If you need to choose a way to connect pipes at home, then you need to decide on the material of the pipes and their purpose. Your choice will depend on this.
Methods and types of pipe connections
The durability of the pipeline depends on how the pipes are connected to each other, on their correct design and the quality of the parts. The main requirements for the connection are maintaining strength when working under pressure, resistance to negative external influences and ease of installation.
One of the detachable methods is to connect pipes using a thread, which is used in the event that pipes have to be disassembled. Split joints are not placed in places that are difficult to reach, otherwise it will be difficult to repair if a leak occurs. Advantages of the method:
The only drawback of such a connection will be the difficulty of cutting the thread itself, for which special tools are used.
Threaded pipes are marked, if you look closely, you can see a fraction of two numbers, the numerator shows the inner diameter, and the denominator - external dimension pipes.
Threaded jointing methods
There are several ways to connect pipes using a thread, but two are most in demand - a squeegee and a bidirectional thread.
The connection with a squeegee is used in cases where the pipes are stationary, they cannot be rotated around the axis. For this, it is necessary that there are two pipe sections with different thread lengths. Prepare a clutch, locknut, any seal. Coupling - connects two pipes, a lock nut holds the coupling, making it motionless, and the seal prevents water from seeping between the threads. The connection occurs as follows:
With this method of connection, the nut and coupling are, as it were, driven from a long thread to a short one, therefore it was called a drive.
Bi-directional thread provides for the use of one coupling, which is screwed simultaneously on two pipes at once. The pipes must have a multidirectional thread so that the coupling would pull them together, as it were.
If one of the threads begins to let water through, then you will have to twist the coupling from both pipes, and this is not very convenient.
Methods for sealing a threaded connection
One of the disadvantages of connecting pipes using a thread is insufficient sealing, if special seals are not used, this is especially true for gas pipes or under high pressure. Now you can buy completely different sealants, for every taste and price - consider some of them.
What are the threaded fittings
The most common threaded element for detachable connections different pipes Is a fitting with an internal and external thread. With their help, you can easily mount pipes or make their reconstruction, the main thing is that the joints are in easily accessible places. Minus - constant monitoring of their condition is required.
The materials used to make the fittings are cast iron, brass, copper, bronze and stainless steel. In order to increase their anti-corrosion protection, these products are plated with zinc, nickel or chromium.
These connecting elements can be of different modifications:
Coupling with lock nut
Couplings and lock nuts are used on pipes with short and long threads by the squeeze method. In order for such a connection to be airtight, you must follow the rules:
Compliance with these rules does not guarantee that the connection will be sealed, however, sometimes a visual inspection of this place should be carried out in order to make sure that there is no leakage.
There are many more ways to connect pipes without threads so that they can be disconnected in the future.
The choice of method will depend on which pipes need to be joined: they can be flexible - made of metal-plastic, polypropylene and polyethylene, and rigid - made of steel, cast iron and other non-ferrous metals.
With clutch
In order to connect two pipes, it is necessary to thread their ends through nuts, washers and gaskets and connect them inside the body. Now all that remains is to screw in the nuts. The gaskets are compressed and ensure tightness, if this does not happen, then another gasket ring should be added.
The most important thing is to choose a coupling of the required diameter. If you take a large coupling, then the leaks cannot be repaired.
Flange connection steel pipes
Coupling with flanges is mainly used for steel pipes. A flange is a part for the repair and installation of individual parts of the pipeline. With this combination of pipes, several points are taken into account:
The flange connection is used for pipes of both small and large diameters. Can be used for gas pipes, chimneys, sewers and others.
Collet pipe connection
For mounting plastic pipes use collet fittings, which consist of a body where a ferrule and a rubber gasket are placed. Benefits:
Please note that sometimes this fastening looses, so it is necessary to tighten from time to time.
It is easy to connect the pipes in this way: first, the collet is inserted into the pipe, and then the outer nut is tightened. Do the same with the second pipe. It should be remembered that this part exerts high pressure on the pipe, therefore, when tightening the nut, it is important not to twist it in order to prevent the appearance of cracks and cracks.
With clamps
The types of connections are different, one of them is the quick-detachable pipe joining. It is carried out using clamps - a device in the form of a metal ring with a tightening mechanism: nuts with a metric thread. This method is designed to create the tightness of the hose, rubber pipes with solid foundation... Installation is effortless.
Clamps can be different, for example, on sale you can find spring wire, working on the principle of a clothespin. Despite the simplicity of the design, such devices can provide complete tightness of the connection.
Compression fittings
Compression fittings are used to connect plastic pipes. These parts allow you to make branches and turns, as well as increase the length of the products. Advantages:
Sometimes there are situations when it is necessary to make a connection so that in the future it would be impossible to disassemble the entire structure. Such methods provide complete sealing of pipes and increase their strength, which is important for gas pipelines and heating systems.
Welding metal pipes
Welding of pipes is used mainly only for metal products. This method requires the involvement of specialists, since it is impossible to make a high-quality weld seam without skills and equipment.
Welding is carried out using gas, alternating and direct current, for this you need welding units: automatic or semi-automatic.
There are two types of welding:
Soldering of polymer pipes
Since plastic has no high fever melting, then it is easy to connect them if there is a special soldering iron. It is enough to simply melt the ends of the pipe and then simply connect them. The pipe obtained in this way will not be inferior in strength to a solid one, since the material is joined at the molecular level.
This method is useful when a part of the pipe needs to be replaced. To do this, it is enough to cut out the damaged part, and solder a new section without defects in its place.
Butler Coated Flare Sealable Joint
The connection of metal pipes with an anti-corrosion coating using Butler equipment is used in the following industries: oil and gas, housing and communal services. But more often it is used for the construction of oil pipelines and the laying of pipes for transporting gas.
The meaning of the connection lies in the fact that pipes prepared at the enterprise are connected by pressing one into another. The main advantage is the possibility of installation in any climatic conditions.
Ferrule connection and press fittings
The permanent connection can be made using compression fittings in the form of press sleeves. Inside there is a belt made of durable polymers, reminiscent of rubber. To connect, it is necessary to prepare the end of the pipe, strip it and insert it into the crimp sleeve. After that, using a press pliers, the pipe should be clamped in this coupling. This method is used when it is not possible to make threads or apply welding.
Tension fittings
If it is necessary to hide the connecting elements, then tension fittings can be used for these purposes. Installation begins without preliminary preparation of the ends of the pipes; there is no need to carefully select the diameter of the pipe to the diameter of the connecting fitting. With the help of the pressure exerted by the sleeve located inside the pipe on its outer walls, absolute tightness is achieved.
First, a coupling is pulled at the junction, the ends of the pipe are expanded with the help of an expander, now it is necessary to place a fitting and a gasket inside. A vise is used to pull the coupling onto the place where the pipes are joined.
Push fittings (push fittings)
This fitting consists of an o-ring, a body, an outer casing, and an inner ring. In order for the end of the pipe to easily enter the part, it is necessary to apply a little force, no special devices are required.
These fittings are used in corners or in narrow spaces where it is not convenient to connect in any other way.
To do this, you can use couplings, adapters, crosses and other connecting parts.
Plumbing pipes can be joined using a coupling and a locknut if the pipe is straight and without corners. For a short connection, use one sleeve, if a long one, add a locknut. The coupling must be marked with the diameters for which it is suitable. This method is applicable only for small pipes, for large diameter it is better to connect them by welding.
As you can see, there are many ways to connect pipes. You can dock pipes so that they cannot be disassembled in the future, such methods are used in hard-to-reach places to increase the strength and tightness of the connection.
Connection of pipes: with clamps, without welding, with a coupling, with a thread, of different diameters
There are many more ways to join pipes today than traditional welding and threading. It depends on the material from which the connected products are made.
Metal (cast iron, steel, copper, stainless steel) and polymer (metal-plastic, PVC, polyethylene) require a different approach.
Fittings are used to connect flexible pipes without using a welding machine. They can also be connected with clutches that wrap around most connections. Fittings are used to connect pipes that have a diameter of up to 32 centimeters. However, it is considered impractical to assemble a large-diameter system in this way - the joint will have low reliability.
For docking polyethylene pipes small diameter compression fittings are used. This method is considered inexpensive and reliable. If the pipe has an average diameter, then it is better to use a coupling sleeve.
Compression fitting connector assembly
The main methods of connecting rigid pipelines:
In plumbing systems, a flange connection is used.
The connection with sockets can be detachable and non-detachable. This method is used for systems that are not subject to pressure. Examples are the joining of cast iron and plastic pipes in sewer systems:
Clamps can be used. At the junction, the clamp is put on with a rubber lining.
To connect plastic or polypropylene pipes, glue is used. In this case, the system becomes one-piece.
In industry, pipes are connected using a nipple or hinge method. By means of hinges, twisting in the piping system is avoided. A nipple connection is used to insert the measuring devices.
Swivel pipe connector
For the connection of copper pipes, printing has proven itself well. The job can be done quickly and easily. First, a so-called fitting is made using a pipe expander. The other end is inserted into it and inserted. The connection is clamped by a special pressing machine. Done!
And copper pipes can be connected by flaring. This product can be disassembled if necessary.
There are many ways to connect pipes without welding and threading. Each is great for a particular type of pipe. But they have their own merits and demerits.
The strongest connections are flanged.
Fittings are good because you can disassemble the system at any time.
Note only! In the heating system, threadless and weldless methods must not be used.
Connection of pipes without welding and thread: made of copper, metal, polyethylene
For the organization of the plumbing, pipes with a diameter of ½ "or ¾" are usually used. They are connected by means of an inch or metric thread cut at the ends of the products. The thread designation corresponds to the diameter of the product.
What if you need to connect products with different diameters? The work is carried out according to the standard scheme, but there are nuances. It is necessary to purchase fittings for pipes with different diameters from a specialized store. On sale there are tees, crosses, elbows (or angles), adapters, couplings and other fittings designed specifically for products with different diameters. Which parts to buy depends on the specifics of the upcoming water supply installation. Obviously, you can connect two products with different diameters with your own hands, and several at once.
The water pipes are joined using a sleeve, sleeve and locknut. These details are screwed onto the threads of the products. At the end of one of the products, a thread of seven turns is cut. The work is carried out by means of a lerka fixed in a lerke holder equipped with two handles. For convenience, the product is clamped in a vice or in a special clamp. Then you can act according to two possible schemes.
We connect products with our own hands through a coupling
The method is suitable in cases where one of the water pipes is straight, has no corners or is short. One coupling is required for the joining procedure. Its thread designation must correspond to the diameter of the products to be joined. Consider the algorithm of actions:
Tip: The end of the water pipe does not need to be immersed in the paint. It is enough to grease it with an oil-based paint composition using a regular brush.
We connect products with our own hands without welding
This method is optimal in cases where the second water pipe has a sufficient length, angles, parameters inconvenient for twisting. With one of the products, we repeat the algorithm described above (hemp, oil paint, and so on). Then we proceed as follows:
Tip: It is important not to overdo it when tightening the locknut if you have chosen a non-welding method of joining products. Otherwise, it will burst within a short period of time. But even with its insufficient twisting, problems are possible. If you see water leaking between the clutch and locknut during a test run, carefully tighten the locknut firmly.
Conclusion
It is recommended to install without welding only water pipes with small and medium diameters used for the organization of water supply for domestic needs. If the diameter of the products is large, such a connection method is not rational, since it is quite expensive and less reliable under high loads. However, if you are installing plumbing in an apartment or private house, these methods are ideal for you.
How to connect water pipes of different diameters: with a coupling without welding
Owners of not only private houses, but also apartments in modern multi-storey buildings often face the need to connect metal pipes. To do this, you can use a wide variety of methods, materials and tools. The most widespread methods of joining are by means of threading and welding. But there are alternative options... After all, it is not always possible to get to the problem area conveniently.
Any metal pipes can be connected without the use of welding machines and threading
To connect metal pipes without threading and without welding, parts called "fitting" are used. They are classified according to two main criteria.
Press fittings come in different shapes and configurations, this allows you to mount a system with bends and branches
The first is the equal size of the diameters of the joined pipes. According to these criteria, fittings are:
The second criterion is purpose. Fittings are classified into:
By the installation method, the most widespread are crimp fittings.
Important! Such fittings demonstrate high efficiency in the arrangement of street networks, as well as pipelines in apartments and private houses.
With the help of crimp fittings, you can mount any system, including supply hot water and heating
The crimping fittings for metal pipes produced by the modern industry are press fittings and are equipped with one or two ferrules. It is with their help connecting piece attached to the pipe. The rings are tightly pressed, so often in the event of an emergency, press fittings will need to be cut and replaced with new ones. It would seem not the best technical solution... However, most professionals who know how pipes are connected without welding and threading in other ways prefer press fittings. They explain their choice, first of all, by the fact that these parts can be installed in places where all other types of fittings simply cannot be mounted.
Experts point out the advantages of crimp fittings:
Today, such parts are widely used in metrology, compressor and gas turbine equipment, for piping instrumentation and control devices, as well as in systems with a high level of operating pressure.
The choice of the method is determined by the type of products that are planned to be joined. Pipes are conventionally divided into the following categories:
The first type is cast iron pipes, steel, pipes made of non-ferrous metals or PVC. The second type is products made of polyethylene, polypropylene and metal-plastic.
A reliable connection can only be obtained if the fittings are manufactured by a reputable company that guarantees quality
1. To connect two metal pipes without threads and welding, couplings are usually used. They are equipped with special fasteners and are characterized by high strength due to the fact that they are made of rigid materials. But these properties are inherent only in the products of the world leaders in this segment of the plumbing market - manufacturers from Switzerland, Sweden and France. Couplings are used for joining pipes made of different material or different diameters.
2. Another option for connecting pipes without welding and threading is the use of flanges. These parts are fitted with a rubber gasket. The sequence of work is as follows:
Advice! Tighten the bolts lightly. Facts have been observed more than once that these fastening elements burst or fell off.
The answer to the question of how metal pipes are connected without welding using flanges will be incomplete without mentioning the following points:
The flange connection method is indispensable for large diameter pipes
Having learned how two pipes are connected without flange welding, you will be able to properly equip the sewage system and chimney, as well as the gas supply pipeline in a private house.
3. The Gebo coupling is also widely used. This part is a type of compression fitting. With its help, the joining of metal pipes is performed quite quickly, and without the use of any special tools. The installation of the Gebo coupling components on the pipe is carried out in the following sequence:
4. It is possible to connect two pipes without thread and welding using a repair and assembly clip. This fitting looks like a coupling or a tee, consisting of two parts. The halves are pulled together with bolts.
It should be noted that the main purpose of the repair and assembly clips is to perform temporary repairs, for example, when cracks appear. In case of emergency, they can also be used for joining pipes. Installation is carried out as follows:
Advice! Make sure that the seal is completely wrapped around the pipe.
The connecting clamp is an easy way to temporarily join two pipes without welding.
As you can see, this method is also extremely simple. The same principle applies to the clamp connection. The only difference is that it is tightened not from two sides, but only from one side. However, the use of clamps provides more reliable connection than a repair and assembly clip.
Most often, this procedure is performed using crab systems and clamps.
1. Crab systems. Such designs are connecting brackets with fasteners. Manufactured from 1.5 mm thick galvanized sheet metal. Brackets are assembled from two halves by means of bolts and nuts. When assembled, they form a "T" -, "X" - or "G" -shaped element capable of tightly wrapping the ends of several (up to four) pipes. In terms of strength, such fasteners are comparable to a welded joint. The use of crab systems makes it possible to assemble and disassemble complex frame structures in a short time.
Among the disadvantages of this method, it is worth highlighting:
2. Fixing clamps. Using these details, you can create structures of any complexity, from canopies and awnings, including shelves and fences, and ending with greenhouses and animal enclosures. The main advantage of such a fastener is that the strength of the joint is close to that of a welded one, and assembly / disassembly of the structure is allowed repeatedly. Moreover, a layman can do it.
Methods for joining metal pipes, alternative to threading and welding, are many. Each is good in its own way. And the choice should be made taking into account specific conditions. Some of them require skills and special equipment, while others can be implemented even by novice craftsmen.
Connection of pipes without welding and thread
Which pipe connection will be the most reliable and optimal - press fitting, threaded or push-in? Many developers think about this question when installing a heating system at home.
Brazing is just one type of pipe connection for metal pipes. However, modern plumbing technologies also offer a wide range of pipe installation methods, united by the concept of "cold connection". We are talking about pressed, threaded and push-in connections using various connecting elements (fittings). The advantage of these technologies over soldering is that they fully meet the requirements fire safety and speed up the work on the installation of pipelines.
In this case, the plumber is faced with the choice of not only connecting systems, but also pipes made of one material or another - stainless steel, copper, plastic.
Fast and reliable: pipe connection of copper pipes with press fittings
Copper pipes are now widely used among pipes, which can be connected in various ways. Along with soldering, the connections on the press fittings also proved to be reliable. In this case, the deburred and calibrated pipe ends are inserted into the so-called press fitting and crimped using special pliers or a press pistol.
The solder joint is a simple copper sleeve into which the pipe is inserted and sealed.
In contrast to the fitting for solder joints, the press fitting has a more complex design and is equipped with two O-rings, which ensure the tightness of the pipe connection after the pipes are swaged. It costs, of course, more expensive, but the difference in price is compensated by the gain in labor costs.
Compared to a soldered joint on press fittings, it has a higher tensile strength, which, when laying pipelines over a greater distance, for example, under a basement ceiling, allows for a smaller number of fastening anchors.
Combined fittings for connecting plastic pipes (Unicor)
Simpler than brazed and even press fittings are push-in pipe fittings made on special fittings for copper pipes. And in this case, before being inserted into the fitting, the pipes are deburred and calibrated. An experienced plumber is able to make a plug-in connection in a matter of seconds. It will take a specialist about two minutes to complete a connection on a press fitting, and a soldered one - more than three minutes, or even more (depending on the diameter of the pipes).
Rapex multi press fitting (Velta firm) connecting flexible plastic pipes of the heating system. With the help of pliers, crimp the sleeve on the pipe.
However, between the push-in and the connection on the pressfitting, the specialist, in consultation with the developer, usually prefers the latter. Less time is spent making plug-in connections. However, these fittings are more expensive than brazed and molded fittings and are not suitable for larger pipe diameters.
JRG Sanipex MT system: put a flare nut on the pipe, flare the end of the pipe until a socket is formed, slide the pipe onto the fitting and screw on the flare nut.
Through the "sight glass" you can check the fit of the pipe in the fitting. Here is the connection piece made of high-grade steel for the heating battery
Connection of copper pipes: mark at the ends of the pipes the depth of insertion into the fitting ...
… Deburring the ends of the pipes, insert the pipes into the fitting (from IBP) until they touch each other. The pipe connection is complete.
Connection of pipes by repeated pressure testing (marked in blue). The tensile strength of such a joint is significantly higher than that of brazed joints.
A special feature of the connection with the Viega pressfitting: if you forget to press the fitting, it will show up immediately.
The question "insert or press in?" occurs when laying pipes not only from metal, but also (even more often) from plastic. Until now, here, at least with the introduction of flexible pipes, pressed, threaded, clamped or (more recently) plug-in connections have been used.
Flexible plastic pipes unwound from a roll are straightened using a pipe straightening device, preparing them for use in the heating system pipeline.
Straightened pipes are connected in a plug-in way. A slight click audible indicates that the connection is correct (Friatec).
The advantage of all flexible pipes is that they can be laid directly from the roll, so that, ideally, between the heating coil and switchgear it is enough to make only two connections.
Additional fittings on bends, such as in the corners of a room, are not needed here. Simultaneously with the accelerated laying of such pipes, the risk of making loose pipe connections is also reduced. The disadvantage of flexible pipes is that they are not suitable for use as risers. For this, most manufacturers offer pipe systems, usually made of copper, extrusion plastic or steel.
Pressure connection of high-grade steel pipes with high corrosion resistance. These connections are relatively fast (Mapress).
Combined metal-plastic flexible pipes(PE or PB). Of all plastic pipes, the most popular are PE-X pipes (made of very dense polyethylene, characterized by high resistance to chemicals, shock loads, pressure, high and low temperatures). And these pipes have a protective layer (usually of aluminum), which provides a barrier to oxygen, which is especially important when using pipes in heating systems Oh.
Both PE (or PB) pipes and PE-X pipes are identical in operation. Both those and others can be connected different ways... When connecting by crimping, the pipe is put on the fitting, and a metal sleeve is put on the pipe, which is crimped with the help of press tongs. Such a pipe connection is one-piece.
The principle of the clamping connection is known to many from working with a garden hose and is as follows. A union nut is put on the pipe, the fitting itself has a cone, which, when the union nut is screwed on, presses on the pipe. This connection is detachable.
Combined pipes PE-X (made by Roth) with an aluminum middle layer Laserpex. It is possible to crimp pipes with a diameter of 40 and 50 mm for risers using PPSU tin-zinc bronze fittings.
Threaded connection is similar to clamping. And in this case, the union nut is put on the pipe, but then the end of the pipe is flared (so that the nut cannot slide). After that, it remains only to connect the pipe with the fitting on the thread.
In recent years, so-called push-on joints, where the pipe is inserted into a fitting, have become widely used for splicing plastic pipes. The connection is made in the following sequence: the pipe is cut to length, deburred, calibrated and put on the fitting. No special tool is required here.
It is unlikely that a home craftsman can master all the listed methods of connecting pipes. And first of all, because many novelties in this area are not available to him. The fact is that an expensive special pipe tool is not so easy to acquire, and it will be used ineffectively.
The connection of pipes by welding ensures high reliability and a long service life of the heating system. The principle of welding individual elements of pipelines to each other is practically the same, regardless of the material from which they are made (metal or plastic). The differences are mainly related to the difference in the design of welding machines and methods of their operation. In particular, the welding of metal heating pipes requires professional skills, while the connection of plastic sections using the method of socket welding can be performed even by an unprepared person.
Welding is one of the most popular ways to connect individual sections of heating systems. Modern technologies allow you to make seams that are practically not inferior in strength to solid sections of pipelines. This point is very important, since the working pressure and temperature in heating systems can be quite high. The variety of welding methods allows the most suitable solution for each specific situation... Wherein it should be remembered that any, even the most insignificant, deviation from technological requirements can lead to depressurization of the seam.
Successful welding requires two parts: equipment and skills. Moreover, the second point is no less important than the first. The only exception can be, perhaps, only welding using electrical fittings, since the simplicity of the technology allows even a non-professional to make a high-quality connection.
In all other cases, the participation of a specialist is desirable. We must not forget that a violation of the tightness of the weld in the heating system can lead to very unpleasant consequences.(damage to property, including someone else's, burns, etc.).
The set of tools and equipment required for the production of welding is determined depending on the type of pipes used to equip the heating system, as well as the selected welding method.
First of all, it is a hand-held welding machine.
Connection device polypropylene pipes also sometimes called a soldering iron. For household needs, a device with a power of 650 watts is quite suitable. It can be used to connect plastic pipes up to 60 mm in diameter. The attachments are included with the device.
Manual welding machine
When using electrical fittings, a special device is also required to connect them. In addition, in the process of work, a roller pipe cutter, a positioner, special devices for removing oxidations and centering pipes, a knife, a hammer, and also Consumables(couplings, electrical fittings, etc.).
Welding of pipes made of metal is carried out using an electric or gas apparatus... A grinder or a cutter is used for cutting. In addition, you will need the usual equipment of the welder: a mask, a canvas suit, gloves, asbestos, a hammer, electrodes, wire, etc.
Electric and gas welding machines
The most common way of joining metal pipes when installing heating systems is electric welding. This method is based on the use of electrodes with high electrical conductivity. They function as an "additive" that fills the weld seams.
The strength of the entire heating system depends on how high-quality the performance of the welded seams will be. Therefore, when installing pipelines, it is necessary to thoroughly observe the technology of electric welding. In particular, the following rules must be observed:
The number of welding layers is determined in accordance with the wall thickness of the pipes to be joined:
Before proceeding with the application of each subsequent layer, all slag must be removed from the previous one.
When applying the first layer of welding, the method of stepped surfacing is usually used, and all subsequent ones - continuous. Step surfacing is divided into sections by means of tacks. For this, electrodes with a diameter of 2-4 mm are used. Then the sections located after one are connected. After that, the remaining sections are connected.
The formation of the first layer requires especially careful attention. It is necessary to ensure that all the edges of the pipe sections to be welded are completely melted. If a defect (for example, cracks) is detected, this section will have to be cut down and all the work will have to start over.
The second and subsequent layers are superimposed on the first with a slow and even turning of the pipes (pivot joint). If it is impossible to turn the pipe, you have to perform a non-turn joint. This operation requires a highly skilled welder. They are performed with electrodes of a larger diameter than the first. The beginning of the next layer should be approximately 30 mm offset from the beginning of the previous one. The finish seam should be even and smooth. It should be applied in such a way that it blends smoothly into the base metal of the pipe.
Finished weld seam
The process of welding polypropylene pipes requires much less professionalism than metal ones. They are connected by diffusion welding. Its essence is as follows: individual elements of the system are heated using a special apparatus (soldering iron) to a temperature that allows them to be joined. It is important to take into account that all parts used must have the same characteristics. When using polypropylene, it may well be possible to weld heating pipes with your own hands.
When welding polypropylene pipes, one should not forget about the following nuances, which can negatively affect the quality of work:
The nozzles, which the soldering iron is equipped with, simultaneously heat the outer and inner surfaces of the parts to be joined (couplings and pipes). During the heating process, flanges are formed at the ends of the parts. The heated parts are removed from the nozzles, after which they are immediately joined together, pressing evenly on both sides. After the elements are connected, it is important to ensure that they remain stationary, since any displacement can lead to a breakdown of the connecting seam.
To ensure reliable adhesion, the connected parts must be held together for 30 seconds (or more if the pipes are of large diameter). The side formed at the junction should be uniform throughout the circle.
If the heating is insufficient, the connection will not be of good quality. However, it is also impossible to overheat the pipes: this can lead to a narrowing of the working gap. Brown color when heated, it indicates that the polypropylene begins to burn.
The procedure for installing heating systems using electrical fittings is even simpler. It can be performed even by a person who does not have a detailed understanding of how heating pipes are welded. Two pieces of pipe from different sides are inserted into the sleeve, after which voltage is applied to it from the welding machine. The material melts, resulting in a very reliable seam.
There are many different types welded joints. In particular, they can be:
Most wide use when welding pipelines of heating systems received butt joint with a transverse seam. This is due to its high strength. Welds can be:
Proven pipe welding technology
One-sided seams are used when welding pipes with an inner diameter of up to 500 mm.
An overlapping socket joint is less durable. It is used for welding plastic pipes. In this case, the pipe end must be expanded.
Also, metal and polypropylene pipes can be connected using couplings.
Typical welding of steel pipes
Welding is widely used to connect pipes of heating systems made of various materials. It provides high strength and reliability of joints, which allows it to be used in conditions high pressure and temperature. The variety of welding methods makes it possible to choose the most suitable option for connecting pipes in specific conditions. Modern technologies for joining polypropylene pipes allow installation even for a person who does not have high qualifications in the field of welding.
This video will show you how the welding of heating pipes is done, as well as repair of heating pipes without welding.
The issue of connecting pipes without welding is always relevant, since not everyone has a welding machine home master, and not everyone knows how to use it. At the same time, no pipeline lasts forever, so such a need may arise in the country, in a private house or in an apartment at any time. Below I will share with you some of the secrets of specialists that allow you to perform such connections without welding.
First of all, it should be said that all existing pipes can be conditionally divided into two types:
As a rule, the most problems arise with the joining of metal pipes, therefore, first, we will consider the methods of their connection.
So, there are several options for sealed docking:
Below we will take a closer look at each of these options.
Most often, metal pipes can be joined without welding using a threaded connection. In this case, accordingly, threading is required. It should be noted that this is not as complicated a procedure as it might seem to many at first glance.
To cut threads, you will need an electric thread cutter or dies to manually perform this operation. Since the price of an electric tool is very high, below I will tell you how to do the job manually:
For coupling installation on one pipe, the thread length must be several times longer than on the other, so that a coupling with a nut can be screwed onto it.
After threading, you can make a sleeve connection with your own hands, which is performed as follows:
This connection turns out to be reliable and durable. However, there is not always the possibility of threading. If, for example, the pipeline is located close to a wall, this operation is unlikely to succeed.
The Gebo sleeve ("gebu" or "gebra") is a special compression fitting. It can be used to connect steel pipes without threads and welding very quickly, without the need for any special tools.
The scheme of its use is extremely simple:
I must say that this fitting exists both in the form of a coupling and in the form of a tee. This allows it to be used in cases where it is necessary to perform a tie-in, for example, into a riser for wiring.
As for reliability, it depends on the quality of the installation. If the work is done correctly, then this installation is reliable and durable.
It is also possible to connect pipes without welding and threads using a repair and assembly clip. This fitting is a two piece sleeve or tee. Both halves are pulled together with bolts.
It should be noted that repair and assembly clips are designed primarily for temporary repairs, for example, in the event of cracks. However, in emergency situations, they can also be used to join pipes, especially if the pipeline will not work under high pressure.
In this case, the installation instructions are as follows:
This method, as we can see, is also extremely simple. By the same principle, a clamp-coupling connection is carried out. The only difference is that it is tightened on one side, not two.
I must say that if you use pipe clamps, the connection of pipes without welding is even more reliable than using an assembly and repair coupling.
If you need to make a connection shaped pipes without welding to assemble any structure, you can also use special profile clamps.
If you need to assemble plastic piping, you can use compression fittings, which work on the same principle as the Gebo clutch. Most often, metal-plastic and PVC pipes are connected in this way.
Also, sometimes special glue is used for these purposes. The installation process in this case is extremely simple:
I must say that such a connection turns out to be quite strong, since the glue dissolves adjacent surfaces, and, in fact, welds them.
For the assembly of metal-plastic pipelines, crimp fittings are also used. However, this requires a special tool that allows them to be pressed together.
For temporary repairs, you can also use the clamps described above.
This, perhaps, is all the most effective ways pipe connections without welding, which I wanted to acquaint you with.
As we found out, in addition to welding, there are a number of other ways that can be used to repair or even install a pipeline. Moreover, some of them allow you to get no less reliable and durable connection. The only thing, in any case, the work must be done very carefully, in accordance with the above recommendations, so that the pipeline is tight.
The video in this article contains more information. If you have any difficulties in the process of connecting pipes, ask questions in the comments, and I will definitely try to help you.
July 25, 2016If you want to express gratitude, add clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!
The radiator piping must include shut-off valves
We already know about that, and today we'll talk about connecting heating radiators to pipes. In a heating system, threads are often used to connect elements. All equipment is installed on the circuit by means of a thread. This is an expansomat (a metal tank with a rubber membrane inside), and a pump, and batteries, and the same meters. Metal lines can also be connected with threaded couplings. At the same time, there is different types threads and methods of sealing connections. Let's figure out how to properly connect the heating pipes to each other and to the batteries.
Steel pipes can be connected by welding or pipe thread. The connection of heating radiators to pipes is carried out only with metric threads, which are cut into nuts. To assemble the individual parts of the stainless steel metal line together, threaded joints of heating pipes are used, which are:
In heating systems, conical threaded joints of heating pipes are used, and cylindrical ones are used only for squeezes. Cutting is carried out using a tool called klupp. They are manual and electric. The hand tool consists of a handle, a ratchet and a head with cutting teeth. The presence of a ratchet allows you to work in hard-to-reach places, for example, on a section where the line runs along the wall.
To cut the threads, you need to chamfer and oil the surface. In the process of threading the heating pipe, oil must be added, this reduces friction and heating of the part. In order for the joint to be airtight after joining, it must be sealed. The metric thread on the nuts of all circuit elements is also sealed.
Previously, there was no such variety of seals as there is today. Some plumbers use the whole range of materials in their work, and there are conservatives who still only recognize flax. Are they right? Let's figure it out. How to seal the thread on the heating pipe:
Flax was previously used in tandem with red lead, grease or oil paint. Today, a special sealing paste is used, which prevents the flax from drying out and rotting.
Flax dries in systems with a hot coolant, and rots on cold water... In the first and second cases, the result of the process will be the appearance of a leak. Thanks to the paste, after twisting, the fitting can be released a little, turning back no more than 45 degrees. A versatile material, suitable for both metal heating pipes and polymers.
Flax is suitable for all types of threads on heating pipes, regardless of diameter. It is the cheapest of the seals. It is important to wind it correctly:
Flax seal
When rolling up flax, it is important not to overdo it. First you need to make the first turn, which will secure the seal on the thread. In this case, the tail remains. On the second turn, the remaining tail is picked up and wound along with the common fiber. Make sure there are no twists. It is necessary to distribute the material along the thread evenly from the end to the fitting body. When working with flax, when connecting heating pipes, you need to take care of your hands, as they are constantly smeared with paste. If you take hold of such hands, an imprint will remain.
Fum tape is used for thin-walled fittings and connectors with fine threads. It is easy to work with the material, hands are always clean. At the same time, fum tape is quite expensive and is mainly used for small diameters. A significant drawback of this seal is the impossibility of alignment. That is, if the joint of the heating pipes is twisted and you need to release it a little in order to center it, then the connection loses its tightness.
The sealing thread, like the fum tape, does not need lubrication and the use of a special paste. It can be wound on dirty or wet threads, suitable for plastic.
According to the characteristics declared by the manufacturers, the sealing thread can be turned (adjusted) 180 degrees.
Sealants are applied to clean and grease-free threads (usually new). They are:
But in fact, they are all non-removable. Before connecting the heating pipes using a sealant, you must be prepared for the fact that it will be possible to disassemble the connection only after heating. And only then, perhaps, it will turn out to unscrew it. But during installation, the joints do not even need to be tightened with keys.
We will begin to understand the methods of connecting heating pipes with a radiator by considering the materials from which heating systems can be made. They can be different:
All of them perform one and only function - this is the transportation of the coolant from the boiler room (boiler) to the radiators, which, in turn, give off heat and thereby heat the room. All batteries are threaded onto the system. For this, fittings with a transition to the thread are installed on the contour. They are placed on polymer contours by soldering or pressing. Copper is only soldered, and steel can be connected with press fittings and threads.
In any case, a threaded connection is connected to the battery. How to connect a radiator with
Schemes for connecting batteries to heating
pipe, schemes:
Most effective option Is the diagonal. In this case, the supply to the battery is carried out from the top, and the return flow comes out from the bottom of the opposite end. Radiator temperature difference at different methods connection is insignificant, therefore, first of all, you should start from the location of the battery. New batteries always come with connection parts:
Before connecting the heating radiator to the pipe, nuts are tightened into the holes at the ends of the battery, and then plugs, Mayevsky's and American's tap are screwed into them, depending on the wiring.
To connect the pipes and the circuit, it is imperative to use cranes and American women.
An American is a nut that can rotate with a fixed fitting. By the way, when connecting heating pipes to a heating boiler, it is also imperative to install taps with an American woman. In this case, it is necessary that the American be wound not on the boiler nozzle, but on the circuit. Then you can safely remove the boiler and water will not pour out of it.
Some craftsmen do not put taps when strapping batteries, which leads to difficulties in further operation. If you want to remove and clean the battery, you will have to drain all the water from the system, and then refill it. And if it happens in winter and breaks the radiator, what then? It turns out that it will be necessary to stop the entire heating system in order to replace it. This is despite the fact that hardly anyone at home has a spare radiator on duty.
You will need to go to the store, buy it, find a master. It will take at least half a day, with freezing temperatures outside there is a risk of defrosting the system. And then it will be necessary not only to change the batteries, but also to repair the entire circuit. If you install taps, you can cut off the radiators without stopping the entire system.
