8845 0 0

Installation of a polypropylene pipeline is so simple that you can easily carry it out even in between watching your favorite television programs or series. The main thing is to stick to some general rules and understand the basic principles of connecting plastic pipes. I will tell you about all this based on my own experience.

Installation work

When starting to work with polypropylene pipes, I first of all remembered their main qualities:

• The low price allowed me to family budget purchase all the necessary plastic products, including connecting fittings, with some margin. After all, even with relevant experience, no one is immune from making mistakes, and in case of an unsuccessful operation, it is better to have replacement parts on hand, rather than run to the store to get them, leaving behind an unfinished pipeline and an unwatched TV series;

• Simple connection instructions including hot and cold methods. But simplicity does not exclude the need for availability special tool for each of the options. Next, I will describe both in detail, since on different areas I used both soldering and crimp fittings. It’s better for you to make your choice in advance in order to ensure that you have the appropriate equipment. You can do this immediately after reading the article;
• No corrosion processes. The plastic surface is not subject to either internal corrosion, which can be caused by the transported liquid, or external corrosion, which usually appears after laying the pipeline in the ground. Thus, paving underground water supply, I knew that it would last for decades, but only taking into account the quality and absolute connections.

If you plan to use polypropylene pipes for installing a heating system, then I recommend purchasing reinforced samples that can withstand high temperatures, which will eliminate the risk of an emergency.

Based on the above, I purchased materials in reserve, took out necessary tools and prepared to make quality connections that can be left unattended for years to come.

Hot method

Where I planned to lower the water supply line underground, I had no doubts about the choice of connection method: soldering only. The melting point of propylene is only 260 degrees Celsius, and after solidification they form completely sealed seams. In addition, the process itself goes quite quickly. In this case, the impossibility of dismantling did not bother me at all.

When laying pipelines indoors, welding is also great. The only exceptions may be those areas where dismantling of pipes is required, or a situation in which pipe soldering iron It’s not possible to get it at all.

If you are planning a one-time installation, it won’t be cheap. welding machine for plastic pipes it is not necessary to purchase one; it would be more rational to rent one.

Before connecting polypropylene pipes using the “hot” method, in addition to the “iron”, I also prepared the following tools:

Now I will describe to you in detail how polypropylene pipes are connected, you will actually have time to complete the installation small plots during the period of scrolling commercials on TV:

If this is your first time starting to solder plastic pipes, I recommend that you first practice on a couple of products that will not be part of the system being installed.
This way you will get the hang of it and be able to avoid common mistakes when performing “finishing” work.

1. Preparation:

• I took the soldering iron out of the suitcase, in which he was, and placed it on a level and stable oak table. You can place the device on the floor or on the asphalt, the main thing is that it has a secure position, because you will have to deal with high temperatures;

• Then inserted nozzles corresponding to the diameters of the elements to be soldered. In this case, a product in the form of a kind of “bowl” is installed under the pipe, which clasps its edge with outside, and under a pipe-shaped element that enters it and performs melting from the inside;

• Turned on the device. If your device has a power regulator, then set it to 260-270 degrees Celsius. If this is not the case, then the unit will warm up to the specified temperature automatically;

1. Marking. Here I have already moved on to working with the pipes themselves. Using a tape measure and pencil marked out the necessary sections to form the pipeline. In addition, I measured the depth heating elements and, adding a couple of millimeters, applied it to the soldering areas. This can be done after cutting the products. This technique will help you control the immersion of the edge of the segment into the nozzle, since excessive melting can lead to the formation of a bulge in the seam, preventing the passage of liquid;

1. Cutting. The main thing here is to maintain a right angle. Thanks to having some experience, I have no problems with this, that is, he brought the scissors evenly to the line and made a clear cut in one smooth, strong movement. Also try to cut without worry and with the necessary effort. Otherwise, if you make oblique cuts, you will have to straighten them with a hacksaw or knife. It is also worth noting that when using reinforced pipes You must first remove it with a shaver. top layer plastic and foil placed underneath;

1. Heat. At this stage I I put the prepared coupling on the mandrel, and with some delay inserted the pipe section into the sleeve nozzle. Why late? Because the walls of the connecting element are thicker and, accordingly, they will take longer to melt, that is, a head start will not interfere with them. The products should be kept in this position, guided by the following table:

1. Docking. After the above time has passed, I I removed both fragments with melted edges from the welder and connected them, again, strictly at a right angle, after which he held for the time indicated in the following table:

Under no circumstances should you rotate the products being joined while they are solidifying, as this may cause the seal to break.

1. Control. I ran water through the finished pipeline and checked all joints for leaks. If you suddenly find one in your home, then cut out the problem area and weld a new section in its place.

Cold method

Compression fittings allow connection polypropylene pipes without soldering. All you need besides the connecting elements themselves is crimp wrench, which, as a rule, is sold with them.

I performed the process of connecting pipes using the “cold” method as follows, when I didn’t have an “iron” at hand, and it was necessary to urgently restore the damaged section of the water supply:

1. Measured and cut the required piece of pipe;

1. Calibrated the hole. It is very important that its cross-section ideally matches the diameter of the fitting tail;

1. Placed on the edge of the pipe crimp sleeve;

1. Then I inserted the fitting itself inside;

1. Crimp the coupling with a special key, securely fixing it on the pipe;

1. I checked the coupling for the presence of characteristic grooves, indicating a high-quality connection.

The described method also solves well the problem of how to connect metal pipe with polypropylene. To do this, simply select the appropriate compression fitting, one of the ends of which is equipped with a metal thread of the required pitch and diameter.

If you have a question: “How to connect a HDPE pipe to a polypropylene pipe?” Then again you can turn to compression fittings, since welding here most likely will not work due to the significant difference in the melting temperatures of these materials. At least I wouldn't risk it.

And a little fly in the ointment: despite some universality of the “cold” connection method, it requires much more time to implement. So, if you have to install a long pipeline, then during the advertising on TV you may not have time to complete the task.

Conclusion

A little practice and following the above recommendations will allow you to lay water supply lines from polypropylene pipes, practically without stopping from watching your favorite series and television programs. The main thing is to be attentive and careful, since a mistake made will take much more time to correct than timely control of the work being done.

The video in this article will allow you to familiarize yourself with some additional information, which is close in content to the material presented. If you have any additional questions on the topic, ask them in the comments.

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

Correctly performed connection of polypropylene pipes guarantees durable and very reliable communications that do not rust and have a number of other advantages.

The tubular products we are interested in, which are characterized by low weight, ease of machining and installation, as well as relatively low cost, are connected using detachable and permanent methods. The latter refers to welding performed using one of two technologies: butt welding or the coupling (socket) method.

Butt welding is ideal for polypropylene products with a cross-section of more than 6.3 cm. In this case, the thickness of their walls must be at least 4 mm. The procedure is carried out by a stationary welding unit, which provides very precise installation with different geometric parameters. Their ends are trimmed before the operation begins in order to obtain completely parallel surfaces. The butt welding machine has a special disk - it functions as a heating device.

Butt welding of polypropylene products

Also, when carrying out such a procedure, in most cases it is necessary to use centering elements. They give the polypropylene products being connected the necessary alignment. Socket welding is recommended for pipes with a cross-section of less than 6.3 cm. This type of connection requires the mandatory use of couplings and fittings. Without them, the procedure is not performed. Fittings that have special sockets are used to form various docking units (including threaded ones). And the coupling is installed between two pipes to be welded.

For sleeve welding of pipes with a cross-section of up to 4 cm, it is allowed to use a manual unit. It is equipped with nozzles (elements for heating), which are made in the form of a mandrel (it is necessary for melting the inner part of the bell) and a sleeve (melting the outer part).

Heating elements are usually coated with Teflon. This non-stick composition perfectly protects the nozzles from failure during operation. The hot attachments should be cleaned after each individual welding operation.For this purpose, wood scrapers or coarse rags (for example, tarpaulin) are used. Once the nozzles have completely cooled, it is impossible to remove the layer of molten polypropylene from them. You will simply ruin the expensive Teflon layer.

Let's see how it is necessary to connect the pipe products in question using a welding machine. The scheme of work (it is approximately the same for butt welding and for the procedure using couplings) is as follows:

1. Mount the required nozzles on the welding device and place the device on a flat surface.
2. Set the welder to the temperature required for welding polypropylene products (it is 260 °C) and wait about a quarter of an hour (during this time the nozzles heat up to the specified level).
3. Using a pipe cutter or scissors, cut the polypropylene product at a right angle, clean the pipes from dirt and dust, and remove grease stains from them (with soapy water or regular alcohol).
4. Place a mark on the pipe (it shows the depth of the socket; in addition, you need to add another 2 mm to this value).
5. Insert the pipe into a smooth sleeve (focusing on the mark you made earlier), and pull the socket onto the mandrel.
6. You wait until the structure warms up (the heating time is indicated in the instructions for the welding machine), remove the heated elements from the welder and connect them (it is very important to ensure the alignment of the coupling and the pipe product).
7. Wait for the structure to cool down. During this period, it is prohibited to deform (bend, turn) the pipes.

Welding machine for connecting pipe products

The operation is completed. You have received a reliable and durable welded joint. If there is a need to arrange wiring from the main pipeline, you need to use special welded saddles. Mount them like this:

1. For 30 seconds, use the welding unit to heat the surface (outer) of the main pipe and the saddle for welding (the operations are performed simultaneously).
2. Press (without turning) the saddle against the pipe and maintain the load for about half a minute.
3. Leave the connection for 10 minutes.

Then use a twist drill to drill through the wall of the polypropylene pipe and the bottom of the saddle to make the required branch. It is advisable to use on at this stage a special washer (called a setting washer) to accurately maintain the drilling depth.

The above methods for joining polypropylene products require the use of welding machines and heating plates. Not everyone home handyman has similar devices. But there is no point in buying a welder and attachments for it for the installation of one pipeline.

In such situations, it is possible to make detachable pipe connections without welding. The operation is performed using two methods: compression-type fittings or cold welding composition. The second technology is suitable exclusively for those through which cold water. Cold welding is applied to the products to be joined, pressing them firmly against each other for 5–10 seconds. You can give the connection additional tightness by coating the joint with silicone sealant or by wrapping it with Teflon tape.

Detachable pipe connection without welding

If you decide to create a polypropylene pipeline by connecting its elements with fittings, you will need a crimp wrench. It is easy to purchase at any hardware store. But most often such a key is included in the fitting kit. You don't even have to buy it separately. To perform work using this method, you will need the following details:

• crosses, tees;
• ball valves;
• couplings;
• adapters;
• saddles for branches;
• plugs;
• squares with nuts (cap nuts).

Working with fittings is simple - install the required element and crimp it using a wrench. But at the same time, be prepared for the fact that the work on connecting the pipes will take you a very long time. It is necessary to carefully compress each structural element, check the quality of the resulting connection, and additionally seal it. It is for this reason that systems made from polypropylene products are usually assembled by welding.

True, in some cases it is impossible to do without fittings. For example, if you need to connect metal and polypropylene products. In such situations, special fittings will be required - transitional ones. On one side they have a thread for entry steel pipe, on the other - a solder coupling (a product made of propylene is placed in it).

You can also assemble metal and polypropylene pipes using: a fitting with a special union-type nut; couplings and American ones (in this case a union nut is also used). Choose the connection method that suits you!

Most often, so-called cold welding is used for this. This technology involves the use of a special-purpose adhesive composition and fittings.

Advantages of using pipe connections without hot soldering

If you are thinking about how to connect a polypropylene pipe to a polypropylene pipe, then you can use a method that involves the use of special fittings. This technique has many advantages, among them especially the increased efficiency of installation of drainage and water supply systems, and the reduction in the possibility of leaks that can occur during butt welding or chemical connections. Among other things, the described technology is less labor-intensive and also requires less energy consumption. Among other things, it is associated with lower material consumption. they are quite cheap. Using fittings and glue, you can connect pipes of various diameters, which range from 6 to 400 millimeters.

Comparison of cold soldering with mechanical and welded joints

Before connecting a polypropylene pipe to a polypropylene pipe, you should consider all the advantages of the cold soldering method. Thus, this technique, with low material consumption, speed and quality of work performed, is not inferior to traditional welding. This gluing technology does not require the use of special equipment, which greatly simplifies manipulations. You don’t have to use a special machine designed for welding, which consumes quite an impressive amount of electricity during operation. Due to this, it is possible to reduce costs installation work. If you are faced with the task of how to connect a polypropylene pipe to a polypropylene pipe, then it is worth comparing the mechanical mating of elements using fittings. The latter technology is not so energy-intensive, but more material-intensive. This is due to the need to purchase additional fittings, which increases the cost of work.

Features of connection using fittings and glue

If you do not know how to connect a polypropylene pipe to a polypropylene pipe, then it is important to familiarize yourself with the technology. To do this, you will need to use glue, which is intended for connecting pipes to parts such as fittings. The latter are most often made from chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. After application, the glue begins to dissolve the surfaces of the parts by 1/3 of the thickness. This makes it possible to implement diffusion cold welding. On this process affected by air temperature and humidity. Before connecting polypropylene pipes using cold welding and fittings, you must ensure that the temperature environment ranges from 5 to 35 degrees. If there is a need to carry out installation work at temperatures below zero, then you should purchase frost-resistant glue, which can be applied until the thermometer drops to -18 degrees. If the work is carried out in hot weather, then gluing must be done in a much shorter time, which will eliminate the possibility of the composition drying out before the manipulations are completed. Before connecting polypropylene pipes using the described technology, you need to make sure that the glue has a uniform consistency, sufficient fluidity and does not have foreign inclusions.

During breaks between work, containers with adhesive composition it is necessary to close it as tightly as possible, which will prevent the evaporation of volatile active components.

Technology for connecting pipes using fittings and glue

If you decide to use the cold connection method, then you need to use the technology described below. At the first stage, you need to cut off part of the pipe in such a way that you can obtain an element of the required length. For this purpose it is recommended to use a pipe cutter, special scissors or a hacksaw, the latter of which has fairly fine teeth.

If you are thinking about the question of how to properly connect polypropylene pipes, then at the next stage the end of the product is chamfered, and it is important to maintain an angle of 15 degrees. In the process of carrying out these manipulations, a chamfer is used; it is important to prevent the formation of burrs. The next step is to thoroughly clean the fitting socket, as well as the pipe, from dust, dirt and moisture.

In order to achieve effective cleaning connecting elements, you need to use cleaners designed for pipes made of CPVC. With the help of this composition it will be possible to prepare the surfaces well enough for further gluing.

Nuances of the work

If you are faced with the task of how to connect polypropylene pipes without a soldering iron, then at the next stage you can apply glue. In this case, you need to use a brush, carefully distributing the composition over the surface of the socket and pipe. The elements are inserted into each other; to distribute the composition evenly, you need to rotate the fitting 90 degrees relative to the pipe. The parts are fixed for 30 seconds, during which time they should not be rotated again. It is important to complete the entire process within 1 minute. If you are thinking about how to connect polypropylene pipes without soldering, then after gluing is completed, you need to check the presence of a bead, which is a uniform adhesive layer located around the circumference. You may have to get rid of excess glue using a soft rag.

Why is it worth using the cold method of joining plastic pipes?

Before connecting polypropylene pipes with fittings, you need to weigh all the positive negative aspects other technologies. If we are talking about an adhesive connection, which was described above, then it is worth highlighting the advantages that it is possible to carry out high-quality installation of pipes even in those places that are especially difficult to access. The technician will not have to use additional expensive equipment that can consume a large amount of electricity during operation. It is possible to carry out the entire process independently, without resorting to the help of professional companies. In the process of gluing parts, a monolithic type structure is formed, which ensures the tightness of the joint. If you decide to use adhesive cold welding, then, unlike conventional welding, inner surface the product will not form sagging, which can narrow the lumen and contribute to the settling of solid particles.

Conclusion

If you connect polypropylene pipes to each other, following the simple rules and recommendations described above, then leaks and sagging of the pipeline will be eliminated. The service life of a pipeline installed using this method can reach 50 years.

Polypropylene pipes are much more convenient and practical than their metal counterparts. Their main advantages:

1. easy installation;
2. not a lot of weight;
3. not subject to corrosion;
4. not expensive.

Due to their advantages, they are becoming increasingly popular.

How to connect polypropylene pipes

Another important advantage of this material is that you don’t need to hire anyone for installation; you can do everything yourself. Therefore, if you need to replace an old leaking water supply system, you can safely get to work. Polypropylene can be joined by soldering or using cold method.

Method 1 - soldering

This method requires the presence of a special welding machine, which experts call an “iron.” An iron is a kind of soldering iron powered by electricity. It comes with nozzles of different diameters.

If you are not going to professionally install water pipes, you do not need to buy such a device. You can rent it; usually all sellers provide this service. The process of soldering polypropylene pipes is not complicated.

Video: How to solder pipes with your own hands

Soldering technology

Polypropylene products are connected under the influence of high temperature. The pipe itself must be heated from the outside, and all connecting elements from the inside. This creates a strong connection.

Soldering stages

• Turn on the soldering iron, it should heat up to 270 degrees C. While heating occurs, you can cut the necessary workpieces and clean them. For convenience, you can make notes that will show to what depth to immerse them in the welding machine. They are cut with a special pipe cutter or a regular hacksaw. If cutting is done with a hacksaw, you should pay attention to the burrs and if they remain, they must be cut off with a knife.
• After the soldering iron has heated up to the required temperature, we insert the pipe and connecting elements onto its nozzles. For high-quality soldering, all elements must be inserted evenly. Movements must be fast and confident. Parts that are exposed to heat must not be moved or twisted.
• When all the elements are well heated, they are removed from the soldering iron and connected to each other. This is also done with quick and confident movements. The parts are connected with light pressure (without rotation) and fixation for 10-15 seconds.
• After this procedure, you can proceed to soldering the next unit and so on until the bitter end, when the water supply is completely soldered.

Heated polypropylene cools quickly, resulting in the formation of a durable and reliable connection. In just an hour, water can be supplied to the system.

Method 2 - without soldering

This is a connection method that does not require soldering equipment. With this method, there are two options: connection with compression fittings and so-called “cold welding”.

For the option with compression fittings, you only need a special crimp wrench. This wrench is usually sold complete with fittings.

If you choose the “cold welding” option, then you will need a special “aggressive” glue. It is applied to the parts, after which they are connected and pressed, fixing them in this position for several seconds.

Connecting polypropylene pipes with glue is only suitable for water pipes with cold water. Connecting polypropylene pipes without soldering has a big drawback, namely, compared to soldering, the time required to install the pipeline is significantly longer.

In conclusion, I would like to say that there is nothing complicated in independently connecting polypropylene pipes. Like most others construction work, you will be required to conscientiously and strictly comply with all technological standards.

Then the process of connecting polypropylene pipes will be completed quickly and, most importantly, efficiently. And the quality of the work performed is the key to durable and reliable operation water supply systems and.

Watch the video: How to properly solder polypropylene pipes with your own hands

Pipelines made of polypropylene, if assembled with high quality, can last up to half a century without repair. Popularity of plastic communications in construction individual houses is explained, among other things, by the fact that installation polypropylene pipelines available for self-execution.

The choice of method for connecting plastic pipes depends on the availability of special tools, the nature of the materials being connected, and the purpose of the communications.

All methods of installing polypropylene pipes can be divided into two large categories. One involves welding materials by heating an organic polymer to a melting temperature. The second includes all “cold” joining methods, with the exception of cold welding.

1. Welded joints are called permanent joints. Diffusion processes are involved here. Homogeneous polymers are mixed at the molecular level, forming a monolith. This connection is the most durable, but requires a special tool or glue (if cold welding). The second disadvantage is the impossibility of temporarily dismantling communications without destroying part of the structure.
2. Detachable (threaded) connections are made using special fittings. They are used when joining thin-walled pipes of small diameter, when making structures from different materials, joining polypropylene with polyethylene, with metal elements.

Diffusion welding

A distinction is made between butt welding (pipe to pipe) and using additional fittings (socket welding). These are technologies based on the melting of polypropylene, which differ in the nuances of the work.

Diffusion sleeve welding is carried out on polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 16 to 40 mm.

Here the fitting serves to supply additional polypropylene to make the connection secure.

For thicker-walled materials, butt welding is carried out, connecting the parts of the pipe directly, without the use of additional parts. Manufacturers of polypropylene materials offer fittings entirely from polymer materials, combined, with transition to thread for metal elements.

The fitting configuration is selected based on the characteristics of the pipeline. Manufacturers offer the following types of connecting elements:

• corners, tees, couplings;
• fittings for connecting elements of the same diameter with transition to another diameter;
• all-polymer or polymer-metal combinations;
• with internal and external thread.