If the bandwidth is sufficient, it will be possible to abandon the branched system. When installing a heating circuit with, plastic pipes with smaller transverse dimensions are selected: 8–10 mm. For systems with natural circulation, products with a large cross section will be required.

Related article:

Advantages and disadvantages of polypropylene, market overview and pipe selection criteria, the basics of designing a heating system - read in our publication.

Types of pipes for water supply

For the manufacture of long products, materials with different characteristics are used. We offer you to get acquainted with the existing types of pipes for water supply and their features, so that it is easier to choose the material for your water supply.

Polyvinyl chloride PVC pipes for water supply

Products made of polyvinyl chloride have sufficient strength and are able to withstand exposure to low temperatures. PVC pipes for water have a number of undeniable advantages:

are not afraid of external negative factors and chemicals;
allow you to form a water supply system of any configuration due to the availability of a large assortment of fittings;
long service life;
low thermal conductivity.

Thanks to the formation of a tight connection, it is possible to use PVC pipes for water supply, arranged on floating ground.

Polypropylene pipes for water supply

Products from differ in resistance to influence of active chemicals. They install fairly quickly. Installation work can be done by hand. Eco-friendly. They have a long service life.

High rigidity for plumbing forces the use of a lot of rotary when installing the system. Under the influence of high temperature, they undergo significant deformation. To avoid negative consequences, thermal compensators are provided.

Manufacturers offer products of three types:

PN 10- for the installation of a cold water supply system and;
PN 20− for hot water supply. Universal products that allow heating up to +80°С;
PN 25 with a maximum operating temperature of +95°C.

To increase the strength characteristics and stabilize the parameters, PN 25 are reinforced with fiberglass or aluminum foil. The reinforcing layer may be formed internally or externally.

Metal polymers

Metal-plastic products consist of three layers: PE-X polyethylene, a thin layer of aluminum and another layer of PE-X polyethylene. Plastic with a metal layer is connected using a special adhesive composition. The polymer which is a part of material gives them sufficient flexibility and smoothness. The aluminum layer provides sufficient strength and reduces the amount of thermal expansion when heated. Metal polymers are able to withstand heating up to +95°C. They are light in weight. Not afraid of aggressive environments. Water moving through the water supply creates a minimum of noise.

The disadvantages of the metal polymer should include:

combustibility;
low resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
high probability of delamination of the product;
limited choice of sizes;
low impact resistance.

To connect the elements of the water supply to each other, compression or press fittings are used, which are characterized by a high cost.

Low pressure polyethylene HDPE

There are two types: for technical and drinking water. Due to their good elasticity, they are sold in coils, which can significantly reduce the number of plastic fittings used. Retains characteristics when cooled down to -50°С. Has a long service life.

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“HDPE pipes are not suitable for hot water systems, as their operating temperature should not exceed +45 ° C.”

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)

The processing of polyethylene under high pressure allows you to qualitatively change the structure of the material. The resulting spatial structure endows plastic pipes with improved mechanical properties. Products made of cross-linked polyethylene are distinguished by high strength characteristics and are able to withstand high temperatures (up to +95°C). They can be used for hot and cold water supply systems. When installing a water supply system, compression fittings are used.

Which pipes are best for plumbing

Plastic products are gradually being replaced by other materials. When deciding which pipes for plumbing are better, you should take into account the functional features of the system being installed. Polypropylene products are suitable for hot water supply. XLPE pipes have similar functions, however, its price for the same size will be much higher. Metal-plastic products are superior in performance, but their price will be even higher.

Locksmith for the operation of water supply and sanitation systems of OOO GK Spetsstroy

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“If there are a lot of turns and bends, you should stop buying small plastic pipes. This will avoid problems with pressure and flow."

When installing plumbing communications outside the house, you should immediately take care of. The performance of the water supply system will depend on the quality of thermal insulation work. Thermal insulation materials are selected taking into account the location of the house and the depth of the water supply.

Do-it-yourself installation of plastic pipes for plumbing

When starting the installation of plastic pipes for plumbing with your own hands, you should carefully read the order of work. The sequence of actions depends on the type of material used. The connection of polypropylene pipes is performed as follows:

Illustration	Action Description
	The material of the desired size and special is being prepared. We heat the equipment to operating temperature.
	We heat the joined parts for 15 seconds. Do not rotate while heating.
	We connect the fragments with each other, providing the required spatial position.

Installation of PVC pipes can be carried out using several technologies:

by cold welding, in which it is necessary to use a special chemical composition;
through the use of special fittings if you have to connect fragments made of different materials to each other;
in a grooved way. This method is relevant for sewerage.

How to thaw a plastic water pipe in the ground

If the level of insulation is insufficient, the water supply system may freeze in winter. If this happens, you need to know how to warm the plastic water pipe in the ground so as not to cause damage to it. You can do this in the following way:

disconnect the plastic pipe from;
heat up a large volume of water;
insert a hose of smaller diameter inside the pipeline. Its length must be sufficient to reach the ice plug;
we supply heated water from the tank inside the hose. The process can be accelerated by using an injection;
we move the hose inside the water supply as the ice melts.

Instead of a hot pipe, you can use the heat generated during the passage of electricity through the conductor. However, this method requires certain knowledge and careful observance of safety precautions.

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When arranging any water supply, whether it is a common branch in a panel house or a complex scheme with a pumping station of a private house, questions arise: what is better, metal or plastic pipes for water supply, sizes and prices for the required materials, do they correspond to your capabilities, whether to hire specialists or manage on your own. If you mount a metal system, how to deliver bulky and heavy materials? In this article, you can find the answer to an important question, which pipes to choose for plumbing in an apartment or private house. Let's start our analysis!

The modern market offers a wide variety of both the pipes themselves and various fittings.

In the domestic market since the 90s of the twentieth century, there has been a rise in the popularity of plastic pipes for plumbing. The size and price of this material allow them to compete with metal pipes.

They have many varieties:

PVC products;

HDPE pipes;

Cross-linked polyethylene (LDPE - high pressure polyethylene). A subspecies of HDPE adapted for hot water supply;

metal-plastic products;

Positive and negative characteristics of each type

In essence, all types of plastic pipes have similar positive qualities, such as:

Unlike metal products, plastic ones are not subject to oxidation and rust;
When assembling the heating system, it is possible to use both polypropylene, cross-linked plastic, and metal-plastic (HDPE is not used);
Variety of products. Any diameter of plastic pipes for water supply is produced;
Frost resistance. PVC, cross-linked polyethylene and HDPE are able to withstand temperatures down to -10 o C, even when filled with water, due to their plasticity. That is, sudden frosts will not destroy your summer plumbing. The metal-layer does not have frost resistance, even the slightest freezing leads to cracking ;
Light weight. Of course, there is a difference, but in comparison with metal opponents, it is not at all significant. You can easily deliver 100 meters of any plastic pipe by car;
Availability. Present in almost any hardware store;
Antistatic. Do not conduct electricity.
Lifetime. In the absence of mechanical damage and subject to proper installation, all plastic products can last at least 40-50 years;
hydraulic resistance. All species cope with water hammer in their own way;
If you have a tool and basic skills, it is possible to mount plastic pipes for plumbing with your own hands (with the exception of complex schemes).

Note! It is worth noting that the tool for pressing docking has a rather impressive price.

Related article:

Cable for heating a water pipe. Owners of private houses with an individual water supply system in the winter are faced with the problem of freezing pipeline sections. To avoid it, you can mount a cable for heating. How to choose it correctly, read the article.

Characteristics of PVC pipes for water supply: sizes and prices

There are two main abbreviations: PVC and UPVC. In essence, they are the same material - polyvinyl chloride. The letter "H" means - not plasticity. That is, the base is the same, but when plasticizers are added, the product acquires the property of plasticity. People call them polypropylene pipes.

Positive characteristics:

Affordable price;
Simple way of connection and installation;
Operating pressure 6 - 16 bar.

Negative sides:

UV intolerance. The structure in direct sunlight is destroyed, the material becomes brittle. Cracks under mechanical stress. In the case of installing a garden water supply, the pipeline is either buried in the ground or covered with protective materials;

Connection points are unstable. When using low-quality equipment or, in case of inexperience of the master, pipe joints are reduced in inner diameter. That is, if the installer overheats the material, the throughput of the pipe will decrease and you will not be able to check its operation, since the joint looks perfect from the outside. The only way is to check the water pressure in the faucet;
Operating temperature. At a coolant temperature above 60 ° C, a pipe not intended for hot water supply melts. There are specialized, fiberglass or aluminum reinforced samples ;

Melted single-layer PVC pipe in hot water is not the best option

Thermal expansion. As the temperature rises, the product increases its length. This factor is compensated by specialized structural elements. In case of incorrect installation of heating pipes sag.

When burned, toxic gases are released.

Note! Pipes reinforced with aluminum tend to delaminate over time due to frequent temperature changes. For pipes with fiberglass, this effect was not observed.

Briefly about marking PVC pipes

Each product has a label. It is designed to separate areas of application.

Application areas of PVC products:

РРН - cold water supply;
РРВ - for high pressure water supply and the risk of water hammer;
РРR - for installation of hot water supply;
PPs - when assembling hot water with a coolant temperature up to 95 ° C.

Operating pressure:

PN10, PN16 - cold water supply;
PN20, PN25 - hot water supply.

There are 2 and 4 meter PVC pipes for plumbing, sizes and prices are directly proportional to each other. That is, a 2-meter pipe costs an average of 100 rubles, and a 4-meter pipe costs 200 rubles.

metal-plastic

This species is quite complex in structure, it includes five layers.

Apart from metal competitors, it has the highest price, including for the cost of installation. But the quality of the products, the reliability of the connections make up for these expenses. It is used in the installation of underfloor heating and closed-type water pipes. That is, metal-plastic is the most credible material for closed work. For example, underfloor heating. The pipe is laid entirely, without joints, since the bay can be 100 m long.

There are two ways to connect tees:

Fitting;

Sectional connection

Compression.

Connection with compression fittings

Important! With temperature fluctuations, the constituent materials change their thickness, but the aluminum layer does not expand. For this reason, a leak occurs in the tees connected by a fitting; it is easily eliminated by turning (tightening) the nut. But after a few pull-ups, the pipe may fail.

The most common diameter is 16 mm. This type is used when installing a warm floor. Samples of all diameters accompanying private water supply are also produced: 20, 26, 32, 40mm. Interestingly, the change in strength characteristics with temperature changes. At an operating pressure of 10 bar, the coolant temperature is (0; +95), but at a pressure of 25 bar, a temperature of not more than 25 ° C is allowed. That is, with cold water supply, the operating pressure can reach 94 bar.

Abbreviation

The marking states:

The maximum possible pressure is 10 bar;
The highest temperature is +95 o C;
Diameter - 16 mm;

The presence in the marking (X) indicates the high quality of the seam.

Low pressure polyethylene - HDPE

This type of pipe is more often used in the installation of industrial sewerage, casing of water wells. But even when installing a water supply system, this type has found its application. The pipe has high strength properties. For this reason, it is often used for horizontal directional drilling (popularly a puncture underground).

It is also often used when laying non-separable garden water supply.

Colored stripes on the outer side indicate in which area the pipe is used:

Blue bar - water supply;
Yellow stripe - gas industry;
The absence of stripes is a technical goal.

Marking

The abbreviation SDR stands for the degree of internal pressure. The smaller the number in the marking, the denser the material. Pipe brand PE 80 or PE 100. Used in the construction of water supply and waste systems with a diameter of up to 90 mm.

Installation of HDPE pipe connections

Two types of docking are in demand:

Sectional. With the use of fittings, it is most common in the construction of a private water supply;

One-piece. Connected by specialized welding.

Related article:

Although they are much more expensive than the rest, they have a whole range of advantages in comparison with their polypropylene and metal-plastic counterparts, which we will discuss in the article.

Cross-linked polyethylene

The scope is similar to metal-plastic and PVC pipes. So to say, HDPE manufacturers have created products suitable for hot water installation. The installation method is almost identical with metal-plastic.

Plastic pipes for water supply are needed to organize a common branch in panel or private houses, cottages. Often the question arises of the choice of material - plastic or metal. Be sure to pay attention to the types and types of fasteners.

Plastic water pipes.

What are the types of pipes for water supply

There are several main varieties of plastic pipes for plumbing:

PVC pipes;
HDPE products;
LDPE (cross-linked polyethylene) - high pressure is used during production;
plastic products.

To select the right material, characteristics, performance, price and reliability are taken into account.

Positive and negative characteristics of each type

Benefits for plumbing:

If the material is compared with metal, then plastic is not exposed to the negative effects of rust and corrosion.
During assembly, polypropylene, a cross-linked plastic, is used. A few years ago, they began to actively use metal-plastic. HDPE material is not suitable for these purposes.
Wide range of. On the market and in stores you can find plastic pipes of different sizes and diameters.
Resistant to frost and sudden temperature changes. Cross-linked polyethylene, HDPE and PVC pipes withstand frost down to -10°C. They are not deformed or damaged even when filled with water, because they have a high level of plasticity. Metal-plastic products are not resistant to frost, therefore, with slight freezing, deep cracks appear on the surface, which lead to depressurization.
Low weight. You can transport by car.
Availability. Products are sold in any construction and hardware stores.
Antistatic. They do not conduct electricity, so they are the safest for residential buildings.

Plastic pipes have a long service life. If you do not expose them to mechanical damage, properly operate, then plastic products will last about 45 years.

The material is resistant to hydraulic shocks. When the joints are depressurized, they can be repaired and replaced.

PVC pipes for plumbing.

The main abbreviation is PVC and UPVC. Polyvinyl chloride is used for production. If the abbreviation contains the letter "H", then it indicates the absence of plasticity.

The same material is used for production, but when the manufacturer adds a plasticizer, the pipe becomes more ductile.

Advantages:

affordable price;
easy installation and connection;
pressure level 6-16 bar.

The disadvantages include intolerance to exposure to ultraviolet rays. In this case, the destruction of the material occurs, so it becomes brittle. Connection points are unstable.