• What can be cooked from squid: quick and tasty

    Polypropylene faucets cause mistrust among many buyers due to the fact that they consider the material of manufacture to be unreliable and short-lived. Meanwhile, modern technologies provide highest quality manufacturing, due to which, in terms of their properties, such cranes are not inferior to metal products, and in some respects even surpass them. This article will consider the main features of this type of product and the criteria for choosing high-quality models.

    Advantages of this product group

    Cranes for polypropylene pipes can be very different: steel, brass, or from the same material as the main communications. It is the last option that we will consider in more detail, especially since it has a number of indisputable advantages:

    Ease of installation Any specialist will confirm that it is much easier to install a polypropylene faucet with your own hands than a metal one. The fastening system is, and most importantly, to choose the nodes with the desired thread so that you do not have to return to the store again for replacement.
    Low weight The mass of structures of this type is much lower than that of other options. This not only simplifies their loading and transportation, but also reduces the load on the structure, which in some cases is a fundamental factor when choosing
    Corrosion resistant Due to the fact that polypropylene is not subject to corrosive processes, the inner surface of the units remains smooth for many years, does not accumulate plaque on it and significantly reduces the likelihood of blockages
    Ease of operation After installation and assembly of the system, the cranes do not need maintenance, that is, the communications do not need to be periodically checked and cleaned, which is very important in places that are difficult to access for any reason
    Durability The service life of polypropylene products is about 50 years, which exceeds the performance of most analogues. At the same time, the price of products is very democratic, which can also be attributed to important advantages.

    Important!
    Another important advantage is the fact that the locking mechanism is made of high quality of stainless steel, this guarantees the durability of the structure and its resistance to adverse influences.

    Features of polypropylene taps

    First, you need to understand the main design features, this will allow you to better understand how the system functions.

    Device

    Products can be made from different types raw materials, most often the upper limit of heat resistance is limited to 95 degrees. It is best to choose designs from the PPRC raw material grade, the size range of products is quite wide, but the most common sizes are 20, 25, 32 and 50 mm, but you can find other options.

    Regardless of the size, the structure consists of the following components:

    • Housing made of the highest strength polypropylene... It is very important that the knot is cast with high quality, without any flaws and superficial defects.
    • The shut-off element is a ball with a hole for the water flow... It is best if it is made of stainless steel and the surface is sanded with a laser, this will ensure the most snug and secure fit.
    • The stem is the axis on which the locking mechanism is mounted, it must be fitted very precisely to prevent even the smallest backlash.
    • O-rings are used to prevent water from entering through the stem mountings., they must be made of high quality rubber.
    • Two rings are used for a snug fit of the ball to the body which can be used either from PTFE or Teflon.
    • Mechanism adjustments are carried out using a handle, which is attached with a special screw.

    Types of products

    Depending on the design features all such products can be divided into several groups.

    For example, depending on the type of housing, the following options can be distinguished:

    • Non-collapsible options have a solid body, they are easy to operate and cost a little. But the biggest drawback is the fact that in the event of a breakdown, the unit is not repaired, but replaced entirely.
    • Collapsible housings are more massive and more complicated, but in the event of a malfunction, they can be repaired by replacing worn out gaskets or entire parts of the system without replacing the entire unit.

    Depending on the direction of flow, there are the following types:

    • Straight lines through which the liquid flows in one direction.
    • Angular, in which the direction of the flow changes, they are most in demand when

    Do you want to seriously renovate and update your apartment? Then it will not be superfluous to find out that one of the most basic stages overhaul housing is the replacement of old plumbing and pipes with new ones. In addition, this is the most impressive item of expenditure in the budget allocated for this work.

    To reduce the already impressive costs is the normal desire of every zealous owner. Do you agree? It is quite possible to reduce them: do-it-yourself plumbing installation will help. We will tell you how to make a wiring, how to transfer and connect plumbing equipment, what tools and materials are needed for this.

    You will learn how to independently change the pipes in the bathroom and connect plumbing fixtures. And in order to make it easier to understand the repair issue, the article contains thematic photo guides and video instructions.

    Not everyone is satisfied with standard projects of high-rise buildings, and the apartment owners are trying to remake the plumbing according to their preferences. This set of works is very troublesome and time-consuming, however, if you study the theoretical side of the issue well and follow the instructions exactly, most of the work (if not all) can be done independently.

    Polypropylene pipes are widely used due to their low cost, long service life and ease of installation. Everyone can do the installation of polypropylene pipes with their own hands, the main thing is to properly plan the installation work and know the features of welding polypropylene pipes.



    Fig. 1.

    Unlike other types of pipes, for the installation of polypropylene, you must have a special tool - a welding machine for polypropylene pipes and scissors for cutting pipes. It should be noted that, despite the need to purchase a special tool, polypropylene pipes still benefit in cost, due to the cheapness of the pipes and fittings themselves.



    Fig. 2.

    Where can polypropylene pipes be used?

    Polypropylene pipes have no restrictions on their applicability, with one exception being the temperature of the liquid passing through them. It should not exceed 90 degrees. In this connection, it is not advisable to use polypropylene pipes in heating systems of city apartments, because often the water temperature in such heating systems is more than 90 degrees. For country houses, where temperature regime heating below, reinforced propylene pipes are perfect.



    Fig. 3.



    Fig. 4.



    Fig. 5.



    Fig. 6.

    Features of the installation of polypropylene pipes

    Installation of polypropylene pipes should be started from the riser, gradually lengthening the water supply line according to the diagram, the location of the plumbing fixtures. During the installation process, it is necessary to install supports for polypropylene pipes. Also, in the case of a long pipeline length, a compensation elbow should be provided.



    Fig. 7.

    Since during operation, the length of the pipes will change due to thermal expansion. The expansion bend will relieve tensile loads on the water supply system, thereby protecting it from damage. Also, when crossing pipelines, you can use a special fitting - a bypass.



    Fig. 8.

    Of great interest and practical value in the installation of polypropylene pipes with your own hands is correct selection fittings. The use of the simplest fittings, such as elbows, tees, couplings and plugs, is unlikely to cause big problems... The main interest is the selection of fittings for connecting various devices of the mixer, toilet, meters, etc.

    Connecting a bath and sink faucet

    The connection for the bathtub faucet can be done using one of two types of fittings: a mounting strip and a "water socket". To connect the mixer, the installation strip is more convenient, because it already provides for the correct mutual position of the holes for connecting the mixer. However, the water socket is also suitable for this purpose, thanks to the presence of special holes for fixing to the wall. In the latter case, it is necessary to fix the sockets at a distance equal to the center-to-center distance of the nozzles at the mixer.


    Fig. 9.



    Fig. 10.



    Fig. 11.

    When connecting a sink faucet, provided that there are no requirements for the position of the connection holes, it is convenient to use water sockets or combined one-piece fittings.

    Polypropylene taps

    When installing polypropylene pipes, two types of taps can be used: polypropylene and metal. If the entire water supply system is made of polypropylene, then it is more advisable to use polypropylene taps, it is both cheaper and more convenient.



    Fig. 12.

    If you need to install a tap in the transition between different types pipes, for example, metal and polypropylene, or on a riser, it is advisable to use a metal valve, while using a detachable combined fitting.



    Fig. 13.

    It should also be noted that if it comes on the installation of polypropylene pipes in the country, then it is more expedient to use either polypropylene taps or traditional brass taps, but not ball valves. Quite often there are cases when water gets under the ball of a metal ball valve and, when freezing, breaks the valve. A polypropylene ball valve does not suffer under similar conditions, because polypropylene is a more plastic material.

    Installing the counter

    Unlike stop valves, polypropylene meters do not exist, and, therefore, a special fitting must be used to connect it. To connect the meter to a polypropylene water supply, it is convenient to use a combined one-piece fitting.



    Fig. 14.



    Fig. 16.

    Water heater connection

    It should be noted that the water heater can be connected to the water supply with hoses. In this case, water sockets or combined one-piece fittings are perfect.



    Fig. 17.


    Fig. 18.



    Fig. 19.

    If the connection is made directly to the water supply, then it is advisable to use collapsible fittings and polypropylene taps. To be able to turn off and remove the water heater.

    Welding of polypropylene pipes

    Now that the main points on the installation of polypropylene pipes are highlighted, we can say about the pipe welding process itself. Welding of polypropylene pipes is carried out by heating the pipe surface using welding machine... The whole welding process consists in the fact that two parts to be joined are heated at once, after which they are connected and after cooling they are tightly connected.



    Fig. 20.



    Fig. 21.

    This is the main disadvantage of polypropylene pipes, that if some unit is welded incorrectly, then it is impossible to remake it, it is only possible to assemble a new one. Therefore, the welding process should be treated responsibly so as not to damage fittings and pipes.

    However, in some cases, it is possible to correct an incorrectly welded element. For this, couplings can be used. In the photo below, how to fix an incorrectly welded joint using a coupling.



    Fig. 22.



    Fig. 23.

    The procedure for welding polypropylene pipes with your own hands

    Using special scissors cut the required pipe size. If the pipe is cut with a saw, any burrs formed during the cutting process should be removed.



    Fig. 24.

    This is followed by a marker or pencil to make a mark on the pipe and fitting. This mark is necessary in order to further connect both parts in the correct orientation. It should be noted that some manufacturers immediately identify the risks, which makes the job much easier.



    Fig. 25.



    Fig. 26.

    There are three important points to note here.

    • First, most welders have a temperature controller. For room temperature, it is optimal to have a welding machine temperature of about 270 degrees. If welding is carried out outdoors or at low temperatures, then the heating temperature should be increased.
    • Secondly, for welding polypropylene pipes, the holding of parts during heating is important. So for a pipe with a diameter of 20 mm - 5s; 25mm - 7s; 32 mm - 8 s; 40 mm - 12s. Here again, remember about the temperature of the welding machine. Selection optimal regime consists in the fact that the heating of the places of the parts to be joined is uniform.
    • Thirdly, when the parts are heated, they cannot be turned on the nozzle, you can only put them on, and after heating, remove them.



    Fig. 27.

    After the parts have warmed up, they must be carefully removed from the nozzle and connected. During the connection, they must not be rotated relative to each other, this will impair the quality of the welding. After the parts are connected, they should be kept stationary for 10-30 seconds so that the weld is frozen.

    In conclusion, two tips can be given for welding polypropylene pipes.

    When welding polypropylene pipes, do not join parts along the entire length of the heated pipe. The pipe on the welding machine warms up by about 15 mm. When connecting, however, it should be performed at a length of 10 mm. Otherwise, an influx of material is formed from the inside of the pipe, as well as from the outside. Due to the influx of pipe material, the flow area is reduced, which contributes to the accumulation of any deposits in this place, thereby clogging the water supply system.



    Fig. 28.

    Most welding machines are equipped with a special clamp. It is required for attachment to a workbench or table. It is convenient to weld pipes if the welding machine is not mobile, so you should not neglect to pre-fix it, for example, to a stool.



    Fig. 29.

    We examined all the features of welding polypropylene pipes and the use of various fittings to connect the most common water supply devices. Despite the simplicity of welding polypropylene pipes, this work is very responsible, because pipes will serve for many years. Therefore, before starting work, it is necessary to make a marking of the passage of pipes and determine the required set of fittings and pipes, and only then begin installation. Installation should start from the riser. The key to high-quality welding is optimum temperature welding machine. Before starting work, it will not be superfluous to make one test connection to check the selection of the correct temperature regime. And remember that the welding machine has a temperature of 270-320 degrees and, if handled carelessly, it is easy to get a severe burn, therefore, welding of polypropylene pipes should be carried out in special protective gloves or mittens.

    Metal pipes, which have been massively used for many years in water supply systems, are a thing of the past. They were replaced by the latest generation material - polypropylene. Do-it-yourself polypropylene plumbing is easy to install, resistant to high temperatures and chemicals.

    The main advantages are:

    • service life of pipes for hot water- more than 25 years, for cold - more than 50;
    • high corrosion resistance;
    • smooth inner surface of the walls prevents the formation of build-ups;
    • low hydraulic resistance;
    • environmental friendliness of the material;
    • tightness of welded seams;
    • high strength;
    • ease of installation.

    So that during the operation of the water supply system there are no problems, the installation of a water supply system from polypropylene pipes with your own hands should be carried out only from high-quality materials. The determining factors when choosing components are their operating conditions, temperature regime and operating pressure of the entire system.

    Marking of polypropylene pipes

    • PN10 - for feeding cold water.
    • PN16 - for cold and hot water.
    • PN20 - for hot water and installation of heating systems.
    • PN25 - mainly for heating systems.

    Sometimes the temperature of the liquid passing through the pipes exceeds 90 ° C. In such cases, PN20 and PN25 markings are used, which have a reinforcing layer of aluminum or fiberglass foil. The arrangement of a cold water supply system is accompanied by the use of pipes of the first two markings.

    Remember: If the water passing through the pipes reaches 100 ° C, nothing will happen to the polypropylene pipes. The maximum operating temperature is taken with a margin.

    Diameter of polypropylene pipe for water supply

    Pipes with a diameter of 20 mm are used for systems with a length approaching 10 meters. Pipes with a diameter of 25 mm are preferred for systems with a length of 10 to 30 m. Systems with a length of more than 30 m are supplied with pipes with a diameter of 32 mm. The diameter of the riser (if applicable) should be 32 mm.

    Having determined which polypropylene pipes are best for plumbing in your home, carefully review all purchased products. They should not have sagging and roughness. When a quality pipe is cut, its shape remains round, and the wall thickness remains unchanged.

    Water supply system design

    So that the installation of a water supply system made of polypropylene with your own hands in the country or in an apartment was competently and without incidents, it is compiled detailed diagram wiring, connection and fastening of pipes. When drawing up this scheme, it is necessary, if possible, to avoid unnecessary bends, details and try to organize the shortest length of the pipeline.

    Tip: To see the whole picture, namely: the intersection of pipes, the number of bends and bevels, the most accurate marking scheme is best to outline with a pencil directly on the walls.

    Do-it-yourself plumbing in an apartment made of polypropylene can be organized in two ways: closed or open... The first is considered the most common, but difficult. This requires accurate calculation and professional execution. Most of the pipeline in this case must be carried out without joints. Although welding at the joints does not reduce the reliability of the entire system, it is still better to leave such areas open. This is necessary for preventive maintenance and regular inspection.

    Another thing is open wiring. When choosing this option, the pipes can also be made less "noticeable" if they are laid in the corners of the room in vertical planes, and along the floor level in horizontal planes.

    The important benefits of open wiring are:

    • ease of maintenance;
    • ease of installation;
    • the ability to replace part of the system at any time in the event of a leak.

    Wiring options

    There are two options: serial and parallel (collector) wiring systems. Each has its own pros and cons.

    Serial wiring

    It is also called tee system... In this case, the installation of polypropylene pipes with your own hands is carried out from the central highway to the points of water consumption. From one main riser, on which there is an inlet shut-off device, two pipelines depart: for hot and cold water. Outlets to all points of water consumption from them are organized using tees.


    • System advantages: easy installation, material savings.
    • disadvantages: dependence of water consumption points from each other. For repair or inspection of one device or consumer, the entire system is turned off. Water pressure drops occur with the simultaneous opening of all points.

    Parallel wiring

    In this system collector required, having one input and a certain number of outputs, corresponding to the number of points of water consumption. Each pipeline is led out individually.


    • Advantages: there is no need to turn off the entire system when repairing or maintaining one area. In the event of a pressure drop, all available devices and points of consumption receive an absolutely equal amount of water.
    • disadvantages: time-consuming process, high cost, quite a large number of wiring.

    You can find out how to choose and calculate correctly from our other article.

    More information about tee and collector circuits water supply there is an article.

    If you need to choose a bath mixer, then useful tips is on this page. We analyze the features of each type.

    We prepare the necessary tools and fittings

    To equip a water supply system in an apartment with your own hands from polypropylene, not only pipes are needed. A large number of additional connections are also required, also made of polypropylene. Fittings can be threaded or unthreaded.

    What are the types of connecting elements for polypropylene pipes:

    • Couplings are necessary for high-quality connection of straight pipe sections and for transition to a pipe of a different diameter.
    • Angles are needed to set the pipeline at a certain angle and avoid obstacles.
    • A bypass (arc tube) is necessary to bend around one tube by another.
    • Tees are used in places where pipelines are taken off from the main riser.
    • Plugs for closing the pipeline.
    • The crosses are used in the places where the pipes are cross-connected.
    • Clips are needed to fix the pipeline to the wall. The distance between the fasteners on straight lines is 1.5-2 m. Clips are also used in corner joints. To fix the pipelines located one above the other, double clips are used.
    • with rubber gaskets are needed to fix the risers. For rigidity, the connected ends of the clamp are fixed with a bolt and nut.

    Please note: All fittings have different diameters and sizes. To purchase connecting elements the right sizes and in the required quantity, "walk" once again according to the layout of the water supply system.

    What tools are needed:

    • Scissors (in extreme cases, a hacksaw for metal, jigsaw) for cutting plastic.
    • and attachments to it.

    How to use a polypropylene welding machine

    The polypropylene welding machine has enough simple design, it consists of a heating plate, a thermostat and a handle. The nozzles are mounted on both sides of the heating plate, have a Teflon coating and come in different diameters, which allows you to solve, in principle, any everyday problems.

    • First, the required length of the pipe is measured and cut off strictly according to the mark with special scissors. With the help of a facing tool, we remove burrs; in the presence of an outer reinforcing aluminum layer, it is also removed. The cut site is cleaned and degreased. Selected nozzles are also degreased.
    • To determine the depth of entry of the pipe into the fitting, they must be connected while still unheated and put a mark with a marker. The nozzles are installed on both sides of the welding machine, the end of the pipe is put on one of them, and the fitting is on the other.
    • The device turns on and starts heating the nozzles. As soon as the lamps on the thermostat have gone out, it means that the products are warmed up to 260 ° C. After that, a pipe and a fitting are installed on the device and the required time is maintained, which depends on the diameter of the pipe. The pipe and fitting are connected up to the mark. Your movements are fast and accurate! And no rotations! In a few seconds, the monolithic part is ready.

    In order to qualitatively perform the installation of polypropylene pipes with your own hands, you will need a little skill in operating the welding device. You can learn this from unnecessary pipe cuttings.

    Some tips for installing a polypropylene plumbing:

    • It is recommended to conduct a water supply system in an apartment with your own hands made of polypropylene from points of consumption to the input - switchgear nodes.
    • Fastening elements are installed along the entire planned line, pipelines are fixed on them, thereby combining into a single system.
    • If the laying of a water supply system from polypropylene pipes provides that the hot and cold water pipelines pass side by side, then the cold water line must be laid higher, which will exclude.
    • Pipes are located strictly horizontally or vertically and dock only at right angles.
    • In hard-to-reach places, pipes are mounted in a separate stage.

    Polypropylene pipes for water supply installation video

    In this video, you can watch the installation of polypropylene pipes and listen to the comments of the master.

    Finally, I would like to add that the price of polypropylene pipes for water supply is low. To better represent the price level, here are a few examples.

    The cost of a pipe without reinforcement 4 meters long by the Czech manufacturer Ekoplastik (PN10, diameter 32mm) is 330 rubles. A pipe from this manufacturer with the same characteristics, but with reinforcement - 880 rubles.

    A Turkish pipe of the SPK PN25 brand () costs 46-68-110 rubles / running meter with a diameter of 20-25-32 mm, respectively.

    Polypropylene fittings are also inexpensive, for example, a coupling made in Turkey (brand SPK) will cost only 5-13 rubles for a diameter of 20 and 32 mm, respectively.

    We understand the details of installing a new mixer in the kitchen. Installation in a worktop and connection to the water supply system. How to ensure continuous operation without leaks.

    1. Before starting work

    • First, it is necessary to shut off the water to avoid possible flooding;
    • We open the tap to remove the water that remains;
    • Check the passport for a new kitchen faucet made at moscowmebel.com or another factory.

    2. Preparation

    To replace, we need the following materials and tools:

    • Adjustable wrench (alternative - wrench);
    • Two types of screwdrivers - flat and cross-shaped;
    • Sandpaper;
    • Flashlight;
    • Capacity for draining water when replacing the siphon;
    • New mixer.

    If the kitchen sink model is removable, it is advisable to remove it. Thus, it will be easier to dismantle the old product and install a new one.

    We tighten the chrome-plated siphon for the kitchen sink with an adjustable wrench.

    In the event that the old mixer belongs to the economy class, it is better to replace the soft hoses that connect the product and the water supply.

    3. Dismantling

    Before starting dismantling, shut off the water in the lavatory to prevent flooding.

    Stages:

    1. We find the junction with the pipes of the plumbing system.
    2. We fix the place of attachment of the product with a sink;
    3. If the sink is invoiced - dismantle;
    4. We remove the soft tubes with an adjustable wrench, and pour the water into a prepared container.
    1. We remove part of the siphon (bottom).
    2. We dismantle and turn the sink so as to provide maximum convenient access to the connection point.
    3. We loosen the nut and other fasteners with an adjustable wrench, then dismantle the threaded pins with a screwdriver. To prevent the product from falling, check its position.
    4. We remove the special clamp, flexible hoses and mixer. We take out the hoses through the mounting hole.

    4. Installation

    The day before, check the condition of the mounting hole. If dirt has accumulated in it, it must be removed.

    Parts required for correct installation.

    Before installation, fit the hoses (water supply).

    Stages:

    1. We fix on the base a special gasket (ring) in the provided groove. This procedure will allow you to make a sealed system.


    2. We stretch the hoses and then turn the sink to its original position, holding the mixer. Check the position of the gasket - it should stay in place.

    3. Install the seal and pressure plate (they must have the same shape).

    4. We screw in special pins (threaded).

    Secure fastening due to threaded pins.

    5. Tighten the mounting nuts with an adjustable wrench.

    If the nuts are loosely tightened, the mixer will constantly rotate.

    5. Launch

    • Check four connections;
    • After making sure everything is in order, close the tap and turn on the water;
    • Check the hot and cold water supply alternately to ensure there is no risk of leaks.

    Photo: 3.bp.blogspot.com, dushik.com.ua, gidroguru.com, gor-servis.ru, i.minplastan-sale.ru, i.ytimg.com, lentaregion.ru, rmnt.ru, fix- building.rf, o-vannoy.ru, small-house.ru, veles.msk.ru