The comfortable existence of residents of a modern country house provides a powerful network of various utilities, among which one of the main places is occupied by the system responsible for heat. Planning to mount it on their own, almost every landlord wonders what pipe diameter to use for heating a private house. For many, this becomes a real problem, since the final cost and the efficiency of the heating system depend on the size of the pipes .
Factors affecting pipe selection
The choice of the diameter of the pipes for heating a private house plays a really important role, since the throughput of the heating system, as well as its thermal and hydraulic losses, will depend on this parameter. In addition, the scale of the installed system must be taken into account, namely the number of radiators and rooms requiring heating. Many people think that the larger the diameter of the pipe for heating a private house, the greater its throughput, which means that the number of radiators can be increased.
However, it is unlikely to increase efficiency in this way. Not only will the purchase of pipes with an unreasonably large cross-section entail additional costs, there will also be a risk of pressure drop in the system to a critical value and, as a result, a decrease in efficiency.
Thermotechnical calculation
The calculation of the diameter of the heat supply pipes is carried out taking into account the material from which they are made, the length of the circuit, the wiring diagram and the principle of circulation of the coolant. It is quite difficult to independently carry out the calculation correctly, especially if there is no experience in such matters. It is best to address a specialist who can develop a competent project for heating a private house.
When compiling it, the following parameters of the future heating system must be taken into account:
- wiring diagram, on the basis of which the total length of the pipes is calculated;
- coefficient of resistance of the pipe for the heating system to the fluid flow (this indicator is affected by the size, material and smoothness of the inner surface of the product);
- sections of the outlet and inlet nozzles of the boiler (usually they are identical);
- the inner diameter of the pipe for heating a private house (the inner section is indicated in millimeters or inches; 1 inch = 25.4 mm);
- coolant cooling level;
- the maximum indicator of the speed of movement of the coolant;
- the amount of heat that will need to be transferred from the boiler to all radiators.
Calculation principle
When designing a heating project for a private house, the specialist focuses on the optimal indicators that must be achieved when creating a new system. For example:
- The speed of water in the system should not exceed 1.5 m / s. The best option is from 0.3 to 0.7 m / s.
- The degree of cooling of the water coolant (temperature difference in the water entering the boiler and leaving it) should be in the range of 15-20 degrees.
- The amount of heat required by the system should be equal to the total power of all radiators (the maximum indicator for the passport is taken). For heating 10 square meters. meters of the area of the insulated room requires 1 kW plus a margin of 15-20%.
Natural circulation systems
The maximum diameter of the pipe for heating a private house equipped with a heating system with natural or combined circulation must correspond to the size of the inlet and outlet pipes of the boiler (most often they are the same). Pipes of this section will be needed to perform the initial and final sections of the circuit.
If we talk about which pipe for heating a private house is better, then we must take into account the type of boiler. So for solid fuel boilers, it is recommended to use metal products. If you plan to use polymer pipes, then for the installation of the first couple of meters you should still use a metal pipe.
Starting diameter is the largest. It is maintained until the first branching. Next, the wiring is performed with a gradual decrease in the diameter of the pipes after each branch. At the last point, the diameter should correspond to ½ inch (12.7 mm) or ¾ inch (19 mm). At installation of "return" the same principle applies.
Forced circulation systems
Such systems usually operate on gas or electric boilers. The diameter of the pipes for them should be chosen the smallest, since the pump provides forced circulation. The expediency of small diameter pipes is explained by the following factors:
- a smaller cross-section (most often these are polymer or metal-plastic pipes) can minimize the volume of water in the system and, therefore, accelerate its heating (system inertness decreases);
- installation of thin pipes is much simpler, especially if they need to be hidden in the walls (performing a strob in the floor or walls requires less labor);
- pipes of small diameters and connecting fittings are cheaper, therefore, the total cost of installing the heating system is reduced.
With all this, the size of the pipes should optimally correspond to the indicators provided by technological calculations. If these recommendations are not followed, the efficiency of the heating system will decrease, and its noise will increase.
Connection of radiators
In the collector wiring diagram, the boiler and collectors are connected by pipes of a larger section (from 19 to 25 mm). The wiring from the collectors is carried out using thin pipes whose internal diameter is 12.7 mm (1/2 inch).
Radiators, as well as additional equipment, in particular, a safety unit, a storage tank, etc., are also connected by half-inch pipes.
Types of radiators
Regarding what kind of heating is better for a private house, the reviews of the owners are quite diverse, but as for radiators, many prefer aluminum models. The fact is that the power of heating batteries depends on the material. They are bimetallic, cast iron and aluminum.
One section of a bimetallic radiator has a standard power of 100-180 watts, pig-iron - 120-160 watts, and aluminum - 180-205 watts.
When buying radiators, you must accurately find out what material they are made of, since it is this indicator that is required for the correct calculation of power.
Types of pipes for heating
Heated water is transported from the boiler to the radiators through pipes, so their quality directly affects the level of heat loss. Three types of pipes are currently presented on the building materials market:
- metal;
- copper;
- metal-plastic.
Each species has its own characteristics, which will be discussed below.
Metal pipes
This option was previously universally used in heating systems of multi-storey and private houses. Metal pipes are gradually becoming a thing of the past, as they are characterized not from the best side. Their disadvantages include:
- heavy weight;
- installation problems (professional equipment required);
- ability to accumulate static electricity;
- limited service life due to inability to resist rust.
Copper pipes
Such products have several advantages, for example:
- ability to withstand high temperatures (within 200 degrees);
- high strength (maximum pressure - 200 atmospheres);
- durability (not subject to corrosion).
However, copper pipes are not popular, and the reasons for this are as follows:
- complexity of installation ( silver solder, professional equipment and special skills are required);
- copper brackets require special brackets;
- high price (copper is an expensive material);
- high cost of work due to their complexity.
Plastic pipes
This type of pipe is the most popular among consumers. Such products are available in a wide range of sizes and are ideal for installation of heating systems. They have the following advantages:
- increased strength and durability (aluminum or fiberglass base coated with plastic, as a whole, creates a high-strength structure that does not collapse with time and is resistant to mechanical damage);
- resistance to corrosion processes (sealed outer coating does not let air through);
- minimum hydraulic resistance (such pipes are ideal for heating systems with natural and forced circulation of water);
- possess antistatic property;
- simplicity and high speed of installation (installation does not require professional knowledge, just familiarize yourself with the installation technique on the Internet and purchase a special soldering iron);
- low cost of pipes of any diameters and accessories to them.
Reliable connection of elements is ensured by special elements - fittings. If metal-plastic pipes need to be connected to metal or stop valves, flanges or adapters for threaded connections are used.
When installing a heating system of pipes and fittings reinforced with fiberglass, an operation to clean these elements is not required, which significantly speeds up and simplifies the work.
Thus, plastic pipes are the best option for self-installation of the heating system. The main thing is to choose the right amount and diameter of pipes and components (fittings).