The device of sanitary communications in an apartment or a cottage inevitably entails the purchase of new plumbing materials. If the owner of the housing is going to entrust the work to hired specialists, he will not have to understand the intricacies and features. In this case, professionals will deal with the purchase of materials. However, to carry out repairs with your own hands or to monitor the work of the involved craftsmen, you need to carefully study the possible options. There are various types of materials, each of which has its own purpose.
What are pipes made of?
These are one of the main plumbing elements. Water and sewer pipes are made from different materials. These types are distinguished:
- steel;
- cast iron;
- copper;
- metal-plastic;
- from polyvinyl chloride;
- from other polymers.
The material from which the pipe is made determines the area of use, since the product has the appropriate properties, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Steel water supply is considered one of the most reliable and cheapest. Steel structures have the necessary strength, withstand resistance to pressure and temperature surges. It is easy to find the necessary fittings, joints and other additional elements to such materials. If the steel pipes are mounted correctly, the communications will last up to 50 years. Most often, steel is used when installing risers and heated towel rails. In addition to the indisputable advantages, steel has several significant disadvantages:
- formation of corrosion;
- scale deposits on the inner walls;
- condensation outside;
- expensive and complicated installation.
Cast iron pipes are not susceptible to rust, resistant to temperature extremes, prevent scale formation and are highly durable. The period of operation of cast-iron water supply is up to hundreds of years.
Copper pipes are an expensive and reliable option for arranging plumbing communications. Metal has a high price, but it is durable, does not rust, and disinfects water. In addition, copper pipes can not be hidden, but turned into a real interior decoration. With this decor, the bathroom will look light, stylish and solid.
Pipes made of polymers are as strong as metal pipes, they are lightweight, easily soldered, so transportation and installation will not hit the customer afford. They can be used both inside and outside the building. Thanks to the elastic texture, winter frosts are resistant.
Sealing materials for plumbing
In order for the pipeline to work without leaks, it is necessary to use reliable and durable sealing materials. Without them, even the most expensive and high-tech structures will not be able to function normally. All kinds of materials for sealing are designed to prevent leakage at the junction of plumbing elements. Seals used for installation fill microvoids between the internal and external parts and, thus, prevent the penetration of water. The most vulnerable part of the sanitary design is the joints.
There are pipes with a special conical thread, which does not require the use of sealing plumbing materials. In the catalogs of large construction supermarkets and specialized stores there are such options. When connecting two metal parts, a reliable seam is created due to the collapse of the threaded turn. However, in this case it will not be possible to disassemble and assemble the joint if necessary, so such pipes are rarely used.
Fitting
These are parts that connect pipes in places of bending, on bends, branches or where different diameters of the connected parts are used. Cast iron threaded fittings are the most common plumbing materials, they are used for pipes made of cast iron or steel. From the inside, the elements have a thread, thanks to which they are wound.
Adhesive fittings are fixed with a liquid polymer. With their help, installation is carried out as quickly as possible, and the connection is tight.
Self-locking fittings are a fairly new invention. They are a complex mechanical design, suitable for copper pipes and are themselves made of copper.
Metal-plastic fittings are intended exclusively for polymer pipes.
Hatches, revisions
As a rule, plumbing communications are located in the bathroom and toilet. In some buildings they are in a prominent place. This solution makes maintenance extremely simple, but the interior looks unaesthetic. Plumbing equipment and materials can be hidden behind walls and drywall boxes, but in this case, special hatches or revisions should be placed.
Instruments
To carry out plumbing work, the master must have with him an extensive set of devices. Most of them can be used for other types of construction and repair work. The list of required tools includes screwdrivers, an electric drill, files, wrenches, a circular saw, and pliers.