Plastic pipes today are increasingly used for piping. These products compare favorably with the analogues presented by the modern market. Firstly, the inner layer is made of compacted or crosslinked molecular polyethylene. Secondly, the products have an aluminum layer. Thirdly, metal-plastic pipes are corrosion resistant and do not require perfect accuracy when calculating linear dimensions.
System wiring features
Do-it-yourself installation of plastic pipes for water pipes begins with the installation of ball valves, which are located at the junction. Cranes must be of high quality in order to be able to operate at high pressures within 60 atmospheres, while the maximum temperature can be 150 ° C. Installation of the water supply system is carried out in a certain sequence: first, a filter is installed that will provide deep cleaning, and a meter, then there is a fine filter and a pressure reducer. Installation is completed by installing a collector, from which the wiring and installation of pipes to plumbing fixtures is performed.
Do-it-yourself installation of metal-plastic pipes for a water supply system is carried out together with filters to protect equipment and pipes from small particles of metals, sand and scale. After all, all this is present in risers in significant quantities. In order to ensure an even supply of water, a collector is installed. Usually this node has up to 4 inputs. If the number of consuming appliances is greater, then a collector that matches this indicator should be selected.
Fittings for metal
The water supply system (water supply system) of metal-plastic pipes is arranged using fittings, which can be screw or pressing. The former are also called compression fittings, and the latter are called press fittings. With the help of the first, the connection is carried out according to a certain technology. In this case, the principle of pressure is used, which occurs when tightening the nut on one open ring.
No special tools are required to complete this connection. The connection can be made with two wrenches. You will tighten the nut with one of them, while the other will resist. If metal-plastic pipes are used for wiring, then their laying should be carried out to the consuming device from the collector with one thread, unnecessary connections should be excluded.
After a certain time, you may encounter the need for a broach for tight fittings. However, if the pipes are laid on the floor or covered with tiles, the operation or dismantling will become difficult. In order to exclude periodic pulling of the joints, press fittings must be used.
Features of connecting pipes using press fittings
Do-it-yourself installation of metal-plastic pipes for a water supply system can be carried out using press fittings, they are strong and durable, and the warranty on their operation reaches 50 years. The pressure that these fittings can withstand reaches 10 bar, and the wiring can be done easily and quickly. Pipes in this case are connected using a press machine, which is a tool for installing pipes and can have manual or microprocessor hydraulic control.
The pipe for connection must be cut with special scissors so that a right angle is formed. Using a reamer and a special tool for calibration, the chamfer should be removed and the diameter adjusted for subsequent installation. A stainless steel sleeve is put on the end. To the stop, the fittings are installed in the fitting pipe. The sleeve should be gripped by a press clamp, which can be hydraulic or manual. The handles of the press are reduced to the stop.
Mounting technology
The metal-plastic pipe is mounted in accordance with the technology. Since the pipes are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, thermal damage and mechanical stress, installation must be done carefully. Open laying is permissible only in those places where the above factors are not affected. With hidden installation, the technology provides for the installation of removable shields and hatches for access to compression fittings. Such shields and hatches should not have sharp protrusions.
Do-it-yourself installation of metal-plastic pipes for a water supply system through building structures is carried out using sleeves. Their inner diameter should be greater than the outer diameter of the pipe by 10 mm maximum. The gap formed in this case is filled with an incombustible soft material that ensures the movement of the pipes in the longitudinal direction.
On the surface of the products there should be no incisions and scratches when the system is installed. When unpacking the bay, do not use sharp objects. When you are marking the pipe, you should use a marker or pencil. Installation of water pipes from metal-plastic pipes with their own hands is carried out using suspensions or supports that will allow fastening to vertical surfaces. These additional elements can be purchased with pipes.
Specialist advice
If the fasteners are made of metal, they are complemented by soft gaskets. The pipeline will be ready to last longer if you ensure its complete tightness and prevent damage.
Additional mounting features with fittings
The most common devices for ensuring wiring are fittings that help connect different sections of pipes. They have a variety of forms that depend on needs, among other fittings it should be distinguished:
The plastic pipe before starting work is cut into separate segments according to the project. To do this, use special mites that allow you to get an even cut. Some home masters use other devices for this, but experts do not recommend doing this, since the inner layer can be damaged in the process.
At the next stage, corners and tees are prepared, on which the seals are put on. Usually they are made of rubber, but on sale you can find products from other materials. These rings protect the system from leaks. For further work, calibrators may be needed that open the holes to fit the fitting and not bend the seal rings.
Plumbers are advised to check the walls of the pipes before installation: they must be smooth and clean. It is important to eliminate burrs on cuts and other irregularities. If they are, then the defects must be removed with sandpaper and wipe the cut with an alcohol solution, which will degrease the surface.
The assembly and installation of metal-plastic pipes with their own hands in the next step involves the installation of a fitting in the pipe. A nut and a clamping clamp, which is suitable in diameter, are put on it. The pipe for this is slightly stretched using a calibrator, and a knot leg is put on its end. It must be moved inward and fixed at the desired depth. The junction should be flat.
After installation is complete, check the location of the fitting in the pipe. Now you need to tighten the nut on the plastic pipe. And it’s not worth it to put too much effort into it, because communications often have cracks. The tightening should be strong enough, but do not pinch the nut. As soon as it starts to crackle, you should understand that it is quite tightly mounted on the pipe.
Additional recommendations on the use of press fittings when installing a water pipe made of metal-plastic
If you decide to use press fittings in your work, you should know that, compared to conventional ones, they have a number of advantages. Firstly, they are ideal for installation and wiring of underfloor heating , heating , heated towel rails and gas pipelines. Their main advantage is the fact that they do not provide for the need for periodic repairs, which distinguishes them from screw counterparts.
Methodology
If the installation and connection of metal-plastic pipes is carried out using press fittings, then you must cut and clean the products, which is a very important step, because the effectiveness of all subsequent work depends on it. After trimming the pipes with the help of calibers, it is necessary to open the product to the diameter that is necessary, and to remove the chamfer. A steel sleeve is put on the pipe, and a fitting is located inside.
Using press equipment, clamp the sleeve and fitting. This option will be ideal for pressure head pipelines that do not provide for periodic tightening. However, you should be careful, because the dismantling of clamping fittings is quite problematic, so you need to think about a plan and methods for branching the system.
How to bend a pipe
The connection and installation of plastic pipes requires the need to change their rotation. If you do not want to use special devices and want to reduce the number of fittings used, then you can form a turn with a spring, hands, a pipe bender or with a hairdryer. In order to avoid defects, a spring can be used. On sale, it is presented in a wide assortment and is intended to solve the described problem. The technology for installing metal-plastic pipes for a water pipe with their own hands in this case provides for the location of the product inside the spring. The size of the latter must be selected taking into account the diameter of the pipe.
Change the geometry of the hairdryer
One effective way is to use a hair dryer. Under the influence of high temperature, metal-plastic becomes more malleable. However, it is necessary to act on products in this way carefully, because plastic can overheat.
If you are a beginner, then for a start you need to consider how to install metal-plastic pipes for a water pipe yourself. And if necessary, bending one of these products is better to use a pipe bender. It is suitable for those who do not have experience in carrying out such work. With this device, it will be possible to bend the pipe without much effort and quickly.